:: Frequently Asked Questions

UnderGraduate FAQs

1.	Who is eligible to apply for admission into a US university or college?
2.	Where should I apply?
3.	What is the difference between an American college and a university?
4.	What are the requirements for admission to U.S. colleges and universities?
5.	When should I start the application process?
6.	Does this application process cost me money?
7.	What kind of test scores are required for admission?
8.	Can I work while studying in the U.S. ?
9.	Should I take a classroom test-preparation course for the GMAT?
1.	Who is eligible to apply for admission into a US university or college?
	Any one who has: • A consistently good academic record • Sufficient financial support • Proficiency in English • completed 12 years of formal education.
2.	Where should I apply?
	There are over 3,800 universities and colleges in the United States . 2,000 award Bachelor's degrees, while 1,800 award both undergraduate (Bachelor's) and graduate (Master's or Doctoral) degrees.) Choosing the "right" one for you requires considering many factors: • Look for an institution that best suits your needs. • Make sure the institutions are either nationally or regionally accredited. • Consider the cost, reputation, location, size, admission requirements and programs offered. Contact the nearest Educational Advising Center for more information on programs offered by various colleges and universities.
3.	What is the difference between an American college and a university?
	Although there are a few differences between a 'college' and a 'university', the two words are used interchangeably in American English. In fact, Americans very often use the word 'school' to describe any place where people learn, including any place from a nursery school up through a college or a university. Generally, a college will be a two-year or a four-year institution. A four-year college will offer a bachelor's degree and perhaps one or two master's degrees. A university also offers a four-year bachelor's degree, as well as many advanced degrees (master's or doctorate).
4.	What are the requirements for admission to U.S. colleges and universities?
	Every university and college has its own admissions requirements. In general, U.S. universities will require you to submit the following items when you apply for admission: • Institutional application form: Most application forms are similar and require you to provide information about your academic and personal background. You may come across many unfamiliar terms while filling out the application form. If so, visit an Educational Advising Center to seek clarification. • Application fee: Almost all colleges and universities will require you to pay an application fee. Fees range from US$ 20-US$ 100 and are non-refundable, even if you are not accepted. • Transcripts: Americans refer to marksheets as "transcripts." Attested photocopies of all your academic credentials such as mark sheets and certificates must be submitted with your application. An Educational Advising Center may provide an attestation service for a small fee. You will be required to bring both originals and photocopies.
5.	When should I start the application process?
	Since the application and admissions review process take almost one year, you should start the process at least 12 months in advance. As a prospective undergraduate student, you may start the process in the summer vacation after your eleventh class.
6.	Does this application process cost me money?
	Yes, it does. By the time a student has sent in applications, received admissions and secured a student visa, the student would have spent anywhere between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 60,000. This includes test fees, application processing fees, postal expenses and visa processing and issuance fees.
7.	What kind of test scores are required for admission?
	Since admission to U. S. Universities is not based on any single factor but is a process of selection, there are no cut-off scores. In general, a TOEFL score of at least 213 is expected from all students. And a SAT score of at least 1200 is good for many colleges. A score of 1400 increases the chances for securing financial aid.
8.	Can I work while studying in the U.S. ?
	It is not easy to get a job as a foreign student in the USA , especially at the undergraduate level. You cannot rely on employment to pay for your education in the U.S. Working off-campus is illegal and can lead to deportation from the U.S. On-campus employment for international students is limited to 20 hours per week, usually at minimum wage. You can expect to earn between $1000 and $2000 a year in an administrative position, which is enough to pay for books, clothing, and personal expenses. This will not be enough to pay for your tuition, fees or living expenses while in the USA . Jobs are offered on university campuses through the International Students' Office, Housing Services, the catering services, the Library, etc.
9.	Should I take a classroom test-preparation course for the GMAT?
	You are the best judge of your own learning style and what strategies have worked for you when preparing for previous standardized exams. Some students prefer an interactive environment, whether in a classroom or online, while others can confidently prepare alone. In order to assess your individual needs, consider starting with a preparation book and/or working through one of the many low- or no-cost practice exams that are available. USF Educational Outreach and other test-preparation companies, such as the Sylvan Learning Centers and Kaplan, are well known for their classroom courses. Both Sylvan and Kaplan offer private tutoring and online preparation courses of varying lengths and levels of interactivity.