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A Simple Guide for Nepalese Students to Study in the USA
North America contains the United States of America, which is bounded to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the Pacific Ocean, to the north by Canada, and to the south by Mexico. The United States has a diverse topography, with low mountains in the east, a wide center plain, and mountains in the west. When students think about the United States of America (commonly known as the US or America), they may picture the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and the Bald Eagle, among other famous pictures.
North America and South America are the two continents that make up America. North America includes Greenland, the Caribbean, and Central America. America, which has an area of 42.55 million km² (16,428,000 sq. mi.), makes up 8.3 percent of the Earth’s surface and is home to around 325 million people.
There are sizable and thriving Asian, Hispanic, and African-American populations in several US cities, such as Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston are a few of the biggest cities in the United States.
Education System in USA
Making your journey to USA-Checklist
Settling in USA
Getting started with studying in USA
starting your student life in USA
List of the best universities in USA
1. Education System in the USA
Introduction
The US educational system provides renowned educational options of all sizes and forms to international students. In cities and towns across the nation, students have access to a wide range of top-notch educational institutions and courses. The three tiers of the US educational system are postsecondary/higher education (college or university), secondary education, and elementary/primary education. The greatest Nepali study abroad agency is KANTIPUR ABROAD, which offers comprehensive advice and thousands of visa success stories.
Elementary Primary Education
Children spend varied lengths of time in elementary (primary) education. They typically attend primary school through sixth grade.
Secondary Education
Students advance to one of three options after finishing primary school: a four-year high school, sometimes known as a secondary school; a combined junior/senior high school (usually Grades 7–12); or a two-year junior high school.
Post-Secondary Schools
Post-secondary education is another name for higher education. In addition to six degree levels—associate, bachelor, first professional, master, advanced intermediate, and research doctorate—postsecondary education also offers non-degree programs that result in certificates and diplomas. Among Americans aged 25 to 64, more than 40% have completed post-secondary education.
Types of Degrees in USA
Although there are several possibilities for higher education in the USA, the following are the main degrees that fall under this category:
IEPs Program
These programs, called Intensive English Programs (IEPs), are intended to help students who have inadequate English competence improve their language skills in a short amount of time, often four weeks (short-term) to ten to fifteen weeks.
Associate Degree
The majority of associate degrees are earned at junior or community colleges. About 60 credits must be earned for an associate degree, which normally takes two years for a full-time student.
Undergraduate Degree
It typically takes four years to finish an undergraduate degree, often known as a bachelor’s degree. The universities in the United States provide a vast array of undergraduate courses from which students can select. For colleges using a semester system, a full degree requirement is typically 120 credits, or roughly 4O courses; for institutions using a quarterly calendar, it is 180 credits. Undergraduate students are referred to as freshmen in their first year, sophomores in their second, juniors in their third, and seniors in their final and fourth years. “Lower division” courses are those taken in the first two years, while “upper division” courses are those taken in the final two years. Check out, KANTIPURABROAD one of the top Nepali consultancy firms for studying in the United States.
Graduate Degree
After earning an undergraduate degree, one can pursue a graduate degree, often known as a master’s degree, which is relatively shorter in duration.Professional Master degrees such as the M.A., M.S., and M.B.A. require a minimum of one academic year. Studying for a graduate degree often takes 18 months or two years. A master’s degree typically requires an average grade of “B” and a minimum of 30 credits, with a maximum of 60 credits.
PHD/ Doctoral/ Research Degree
The doctorate degree involves at least three to four years of study and includes a wide range of specializations. Although many students find it desirable, most graduate schools do not require students to complete the particular criteria for a Master’s degree before they may apply for a Doctorate. The titles Ed.D., Sc.D., and Jur.D. are occasionally used to refer to doctorates in education, science, and law. However, Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees are the most common designation for doctorates.
Colleges and Universities Types
Colleges and universities can be classified as either four-year or two-year institutions. Both public and private colleges and universities, as well as liberal arts colleges, are considered four-year institutions. These include community colleges, which are two-year institutions.
Public (state) Universities
In the US, public universities—also referred to as state universities—are partially funded by the public sector through state governments. Although not usually, public institutions are frequently a part of a state university system. Despite operating independently and in various parts of the state, these public universities share some managerial and administrative responsibilities.
Community Colleges
State funds are also used to support community colleges, commonly referred to as junior colleges. They usually provide the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree, which is an undergraduate degree that takes two years to finish. Another common term for community colleges is “two-year colleges.” Generally speaking, community colleges are smaller and charge far less for tuition than other US university types.
Private Universities
The majority of US students attend public universities and colleges, however a sizeable percentage of students enroll in private universities, which include several of the nation’s most prestigious and internationally renowned establishments. MIT, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, Caltech, Columbia, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, and many other highly regarded universities are examples of private universities.
In general, private universities typically charge higher tuition than public schools and universities. Check out KANTIPURABROAD, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
Liberal Art Colleges
While some also offer graduate-level programs and more vocational disciplines like medicine, business administration, or law, this sort of university, which is particularly common and well-liked in the US, focuses on teaching undergraduate-level courses in the liberal arts and sciences.
The Credit System
Undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States are awarded based on the quantity of courses completed successfully. Credit hours, semester hours (for colleges using the semester system), quarter hours (for schools using the quarter system), or simply hours or credits are the terms used to describe the “credits” or “units” that each course receives.
2. Getting started with studying in USA
As an international student from Nepal, you must take several important procedures in order to study in the United States. Selecting which courses to take and which institutions to apply to is the first step. It might be challenging to choose the best institution and course with so many possibilities accessible. For professional advice, visit KANTIPURABRAOD, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
Choosing the right university and course
How do I choose a right course and university?
Large research universities, small private colleges, state universities, community colleges, and specialized and technical institutions are among the more than 4,000 accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Numerous courses and programs are available in American universities and colleges. You are able to choose the format of the course as well as its content. You are free to take any number of courses at the undergraduate level before deciding on a major at the conclusion of your second year. Similar to this, you can decide how you want to proceed with your dissertation in graduate school, where you can concentrate on the concepts you wish to highlight.
Since these are the main considerations when selecting your course and university, the admissions procedures, entry requirements, tuition prices, and scholarship aid in your decision-making. Check out KANTIPURABROAD, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
Admission Process
How do I get an Admission to University?
The websites of the majority of universities offer an online application process. While some schools solely take online applications, others take both online and paper applications. You must pay the application cost after completing the online application form in order to submit it. Another option is to ask for a waiver of the application fee. It is crucial that you submit your application by the specified deadline. In order to be considered for admission, you must satisfy the deadlines, which universities take extremely seriously.
The Common Application is another way to apply. You can apply to up to 20 universities using this application. The necessary documentation must be sent to the international admission email or uploaded as indicated on the university’s website. If you meet the prerequisites, you can apply for scholarships and review your eligibility conditions. Check out KANTIPURABRAOD, one of Nepal’s top study abroad consultants.
The university will get in touch with you with an admission offer once you have sent in your entire application packet. To gain admission to the university, all you need to do is confirm your acceptance. For further details on the application procedure, you can also get in touch with the university’s Office of Admissions by email or phone.
Course Fees in USA
There are two bands of tuition fees listed: a reduced rate for “resident” or “in-state” students (those from the same state), and a higher rate for “non-resident” or “out-of-state” applicants. The tuition costs vary based on your course and university. Either an additional foreign rate or the same fees as out-of-state students are paid by international students. International undergraduate tuition costs typically range from $20,000 to $40,000 annually, while postgraduate tuition costs range from $20,000 to $30,000.
Scholarships for international student in USA
For overseas students, there are numerous scholarship options. To help you get started, here is a summary of the several kinds of scholarships that are available to international students.
Scholarships for Merit
Scholarships awarded for merit are determined by the student’s exceptional performance.
Merit scholarships come in a variety of forms, including:
Academic awards: Private organizations or the college or university may provide funding for these awards. They are awarded to pupils who score highly on the SAT or ACT and/or have outstanding grades.
Scholarships for Average Academic Performance: These kinds of awards take into account more than simply your grades and results on standardized tests. They consider your total academic performance, including your involvement in extracurricular activities and community service.
Sports scholarships: Extremely competitive, and there are numerous regulations governing how students can be awarded them. For foreign student athletes who wish to study in the US, this is among the greatest choices.
Scholarships Based on Need
Students are awarded these scholarships according to their need for money. Regretfully, only US citizens are eligible for a large number of needs-based scholarships. International students can, however, get needs-based scholarships from certain institutions and colleges.
Scholarships funded privately
International student scholarships are occasionally funded by donors or private groups. Above all, you should begin early! You will have more time to apply and make sure you fulfill all eligibility standards if you begin your scholarship hunt early. Get your scholarships now by visiting NIEC, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States!
Deadline for application
Regular Deadlines for Decision Applications
Typical choice The deadline for applications is the one that students desire. Typically, these due dates occur at the start of January. January 1st and January 15th are the most frequently observed Regular decision deadlines.
Deadlines for Early Action
The application timeframe is advanced by many months due to early action deadlines. November 1 and November 15 are the two most frequently offered early action deadlines by colleges and universities. A student’s application for early action is either accepted, denied, or postponed.
Deadlines for Early Decision Applications
Early decision applications are binding, which is a significant distinction between them and early action. A student who submits an early decision application is required to sign a contract with the school committing to admission should they be accepted.
There are two kinds of early decision application deadlines: ED I and ED II. While ED II deadlines occur in January, ED I dates typically align with early action deadlines. Both ED I and ED II results are announced in February.
Rolling Admission
With one significant exception, rolling admission and regular admission appear to be very similar. Instead of waiting to review every application after a strict deadline, colleges with rolling admissions review applications as they are received. Until all of the spots for an incoming class are filled, schools will keep reviewing applications.
Entry Requirements in USA
Depending on the program you select, admission criteria for various educational levels in the USA vary.
filled-out application evidence of completion of high school (typically 12 years of study) or a transcript of your prior coursework.
Application cost (online payment required, if applicable).
Copies of certificates for standardized tests (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT1, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
Letters of recommendation are typically needed for courses at a higher level.
One or more affidavits.
Purpose Statement.
V (Necessary for graduate enrollment)
Proof of financial assistance, which is necessary for the I-20 form
Examine copies of your passport’s first and last pages.
A minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0, or 60% or its equivalent, in your prior coursework is required to be admitted to either a bachelor’s or master’s program. Once more, the prerequisites may change based on the course and university you select, so it’s best to confirm the specific requirements for admission. Check out KANTIPURABROAD, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
Standardized test scores requirements in US
Your English language proficiency test, which usually consists of the TOEFL or IELTS, is a standard prerequisite for admission. The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) for bachelor’s degrees and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for master’s degrees are two further standardized tests that international applicants must take in order to be eligible.
Depending on the subject and university one is applying to, the minimum IELTS score required in the US varies from 6.5 to 9.0. The required TOEFL scores range from 65 to 85 on the online exam. However, you need to have higher scores in order to be admitted to a Ph.D. program in the United States.
What is the I-20?
“The I-20 is a multi-purpose document issued by a government approved, U.S. educational institution certifying that (1) a student has been admitted to a full-time study program and (2) that the student has demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S.” Visit NIEC, which is one of the best consultancy in Nepal for study in USA for earlier I20!
Apply to Study in USA
Register with KANTIPURABROAD
Choose your University & Course
Apply to the University
I-20
Apply for Your Visa
After Visa
Start Your New Journey
Living Cost in USA
The estimated annual cost of living in the United States is between $10,000 and $12,000, or $700 to $1000 per month on average. This covers the cost of your lodging, room and board, meals, transportation, textbooks, weather-appropriate attire, and entertainment. The state or city in which you reside will affect the costs of your daily living.
Housing is frequently accessible on campus for overseas students (though it is not as prevalent at community colleges). A list of currently available private housing may also be provided by the student’s institution, although if the student prefers off-campus living, they will typically need to conduct their own independent research. When looking for private, off-campus housing, students should research their alternatives before coming and expect to stay in a hotel for three to five days until they find a place.
Visa
A foreign national who wants to enter the United States usually needs to first get a visa, either an immigrant visa for permanent residence or a non-immigrant visa for temporary stay. To study in the United States, you need a student visa. New students may receive their student visas up to 120 days before the commencement of their term of study. Before 30 days prior to their start date at the institution, students will not be allowed to enter the United States on F-1 status.
How to Apply
The process of applying for a visa involves multiple steps. You must first complete Form DS 160, the online application for a non-immigrant visa. You will need your passport, I-20, and 2×2 photo in order to fill out the DS 160 form. You should make an appointment at the US Embassy for your visa interview. One week before to the scheduled interview date, you must pay the SEVIS charge. Check out NIEC, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
What is DS 160 form?
Students can apply for their F1 (student) visa online by filling out the 5DS 160 form, which is a non-immigrant visa application. Following completion of the DS-160, you need to do the following:
The DS-160 barcode page should be printed and saved.
Pay the $185 processing cost for the visa application.
Make an appointment for a visa interview.
What is SEVIS?
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is what SEVIS stands for. The U.S. government employs an internet-based, countrywide system to keep up-to-date and accurate records on exchange visits (J visa), non-immigrant students (F and M visa), and their dependents (F-2, M-2, and J-2). A barcode and a distinct SEVIS ID number are included with your original I-20 when it is printed out. Even if you move to a different school or change your major, this SEVIS ID should remain with you for as long as you are enrolled in classes in the United States.
For each program in which the student or exchange visitor participates, you are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee, which is a one-time cost. Go to KANTIPURABROAD, one of Nepal’s top consulting firms.
What to do after your US visa is approved?
You will be notified of the procedure and date for the return of your passport and visa if your visa has been granted. You have to notify the university as soon as you have your student visa. F1 visa holders are not allowed to arrive in the US more than 30 days prior to the program’s start date.
When to pay your tuition fees?
Tuition fees must be paid after you get the visa approval. You must pay for your first semester (tuition, fees, room, and board –if living on campus) before the start of classes.
What if my visa got denied?
It is possible that your application for an F-1 visa will be rejected. If this occurs, you will receive thorough justification, including the legal provision that resulted in the rejection of your application. It is crucial to thoroughly read and adhere to all guidelines in order to prevent your F-1 student visa application from being rejected. Make sure all of your documents are correct before submitting your application.
You may reapply in the future if your visa application was denied. You have to file a fresh visa application and pay the application cost if you reapply for a visa after being determined to be ineligible. Check out KANTIPURABROAD, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
Making your journey to USA- a checklist
Packing your bags
Documents to carry
Your current passport, visa, and I-20 are among the crucial paperwork you should always have on hand. Keep your boarding pass secure in your bag after you receive it. Pack a few bucks, any prescription medications you may have, a change of clothes or two, face wipes, hand sanitizer, a travel cushion, and your itinerary.
Included in the suitcase should be a copy of all the relevant documents (pictures, academic documents), weather-appropriate clothing, toiletries, a first aid kit, running shoes, flip-flops, college attire, and emergency cash.
Landing at the airport
What can you expect at the immigration office?
Upon reaching customs, you will typically be required to complete a questionnaire that informs the immigration officer about your recent flight destination. After filling out the form, you will present it to the immigration officer along with your supporting papers. In addition to reviewing your documentation, the immigration officer will usually ask you a few questions on your visit to the United States. Check out KANTIPURABROAD, one of the top Nepali consulting firms for studying in the United States.
You will exit the secure terminal and proceed to the baggage claim area after clearing customs. You will be able to pick up your bags at this point and head to your initial destination.
How to get to your university from the airport?
You will typically have to fill out a form at Customs that tells the immigration officer where you recently arrived by plane. You will present the immigration officer with your paperwork and completed form after filling out the details. After reviewing your paperwork, the immigration officer will usually ask you a few questions about your time in the United States.
Following your successful Customs clearance, you will exit the secure terminal and proceed to the baggage claim area. You will be allowed to pick up your bags and head to your initial destination at this point.
4. Starting your student life in US
Orientation week
Accommodation
Immunization and Health Insurance
Getting your student identification card
Your university will provide you an ID card when you get on campus. You can use these cards to attend campus facilities like the dining halls, gyms, and computer labs. On campus and in the community, however, your student ID can also be used as a discount card. Many shops and eateries in college towns provide students who have a valid student ID a discount.
The most often used type of student ID card is the ISIC. In more than 90 countries worldwide, the ISIC is recognized as proof of student status, even though your standard student ID might not be recognized when you travel overseas. Go to KANTIPURABROAD, one of Nepal’s top consulting firms.
Life in United States of America
How can you open a bank account in US?
Having a bank account with a US bank makes it easier for students to manage their money. A bank account can be used for anything from making deposits to obtaining loans.In the United States of America, bank accounts come in two varieties. checking and savings accounts. Opening a bank account was recommended by the majority of international students.
A few documents, including your identity document with your name, date of birth, address, and identification number, are required in order to create a bank account in the United States.
How can I see a doctor in US?
The United States does not offer free healthcare, in contrast to many other wealthy countries. As a result, it is typically required of you as an international student studying in the US to make sure you have health insurance. Its “Student Health Insurance Plan” is mandatory for all foreign students on non-immigration visas.
During regular business hours, private practitioners treat patients by appointment in non-emergency situations.
Working while studying
How can you get a Social Security Number (SSN) in US?
Can international students drive in the US?
As an international student, can I visit home or travel outside US during my course of study?
Can I invite my parents?
5. Settling in US after Graduation
Post- graduation Work
Can I stay in the US after graduation?