Questions on studying in USA

In the United States, these two terms are generally equivalent and refer to the same type of educational institution. Colleges are usually smaller and offer only bachelor's degree programs, while universities offer master's and doctoral degrees and postdoctoral courses. Each college and university has separate schools, such as business, arts, or science schools.

In general, this division is common to all universities, but some differences are permissible. Students study from September or early August until the end of May, with the year divided into semesters (18 weeks each). Additionally, a division into trimesters (or quarters, 12 weeks each) may be offered. Additional 6-8 week semesters are often organized during the summer: students attend these at their discretion. The summer semester can help students obtain their degree in a shorter period of time, give them the opportunity to retake exams if they received unsatisfactory grades, and reduce their workload during the main academic year. Long vacations are scheduled for Christmas (2-4 weeks) and spring (a week in early March or mid-April).

Students enter bachelor's (4 years) and associate degree (2 years) programs immediately after graduating from high school, these are basic, fundamental higher education programs. Doctoral and master's degrees can only be obtained after completing a bachelor's degree. A master's degree is a complete higher education or second higher education, and a doctoral degree is a specialized education that is highly valued in the labor market.

Traditionally, an MBA is a two-year course, but depending on the institution you choose, you can opt for an accelerated one-year program.

Foreigners can work on campus (20 hours per week) during their first year of study. After that, you can try to obtain official permission to work off campus (also 20 hours per week) — but this is only possible if your activities are related to your field of study and specialization. There is also the possibility of a summer internship or seasonal work after the first year. The application must be approved by the international student office.

Usually, American universities accept students who are at least 17 years old (for bachelor's programs), but there are exceptions to this rule. Students aged 21 and older are eligible for master's programs and MBAs.

Yes, many American universities offer this option. Make sure that the distance learning program is accredited.

Not really: online learning is just one type of distance learning. With distance learning, teachers and students are in different places, not in the same classroom. The synchronous type provides information at a specific time, such as a schedule of webinars, online exams, etc. The asynchronous type allows you to study at a convenient time, receive assignments, and send results by mail. In general, the types of distance learning are as follows:

• By mail
• By phone, using voice messages
• Interactive: radio and TV, satellite communications, and audio files
• Through videotapes or CDs
• Electronic messages and online learning

Local colleges are often referred to as incomplete because they offer a shortened 2-year course of study. There are many such institutions in the US, around 170, and most receive substantial support from their state, with a small number being private and independent.

These colleges mainly offer associate degrees, vocational education, and technical education. An additional advantage is their strong ties with local state colleges, which makes it easier for graduates to move from one level of education to another and transfer within the state. Graduates can study for two years and obtain a bachelor's degree after only two years at university — many Americans choose this path. In addition, the cost of studying at a local college is significantly lower than at a traditional four-year college or university.

In the American education system, it is customary to use letters to indicate a student's level of knowledge, and each letter has a numerical equivalent, which is used to calculate the average score, known as the GPA. This is the average score for all courses studied during the course of study. Usually, the scale includes values up to 4.0.

• 90-100% = grade A = 4 = excellent
• 80-89% = grade B = 3 = good
• 70-79% = grade C = 2 = average
• 60-69% = grade D = 1 = below average
• 50-59% = E/F = failed

To continue your studies, you must receive grades no lower than C (65-70% correct), and the designations P (passed, counted), S (satisfactory), and N (credit not completed) are also often used.

So, what is an associate degree? It is a level awarded by a university or college after completing a full 2-year program (or its part-time equivalent). If you complete a two-year course that is equivalent to two years of a four-year college program, you will receive an associate degree in humanities (AA) or natural sciences (AS), and if you have completed a professional or technical course, you can apply for an associate degree in applied sciences (AAS). Programs leading to this degree can be semester-based, lead to the start of a professional career, or be a stepping stone to further study for a bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's degree is usually awarded after a 4-year course at a college or university, as well as after completing an equivalent program. The most common types are a bachelor's degree in humanities (BA) and natural sciences (BS), with no difference between them except for specialization. One of the tangible advantages of an American bachelor's degree is its flexibility: you can choose the courses that suit you and create your own study program, the main thing is to earn a certain number of credits. Usually, the first year is called Freshman, the second Sophomore, the third Junior, and the fourth Senior.

The transfer program in America is quite well established, but it is important to note that differences in the structure of courses and degrees are practically inevitable. The admissions committee in the USA carefully reviews all the courses and areas of study you have taken and awards academic credits based on their assessment. There are several key points to consider:

• Is your educational institution recognized by the Ministry of Education of your country or at least by other state and non-state structures?
• Are the courses you have already taken similar to those offered in the US? What is the percentage of similarity between the programs?
• How suitable are the subjects you have studied for your chosen specialty, and do they meet the general academic requirements?

This decision is made once you have arrived at your new place of study. It is especially difficult to convert and evaluate courses taken in highly specialized disciplines such as engineering, journalism, and architecture.

To successfully transfer to an American university, make sure that all your academic documents are official, have the seal and stamp of your institution (ideally, printed on the institution's letterhead). Provide a brief description in English of all the subjects you have already completed: topics studied, number of classes or academic hours (lectures, seminars, laboratory classes), length of the semester and academic year. Also indicate which textbooks and books you used.

In general, US universities and colleges are quite loyal to foreign students transferring from other countries — even part of a high school program can be credited if it corresponds to the introductory courses of an American educational institution.

A master's degree is required for a complete higher education in a specialized field, it is a more in-depth and specialized course of study than a bachelor's degree. Master's programs are mainly divided into professional and academic programs. The most common degrees awarded are MA (Master of Arts) and MS (Master of Science), and the highest is the PhD (Doctorate of Philosophy). The latter can be obtained after a minimum of three years of study and the defense of a dissertation (for the others, two years of study is usually sufficient). MA and MS degrees are most often awarded in the humanities, natural and technical sciences (engineering, agriculture), as well as in the arts.

If a student does not plan to pursue a doctoral degree, they receive a professional master's degree: MBA (Master of Business Administration), MSW (Master of Social Work), M.Ed (Master of Education), MFA (Master of Fine Arts). Professional master's degrees are also available in public administration (MPA) and public policy (MPP), international relations, urban planning, journalism, and architecture.

A doctoral degree is necessary for students who plan to become scholars or college and university professors. This degree signifies a readiness to independently conduct complex, specific research. Usually, a doctoral degree is awarded in each individual profession: in addition to the Doctor of Philosophy, there are degrees such as Ed.D or Doctor of Education, DBA or Doctor of Business Administration, etc. Doctoral studies involve writing complex course papers, a dissertation (original research), and attending numerous seminars and lectures. After you have obtained a bachelor's degree, it can take an additional 5-8 years to obtain a doctoral degree (depending on the chosen specialty).

It would be useful to clarify whether there are partnership agreements between educational institutions: if so, it will be easier and faster to transfer educational credits and completed courses. Many state community colleges work closely with state universities within their state, forming a single educational space for convenient transfer.

Some universities cannot accept students from certain courses from schools and local colleges due to high admission requirements or accreditation issues. Therefore, before starting the transfer process, be sure to consult with your tutor and advisor to understand which courses may be credited to you.

There is also an easier way: many institutions accept students directly into both two-year and four-year programs, so after two years of study, you can easily transfer to a bachelor's degree program.

In the USA, there are many publications, magazines, and brochures dedicated to ranking American educational institutions, but there is no official unified ranking. Each source uses its own criteria for evaluation. We can recommend one of the most authoritative and respected resources on the US News portal. Here you can familiarize yourself with the ratings of universities, select your initial priorities, and discuss them with our consultant.

Of course, a high level of English is one of the main, key requirements for applicants entering colleges and universities in the United States. Foreigners must confirm their level of knowledge with an IELTS or TOEFL certificate (the exact criteria are determined on an individual basis depending on the chosen institution).

Many universities offer conditional admission for foreigners who do not have a sufficient command of English. This means that you attend courses at the university (ESL – English as a second language), and as soon as your level reaches the required standard, you begin studying for your degree. But remember that a good knowledge of English is necessary not only for admission, but also for obtaining a student visa, so additional intensive training is mandatory in any case.

Of course, there are compulsory subjects – these are the core disciplines that you must complete in order to obtain a degree. In addition to these, you can choose optional subjects yourself, and here you can rely on your own preferences. Usually, universities structure the set of courses and the time required to study them, which are mandatory for the chosen specialty. It is best to check the requirements for each field individually at each university you are considering.

State educational institutions (also known as public institutions) are funded by the state and are most often established by municipalities, which allows them to keep tuition fees as low and affordable as possible. These are usually very large universities that accept a large number of students, but it is worth noting that tuition fees for foreign students will always be slightly higher than for residents of a particular state.

Private colleges and universities are funded by students (tuition fees, donations, and gifts from alumni), as well as research grants, which is why tuition fees are higher. They are usually smaller than public institutions and may have a religious orientation or adhere to separate education (only for boys or only for girls).

This is a unique feature of the American educational system: structured academic education aimed at actively developing verbal and written abilities, reasoning skills, and analytical thinking. Students begin their studies with a wide range of subjects, usually foreign languages, humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. Only later do they choose a major and additional classes in their chosen field (the latter ultimately make up 25-50% of the total curriculum).

Humanities education helps develop comprehensive knowledge and improve the ability to reason and draw conclusions – a valuable general skill that stands out from the highly specialized skills of the exact sciences. As a rule, liberal arts colleges are well-equipped, have advanced IT equipment, offer excellent living conditions, and employ qualified, experienced teachers, many of whom are professors. Another advantage is the real possibility of transferring to a large, higher-ranked university after completing the initial courses, which are considered preparatory.

Humanities education will help increase your value as an employee in the global labor market. According to statistics, graduates change jobs 8-10 times throughout their careers, so there is a good chance that your main specialty and workplace are still being developed! This is why students in the humanities have a better chance of finding employment and adapting to today's rapidly changing world due to their ability to think critically and analytically, reason, develop communication skills, and excel in written and oral communication.

You will need a high school diploma or certificate, a certificate (or exam results) proving your English language proficiency, and the results of a qualifying test (in the American system, this is the ACT or SAT). Each university may have its own requirements for applicants, so it is best to check this in advance with your preferred university. Please note that your high school diploma must indicate that you have studied the core subjects of the program: English, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. An additional foreign language will also be an advantage.

Of course, many American universities support student exchange programs with universities around the world. This allows students from different countries to gain valuable and diverse experiences living and studying abroad, explore programs and disciplines at different educational institutions, and learn about new cultures and customs.

However, the courses you take in your home country are usually essential for your degree — typically these are programs lasting from one semester to one academic year. A bonus of exchange programs is that you pay for tuition in your home country, even if the cost of studying at a partner university or college is higher.

To participate in an exchange program, contact the International Programs and Relations office at your university or school, find out if the institution participates in transfer programs, and clarify the terms and conditions and criteria for student participation. Funding from the universities themselves for such programs is limited — you can get help for transfer studies through community and social organizations, local businesses, or international companies.

You will need to fill out and prepare a large number of documents by a certain deadline, including the mandatory application form. We recommend that you start the preparation process in advance, approximately 12-18 months before the expected start of classes. The academic year in the United States begins in late August-September, so you need to start thinking about submitting your application between November and January of the previous year.

First, select educational institutions that offer the required specialization or field of study. To do this, you can contact universities and colleges directly, consult with our specialist, or view the information on our website. Check the admission requirements, the set of necessary documents, and the rules for filling out the application form. When applying, be sure to indicate the main academic field that interests you and check that all the information is spelled correctly (your full name must match the one printed in your passport). Find out if your level of preparation meets the academic admission requirements, check the cost of tuition, and make sure you can support yourself during your studies. We recommend applying to 3-5 universities at once, without limiting yourself to one priority: this way, you will insure yourself in case of rejection by one of them and increase your chances of being admitted to at least one of your chosen universities. If the admissions committee's decision is positive, you will receive an official invitation and a letter of acceptance, which is necessary to apply for a student visa to the United States.

Be prepared to pay for the review of your documents as soon as possible: payments are accepted in US dollars (bank transfers from an account or card, money transfers). Many educational institutions will not consider your application without the appropriate fee.

You will also need to submit your high school transcript. All official documents must be printed on school letterhead, include a seal or stamp, and be signed by authorized persons. It is better to submit original documents; photocopies are accepted in exceptional cases and not by all institutions (in any case, they must be officially certified as true copies of the originals).

Foreigners are required to take an English language proficiency exam: usually TOEFL or IELTS. It is better to check the passing scores in advance with the specific institutions you are applying to. In addition, you will have to take qualifying exams to confirm your academic knowledge: SAT and ACT are taken by applicants for bachelor's programs, while GRE and GMAT are required for master's program applicants.

It would be useful to prepare letters of recommendation and references from your teachers, advisors, mentors, and professors: this can show you as a promising and talented student and increase your chances of successful admission. US universities are interested in attracting gifted and talented students, so any confirmation of your knowledge and abilities will be very useful.

Be sure to confirm your financial solvency and prove that you have the funds to study and stay in the country for a long time: this can be a scholarship or grant, a sponsorship letter, a bank statement, etc.

Submit your application and the collected package of documents in advance, carefully observing the application deadlines! Take into account possible postal delays and other force majeure circumstances: the application review period can take 6-8 weeks, so it is better to play it safe and allow yourself enough time to obtain a visa, register your passport, etc. Schools, colleges, and universities usually send admission letters and invitations in March-April, in which case you can start studying as early as the next semester (late August-September). Remember that it is considered polite to notify the university if you do not accept their invitation (for example, if you have found a more advantageous or priority option), so do not leave letters unanswered.

You can apply for a place on these programs if you already have a bachelor's degree or are in your final year of study. Your chosen university will review your degree, list of subjects studied, and credits earned, and compare them with its own requirements for graduates (these requirements may vary depending on the institution). We recommend that you apply in advance, approximately 1-1.5 years before the expected start of classes in the fall semester (late August-September).

First, find out all the information about the institutions you have chosen that offer a program that interests you: refer to specialized reference books, browse the information on our website, or contact our consultant. Each university may have different standards for application forms, as well as different required documents (but usually the list is roughly the same). In your application, you will need to indicate your specialization and area of expertise, your professional experience, and explain why you are interested in this particular specialization and profession. You can also indicate the names of well-known teachers and professors from whom you would like to study. Compare the admission requirements and program content with your level of preparation and objectively assess whether you meet the university's requirements. Be sure to ensure that all the information in your questionnaire and application is very clear and accurate (for example, your full name must match the one written in your passport).

We recommend applying to several universities of your choice: this way, you can protect yourself from rejection by one of them and maximize your chances of successful admission. If the university charges a fee for reviewing documents (which is quite common), do not forget to attach a receipt for the application fee to the general package and application, otherwise your application will not be considered.

You will need to have your transcript and diploma or certificate translated into English (our professional experienced translators can do this for you). All official documents from your school or university must be printed on letterhead, with seals, stamps, and signatures of authorized persons. If possible, submit the originals to the most important institution; any copies must be notarized in advance. Be sure to attach your transcript, a list of all courses taken and grades received, annual exam results, and the date of graduation.

Foreigners must also take the TOEFL or IELTS language exam in advance and demonstrate a high level of English, as well as prepare for the GRE or GMAT qualifying tests. It is also worth obtaining letters of recommendation and references from your teachers, mentors, curators, professors, and supervisors.

Confirm your financial solvency — you need to prove to the admissions committee that you have the funds to pay for your studies and a long stay in a foreign country. You can obtain a sponsorship letter, proof of a scholarship or grant, or a statement from your personal bank account.

Be sure to take into account the deadlines for submitting documents – deadlines may vary between different educational institutions! Consider possible postal delays, as well as a possible large influx of applications, which may increase the time it takes to review your application. You need to send your documents in advance in order to have time to apply for a US student visa. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for applications to be reviewed: universities send letters of acceptance and invitations in March-April, while classes start in August-September.

If you receive an invitation from a university where you do not plan to study (for example, a more convenient and advantageous option has become available), do not leave the letter unanswered — it is considered polite to give a brief and appropriate refusal and express your gratitude.

Colleges of this type usually have very flexible policies regarding applicants, they do not conduct strict selection procedures and are quite open to foreigners – but there are still minimum requirements. Selection criteria may vary, but the basic standards are the same:

• A correctly completed application form
• A high school diploma (ideally 12 years of education)
• A certificate of English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Proof of financial solvency

The required level of English is usually lower here than at universities, and there is also conditional admission: you start an intensive ESL English course, and after successfully completing it, you begin the main course along with the other students.

There is no single, standardized procedure for submitting applications and evaluating candidates. Usually, the admissions office is staffed by faculty members and administrative staff responsible for a specific department or field.

In order to be successfully admitted to your chosen program, you should submit not only the required documents, but also your personal research conducted during your bachelor's degree. The admissions committee evaluates the specifics of your topic and area of academic interest and compares them with the capabilities of their faculty and institute: for example, you may be rejected if the admissions committee considers your topic to be too specialized and can only offer you limited resources for further study. The research results you provide will also show how well you possess critical and analytical thinking skills, how well you can gather information, draw conclusions, summarize facts, and rank them.

To apply for a master's or doctoral degree, you must have already completed your undergraduate degree (or be in the final stages of completing it). In the USA, this process usually takes four years (a bachelor's degree at a college or university), meaning that it takes 16 years to complete secondary and undergraduate education.

The admissions committee will need to see excellent academic results and high grades — in the American system, this means no lower than a B average for all core courses in the bachelor's program. You can always get additional advice on converting your grades to equivalent scores in the American system. Relevant work experience in your field of study will also make a positive impression. And, of course, you must be confident in your high level of English, both spoken and written.

As everywhere else, specific admission requirements may vary, but there are general rules, and we strongly recommend that you follow them.

First, you should thoroughly research the entrance exams and the required level of knowledge and preparation that all students must meet. For example, you may need some specialized knowledge in business disciplines, which you will study in more detail later. Fill out the application form carefully (nowadays, most schools and universities allow you to do this online); check for a possible application fee, which is required to cover the cost of reviewing your application and documents.

To apply for an MBA, you must already have a bachelor's degree with the relevant attachments (the higher your GPA, the better). In addition, you must have practical work experience: prepare a competent resume, references, and letters of recommendation from your employers, business partners, colleagues, managers, and subordinates.

Usually, MBA applicants are required to take qualifying tests as part of the entrance exams: most often the GMAT, sometimes the GRE (keep in mind that their results are valid for 5 years after taking the test). An essay written by the applicant is attached to it, in which the student talks about themselves, their strengths and merits, their goals and achievements. Of course, foreign applicants must demonstrate a sufficiently high level of English (usually a TOEFL certificate is required) and pass a personal interview.

Theoretically, yes, but competition for medical specialties is very, very high: on average, less than 50% of American applicants and less than 3% of foreign applicants are accepted for training, with most of the latter having obtained a bachelor's degree in the USA. This is because medical schools (especially private ones) are largely funded by state taxpayers, so institutions try to accept only citizens of their own state. Some regions support the initiative to provide medical education only to American citizens, but fortunately, this rule has not yet been enshrined in law.

This exam is mandatory for you if you are a foreign citizen and English is not your native language. The exception is students who have already received an education in English in any other country.

Usually, a special form called “Declaration and Certification of Finances” or written confirmation of financial support is used, which is attached to the package of documents being sent. The main thing is that they must be signed by your parents or other sponsors of your education and certified by a lawyer or your bank. You need to keep a copy of this document — it is also submitted to the consulate for a student visa. At a minimum, you must have the funds to pay for the first year of study (this rule applies to schools), but you usually need to confirm that you have funds for the entire period of study.

If you are applying for financial aid, a grant, or a scholarship at a college or university, indicate in advance the amount you are expecting to receive — it will be too late to clarify this after admission. Universities will only issue a certificate and invitation (which must be submitted when applying for a visa) if you accurately and correctly indicate a reliable source of full funding for your education.

Typically, American medical schools offer a four-year program leading to an MD degree. Applicants must provide proof of a bachelor's degree (preferably from an accredited American university). You must complete the required number of hours of study in mathematics, social sciences and humanities, as well as behavioral sciences, chemistry, and biological disciplines. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic and language skills, experience working in volunteer organizations, and successfully pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

Every year, the Association of American Medical Colleges publishes a special guide to the best medical schools in the country, which includes rankings, useful information on admission, and statistics.

In order to practice in the country, all graduates of medical schools and colleges, both American and international, must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a first degree in the field from an institution accredited by the Committee on Medical Education
• Complete postgraduate medical education
• Pass licensing exams, the standards for which are set separately for each state.

Postgraduate practice for US doctors usually consists of a residency (a period of clinical practice). To enter this stage, you will have to pass a very competitive selection process, in particular, complete a certified program administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). For many foreigners who have obtained medical degrees outside the United States, it is nevertheless easier to get into residency than into the first professional course.

After passing the relevant exams and receiving ECFMG certification, you can apply for a residency position in the department of your choice — applications are usually accepted in September and October. 

Let's take a closer look at the Medical Licensing Test. There are several stages:

• Step 1 (first level) can be taken at accredited centers around the world. The exam lasts 8 hours and is conducted on a computer. The task is to select the only correct answer. The basics of all medical sciences are tested: interdisciplinary topics, anatomy, behavioral psychology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Step 2 CK (second level), or Clinical Knowledge examination, can also be taken at accredited centers. The exam is also computer-based and takes 9 hours. It focuses on clinical sciences, principles of medical care, diagnostics, and the mechanisms of various diseases.

The Step 2 CS is only taken in the United States, at regional centers, and takes a whole day. The candidate examines 12 patients (15 minutes are allotted for each), must make the correct diagnosis, and compile a Patient Note, a written record of the patient. Not only are your academic knowledge, skills, and level of English assessed, but also your medical history and communication, personal, and interpersonal skills.

In general, yes, this is possible — many institutions allow students to start their studies in the middle of the semester, for example, in January or March. The exact dates depend on how the academic year is divided — into trimesters, semesters, or quarters. The deadline for submitting documents is usually 6-8 months before the start of classes.

Yes, you can. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that it will take some time to review your transfer application, so plan your transfer about a year (12 months) before you expect to start studying at the new institution. Check your university or college's transfer catalog — it usually contains complete information about student transfer options.

In general, the transfer process is not very different from the admission process for new applicants — you fill out a new application form, which includes the following information:

• The reason why you want to change educational institutions and chose this particular one — this is perhaps the most important part of the application. Try to explain convincingly why the new college or university is a better fit for you academically.
• A list of courses and academic areas that you have already completed or are currently taking.
• What experience you gained at your previous place of study, what you learned, your results and academic performance, and feedback from your teachers and mentors.

The package of documents for you will be the same as for “new” applicants, including an essay. Keep in mind that many prestigious and highly-ranked colleges and universities set even higher requirements for transfer students than for regular applicants — pay attention to the official statistics published by each institution.

If you have already studied at an American university before transferring, there will most likely be no problem transferring your courses, grades, and credits. However, sometimes the requirements for a particular subject at one institution may not match those at another — for example, they may be more complex or detailed — so be sure to consult with both your “old” and “new” colleges on this issue.

If you have finally decided on your preferred college, you can submit your documents and applications as early as possible (early November) and, accordingly, receive a positive or negative decision on your admission earlier. By December-January (rather than in the spring, like the majority of students), you will know whether you have been accepted or not. To some extent, this gives you a better chance of getting in, as it shows the admissions committee your strong desire to study at this particular institution. This is what is known as early application, or early admission actions.

Before submitting your documents in advance, check all the rules of your chosen college, the rules for reviewing application packages, etc., and ask your tutor for help and advice. Early submission is possible to one college or to several options, if this is possible according to the established admission rules — but if one of the educational institutions makes a positive decision about you, you must immediately withdraw all others. Once you receive an offer of admission, you must pay all admission fees and deposits (no later than May 1).

Some colleges have restrictions on early action — once you submit your application to them, you can no longer apply to other institutions. Be sure to check this with your preferred institution.

The general mandatory tests that all international students must take include English language proficiency exams – IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, you may be offered the following options for testing your knowledge:

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is especially common for master's and doctoral programs, unless they are highly specialized (i.e., not medicine, dentistry, or law). The exam is divided into a General Test and a Subject Test.
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is commonly used in business schools and specialized departments: it allows you to assess the applicant's level of English and evaluate their qualifications in business processes and management.

English language proficiency tests are mandatory – TOEFL and IELTS are accepted. The following tests may also be required:

• SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) assesses critical and analytical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle difficult situations. It also tests math skills and English writing skills.
• SAT Subject Tests are designed to test knowledge in specific areas or subjects, which is why this exam option is one of the most popular among American colleges and universities. Usually, each educational institution sets a list of subjects to be taken and a passing score that you must achieve, but some universities leave the choice of subjects up to the applicant.
• ACT (American College Testing Assessment) tests English language skills, math skills, reading skills, and scientific reasoning skills.

Yes, this practice is very widespread. You can even fill out an application form online on the website of your chosen university — many institutions do not even charge a fee for reviewing documents in this case. This can also speed up the review process, as electronic applications are more convenient to work with.

Of course, yes — each educational institution sets its own deadlines for accepting documents. The more popular and prestigious the university or college, the shorter the application period and the stricter they will be about meeting the deadline. Usually, for American universities, the deadline is set between January and March, with the exception of “early decision” (in November) and additional enrollment in June (if applicable). Some colleges operate on a rolling basis: they accept and reject student applications until the first courses of each major are filled, so you have a chance of being admitted even if you submit your documents after the main admission deadlines.

Remember that you are responsible for ensuring that your documents are delivered to the admissions committee on time, as well as your scores for all entrance exams taken. Send your application package by certified courier mail with official registration, take the time to call the institution you have chosen to confirm that they have received your documents, and keep copies of all files sent (in case the package is lost in transit and you need to send it again urgently).

There are several main sources of funding:

• Payments from the student's home country (place of permanent residence)
• Payments from colleges and universities
• Funding from exchange programs
• Grants from the US government and state agencies
• Various loans and credits.

In the USA, there are several main types of scholarships for undergraduate students:

• Merit-Based Scholarships – awarded for high academic achievement and are not dependent on the student's financial situation
• Need-Based Scholarships – awarded for academic achievement and takes into account the student's financial need, calculated based on personal financial circumstances
• Athletic Scholarships – awarded for outstanding achievements in sports (individual or team).

Indeed, most American colleges and universities (as well as those around the world) ask applicants to include a handwritten essay with their official documents. In it, prospective students talk about themselves, their talents and abilities, goals, and achievements. Reading the essay helps the admissions committee understand how promising the applicant is and how well the educational institution meets their requests and needs. Some set several basic questions that must be answered in the essay, while others adhere to an “open-ended” policy. The essay provides an opportunity to learn personal information about you that cannot be found in the list of official figures, scores, list of subjects, etc. In addition, the essay provides an opportunity to understand how well you can accurately formulate your thoughts and judgments, draw conclusions, assess your organizational and writing skills, and understand whether the specialty you want to study is right for you. In your essay, you should demonstrate loyalty and courtesy, curiosity, broad-mindedness, and maturity of thought.

We recommend that you start writing your essay in advance: this will give you time to evaluate it objectively, revise any parts and paragraphs, formulate your thoughts more precisely, and ensure that it is logical and coherent. Here are some general tips on what to do:

• If you have a list of questions, try to stick to it and answer the questions as clearly and to the point as possible.
• If you are describing a specific case, event, or achievement, describe it in detail, focusing even on minor details, and make it as appealing as possible.
• If there are unusual circumstances that have influenced your life, successes, or choice of academic path, explain them and give your own assessment.
• It would be useful to show your essay to other people to avoid possible mistakes due to “blurred vision.”

What not to do:

• Any dishonesty, deception, evasiveness, or concealment of facts.
• Exclusively positive facts — this may indicate your bias and desire to “whitewash” yourself in the eyes of the admissions committee.
• Providing a very limited set of information — use the essay to its fullest to convince the admissions committee of your talents and abilities.
• If the educational institution asks for more personal information and details about yourself, do not refuse, expand your letter.
• Writing your essay literally on the eve of the day you send your documents, dragging out the writing process until the last day of the deadline.

Admissions committees value honesty, candor, and openness above all else — try to give yourself a truthful description while emphasizing your strengths and merits. Your essay is what sets you apart from other students: it should prove that you are the most suitable candidate for a place on your chosen course.

Such institutions exist, but they are very few. The strategy of reviewing documents, exam results, and interviews without regard to the student's ability to pay for their education is called need-blind admission. This scheme is usually used by very prestigious, large, and highly ranked universities that are able to offer some financial relief — but you must eloquently demonstrate your outstanding academic, athletic, and cultural potential, have strong social work and community life skills, and possess excellent erudition and breadth of knowledge. Below are a few examples of such universities:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Williams College
• Amherst College
• Princeton University
• Stanford University
• Middlebury College
• Yale University

Yes, American colleges and universities always take this factor into account. Be sure to mention this in your application and essay, describe the projects you have worked on, share your impressions and results, and explain how this has influenced your future goals and priorities. Ideally, your active participation in school life should be supported by letters of recommendation and references written by your principal, homeroom teacher, and other teachers. An active civic stance and social work can give you a significant advantage over other students and may also be grounds for awarding you a scholarship or other type of financial aid.

Yes, Sport Scholarships do exist – they are awarded to students for outstanding achievements in any sport (but there are certain restrictions, so you can check the details at your chosen university). The process of applying for and receiving a scholarship is quite complicated and time-consuming: you will need to provide all kinds of evidence of your achievements (athlete card and profile, photos and videos, recommendations from your coach, reviews from your teammates, etc.).

Foreigners can only take advantage of this opportunity if they have a US citizen guarantor (co-signer): the guarantor undertakes to cover all expenses and repay the loan if the student is unable to do so in the future.

It is best to look for loan opportunities in your home country, as it is incredibly difficult to find a guarantor among US citizens. You can also check the list of universities offering scholarships to foreigners or inquire about the possibility of receiving financial aid at your chosen institution.

Universities award scholarships for one year only, with the possibility of renewal for the entire period of study (this is possible if the student continues to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement). In general, scholarships are reallocated each academic year: academic, athletic, and creative achievements, social work, recommendations from teachers and coaches, as well as the overall financial situation of the university (which, of course, may vary depending on the situation in the country and other external economic factors) are taken into account.

Today, more than 350 colleges and universities in the United States offer this opportunity: there are grants of $20,000 per year and scholarships of more than $40,000 per year, including for foreign students. A full scholarship usually covers both tuition and living expenses (under basic conditions). There are specialized education centers in the US that put together special newsletters with info on current grants and scholarships. The centers get this info directly from official college and university reps and share it with all interested students — you can also sign up for these newsletters.

But keep in mind that competition for such grants and scholarships is incredibly high—your competitors will include both Americans and foreign citizens. At a minimum, you must have excellent English language skills at the native speaker level and outstanding academic performance that sets you apart from other students and applicants.

It is best to check specific requirements directly with a representative of your chosen institution to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information. You will need to fill out a financial aid application form: this document must be submitted to the relevant department by the financial aid deadline. Many universities use the standard CSS Profile form developed by the American organization College Board, but some universities use their own form – be sure to check this with your chosen institution.

No, all English language programs must be financed by the students themselves.

Your chances increase slightly when applying to private universities, but state universities also provide assistance to foreigners — in this situation, everything depends on the specific choice of institution. For example, some state institutions treat foreigners as state residents and offer discounts on tuition. This allows you to significantly reduce your expenses, as the cost of studying at public universities is usually lower than at private ones. However, financial aid is mainly given to state residents and American citizens, as they are taxpayers and cover part of the institution's operating costs. Private universities have more additional contributions, donations, and grants at their disposal, so they have more opportunities to finance students, including foreign ones.

Yes, there are a number of colleges and universities that award research grants to undergraduate students. These grants are typically limited to $4,000–5,000, which is a small amount, especially compared to grants for graduate students.

This question should be clarified with the specific educational institution you have chosen. Usually, you will need to take the TOEFL and SAT Reasoning tests, as well as the SAT Subject tests (the latter are required by particularly prestigious and highly ranked universities). There is no set minimum score, but we recommend aiming for 100 points on the TOEFL iBT and 600-700 points on each section of the SAT Reasoning.

No, this is not a definitive reason for denying you financial support, scholarships, or grants. Please note the types of payments that do not depend on students' financial circumstances: Merit-Based scholarships (for academic achievements), Sport/Athletic scholarships (for sporting achievements), Music scholarships (for achievements in music and the arts).

Yes, the US government sponsors similar exchange programs in some countries around the world. We recommend contacting the US Embassy or the US State Department (at your nearest office). According to the latest information, the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) is available for high school students, and the Global Ugrad Exchange Program is available for students in their first to third years of university.

It depends on the fund you choose, but in general, this is quite rare. If you do decide to try, look for funds of a similar type and colleges that offer full funding for students. Be sure to check the requirements for applicants, as well as the deadlines for submitting documents to receive a grant, scholarship, or other type of financial aid.

A US student visa allows you to work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic semester (during holidays, this limit increases to 40 hours per week), provided that the International Office at your university has given you permission to do so. However, when submitting your financial form and application, you cannot indicate this type of income as a way to cover your tuition costs — on-campus work is not considered a reliable source of funding. Even if you find relatively permanent work, it will not cover your tuition costs, but will only ease your daily personal expenses. But there is a positive aspect – if the university itself has made you a job offer in advance with a specific salary, this information can be included in the financial form.

We recommend that you objectively consider in advance how much you can afford to pay for education in the United States and how much you are willing to spend on it. Find out if your chosen university provides financial aid for international students. But even if such support programs exist, no one can guarantee that you will receive money — it is impossible to say for sure whether you will receive a scholarship or grant, as such matters are decided on an individual basis. At the same time, if you have already collected most of the amount, it may be easier for the university to give preference to you than to pay the full cost of tuition for someone else.

Transfer students have little chance of receiving full financial aid compared to other students — only a small number of educational institutions offer such benefits and payments.

These institutions provide financial support to their students extremely rarely, in exceptional cases, and even then, most often only from the second year of study. Nevertheless, tuition fees at community colleges are still lower than at standard colleges and universities, so many students prefer to start their studies here and then transfer to the third year of the corresponding university, saving a significant amount of money.

• tuition fees
• accommodation and meals (campus room, dormitory, hostels, apartment rental, etc.)
• medical insurance
• textbooks, books, and materials
• transportation costs (which are incurred on a daily basis)
• personal and pocket money.

We recommend that you start the process of collecting and submitting documents, as well as searching for sponsors and sources of financial aid, as early as possible. Submit your documents to several institutions at once and be sure to find out about their conditions for supporting foreign students, the intricacies and complexities, and the requirements.

A student visa entitles you to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods. There is a constant recruitment of workers for open, available positions, despite the relatively low salary and required qualifications — no student job will be able to pay for your studies, but it will only ease your daily personal and pocket expenses. In addition, if you are studying for a master's or doctoral degree, you will most likely not have that much free time. And, of course, do not forget that when applying for a visa, you cannot indicate potential work on campus as a reliable source of funding.

Almost always no. An exception may be if a student has earned a very large scholarship, roughly equal to the average American salary: this can be done by working, for example, as a teaching assistant at a university. In other cases, family expenses are borne directly by the members of that family.

For MBA applicants, important criteria include practical work experience (3-5 years or more), a well-written, compelling essay, valuable letters of recommendation with good references, and a strong resume highlighting all of the student's strengths and talents.

You need to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are capable of rapid and stable career growth, ready for a gradual expansion of your career responsibilities, and eager to participate in public life. Show that you appreciate the opportunities that your chosen university and major are ready to provide you.

Universities may provide financial assistance to master's students, but in rare cases and to a limited extent. You can obtain more accurate and up-to-date information from the relevant department at your university.

Under the American system, you are eligible for a PhD degree and, accordingly, for direct funding from the university — an assistantship (teaching or research).

To find a research supervisor, you can:

• Review information about professors working in relevant departments at your university.
• Look at professional mailing lists.
• Attend professional conferences in your chosen field.
• Talk to and consult with your colleagues and research supervisors in your home country.
• Consult professional journals and relevant articles.

Of course, you can, and we recommend that you consider this issue in advance so that you have a clear understanding of the requirements for students from various potential sources. For example, some require your final acceptance into the chosen study program: a Conditional Approval from the university would be suitable for you. This means that the student is accepted into the course, but the issue of payment has not been fully resolved (for example, a student loan is being arranged, etc.).

Most likely, you are applying for a place in the most popular continuing legal education program, the LLM (Master of Laws). Since the course is extremely popular, financial aid for its participants is extremely rare, and if it is available, it is minimal: most students take out a student loan, which requires the presence of a co-signer and guarantor. The latter must be a US citizen.

There are two academic exchange courses for students who have already received a higher education in their home country in the field of law: the E. Musk and the Fulbright Foundation's graduate program.

Students in this category almost never receive financial support, so we would not recommend counting on this possibility.

This possibility exists, but financial support for master's students is usually minimal. Most often, universities automatically determine which students are eligible for scholarships by reviewing their application packages, entrance exam and language test results, and grade point averages on their transcripts and diplomas. Additional documents may be required — you can check the exact requirements for applicants at your university directly with the relevant department (or in the Financial Aid section of the university's website).

Usually, financial aid is not provided to master's students, and if it does exist, it is minimal (you will be able to cover your expenses or part of your living and food costs). The choice of a specialization for master's studies therefore depends entirely on your academic requirements and preferences - but keep in mind that when applying for a program in management, you will most likely need to confirm at least three years of practical work experience in your field.

This decision will depend on the specific educational institution. Usually, the highest score is not required, the decisive factor is the average score across all academic disciplines and several priority subjects. The decision to grant you full financial aid also depends on the program you are applying for (Master's or PhD): it will be more difficult for a linguist applying for a PhD to obtain a scholarship than for students in the social sciences, technical sciences, or natural sciences.

Prepare a certificate from your previous university (years of study, amount of scholarships received), as well as documents confirming your parents' pension status (since when they have been pensioners and the amount of their pensions).

This is the minimum requirement for graduate school students, which means that you are (theoretically) eligible for all types of financial aid available to international students. Scholarships are determined based on the age of the students, but each university sets its own criteria and standards.

For master's or doctoral students, assistantships cover the full cost of tuition, accommodation and meals, books and study materials, and often include health insurance, and a small allowance for personal expenses. The cost of assistantships is calculated individually depending on each region, state, and city, as well as the university or college.

All of your reliable financial sources must be listed on the I-20, a university form that you submit in April-May to obtain a US student visa. You must have these documents with you when you attend your personal interview at the embassy or consulate.

Education in the United States is highly competitive: institutions compete for the most talented and gifted students, and students compete for financial aid and scholarships. Financial support is given to the best of the best: admissions committees carefully review all submitted documents, assess how well you can perform, and evaluate your potential for development within an American university.

The main criteria for awarding scholarships in the US are academic achievement (merit-based) and financial need (need-based). The main, key factor is still academic success and prospects, although personal financial need is also taken into account in most cases. If you are enrolled in a postgraduate program (e.g., master's or doctoral), the decision to award a scholarship largely depends on your previous achievements and merits: research, teaching experience, work as an assistant or administrative staff, etc.

Financial questionnaires are submitted together with the main application package. However, it is worth noting that sometimes the deadline for submitting documents is set earlier than the standard one — in December–February. You can obtain detailed up-to-date information from your university.

The main types of payments are the following (including partial and full payments):

• Teaching and Research Assistantships
• Institutionally-Sponsored Loans
• Scholarships
• Tuition Waiver
• Graduate
• Fellowships.

• These are special training programs (usually two years long) sponsored directly by the US government. They are usually master's degree courses or one-year internships (in the latter case, no degree is awarded).
• Private agencies and organizations, corporations, and professional associations interested in expanding international exchange programs, including student exchanges
• Corporations and companies in your home country interested in qualified professionals with American degrees
• Special educational loans (student loans) issued with a US citizen co-signer.

For elementary (kindergarten through 8th grade) and secondary (9th through 12th grade, High School) schools, there are certain restrictions regarding foreign students:

• You cannot attend public elementary schools or adult education programs funded by public organizations.
• The maximum length of study in secondary school is 12 months.
• The full cost of tuition must be paid independently, without any subsidies.
• Only students with an F-1 visa can study.

These restrictions apply to you if you have already studied at an American school, left for your home country, and would like to return (with an F-1 visa), as well as if you want to transfer from a private school to a public school. Students who have obtained a different type of visa (J-2, L-1, M-2, or G-4), as well as F-1 visa holders attending private schools, training courses, or language programs, are exempt from these restrictions.

The full cost of tuition, which foreign students must cover themselves, ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.

It all depends on what kind of educational institution it is, how long you will be studying, where you will be living, and in which state you will be studying. Now let's take a closer look at these points.

High school education in the US is available at both public and private institutions. In the first case, education may even be free, but only if the student studies for no more than a year. Otherwise, the cost of education at a public school will be $4,000-7,000.

Private school tuition costs from $25,000 per year without accommodation and from $40,000 per year with accommodation.

The next level is colleges and universities, higher education. Colleges are different in that they only offer bachelor's degrees. The average price for a year at such a college is $9,000 without accommodation. Accommodation and meals will cost another $12,000. After that, you will receive a certificate of secondary vocational education and, if you wish, you can continue your studies.

Master's and doctoral degrees are only available at universities. You can choose to study at a public or private institution. The cost of tuition for a year at a public institution is $15,000-35,000, and at a private institution, $25,000-40,000 per year, excluding accommodation. Accommodation, meals, and textbooks are usually paid for separately and depend on the chosen university.

There are three types of visas for studying in the United States. The main types are F and M. These visas are suitable for both schoolchildren and students.

• An F visa is required if you plan to study at one of the non-budgetary state institutions: for courses, at a private school, college, or university. Students with this visa can also take optional internships and are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. The main requirement for obtaining this visa is that your studies must take up more than 18 hours per week. Otherwise, you will fall under the tourist visa category. If you plan to study at a public high school, you can also obtain this type of visa. But there are restrictions! You must be in your final years of school (grades 9-12), and your studies must last no more than one year.
• An M visa is required to obtain vocational or any other non-academic education. With this visa, you can stay in the United States for up to one year, plus an additional 30 days to leave the country. This type of visa does not allow you to work.
• Another type of visa is the J visa, a student visa for exchange programs. This type of visa allows not only students to study, but also applies to professionals who are included in cultural and scientific exchange programs. The J visa is a multiple-entry visa and is issued for up to 3 years.

Yes, students who have obtained an F student visa have this option. After completing your studies, you can remain in the country for another 1 to 3 years, depending on your specialization. However, if you are unable to find a job during this period, you will no longer be able to legally remain in the country.

There is another option for staying in the country after completing your studies: enrolling in a postgraduate program. This will allow you to gain an extra year or two.

The next option is marriage. This is probably one of the easiest ways, and you can start working on it while you are still studying. However, it has nothing to do with education.

Yes, you can study for free if you receive a scholarship or grant from a university in the United States.

For example, you can participate in the Fulbright scholarship program. Only citizens of some countries who are permanent residents and have already graduated from a university in the home country with a bachelor's degree are eligible to participate. It does not matter when you graduated. The organizers will pay for the scholarship recipient's tuition, accommodation, transportation, insurance, and will pay a certain amount monthly.

There is a Year program for bachelor's degree holders. Only citizens of some countries who are in their first to third year of study can participate in this program. They will also have their tuition, accommodation, transportation, insurance, and monthly payments covered for one year.

However, scholarships are not given out for free. You must prove to the commission that you are willing to study in order to spread US ideology and culture in your home country after graduation.

Another possible option for free education is an assistantship. This means that you can work as an assistant on campus and, in exchange, receive financial coverage of up to 100% of your tuition.

In the US, there is a practice of private scholarships. This type applies to certain categories of professions or people. For example, the American Association of University Women runs an International Fellowship scholarship program for women only.

Yes, students with an F visa have this opportunity.

An F visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while studying on campus and up to 40 hours during holidays. The main requirement for obtaining such a visa is that the student must study for more than 18 hours per week.

There is also the possibility of a paid internship during your studies — this option is available to students who have already completed one year of study. Usually, such work is off-campus and is a mandatory part of your studies, and must be directly related to your major. An internship can take up to 20 or 40 hours per week. The duration depends on the curriculum.

There is another type of internship — a professional paid internship program. It is not mandatory during your studies and is suitable for both students and graduates. The duration is one year.

Don't forget that you can also work remotely or as a volunteer. The second option will not bring you money, but you will be able to practice your language skills and make useful contacts.

Foreign graduates of American educational institutions have the opportunity to remain in the country. However, to obtain this opportunity, it is necessary to prepare in advance. All those wishing to immigrate to the United States after completing their studies follow a common procedure.

1. First, they must choose the right student visa from several types. The fact is that this permit depends on the study program and can greatly affect future employment.
   • The first and most popular type of student visa for foreign students in the United States is the F-1. To obtain it, you must obtain Form I-20, issued by the educational institution after enrollment in an educational program with an academic load of at least 20 hours per week. This visa has a number of advantages: the right to work (20 hours per week); the possibility of extending your stay in the country for another year (Optional Practical Training program).
   • The second type of student visa is the less popular J-1. It has 15 categories and is issued to students coming to the country on educational exchange programs. Holders of this visa are usually required to return to their home country and work for a certain period of time.
2. Second, try to stay for an internship for about a year. During the internship, it is recommended to look for a job and find a sponsor for future employment.
3. Third, take care of a work visa and work for 3-6 years. To obtain this visa, you need a valid job offer and the employer's (sponsor's) agreement to pay the application fees ($1,500). A work visa for foreign specialists (H-1B) is issued for a period of 3 to 6 years. The procedure for submitting and reviewing work visa applications has quotas and deadlines. As a rule, documents are accepted starting on April 1 of each year, and visas are issued in October. Applications are accepted until the quota is filled, and this period can last from 3 to 300 days.
4. Fourth, become the happy owner of a Green Card, which is valid for ten years.
5. Fifth, obtain US citizenship.

There is no such thing as completely free education in the United States. Unlike American citizens, foreign students can try to obtain free education in several ways.

1. First, look for scholarships or grants for foreign students in educational programs. Then, study the conditions for obtaining them and submit your application.
2. Second, you can find a future employer (sponsor): many companies select specific specialists by posting announcements on university and company websites. Students studying applied subjects are most likely to obtain this type of funding for their education. Applied programs are usually designed for a long period of practical training or extended internships.
3. Thirdly, register on yconic.com, an information resource where foreign students can request funding for their education. In addition, you can find information about scholarships at educational institutions here.

There are certain conditions for receiving scholarships and grants. First of all, before applying for a scholarship, you must go through the admission and enrollment process at a university (college). This requires very high grades on your school transcript, assessed according to the American grading system, as well as good SAT scores for admission. Students who participate in international conferences and demonstrate high academic performance in the natural sciences have a better chance of receiving a scholarship. Successful athletes, including members of university teams in virtually any sport, have an advantage in receiving scholarships.

More detailed information about the conditions and features of obtaining scholarships and grants can be found on the websites of educational institutions and from your educational advisor.

Yes. All students who are eligible to enter the United States are holders of F-1 and M-1 student visas. These visas are issued to students enrolled in academic, language, and professional educational programs.

The first and most popular type of student visa for foreign students in the United States is the F-1. To obtain it, you must obtain Form I-20, issued by the educational institution, after enrolling in an educational program with an academic load of at least twenty hours per week. This visa has a number of advantages:

• the right to work (20 hours per week and 40 hours during vacations);
• the possibility of extending your stay in the country for another year, which is very important for further employment.

However, F-1 visa holders are not allowed to work outside the campus during their first year. After completing their first year, foreign students are allowed to work off-campus part-time.

International undergraduate students mainly work in libraries, cafeterias, and university laboratories, earning an average salary of $10-15 per hour. Master's and doctoral students can work as assistants in departments or for individual professors: they do paperwork in the department and engage in teaching or research work. Assistants' salaries average $20 per hour. It is not easy to get such positions: to become an assistant in a department, you need to study well, pass tests, and submit scientific publications. Students negotiate work personally with professors in their field of study.

Students can also count on paid internships: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students can work for no more than one year at each level of study: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral. Students are only granted permission to work officially outside the university if they can provide documentary evidence of financial hardship. But there is a risk here: the immigration service may send such a student home.

In your case, the best option would be to enroll in a master's program through a Pre-master's preparatory program. Since you are not radically changing your field of study, you have the opportunity to improve your level and enroll in a master's program instead of a bachelor's program. Bachelor's programs are mainly intended for applicants who enroll immediately after graduating from high school.

The most up-to-date information on deadlines and the list of required documents is available on the official websites of the universities. You can also find approximate information on deadlines at stoodnt.com or by contacting our specialist.

Admission to American universities is possible after completing either program. However, the International Baccalaureate course is closer in format to the American high school program, so it will be much easier to enroll in an American university and study in the first year of a bachelor's degree after IB.

As a rule, when applying to Ivy League universities, you must submit an extensive set of documents, including a CV, letters of recommendation, etc. The application process depends on the specific university you have chosen. First of all, you need to check the university's official website for a complete list of documents required for application and familiarize yourself with the deadlines. For master's programs, most universities offer to submit an application through their own electronic portal on the official website. For bachelor's programs, most universities accept applications through the Commonapp portal.

According to Private School Review, in 2021, the average cost of tuition at a private American school was $11,603 per year. The price depends on several factors:

• location of the educational institution (state, city),
• prestige of the school,
• quality of infrastructure and living conditions,
• educational program,
• additional services,
• accommodation (boarding school, host family).

In addition, one should not forget about possible expenses: additional classes in English and other subjects, trips and excursions, creative and sports activities (not always), etc.

Thus, adding up the maximum number of items in the expenses section, we get the average cost of a year of study at a private boarding school in the US — from $30,000 to $100,000.

The cost includes:

• tuition for the selected program,
• help with homework,
• 7 days a week boarding,
• four meals a day,
• leisure activities,
• sports and creative clubs,
• weekend excursions.

The cost of education at private religious schools is slightly lower. Another option for reducing education costs is financial aid from the educational institution, which is provided to outstanding students and families experiencing financial difficulties.

The US school education system is divided into three stages:

• elementary,
• middle,
• and high school.

High school grades can be called High School (9-12) or Senior High School (11-12). Their purpose is to prepare students for admission to colleges and universities not only in the US, but also in any other country. Here, students have more freedom in choosing the subjects they study, based on their goals. In high school, students develop their specialization and decide whether to continue their education and in what direction. American schools offer a wide range of disciplines, where everyone can find something that suits them. Upon completion of high school, students take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and receive a High School Graduation Diploma.

Schools also offer a so-called 13th grade — the Advanced Placement Program. Its purpose is to provide in-depth study of subjects necessary for university education.

Middle school in the United States is the second stage of education, which begins at age 11. Children attend middle school from grades 6 to 8 and study:

• compulsory subjects (math, English, science, physical education, art),
• elective subjects (languages, technology, theater, journalism, etc.).

Distinctive features of middle school:

• The main goal is the comprehensive development of students: academic classes, sports, participation in clubs and interest groups, and community service.
• Classes are held in small groups, which allows each child to receive individual attention.
• Each subject is taught by a different teacher.
• Students can choose between basic or advanced levels (for in-depth study of subjects).
• A credit system is introduced.
• Each student has an individual schedule due to the free choice of additional subjects.
• Regular tests and exams determine the final grade.
• There are no final or transfer exams. A grade of “satisfactory” is sufficient for all subjects.
• Most schools offer a huge number of specialized courses taught at a fairly high level.
• There is a wide selection of foreign languages to study (Chinese, European languages, and even Latin).

One of the main differences between the education systems of some countries and the American system is the length of schooling: American students attend school for 12 years. The US education system is conventionally divided into three stages:

The school year usually begins in mid- or late August. In many schools, children start classes after the first Monday in September, which is Labor Day. The beginning and end of the school year and the vacation period are set directly by the administration of each specific district/state.

About a week before the start of school, all parents receive emails with documents to fill out, and information about the necessary items for the learning process is posted on school websites. Some schools hold a general meeting for parents and students, where they are introduced to the rules of conduct at school, given lists of necessary school supplies, class schedules, and assigned a personal locker number where students will store their textbooks and notebooks.

At the very beginning of the school year, students take a test, the results of which determine their overall level of knowledge. This helps to select individual programs for students, either with additional classes to fill in gaps or advanced classes for children with in-depth knowledge.

Classes in schools start early: at 8 am in elementary school and at 7:30 am in middle and high school.

There are two types of American colleges:

• Two-year colleges, also known as community colleges. These educational institutions are considered a transitional stage between high school and university. There are no entrance exams, so these colleges are popular with international students planning to enroll in an American university. The program lasts two years, after which students can continue their education or find a job. Graduates receive an associate degree (secondary specialized education). Community colleges also offer short programs leading to a certificate or diploma in a specific professional or academic field, general education programs, and advanced training courses for technical specialties. There are about 2,000 such colleges in the United States.
• Four-year colleges are already considered higher education institutions. As the name suggests, the program lasts four years, and to complete the course, students must pass a certain number of credits and exams. Students graduate with a bachelor's degree and have the opportunity to continue their education at a university to obtain a master's or doctoral degree. Each college determines its own goals, specialization, and admission rules.

American schools are divided into several types:

1. Public schools are state-run, free, and only for US citizens or those with a residence permit. Foreign students can study here on an exchange program, but only for one year and after reaching the age of 15. Among public schools, there are:
   • Charter schools — schools that receive funding from the state and voluntary donations from parents (amounts can vary from a few dollars to several thousand dollars). Usually, such educational institutions are founded by an organization or private individual. Every year, schools report to the state on the success of their students, which allows them to receive funding for the next academic year.
   • Magnet schools are schools with specialized programs in technology, mathematics, foreign languages, arts, etc. These are selective educational institutions with high competition for places.
2. Private schools are schools where tuition fees must be paid. They are very popular among foreign citizens. These educational institutions include boarding schools (where children study and live on campus or with a host family seven days a week), day schools (where students live with their parents or guardians), and partial boarding schools (where children spend weekends with their parents). There are educational institutions with separate or co-educational programs.

There are also religious schools (belonging to various denominations), military educational institutions, and institutions specializing in various creative fields in the United States.

Secondary education in the USA lasts 12 years. To obtain a high school diploma, each student must complete three stages:

• Elementary school, which includes grades 1 through 5. Sometimes kindergarten is also included here. Classes are taught by one teacher.
• Middle school (grades 6-8) or Junior High School (grades 7-9) — middle school. Elective subjects are added. According to experts, this level of education is considered the most suitable for foreign students starting their education in the United States.
• High school (grades 9-12) or Senior High School (grades 11-12) — high school. Students prepare for admission to college or university. Most subjects are chosen by the students themselves, based on their future plans. Many schools offer the International Baccalaureate, an international program whose diploma is accepted by almost any university in the world. By starting their education in senior high school, foreign students have an excellent opportunity to prepare themselves well for university and increase their chances of admission.

There is also a 13th grade — Advanced Placement — an in-depth course of study that gives students an advantage when applying to higher education institutions.

Higher education in the USA is divided into three levels: bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The country's universities, both public and private, consist of schools, faculties, colleges, and research centers. Within the walls of these institutions, students of all ages can receive education in various fields, from classical courses to exam preparation.

There are also independent colleges throughout the country that offer higher education, mainly bachelor's degrees and, less commonly, master's degrees (in specialized fields).

If a foreign student wishes to enroll in a US university, they can begin their educational journey by studying at a college (for two years) and obtaining a secondary vocational education (associate degree, certificate, or equivalent). Graduates can then find employment or enroll in their chosen university directly in the third year of a bachelor's program.

The American higher education system includes public and private colleges and universities. Educational institutions provide equally high-quality and relevant education, with the distinguishing feature being the number of courses and programs offered, and sometimes the level of equipment. Universities include schools, colleges, institutes, research and educational centers, and laboratories.

Municipal and technical colleges provide initial vocational education. Students then have the right to enter a university and study for a bachelor's degree starting in their second or third year. Students specialize over a period of four years, studying at a college or university. To obtain a higher medical education, students study at professional graduate schools.

Master's programs in the US have a clear structure: mandatory courses and constant monitoring of students' knowledge. They are divided into two areas.

1. The first, Academic Master's, involves in-depth study of a subject area and preparation for scientific work. After completing the course, students write a thesis.
2. The second track, Professional Master's, provides students with professional skills and internships at companies. This is a more applied option.

Doctoral studies in the country consist of several stages.

1. In the first years, students study compulsory and optional subjects.
2. Then, a research topic is approved and an abstract is written for it.
3. Upon completion, there is a presentation of the research work and an oral defense.

The country's higher education institutions are among the best in the world in terms of quality and prestige of education.

After graduating from high school, graduates can enroll in an undergraduate program at a college in the country and receive an education for two years. Students then have the right to transfer directly to the second or third year of a university.

1. To obtain a bachelor's degree, it is necessary to study at colleges and universities in the United States for four years. Students study theory and often immediately undergo internships at companies.
2. In master's programs, students study for 1-2 years and write a thesis at the end of their studies.
3. To obtain a scientific degree (doctorate), students must write a research paper. The program lasts 3-6 years.

Students from other countries have the opportunity to enroll in almost any university course (depending on their initial training). Master's and doctoral programs enable young people to acquire relevant knowledge and build a successful career.

Universities in the country accept students from the age of 17. It is necessary to start looking for information on the rules and deadlines for admission requirements 1.5 years before enrollment and register in the online system to submit an application to the chosen university. You also need to:

• Prepare for tests and pay the mandatory fees
• Start choosing a university (preferably 3-5 options — your top choices and backups) and a study program a year in advance
• Gather complete information about universities and start writing your motivation letter
• Check the application deadlines and the document review procedure
• Take the required tests

The main admission process begins 10-12 months in advance:

• Request forms from the university, fill them out, and submit an official application
• Resolve all financial issues related to your studies (bank statement, sponsorship, scholarship, or grant)
• Receive responses and decide which university to attend
• Confirm your decision with the university.

A bachelor's degree is the first level of of higher education in the USA. The duration is 4 years, depending on the student's initial preparation and chosen specialty.

• In the first 2 years of study, students study general subjects: art, science, literature, history, and humanities.
• By the third or fourth year of study, students must decide on a major and complete a certain number of courses in their chosen field.

Some higher education institutions offer the opportunity to obtain a second major, but students must take additional courses to do so. Teachers help students decide on their study programs and other related issues.

A bachelor's degree is highly valued and allows graduates to find well-paid jobs in their profession. If they wish, graduates can continue their education at the university in master's programs.

The duration of study at American colleges is 2-4 years. There are two types of educational institutions: Junior Colleges and Community Colleges. Some students prefer to transfer to a university for a bachelor's degree program after two years of study.

The term “college” in the United States refers to various types of educational institutions: high school, vocational college (2 years), municipal college (2 years), and educational institutions (institutes) offering bachelor's degree programs. Their graduates can find employment or enroll directly in the 2nd or 3rd year of a university.

To become a college student, foreign students often need to complete a special preparatory program.

Colleges can be either independent educational institutions or part of a university. Local students study at public colleges, while foreign students more often study at private colleges, which have easier admission requirements, lower tuition fees than universities, high-quality education, and a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 10. Graduates of American colleges are highly skilled and sought-after professionals who can build successful careers and find high-paying jobs (especially in applied, practice-oriented fields).

Specialties related to high technology, medicine, IT, mathematics, manufacturing, and engineering are currently in high demand both in the US and worldwide. Lectures at universities are given by leading experts in their fields, including Nobel Prize winners. Universities work closely with manufacturers, factories, and companies that are engaged in the development of innovative technologies. Almost every university has research laboratories, which allows students to apply their knowledge in practice. US universities have excellent facilities and vast resources thanks to sponsors and support funds.

Prestigious universities that provide the most elite education are members of the Ivy League. Graduates are the future of the country, influential politicians, businesspeople, and successful individuals who are part of the highest echelons of society in the country and around the world:

• Harvard University
• Princeton University
• Yale University
• Columbia University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Cornell University
• Brown University
• Dartmouth College.

The following universities are also popular:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• California Institute of Technology (CalTech)
• University of Chicago
• University of California
• Los Angeles (UCLA)
• New York University (NYU).