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United States of America, a federal republic consists of 50 states. All the states lie in the mainland expect Alaska and Hawaii Islands. Alaska lies next to North West Canada and Hawaii, 3700 km off the west coast of the mainland.
United States of America, which covers the central part of North America, grew out of the British colonies that were established in North America in the first half of the 17th century.
United States is an exciting mixture of different cultures and traditions. Asian Indian population in US was expected to be over one million by the year 2000. They are concentrated mainly in large urban areas like New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles.
Different kinds of landscape and variation in climate can be seen in the USA. It is one among the richest and the most powerful nations in the world.
Education System ( USA )
System of education in USA is different from that of India. In America, higher education starts at the age of 18 after the completion of twelve years of primary and secondary schooling.
A candidate who has successfully completed class XII is eligible for the Bachelors Programmed or Under Graduate Study in USA.
The bachelors degree or under graduate study usually lasts for 4 years. In some cases an accelerated Programmed can be completed in three years, while some professional fields require five years.
The 4 year's undergraduate study is considered as 120 credit hours. One course averages 3 credits. Subjects involving lab facilities will get 4 credits. You receive a Bachelor's degree or undergraduate degree when you finish around 40 courses in different subjects within the span of four years.
1st year students are called Freshmen, 2nd years Sophomores, third years Juniors and the 4th or last year students are referred to as Seniors.The decision of the major's to be taken is necessary only after the 2nd or Sophomore year. Deciding the majors is termed 'Declaring a Major' in US.
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| Commonwealth of U.S.A |
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Flag |
Coat of arms |
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Motto: In God We Trust(official) |
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Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner" |
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Capital |
Washington, D.C. |
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Largest city |
New York City |
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National language |
English (de facto)2 |
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Official Language |
None at federal level1 |
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Demonym |
American |
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Government |
Federal constitutional republic |
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Total area |
9,826,630 km2 |
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Population |
2009 estimate 305,757,000 |
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Per capital |
$47,025 |
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Currency |
United States dollar ($) (USD) |
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Many colleges give an Associate degree after the sophomore year or second year of a Bachelor's degree. It is the degree awarded after either a college transfer or a 'terminal', One to three year programmed providing training for a specific occupation.
Graduate Study:
In USA, higher studies after taking a degree or Bachelor's is termed Graduate study.
A candidate who has successfully completed four years of Bachelors Programme or Under Graduate Study is eligible to apply for the Master's Degree in USA. The traditional three year degree (BA, B.Sc, B.com) holders from India must complete an additional year of degree programme for eligibility. Additional courses which should be taken by them is decided by the student advisors appointed for them. There are even registered agencies who will evaluate the subjects studied in India with the courses equivalent in America and issue a certificate.
Masters degree is the first Graduate degree in the liberal arts and Sciences and certain professional fields requiring 30 credit hours of full-time study within a year or 2 years. You can get your Master's degree by taking 8 courses of subjects with 3 credits each plus a thesis of 6 hours credit or 10 courses of subjects with 3 credits each without the thesis. Some Universities have a final exam. Usually masters degree include M.S and M.A degrees.
It is not particular that you continue with the same majors that you chose for undergraduate study-in graduate study. But if you change the majors, you will have to take additional basic courses for the new subjects. These courses are called Pre-requisite courses. You have to get a pass in these course but you may not get credits for the same.
Research (Doctoral Degree) - The highest degree awarded in research-oriented academic disciplines, usually requiring 3 to 6 years of full time study besides the Bachelor's degree as preparation for University level teaching and research. Indian students with a Master Degree can apply for P.H.D.
The main criteria for admission is the applicants interest in the particular subject of research.
First Professional Degree - The degree required to be academically qualified to practice in certain professions, such as law, medicine etc usually requires a total of at least six years of study including prior college level work. It must have as a prerequisite at least two years of college credit. |
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College:
It is an independent institution that offers a four-year programme of undergraduate study in the liberal arts (BA, BFA) and sciences (B.S). Bachelors degree is the basic requirement for graduate work.
Universities:
Universities are larger institutions that include several undergraduate colleges, graduate schools, and professional schools.
Graduate school involves 1 or 2 years of study and offers advanced programs in arts and sciences which gives master's degrees like M.A or M.S, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) etc.
Professional schools are institutions which specialize in a single field of study such as medicine, pharmacy, business administration , law etc.
Junior College or Community Colleges:
These colleges award only Associate Degree of Arts (A.A) and Sciences (A.S) which involves 2 year of study. After receiving Associate Degree, students must join a 4 years college or University to complete the Bachelor's Degree.
Vocational and Technical Institution:
These institutes specialize in training for the skilled trades and technical fields of employment. Duration of the courses depends on the particular subject. After completion, they will be awarded a certificate of completion and they can straight away join for a job. |
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Usually, for most Universities and colleges the year begins in late August or early September and ends in May or June. The academic year is divided into semesters, trimesters or quarter depending on the institution. The semester system divides the year into 2 equal terms of 16 weeks. Each semester is 4 months. Trimester system has three equal terms of 16 weeks each, including a summer term. Quarter system divides the year into 3 equal terms of 11 weeks each.
Classes are lecture-based with practical (lab or practicum in U.S). Overhead projector, computer projections, multimedia are used along with the lectures. Printed notes and additional information on topics (Handouts in U.S) are given. Professors or advisors are always available to clear doubts. Interaction in class in encouraged.
Each student will be assigned an 'advisor' who is a member of the faculty. This advisor will help the students to select the courses to be taken in each semester, plan the whole program and monitor the students progress. The students register for the particular courses with the permission of the advisors.
Class Size
The average class size at the undergraduate level, in most universities is 100-150 for introductory courses. Advanced level classes will be smaller in size. Master's degree classes have an average of 20 students and Doctoral classes have an average of only 10 students.
Tests
Each semester has an average of 4 tests. Test range in style from multiple choice (objective type) format designed to gauge your knowledge of the subject and reasoning ability to essay or problem-solving type tests. There are 3 kinds of tests - open book tests, closed books tests and take home tests. In the 1st type, you can refer notes, text book, reference material etc during the test. 2nd one is usual tests that we have in India. In the 3rd one you take the question paper home and answer at your convenience before the dead line set by the professor. Take home tests often have essay-based questions.
Grading
In American Universities, they give grades instead of ranks or classes for courses. The grades are A, B, C, D, E, F, I. A is the highest grade. Grades from A to D is considered as pass. Grade I-incomplete. Grade I is granted when students stop the course in between with the teachers permission. If it is without permission this can become F grade.
Marks between 100-90- A Grade (Excellent)
Marks between 89-79- B Grade (good)
Marks between 78-68- C Grade (Average)
Marks between 67-57- D Grade (Below)
Below 57- F or fail.
Each grade has points. 4 points for A grade, 3 for B and 2 for C. The average points taken for all the courses taken together is the GPA (Grade Point Average). It is the general score on a scale of 1.0(lowest) to 4.0 (highest). It is difficult to get admission for graduate study if you don't have at least a G.P.A of 3.0. G.P.A is computed using a unique formula by the university's administration. The grades are fixed by the professor's who teach the subjects based on the performance of the students. The success rate is high. |
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After choosing a list of colleges you want to apply-you can look at the application procedures.
1) Collect the Address and E-mail ID of the chosen colleges. Contact for more information, application forms and financial aids at least a year (between June and August) before you plan to enter.
2) Register for all the required admission tests such as TOEFL, SAT and ACT (in U.S only) for a Bachelor's programme or Undergraduate study; and TOEFL, GRE and GMAT for a masters or doctoral programme (Graduate study and research.) These tests are standardised and have centers around the world.
You can arrange with the testing agencies to send your test scores directly to the colleges and universities you are applying.
Click on Admission Tests for more information about tests.
3) Keep all your academic records including an official credential evaluation of the 'marks card' (known as Transcripts in USA) ready. These records should include certificates of achievement in co-curricular and extra curricular activities.
4) Approach at least 3 of your teachers in school or professors who have taught you in college for reference letters. Teachers who know you thoroughly can provide a balanced reference of your ability to pursue advanced studies. Keep these letters ready.
5) Make a list of at least four courses you want to take up. Check whether these courses are available in India's colleges or Internet study option. If they are not available it is a good reason for convincing the Visa officer to give you a Visa.
6) Get a passport. |
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After you receive the application form, scrutinize all the admission requirements and financial requirements. The application forms usually ask for personal information, your certified mark sheets or transcripts, your admission test scores, certificates of extra curricular activities, letters of reference from your teachers, about your education plan-i.e. your course of study, carrier goals and research plan and why you chose this particular school etc. The application fee may be between $30 to $50 payable by cheque. It will not be refunded if you do not attend the school.
The applications should be duly completed and send much before the deadline mentioned in the application forms. Usually, for most Universities and colleges the academic year begins in late August or early September and ends in May or June.
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The admission office of the university will inform whether you are accepted or rejected by sending a acceptance letter around April- June period.
If you are accepted you may be required to pay a deposit usually of one semester or a full years tuition fee for reserving seat, before a certain date. |
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Standardized Tests For Admission
Certain tests are used to evaluate applicants for admission to colleges and universities in the United States.
Test Scores are sent to each student who has taken the test. Students may request that the test scores be reported to the colleges to which they are applying.
For a Bachelors Programme in the US required admission Tests are SAT and TOEFL. Minimum test scores for admission is set individually by each college or university.
For a Master's or Doctoral Programme the required Tests are TOEFL, GRE, GMAT. Minimum Test scores needed are TOEFL- 600, GRE-2100, GMAT- 700.
College Board SAT Program
The Sat Program consists of 2 tests. SAT I : Reasoning Test and SAT II : Subject Tests.
SAT I is a three hour test, primarily multiple choice that measures verbal and mathematical abilities. The Verbal Sections test vocabulary, verbal reasoning and critical reading skills. Emphasis is placed on reading passages, which are 400-850 words in length.
Mathematics Sections test students ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra and geometry. This section include questions, which students should produce their own responses rather than choosing from various answer choices. Calculators are allowed for SAT I Math Section.
SAT II :- Subject Tests are one hour tests, primarily multiple choice, in specific subjects that measure students knowledge of these subjects and their ability to apply the knowledge tests offered include writing, literature, math level I, Math Level I C, Math Level II C, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, American History and Social Studies, World History, French (reading only) German (reading only), Modern Hebrew, Italian, Latin, Spanish (reading only) and foreign language Tests with listening in German, Spanish, Japanese, French and Chinese.
ACT (American College Testing) Assessment Program
The ACT Assessment Instrument consists of four Academic tests, taken under timed conditions, and a student Profile Section and Interest Inventory, completed when students register for the ACT. This program is a comprehensive data collection, processing and reporting service designed to assist in educational and carrier planning by students, high schools and post secondary institutions.
TOFEL (Test of English as a foreign language)
There are 3 sections in the exam. 1) Listening comprehension 2) Structure written Expressions 3) Vocabulary and Reading Comprehensions. The most important section is the Listening comprehension. It involves listening to taped conversations and the ability to understand is tested.
TOEFL centers are there in almost all the main cities in India. The test is conducted almost every month or alternate months.
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
GRE has 2 main sections. One is the General test and the other is the Subject Test. Subject Test is to be written by only those who wish to go for Research or doctoral Programmed.
The general test is a 3 1/2 hour test with 7 sections of objective questions. These sections include 2 sections each of verbal ability, analytical ability and quantitative ability and a 7th section which can be one among the above, not known till the time of the exam.
The subject test is a 2 hour 50 minutes test. Subject tests can be written in 17 subjects.
The application forms for TOEFL and GRE Exams in India can be obtained from
Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement (IPEM),
119/25-A, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Allahabad, UP-211001. |
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GMAT is the admission test for a Master's Degree in Business administration. This is a 3 1/2 hours test with 7 sections of verbal and quantitative ability. For application forms and registration you should contact in the following address.
Graduate Management Admission Test,
Educational Testing Service
PO. Box 6103
Princeton, NJ 08541-6103
U.S.A.
There are also other admission tests like MCAT for medicine and LSAT for law.
Visa Processing
Once the admission to a college or University is confirmed, the University will sent to the applicant Form 1-20 or the Form IAP-66. These documents are needed to apply for a non-immigrant student visa. There are three categories of student visa
- F-1 Visa (Academic student) is for students who have been accepted for full time study in academic or language programs. It allows you to study at an approved university or college and lead to graduating with a Master's Degree, Doctoral Degree or Diploma Certificate.
- J-1 Visa (Exchange student) is issued to visiting scholars, medical doctors who seek advanced training or candidates pursuing graduate or post graduate studies on an exchange program.
- M-1 Visa is for students who are accepted for non-academic or any vocational programmes.
The 1-20 and I AP-66 Forms are visa petitions that state your eligibility to apply for the non-immigrant student visa status.
1-20 A-B is a certificate of eligibility issued by universities as proof of acceptance as their student. This form is needed for applying for F-1 non -immigrant Visa. This can also be used to change any other non-Immigrant Visa status to F-1. Form IAP-66 is needed for applying for J-1 Visa. |
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- Passport which is valid for at least 6months after the date of travel.
- Completed visa application form from the U.S Consulate
- Form 1-20 or IAP-66 originals from theUniversities where you have been accepted.
- Passport size photographs signed on the reverse side
- Transcripts of all admissions tests taken like TOFEL, SAT, GRE, GMAT etc.
- Affidavit and evidence of financial support (bank statements) of at least 1st year of study and details of scholarships if any. They include
- A certificate issued by an officer of the students own bank explicitly stating the amount of money available to support you during your stay in the U.S.
- If there is sponsor or guarantor, a certificate issued by a bank officer of this guarantors or sponsors financial ability
- A statement from a sponsoring organization or institution giving the terms of sponsorship.
- Any other documents as specified by the Visa Officer.
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Holders of F-1, J-1, or M-1 Visas should keep their passports valid for at least six months into the future. Passport will become invalid six months before the expiration date noted in the passport. You have to reapply for your passport several months (6 months plus the time you take to get fresh passport) before the date of expiry.
Passports can be renewed at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC or its various consulates in the U.S. A letter confirming your students status can be got from Registrars office or the International students Service Office at your college or University. The passports should be registered at your country's nearest consulate or Embassy. This makes your passport on record and it will be easier to replace in case of the passport is lost or stolen.
Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships and fellowships available for Indian students for studying and doing research abroad. These are usually given by Indian government and Foreign governments.
Certificate\Diploma courses, Undergraduate and Graduate study, Research, Post Doctoral Research etc. are the categories for which fellowships are given.
Contact the following address for details of scholarships available for various courses:
Deputy Educational Adviser,
Ministry Of Human Resource Development,
Department of Education,
External Scholarship Division,
Shastri Bhavan (3),
New Delhi - 110001 |
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