Thinks you need to know (USA)

Studying in the USA: A Complete Guide for Undergraduate Students

This article is especially helpful for undergraduate students who wish to pursue the United States as their study destination. Studying in the USA requires early planning, strong academic preparation, and a clear understanding of the application and visa process.

Undergraduate Intakes in the USA

There are two major intakes for undergraduate studies in the USA:

1. Fall Intake

• Begins in August
• Most popular intake
• Offers the widest range of courses, universities, and scholarship opportunities

2. Spring Intake

• Begins in January
• Fewer course options compared to Fall intake

There is also a Summer Intake, but very few universities accept students during this period, and course availability is limited. Therefore, most students prefer Fall or Spring intake.

The application process for the USA generally takes up to one year, so students are strongly advised to begin preparation at least 12 months in advance.

English Proficiency and Standardized Tests

An English proficiency test is mandatory when applying to US universities. Accepted tests include:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE (and other equivalents, depending on the university)

The SAT is optional, but students who aim for a competitive application and scholarships are encouraged to prepare for and submit SAT scores. Strong SAT results significantly improve admission chances and open doors to better scholarship opportunities.

Step 1: University and Course Selection

The first step is choosing the right university and undergraduate program based on academic background, career goals, and budget. Once this is finalized, an education consultancy or the student can begin the application process.

Required documents typically include:

• Academic transcripts
• English proficiency test scores
• SAT scores (optional but recommended for competitive applications)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from school or college teachers/professors
• Personal essay or statement
• Other supporting documents

All documents are submitted through the Common Application (Common App) platform before the application deadlines.

Common Application (Common App)

The Common App is the primary platform used to apply to undergraduate programs in the USA. Many US universities prefer or require applications through this platform.

Key features of the Common App:

• Students must create an account to apply
• Essays and Letters of Recommendation are submitted through the app
• Students can apply to 20 or more universities using a single application
• It acts as the central hub for the entire undergraduate application process

Step 2: Admission Decisions and I-20 Request

After submitting applications, students begin receiving admission decisions (acceptances). Once a student confirms the university they wish to attend, they must request an I-20 from that university.

The I-20 is an official document required to apply for a US student visa.

Scholarships and Profile Strength

Students with a strong academic and extracurricular profile are given higher priority for scholarships. A competitive application includes:

• Strong grades and transcripts
• SAT scores
• Well-written essays
• Quality Letters of Recommendation
• Early application submission

Applying early increases the chances of receiving better scholarship offers and provides more university options. However, even students who apply later can still receive admission and a visa; early application simply offers more advantages.

Important Timeline Considerations

• During December, many US universities are on holiday, so responses such as I-20 issuance or email replies may be delayed.
• Patience is required during this period.
• Continuous research is essential—the more a student researches universities and programs, the better decisions they can make.

Step 3: Visa Process for the USA

Financial documents are not required during the initial application stage. These are needed only after receiving admission and the I-20.

Once the I-20 is received, students must:

1. Complete the DS-160 form
2. Pay the required visa fees
3. Book a visa appointment
4. Attend the visa interview

After visa approval, students must:

• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Book flight tickets
• Prepare for departure

Final Note

Studying in the USA is a competitive but rewarding process. Strong preparation, early planning, and a well-developed student profile significantly improve admission and scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to research thoroughly, prepare documents carefully, and remain patient throughout the process to achieve successful outcomes.