Most people might ask “I want to do a postgraduate in The US but I don’t know where to start from”. This article will guide you on how to secure a postgraduate program in the United States of America.
United States Study Guidelines
Many young people around the world dream of being able to pursue graduate studies in the United States, but do not know where to start doing the errands, paperwork, applications, etc. in this article, we offer you a short practical guide of the most important steps so that you can start organizing yourself to fulfill your dream.
Step 1: Plan Properly
If you already have enough drive, intelligence, and responsibility to embark on the adventure of going to study abroad, then you have much of the journey. Now you have to plan very well to be able to overcome all the obstacles until you can reach the first part of the route: getting on the plane.
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Step 2: Take the required tests
One of the options you have to go to study for a postgraduate degree in the United States is to start by taking an intensive English course and other required tests by your chosen institution, while that lasts, adapt to the North American higher education system that, like all others, has its peculiarities. You could also decide to do a diploma, a professional training course, or a pre-master’s degree.
Step 3: Apply for your admission
To apply for admission, you must send the institution a package of documents that includes: the admission application, complementary information to apply for the I-20, and proof of previous studies (diploma, official certificate of studies, and evaluation of study credentials). This last document identifies the courses taken in your country that are equivalent in the United States educational system and that can be validated. There are several agencies that for a fee can perform such a service. In addition, you have to attach proof of your English Language Aptitude Test (TOEFL or IELTS).
Step 4: Obtain Proof of financial support
The next step is to obtain proof of financial support. That is, you must have the ability to demonstrate that you, your parents, or a sponsor are able to finance at least your first year of study in the US. Something to keep in mind is that international students pay two to three times more than residents and have to enroll full time (a minimum of twelve credits for each academic semester). If you have a sponsor, he or she must provide, among other documents, form I-34, Written Affidavit of Financial Support.
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Step 5: Gather necessary Documentations
Once you receive the I-20 or DS-2019 presented by the university center, you must gather all the necessary documents to request an appointment with the United States Embassy in your country in order to request your student visa.
Step 6: Apply for Visa
The first thing you should know is that, in order to apply for an international student visa, you would first have to have obtained prior admission to a US institution. The US institution issues either the I-20 form (for the F-1 Visa) or the DS-2019 (for the J-1 Visa), which must be submitted to the US embassy in your country.
Tips for the visa application.
You must bear in mind that the procedure to apply for the visa is very strict, so it will be better that you follow the instructions correctly, that you arrive on time for the appointment, that you make sure you have all the required documentation, that you keep in mind the importance of Doing a postgraduate degree in the United States will benefit you and, finally, do not buy your ticket until you have received a response from the visa application, as there is no guarantee that it will be granted until the moment you get the official answer.
Once you have been granted the student visa and you buy your ticket, the rest will be to start living one of the experiences that will mark your life. There is no doubt that living in the USA as an international student, meeting and sharing with new friends and new cultures, will enrich you and be an invaluable personal growth experience.