Overseas Student Consultants Pvt Ltd Pakistan Karachi

Study in USA-Education System and Application Process

Structure of the Education System

Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
High School (Grades 9-12)
Higher Education (Colleges and Universities)

Higher Education in USA

Associate Degrees: Often referred to as ‘Half Bachelors,’ these two-year programs require students to complete between 60-80 credits, depending on the university and curriculum. After successfully earning an Associate Degree, students can choose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.

Bachelor’s Degrees: Students with a 10+2 background are eligible to apply for a Bachelor’s Degree, which typically spans four years. Students generally need to complete around 120-140 credits. Upon successful completion, one can either seek employment or pursue a graduate degree.

Higher Education in USA

Associate Degrees: Often referred to as ‘Half Bachelors,’ these two-year programs require students to complete between 60-80 credits, depending on the university and curriculum. After successfully earning an Associate Degree, students can choose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree.

Bachelor’s Degrees: Students with a 10+2 background are eligible to apply for a Bachelor’s Degree, which typically spans four years. Students generally need to complete around 120-140 credits. Upon successful completion, one can either seek employment or pursue a graduate degree.

Graduate/Master’s Degrees: Unlike Bachelor’s Degrees, these programs are more focused. There are over 4,000 universities and colleges in the USA offering Master’s Degrees, typically lasting 2 years. Students need to complete about 32-36 credits to earn a Master’s Degree.

Ph.D./Post-Doctoral Degrees: These programs are highly research-oriented and typically take between 5-6 years to complete.”

Admission Intakes in the USA

Fall

August-September

  • Most popular intake
  • The application timeline typically starts in October or November of the previous year
  • Offers the most number of courses and scholarships

Summer

  • May/June
  • Least common intake
  • Limited course availability
  • Often for specialized programs or short-term courses

Spring

  • January
  • Second most popular intake
  • The application timeline typically starts in July or August of the previous year

Standardized Tests

  • English Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, DET, PTE
  • Standardized tests for Undergraduate courses: SAT / ACT
  • Standardized tests for Graduate courses:
  • GRE / GMAT

Application Process

List of Documents

  • Passport copy
  • 10th Certificate
  • 12th Certificate
  • Graduation Degree Individual Mark sheets – Transcripts
  • Graduation Degree Consolidated Mark sheet – Transcripts
  • Graduation Degree Provisional Certificate
  • Graduation Degree Certificate(OD)
  • SAT / ACT – Scores (FOR UG)
  • TOEFL / IELTS / PET / DET – Scores
  • GRE / GMAT Scores – Scores (FOR PG)
  • 3 Recommendation Letters
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • Financial Documents (Bank Balance Certificate)
  • Affidavit of Support from the Sponsor

The Process

  • Submit the application (online or paper) along with all required materials before the deadline.
  • The university will evaluate academic transcripts and standardized test scores.
  • A Letter of Acceptance will be issued.
  • Submit financial and other immigration documents to request an I-20.
  • The I-20 will be issued.
  • Student then needs to file for a visa
  • Turn Around time for issuance of LOA is around 4-6 weeks

Financial Requirement

To obtain an I-20 form from a U.S. university, you must provide proof of financial support to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least one academic year. Typical documents include:

1.Bank Statements: Recent statements (dated within the last three months) showing sufficient funds, including the bank’s letterhead, account holder’s name, account number, and current balance in local currency and USD.

2.Affidavit of Support: A notarized affidavit from a sponsor (preferably parents) stating their commitment to cover your expenses and detailing their relationship to you.

3.Educational Loan Letter: A fully sanctioned educational loan letter.

4.Some universities may have their own financial forms to be completed and submitted along with these documents.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

The average tuition fee

Undergraduate – $15,000- $25,000 per annum

Graduate – $15,000- $22,000 per annum.

Merit-based scholarships available at most universities

Cost of Living:

Living expenses will differ from place to place in USA. The approximate monthly living expense will be in the range of $1000-$1200 (Off Campus)