This article highlights 5 important study guides to prepare you as an international student in the US. Being an international student in the US is not so easy, but if you arm yourself with the right information before embarking on your study, you will likely find most things easy as an international student. You should  bear in mind that no two countries are the same, different countries and institutions have things that set them apart from other institutions and countries, therefore it is paramount that you have this information handy, assimilate and keep it as a reference material while you make your plans to become an international student.

Information, they say, is powerful and those who are not well informed may likely become deformed. That being the case, before you embark on your journey to study in the US., you need to arm yourself with the right information so that you don’t get stuck along the way. In this article, we have highlighted 5 important study guides to prepare you as an international student in the US.

1. Make research about your program

Our first guide to helping you prepare as an international student in the US is to research your program. You need to know what it takes to study the course you are applying to study. In the US, Postsecondary education has six degree levels which are associate, bachelor, first professional, master, advanced, intermediate and research doctorate.

The United States of America also offers a postdoctoral degree but does not offer a second or higher doctorate degree. As an international student, you want to be sure of all the available options before making your choice.

While researching to see the options you have available, you should consider looking for an educational advising center in your country . These centers are responsible for giving advice to international students on higher education. They can also help students find study opportunities in the United States. You can also look up colleges by type of institution, locations and key programs.

Another area of focus during your research should be to know if the School you’re looking to study in the United states, is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified. Also find and listen to the experiences of other international students and learn a thing or two from them.

ALSO READ: STUDY IN THE US WITH F1 M1 VISA

2. Fund Your Studies

The next step after research is for you to fund your studies. When planning to study in the US., you must bear in mind that the US. Government does not provide loans, grants or help with scholarships to international students. You will need to find alternative sources of income to gain financial aid during the course of your study. We have listed some options you can try in preparation to fund your fees as an international student in the US.

One of the options you can try when seeking financial aid as an international student is to try exchange programs administered by the U.S. Government, though these exchange programs only render help to qualified international students. These programs are available for all levels and you can look up to see if you are qualified to benefit from this program here.

 In addition to this, there is also the Fulbright Program. This program is led by the US. Government and is in partnership with over 160 countries worldwide. The Fulbright Program offers international educational and cultural exchange for passionate and accomplished students, scholars, artists and many other professionals to study, teach or pursue important research and professional projects. You can look up this program to see how to qualify to get financial aid for your studies through it.

Option two is to try your home country education authorities. Most countries offer financial aid to their own nationals studying in another country. Inasmuch as these authorities offer financial aid, these students must meet up with two criteria before the authorities can help. One of the criteria is, they have to be qualified for the program they have applied for.

The second criteria is they must already be admitted into an approved program or institution abroad. If You meet this criteria, you can look up your home country’s educational sites or visit their offices in your location to find out how they can help you with funds to run your international program in the US.

A third option is The International Admissions Office. Every school in the US has an “International Admissions Office”. This body coordinates international student admissions for undergraduate and graduate programs and also provides advice and assistance to students.

They also ensure that admissions procedures comply with immigration laws and regulations. Since this body provides advice to international students, they will likely let you know what scholarship options you have in their institution and guide you on the process to apply for it. Once you find a school, check their International students admission desk and find out how and if they have available financial aid to help you fund your studies and also see if you are eligible for any sort of financial aid.

The last option I can think of is Scholarships and Grants. As much as the US Government does not give scholarships to international students except on very rare occasions, many organizations offer scholarships and grants for study research. These organizations range from private foundations, businesses and nonprofits organizations. You need to do extensive research to learn about these organizations and how you can benefit from their study grants and scholarships here.

3. Finalize your Application

Universities and colleges in the US. establish their own requirements for admission. Some of these requirements are minimum scores on third party standardized tests. You are advised to follow whatever requirements the admissions office of the school you are applying to has set. Below are some of the requirements your school of interest may likely need in order to determine if you will be admitted or not.

• Test of English as a foreign Language: Otherwise known as TOEFL, is a test which is used to measure the English language skills of an applicant. You will need to check to see if the school you have applied to, do this TOEFL test so that you can prepare for it in advance.
• Beside the TOEFL, there are other tests which some schools require to determine the admission eligibility of applicants. Some of these tests are used to measure an applicant’s general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and analytical information which measures the readiness for graduate-level study. 

You are advised to at least take the appropriate test one year ahead of your application. These tests can be taken more than once incase your first result is low, to increase your scores. However, be advised, that this test varies according to your course, level of study and institution, therefore do an extensive research to find out which of the tests suits you depending on your course, level and chosen institution. Find out more about these tests from their individual websites. DAT, GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT.

4. Apply for your visa

Another thing worthy of note is that you must be accepted by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified schools before you can start applying for your visa. You can find a list of certified schools SEVP here.

After the SEVP approved school accepts your application, you will be registered for the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and pay the required fee. After this,the school will issue you a formI-20, after which you can proceed to apply for your visa at a US embassy or consulate for a student. You can carry out extensive research to learn how you can prepare for your US visa appointment and things you need to do before then. You are advised not to get any tickets till your visa is out.

This is because, if you book a flight ticket before your visa is out, they may be time discrepancies which may cause you to loose all or part of your ticketing fee, therefore, wait till your visa is out before booking for your flight.

5. Get Ready for departure

After successfully getting through the visa application process, you need to find out how to start life in the U.S. You need to find out how to live there and also learn more about their holidays, the states and places there. Also, if you desire to work  while studying there, you need to look up information for international students who wish to work during the period of their study in the U.S.

There are training opportunities available for international students and new graduates. This is an on-the-job training that adds to the knowledge gained during their academic studies. Also important is to learn about what it takes for a foreigner to drive in the U.S so as not to break any rules.

As a foreign resident in the U.S, some states will require you to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and also a valid driver’s license from your own country and also a valid driver’s license from that state before you will be qualified to drive in that state. You will need to contact that state’s motor vehicle department to know all about their requirements. 

If you are not very fluent in the English Language, you want to immerse yourself in learning the Language so as to be able to communicate effectively, also improve basic reading, writing and listening skills so as to be able to communicate effectively with natives on your arrival.

After going through these steps and you need to speak with someone who can give you a one to one consultation on this subject matter and other related traveling matters, speak with our travel experts here and book an in-person consultation and be properly guided on how to go about becoming an international student in the United States of America.

This blog post is originally from 5 Important Study Guides to Prepare You as an International Student in the US and written by silvercloudtravels

Apart from the visa application process, there are a few things to think about if you want to study in the USA. The United States is one of the most popular studies abroad destinations in the world. To gain admission to US institutions, you must pass specific exams as proof of language and academic evaluation. These include academic evaluations of admissions to US universities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Every year, over a million international students choose to study at one of the country’s 4,300 higher education institutions. Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, but deciding where to study and what course to take can be difficult to organize.

However, there is one crucial step that should not be left until the last minute: booking and taking entrance exams to study in the USA. As part of the application process, most higher education institutions in the United States require students to take at least one standardized admission test.

ALSO READ: The Best Universities to Study STEM Courses in the USA 202

Types of Exams You Need to Study in the USA

Can you differentiate GMAT from your TOEFL?

Don’t worry if you don’t, we’ve got your back. Here is a list of the exams required to study in the USA

1.    TOEFL or PTE USA

Whether you want to pursue an undergraduate degree in Physics or a Ph.D. in English Literature, you’ll need to demonstrate your English language proficiency in order to study in the USA.

In general, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most widely accepted of the international language tests for students. This is one of the exams needed to study in the USA.

The test takes three hours to complete and costs around $220 depending on where you live. TOEFL scores are only valid for two years after the test, so make sure you keep them up to date.

Some colleges also accept the Pearson Tests of English (PTE), so check with each individual institution to determine which English language proficiency test you will need to take.

2.    Law Degree Admission Test: LSAT

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT), administered by the Law School Admission Council, is the standardized test used as part of the admissions process for law schools across the United States.

The LSAT exam is $200 and takes three and a half hours to complete. It has four multiple-choice sections and a writing task that you can complete up to eight days before your exam date. It assesses your reading comprehension, reasoning, and analytical reasoning, as well as your preparedness for law school.

3.    IELTS for the USA

In the United States, approximately 4,000 universities and colleges accept an applicant’s IELTS Score to determine his or her English skills. In the USA, the minimum IELTS score required ranges from 6 to 7 depending on the courses and universities. Because the IELTS rating is lower than the TOEFL, it is becoming more popular among students. Students are still encouraged to research whether or not their IELTS results will be accepted at their chosen university.

4.    Undergraduate Admissions Exams: SAT or ACT

If you want to study for an undergraduate degree in the United States, you must take either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). One of the exams required to study in the USA is the SAT or ACT.

The SAT is a three-hour and 45-minute exam that is mostly multiple-choice, assessing students on a wide range of skills across four sections:

• Reading
• Writing
• Calculator math
• No calculator math

Meanwhile, despite being less well-known in the United Kingdom, the ACT is the more popular of the two college entrance exams, with many institutions requiring it of prospective students. It’s about three and a half hours long.

The ACT, like the SAT, is a multiple-choice test that assesses skills such as:

• Writing
• Reading comprehension
• Editing
• Data analysis

The SAT exam costs $52 plus individual center fees. The ACT test costs about $150. Both tests also include a fee-based essay component.

5.     GMAT or GRE (Entrance Exams for Postgraduate Degrees Including MA and MSc )

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are the two most common standardized entrance exams for postgraduate study in the USA.

The GMAT, which typically costs $250, is widely used by business schools for admission to MBA programs. The GRE, on the other hand, costs $205 and can be used for admission to a broader range of graduate programs. You should always carefully examine the admissions requirements for each college or graduate school, as some may require subject-specific GRE tests.

These more specific tests can be used for things like:

Maths
Psychology
Physics
English Literature
They typically assume you already have an undergraduate-level understanding of your chosen subject.

6.    GMAT (Entrance Exam for MBA Programs)

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is one of the most versatile and useful degrees available, and it will undoubtedly open many doors for you in your future career.

As previously stated, if you intend to pursue a professional master’s degree, such as an MBA, you will almost certainly need to take the GMAT test.

The three-hour GMAT exam is the most widely accepted MBA entrance exam if you want to study in the USA, and it is designed to assess your potential to succeed in an MBA or other similar graduate management programs.

It assesses candidates in four areas:

• Reasoning with words
• Writing analytically
• Quantitative ability
• Integrated reasoning (which will not be found on the GRE test)

7.    MCAT (Entrance Exam for a Medical Degree)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the most widely used medical entrance exam if you want to study in the USA, and it is required as part of the application process for almost all medical schools in the country.

The multiple-choice test costs $320 to register for and takes seven and a half hours to complete. There is also a $55 late registration fee if you register eight days or less before the exam date.

The Association of American Medical Colleges administers the exam, which aims to assess your critical thinking, problem-solving, and existing knowledge of scientific concepts across four key sections:

• Biological systems’ chemical and physical foundations
• The psychological, social, and biological bases of behavior
• The biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
• Critical thinking and reasoning skills

Are you ready to get started? get everything you need to know about all these exams and study in the USA, contact us here

ALSO READ: How to Study in the USA without IELTS 2022

This blog post is originally from 5 Types of Exams You Need to Study in the USA and written by silvercloudtravels

IELTS is considered important for those applying for higher education, but it is not a required test when applying to a US university because it is possible to study in the USA without IELTS. There are several universities in the USA that do not require IELTS. Continue reading this blog to learn about American universities that accept students without the requirement of IELTS. As those universities only allow students with no English background to enroll if they take the Intensive English Language Program, also known as the IELP program.

Thousands of international students choose the United States for their first study abroad experience. However, one of the most significant barriers to admission to US universities is the TOEFL or IELTS exam scores. Whereas in the United States, most universities require a good score on these tests as a minimum admissions criterion. As a result, many international students look for universities in the United States that do not require IELTS scores.

ALSO READ: Study in the USA without IELTS 

Just in case you missed it…… What is IELTS Exactly?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, which you are probably already aware of.

And it’s exactly what it says it is: an English proficiency test! It is the most well-known and, arguably, the most universally respected assessment, and it is accepted by virtually all universities and employers worldwide. Here’s a quick overview of IELTS scores.

While it is accepted by American colleges and immigration authorities, it is still possible to study in the United States without IELTS in 2022.

ALSO READ: US Student Visa: 9 Guide for International Students

Study in the USA without IELTS 2022

To gain admission to a university in the United States without taking the IELTS or TOEFL, you must meet the following requirements:

1.    You will not be required to take IELTS, TOEFL, or any other English Language Proficiency Test if you graduated from a country where English is the official language.

2.    In most cases, if you have completed at least one year of academic studies in the United States, you will not be required to provide a test certificate.

3.    Some universities in the United States will provide students with an Intensive English Language Program (IELP). If you are unable to provide IELTS scores, the university may require you to participate in their own English language preparatory program known as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP), in which you will be trained in the fundamentals of the English language.

4 .    There are also some summer programs in the United States where students can improve their English language skills. As a result, they can study in the United States without having to take IELTS or TOEFL.

5.    Some universities in the United States provide bridging courses for students who did not receive direct admission. Students who did not meet the minimum English language requirements, in particular.

6.    Many US universities do not require IELTS or TOEFL tests for students who have already completed secondary/high school education or a bachelor’s degree in English.

7.    You will need a letter from your previous university stating that the graduate course you pursued was in English when applying for post-graduate courses.

8.    You must have English as one of your core subjects in high school to be eligible for undergraduate courses.

ALSO READ: 10 Amazing Reasons to Study Dentistry in the UK

List of Universities you can study in the USA without IELTS

The following universities in the United States do not require IELTS/TOEFL:

1.    University of New Orleans

For international students, the University of New Orleans offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

2.    American University, Washington DC

TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English Test are the alternatives to IELTS

3.    Rice University

There are no specific requirements for the English language at Rice University. If you can prove that you have sufficient English language level, the admission department will assess your application without IELTS or TOEFL test scores.

4.  State University of New York

The State University of New York offers admission to international students that want to study in the USA without IELTS. the university has an alternative to IELTS which is Conditional (IELP), ACT, and SAT.

5.    North Alabama University

The University of North Alabama offers an English as a Second Language program for international students who want to study in the USA without taking IELTS (ESL).

6.    University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans offers admission to international students that want to study in the USA without IELTS. the university has an alternative to IELTS which is Conditional (IELP), TOEFL, Duolingo English Test

7.    University of Delaware

International students at the University of Delaware can participate in a year-long academic preparation program before beginning their studies at the University of Delaware without submitting IELTS or TOEFL test scores.

The university provides conditional admission based on completion of the program and attainment of the required level of English.

8.    University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers TOEFL as an alternative to IELTS for international students who to study in the USA without IELTS.

9.    Dayton University

Students interested in attending the University of Dayton can enroll in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

10.    California State University

You can study at a California state university without an IELTS score if you can demonstrate that English was the language of instruction during your secondary education or Bachelor’s studies.

11.    Auburn University, Alabama

Auburn University, Alabama offers TOEFL, Conditional (IELP)

12.  University of Colorado

To study at the University of Colorado without IELTS or TOEFL, the student must demonstrate that he is from an English-speaking country, that he has spent an academic year as a student in the United States, or that he has completed two academic years in an English-speaking country.

13.    University of Illinois, Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago offers TOEFL, PTE

ALSO READ: 7 Amazing Jobs you can do with a Degree in Psychology

If you want to study in the United States, Silvercloudtravels can assist you every step of the way.  contact us by visiting our website, www.silvercloudtravelsng.com today.

This blog post is originally from How to Study in the USA without IELTS 2022 and written by silvercloudtravels