Many people from all over the world seek to gain a place in a US college to get their degree. However, being granted a place can often be a long and complicated process. Happily, you can read about the most critical issues relating to this process below.
Is it better than a place in my home country?
This first question is a tough one to answer because there are so many variables involved. Yes, the US has an excellent higher education system, and many of its institutions are globally renowned in their fields including Harvard, Princeton, and MIT.
However, that isn’t to say that similar organizations don’t already exist in your home country. Something that means it is well worth comparing the education, the experience, and the cost of this before you make your final decision.
Remember too that it is also sometimes possible to complete a year abroad as part of your university course. Something that means you can study both in your home country and in the US, and so achieve the best of both worlds.
What do I need to do to get a place?
Once you have decided that studying in the US is indeed for you, then you will need to begin the process of applying for a place. Of course, there are many things that you need to have in place to ensure you will get in.
One is that you need to have a high GPA score from your home country and that you score well in the American SAT or GRE tests. If English isn’t your first language, you will also need to show that you are proficient enough to be able to cope with high-level study in an English speaking country. Something that is often determined by yet another round of testing.
You will also need a student VISA, usually an F1 variety to be allowed into the US to study. You will have to have your place beforehand to apply for this.
Additionally, when you get to the US, you will not be able to actually register for your classes unless you can prove that you have international student health insurance as well. After all, the US does not have a nationalized system for medical care, and so you must be covered for all eventualities if you will be living there for an extended period while studying.
How can I pay for my place?
Another issue that many international students hoping to come to the US to study face is how they will pay for their degrees. It’s worth noting here those on an F1 visa can only work up to 20 hours a week, something that makes working full time to cover costs impossible.
In fact, the best option is usually to seek bursaries or scholarships form your own country, as international students will not be eligible for financial aid in the US.
To that end many that hope to come to the US for their higher education choose to work a few years in their home country first while saving the fees they need to pay for their college course, and living costs.
