Quick Facts about USA:

• A land of endless opportunities
• Best in technological and engineering research
• Dream lifestyle for students
• World-class universities making global impact
• Offers internships and assistantships for deserving students
• Strong economy that absorbs many graduates
• Intellectually stimulating environments with research centers
• CPT & OPT options for gaining global experience
• Universities accepting Duolingo score & no GRE for some programs

Education System in USA:

The grading system in the USA awards points for performance:

• 4 points: Highest grade
• 3 points: Above average
• 2 points: Average passing grade
• 1 point: Minimum passing grade
• 0 points: Fail

Study Terms:

• Semester: 16-week terms in Fall (starting mid-August) and Spring (starting January)
• Quarter: Three quarters starting from late September to mid-June

Study Duration:

• Bachelor’s (Undergraduate): 4 years
• Master’s (Graduate): 2 years
• MBA: 2 to 3 years

Eligibility for Admission:

• Bachelor’s: 10+2 with at least 55%, TOEFL-IBT 61-80, IELTS 5.5-6.0, and SAT
• Master’s (Science/Engineering): 10+2+4 with 55%, TOEFL-IBT 61-80, IELTS 6.0-6.5, GRE score 300
• MBA: 10+2+3 or 10+2+4, TOEFL-IBT 61-80, IELTS 6.5, GMAT score 320-600 (Work experience not required)

Average Fees:

• Ivy League: ₹30-35 Lakhs/year
• Top Schools: ₹18-22 Lakhs/year
• Average Schools: ₹12-15 Lakhs/year
• Small Schools: ₹6-8 Lakhs/year

Standardized Tests:

GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE

Choosing the Right University:

Consider quality, financial aid, cost, technology approach, student services, location, climate, jobs, library, labs, and more when selecting your institution.

Assistantships in the USA:

Assistantships help reduce expenses. There are three main types:

• Teaching Assistantship (TA): Assisting professors with teaching and student support, pays $550-$1200 per month.
• Research Assistantship (RA): Supporting professors in research, pays $500-$1500 per month.
• Graduate Assistantship (GA): Similar to RA but offers higher pay due to advanced expertise.

F1 Student Visa:

For full-time international students, the F1 Visa allows you to engage in academic programs. You can work part-time with approval, and full-time with practical training options like:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Work during your studies, approved by your academic department.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work after graduation for up to 12 months, extendable by 24 months for STEM graduates.

Admission Requirements:

• Master’s: At least 65% in undergrad, GRE 285+, IELTS 6+
• MBA: GMAT 500+, work experience not mandatory
• Undergraduate: At least 65% in +2, SAT 1200+, IELTS 6+

F1 Visa Work Options:

1. CPT: While studying, requires job offer and ISS approval, processed in 2-3 weeks.
2. OPT: Post-graduation, does not require job offer initially, processed in 3-5 months. Maximum limit: 12 months + 24-month extension for STEM fields.