Education Unlimited Inc.

Shekhar Niyogi presents a comprehensive guideline that will help you turn your dream of studying in the US into a reality

The prudent way to go about the entire application effort so that it culminates in success is very commonsensical. There are no great secrets, no rocket science, and no great mysteries of the extraterrestrial to be unravelled. The process is simple and methodical.

• Check out your eligibility for admission to a particular program. Some universities need four year undergraduate degrees while others don’t. Unlike in the past, most universities in USA have begun to accept three-year bachelor degrees from India. Some need SAT/ GRE/ GMAT scores and for some it is not mandatory. However, everyone needs the TOEFL iBT score. Remember, only school/ college toppers do not go to the US colleges to study, many average students do too. Just check the huge exodus every August and every January.
• Select your universities based upon matching their requirement with your credentials and profile. Don’t go by ranking. Each ranking system uses different parameters. What use is the rank if you are not eligible for that college? Look for scholarship availability, acceptance rate and international student population in them.
• Try to complete the basic application online. Many universities waive off application fees or levy less charge if you apply electronically. You need a credit card to do this.
• A recommendation in the each university’s prescribed format is a must. A narrative letter on how highly your recommender thinks of your abilities, may accompany the form.
• Get your official examination mark sheets and transcripts attested by the head of your institution.
• Write a statement of purpose. Be candid, let your thoughts flow. Show them the ‘you’ beyond your marksheets. What motivates you? What special experiences influenced you? How others can benefit from their interface with you. Why you are what you are. Why do you want to do what you dream of doing? This is the most crucial ingredient of your application package. Do justice to it.
• Correspond with the faculty in the department of your choice, send them your resume and express your interest in applying for all available forms of financial aid, like fellowships, graduate assistantships and tuition fee waiver.
• Inform International Student Services in your chosen university that a) you are interested in a campus job and b) you may be interested in off-campus housing options since they are much cheaper than living in residence halls or dorms on campus.
• When your admission offer and I-20 arrives get ready with your documents for your F-1 visa application and interview. Log on to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/ to book an interview date. Pay your SEVIS fee of US$ 200 on www.fmjfee.com and print out the receipt. Pay your visa fee US$ 140 in equivalent Indian currency at the current exchange rate, at an Axis Bank branch and get a receipt with barcode stickers. You need this code number to fix your visa appointment time and date.
• If you need an education loan from a bank in India, visit your neighbourhood branches and speak to the respective managers. Usually most banks will approve loans of up to Rs 4 lakhs without any collateral or security, as per RBI norms. Some banks are sanctioning upto Rs. 7.5 lakhs with out collateral security provided you service the interest component with immediate effect. The maximum amount available for studying abroad is Rs. 15 – 25 lakhs. Repayment begins about a year after you graduate and can be paid in upto about 84 EMIs over seven years.
• Partnerships for Learning Undergraduate Studies (PLUS) is a special scholarship programme of the USEFI (www.fulbright-india.org) which enables Indian students to complete their last two years of a bachelor degree from select US universities. 
• You are permitted to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week in jobs on campus. During summer vacation you can work longer hours to earn more money.