Study in the USA Guide

The United States of America boasts the world’s largest economy, the most formidable military, an exemplary administrative system, and an influential cultural presence worldwide. It serves as a prime destination for aspiring students looking to study abroad, consistently ranking at the top of every study abroad aspirant’s list. Whether it’s the outstanding education system or the rich tapestry of diverse ethnicities, the USA offers a plethora of opportunities to those seeking higher education. Moreover, it is home to the highest number of outbound students globally, indicating its popularity among international scholars. In addition, the USA houses a significant number of prestigious universities, making it a hub for top-ranked institutions. Let’s delve into the exciting prospects that studying in the USA holds for you in the 2023 academic intake!

Why Study in USA?

Exploring the advantages of studying in the USA? We’ve simplified it for you! Here are the perks of selecting the USA as your study abroad destination over other countries:

• Home to top universities– USA is home to more than 200 top-ranked universities. Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology are some of the most prominent universities in USA.
• Excellent Academic System- USA has one of the best academic systems in the world. The universities are known for having high academic standards, top-notch faculty, and well-supported facilities to provide excellent education to their students.
• Technologically Advanced- USA is number #! for technological advancement across the world. The country is the largest producer of high-technology manufacturing, contributing around 30-31 per cent of global share in the world. Hence, encouraging students towards technology and equipping them with the skills required for a bright future.
• Remarkable Student Support- USA has a great student support system for both domestic and international students. US universities conduct regular orientation programs, workshops and training to offer assistance to freshers.
• Practical Education – US universities have a practical approach towards education. The programs/courses are designed in a way that helps students develop relevant experience and skills to ace their respective careers.
• Scholarships for the Rescue– USA offers a lot of scholarships every year for international students. The ultimate aim of these scholarships is to help exceptionally talented but financially incompetent students to fulfil their dreams of studying abroad.

Top Courses in USA 2023

The United States of America is renowned globally as a prime destination for educational tourism. It boasts an extensive range of courses and specializations that cater to diverse academic interests, accommodating students with varying abilities. This enables individuals to pursue programs of their choice and provides them with an opportunity to study at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Here are a few examples of popular courses available in the USA:

Summer Programmes in USA

Several universities in the United States provide high school students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in college life before formally enrolling in an undergraduate program. These summer programs, also known as pre-college programs, allow students to reside on campus and partake in various distinctive collegiate activities. Below are a few examples of universities that offer such summer programs:

• Brown University
• Harvard University
• University of Michigan
• Northwestern University
• Stanford University
• John Hopkins University 
• University of Chicago

Eligibility Criteria

After obtaining their bachelor’s degree, students who wish to apply to universities in the USA must present evidence of their degree completion and meet the minimum percentage of marks specified by the educational institution they are applying to.

Top Universities to Study in USA 2023

The United States boasts the highest number of prestigious educational institutions globally, with many of them being ranked within the top 100 universities according to QS. Here are the top 10 universities in the USA for the year 2023, based on QS rankings:

Other Prominent Universities in USA

Apart from the above-mentioned universities, here are some other prominent universities in USA:

• University of Delaware
• University of Pennsylvania
• Columbus State University
• Harrisburg University 
• United States University
• University of Vermont
• University of Miami
• University of Maryland Baltimore
• University of Southern Mississippi
• Seton Hall University

Studying in USA without IELTS

Here are a few renowned universities in the USA where students can pursue their desired courses without IELTS. Here are some:

• University of Delaware
• Northwood University
• Rice University
• University of Dayton
• State University of New York
• University of New Orleans (UNO)
• California State University
• University of Colorado

Grading System in USA Universities

Intakes to Study in USA 2023

International universities provide several opportunities for international students to enroll in their programs. In the United States, these opportunities are divided into three terms: fall, spring, and summer. Among Nigerian students, the fall intake is particularly favoured due to its alignment with the academic sessions in Nigeria. Both fall and spring intakes offer a wide range of programs, while the summer intake provides a smaller selection of programs. Now, let’s delve into a comprehensive examination of these three intakes.

Fall Intake in USA 2023

Spring Intake in USA 2023

Admission Process to Study in USA

To pursue studies in the United States, there are several crucial steps that need to be undertaken within a specified timeframe. To assist you in this process, we have developed a set of straightforward procedures accompanied by essential documents required at each respective stage for studying in the USA.

STEP 1: Make a list of 8-10 colleges of your choice.

STEP 2: Fill out Your Application Form.

STEP 3: Collect supporting documents like academic transcripts, the result of the previous institution, English proficiency test results, CV, statement of purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), and other things. We recommend you check out the requirements section of your desired institutions.

STEP 4: Now start signing up for accounts online on the website of universities to submit
your application.

STEP 5: Some universities might ask for a WES evaluation (to ensure that you’re capable enough to study in the US) of your mark sheet. It may take 2 months to get your mark sheet evaluated

STEP 6: Once you submit all the required documents, they will inform and instruct you to pay the academic fee.

STEP 7: Now you will get an I-20 form and acceptance which will help you get a
student visa.

Student Visa to Study in USA

Entering the realm of studying in the USA brings forth the most intricate phase. To transform your dream of studying in the USA into reality, undivided attention is crucial. As an international student, acquiring the appropriate student visa holds paramount importance to steer clear of any inconveniences while entering the country. Prior to commencing the process, it is imperative to comprehend that Nigerian students have three distinct visa options at their disposal.

Starting from March 1st, 2023, prospective F-1 student visa applicants can now apply up to 365 days before their academic term begins.

USA Visa Application Process

Once you have determined the most suitable visa category based on the program you intend to pursue, the subsequent crucial phase in your pursuit of studying abroad in the United States is to complete the visa application process promptly. Provided below are a few straightforward steps, along with the essential documents required, to apply for your preferred US visa:

1. Collect all the essential documents like:
   • A valid passport
   • Your travel itinerary (if already purchased flights)
   • Your CV must be up to date.
   • Provide all the information about your previous education history.
   • Your SEVIS ID. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a way of keeping data of all international students. Your SEVIS ID will be printed on your I-20 form. We recommend you pay the SEVIS fee before initiating your visa application. You can fill out the form here: SEVIS I-901 Form
   • Letter of acceptance of the institution in which you’re going to study in USA
2. Now after completing the above formalities, apply for the visa online here: DS-160 Visa Application Form
3. After filling out the form, print the confirmation page and bring that into the interviews. You will be expected to visit biometrics and other types of interviews. 
4. F-1 Student visas are only issued 120 days before the commencement of your course.

Work Visa Conversion in USA

Upon the completion of your course, a maximum stay of 60 days is permitted in the country. Therefore, it is crucial to begin planning your next steps upon entering the final semester. If you intend to prolong your stay, as an international student, your options are limited to obtaining a converted VISA to H-1B. This entails finding an employer who is willing to submit an employment-based permanent residency application to USCIS on your behalf.

It is important for candidates to understand that securing an H-1B visa is contingent upon being hired by an American organization. Alternatively, another way to extend your VISA is through Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing your undergraduate or postgraduate program. OPT allows for an additional year of stay in the country for regular courses and up to 2 additional years for STEM-based courses.

How to Get a Job as an International Student in the USA?

Securing employment as an international student in a foreign country can be an intimidating endeavor. However, there are several strategies that can greatly simplify the process of finding a job as an international student in the USA. Consider the following tips to enhance your chances of success:

Start Soon

It will take time to get a full-time job in the USA as an international student till you get your work visa. Hence, it is really important to start looking for jobs as soon as you graduate from your respective university.

Understand Visa Requirements 

Before applying for jobs in the USA, you must research about the Visa you are applying for. Each visa has different requirements, some visas may allow a certain amount of time for work abroad. So it is recommended to understand the visa requirements and then start applying for the appropriate jobs.

Use Career Services 

There are plenty of student career services available for international students in the USA. You must get involved with the student career network, take guidance from the coaches, and build connections for a wide range of career opportunities.

On-campus and Off-campus Jobs for International Students in USA

In the United States, both international students have the opportunity to work while pursuing their academic courses. By engaging in part-time employment, students can gain valuable exposure to their chosen field of study and also manage their financial needs. The US government has established guidelines that permit students to work for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session, and up to 40 hours per week during session breaks. To enhance your study experience in the USA, here are various on-campus and off-campus job options available:

On-Campus Jobs in USA

These positions are typically available within the university or college premises and offer convenient work opportunities for students. Some examples include:

• Library assistant/Library Monitor
• Tutor or teaching assistant
• Administrative or office assistant
• Research assistant
• Fitness center staff
• Cafeteria or food services staff
• Peer Tutor
• Academic Department Assistant
• Campus Tech Support

Off-Campus Jobs in USA 

These employment opportunities are available outside the university or college environment. They provide a chance to explore the local community and gain additional work experience. It is important to note that, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS) only permits students to work off-campus with the workplaces organisations that are affiliated with the institution. 

• Retail or customer service roles
• Restaurant or hospitality industry jobs
• Internships in local businesses or organizations
• Freelance or remote work in areas like graphic design, writing, or programming
• Tutoring or mentoring positions in the local community
• Part-time positions in local museums, galleries, or cultural centers
• Store Associates 
• Call Centre
• Language Translator or Interpreter.

Remember to check with your university’s international student office or career services department for any specific guidelines or job opportunities tailored to your academic program.

Trending Careers in USA 

The United States is widely regarded as a prime destination for life-altering career prospects. Numerous students who choose to study in the USA often come across abundant opportunities that can jumpstart their careers and lead to successful settlements in the country. As you delve into your research on studying in the USA and its diverse aspects, we are here to assist you by highlighting several trending careers that are currently in high demand in the country:

• Front-End Engineer
• Java Developer
• Product Manager 
• Data Scientist
• Software Engineer 
• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Business Development Manager 
• Strategy Manager
• Salesforce Developer

Best Student Cities in the USA

The United States boasts a diverse selection of universities, with more than 4,000 institutions situated throughout the country. These esteemed establishments provide a vast array of courses to students hailing from all corners of the globe. To assist you in selecting the ideal university, here are several renowned student cities in the USA worth considering:

1. Boston, Massachusetts: Known for its rich history and academic prowess, Boston hosts prestigious universities such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Students can immerse themselves in a vibrant intellectual and cultural environment.
2. New York City, New York: As a global hub for arts, finance, and culture, New York City is home to esteemed institutions like Columbia University and New York University. Students can benefit from a dynamic urban setting with countless opportunities for networking and internships.
3. Los Angeles, California: With its sunny climate and thriving entertainment industry, Los Angeles attracts students to universities such as the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The city offers a blend of academic excellence and a vibrant arts scene.
4. Chicago, Illinois: Renowned for its architecture, business, and cultural institutions, Chicago hosts notable universities like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Students can enjoy a lively metropolitan atmosphere and a wide range of educational opportunities.
5. San Francisco, California: Known for its innovative tech industry, San Francisco is home to institutions such as Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. Students can engage with cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial opportunities in a thriving tech ecosystem.
6. Austin, Texas: Recognized for its vibrant music and arts scene, Austin houses the University of Texas at Austin, offering a wide range of academic programs. The city’s creative atmosphere and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from various disciplines.
7. Washington DC: Renowned for its internship and Job Opportunities: The city is teeming with internship and job opportunities across various fields. Numerous government agencies, think tanks, non-profit organizations, international institutions, and media outlets are located in Washington, D.C. Students can gain practical experience, build networks, and kick-start their careers in their respective fields of interest.

These cities represent just a few of the many remarkable student destinations in the USA, each with its distinct character, academic offerings, and cultural experiences. Consider exploring these options to help guide your university selection process.