What are the prerequisites for admission to US universities?
Admission to US universities is based on four important criteria:
(1) SAT/ACT score (AP score is an added advantage).
(2) academic records from standards 9 to 12.
(3) co-curricular activities in school and participation in Olympiads and scholarship tests.
(4) extra-curricular activities such as community projects, social and cultural activities.
How can I get financial assistance from my university?
If your academic performance from standards 9 to 12 is consistently outstanding and your SAT score is more than 1300, you can get financial aid at the time of admission. An AP score of 4 and above out of 5, can help you secure a tuition waiver and earn extra credits. You can also work on-campus while studying and take up internships during your summer breaks
Can Bachelor’s degree holders apply for H-1B visa (work permit) in the US?
Yes. Bachelor’s degree holders can apply in the general quota of 65,000 H-1B visas.
What is an early application and early decision?
An ‘early application’ is if you send your application in September or October, before the usual university deadlines. An ‘early decision’ is when you receive admission from a college well in advance of their usual notification timeline. Early applications increase your chances of getting admission to a good college as well as obtaining financial aid. However, once you accept an ‘early decision’ admission, you cannot accept admits from any other college later on.
Is taking the TOEFL/IELTS compulsory for getting admission to a Bachelor’s degree in the US?
Since English is not our native language, the majority of American universities require a TOEFL or an IELTS score to verify your proficiency in English.
Do I have to decide my major before applying for a Bachelor's degree in the US?
Unlike Indian colleges, in which you have to decide your specializations in the very first year of graduate studies, US universities allow you to take general courses in the first year and select your major in the second or even the third year. This flexibility is the key advantage of pursuing a Bachelor's degree in the US.
What are the advantages of taking the AP (Advanced Placement) tests?
AP is a specialized subject test which is conducted in the month of May, every year. An AP score of 4 and above (out of 5) can help you secure a tuition waiver and earn extra credits.
Are you allowed to work while doing your Bachelor's degree?
Yes, you can work on CPT (Curricular Practical Training) which enables you to work as an intern outside the campus after completing two semesters. You can use your CPT for up to 364 days.
Are you allowed to work in the US after completing your Bachelor's degree?
Yes, you can work on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for one year after graduating. If you are a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) student, OPT will be for 3 years.
What if I do not get an H-1B visa on my first attempt in the lottery?
Generally, the number of H-1B visa applicants is greater than the allotted quota. Hence, the US administration follows the lottery system. In this, you can apply for the H-1B visa once a year, in the month of April. In case your visa petition is not picked in the first attempt, and you are from the STEM category, you can apply for the visa again in the next two years since your OPT period is three years.
What documents will I need for getting a student visa?
Students are given the F-1 visa which is valid for five years, or until the course is completed. In order to get the visa, you have to apply to the nearest US consulate and carry the following documents at the time of interview:
(1) I-20 form (2) Passport (3) ITR and financial documents of the sponsor
