Undergraduate Programme
For admission to an undergraduate course in the US, a minimum of twelve years of education is the required qualification. Students pursuing the Indian Certificate School Examination (ICSE) have an advantage as the system is similar to the British System and it is easy to interpret for the US colleges. In case of CBSE and State Boards the student may have to communicate course contents, level of study etc., to the university.
Colleges and Universities in the US conduct tests to help evaluate applicants and place them in appropriate courses. These standardised tests are conducted by the
'Education Testing Service' an organization in USA, at various designated centres throughout the world including India. A student has to register himself for these tests and take them on his own expense. The test scores are sent to the students automatically and they may also request that the scores be reported to the college/university to which admission is sought.
The Scholastic Aptitude Test or SAT is meant for those seeking admission in undergraduate program after completion of 12 years of school education. The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly known as the SAT I test) is a standardized test that measures the critical thinking skills you will need for academic success in college. It is a three-hour mainly multiple choice test divided into three sections - Critical Reading, Writing and Math. Almost all colleges in the US require your SAT score in order to evaluate your application.
The SAT Subject Tests (formerly known as the SAT II tests), are multiple choice tests that measure your knowledge in particular subjects. Some of the subjects tested are: Math, Biology, Physics, English Language Proficiency, History, etc. Some colleges require or recommend that you to take the SAT II subject tests if you are applying for specific programs related to the subject.
Collegeboard is the official administers of the SAT tests. They set the test, conduct the tests and send score reports to each college. Visit their web site www.collegeboard.com for detailed information on each of the tests, study tips and other important information regarding the tests.
TOEFL
Test Of English A Foreign Language is a Standardized test that evaluates the English Proficiency of people whose native language is not English. Nearly 2400 education institutes in the United States and Canada require TOEFL scores from each applicant. The TOEFL tests the ability of the student to understand and speak English. It is administered as a computer based test. Although a lot of schools look at your SAT score (the verbal section) as a good indicator of your language ability, you have to take the
TOEFL.
In India, the "Sylvan Testing Services India Pvt. Ltd" administers the test. The TOEFL is held all year round i.e. Monday to Friday, and you can pick the time slot you want as long as you register early. You have to register at least three days in advance. The test fee is $ 130. When you register for the TOEFL you also have the option of sending four free score reports - take advantage of this as each additional score report is an extra $15!
The test has four sections - Listening, Structure Reading, and Writing and lasts around four hours. It helps to take a few tests before to familiarize yourself with the format, however most people don't require any extra assistance with this test unless their English proficiency is very weak.
Application Procedure
The entire process of applying to a university/college in the US can be broadly divided into the following stages:
The first stage is the Pre-Application Form stage where an aspirant gathers information on the various colleges/universities where he intends to apply. Most information is available on the Internet - even application forms can be downloaded from the net.
Candidates can simultaneously apply for the standard tests, which are to be taken (SAT, TOEFL, GRE etc) for getting admission in the desired program. Filling up of the application form, received from the colleges/universities would be the next stage. It requires immense care to fill up these forms since any wrong entry or even an untidy form can cost the candidate his chance of getting admission, despite a bright academic career and good scores in the standard tests.
The application forms generally seek information on the following areas: Academic profile including scores in the standard tests. A personal profile - in the form of a statement of purpose and sometimes a resume. The personal statement is written in form of an essay bringing out the areas of strengths and weaknesses as well as any special abilities that the candidate has. The third main area would be furnishing of documents, such as letters of recommendations, evidence of financial capability etc. Usually institutions require two letters of recommendations and some may also provide the format. A candidate would also have to give evidence (bank statement, letter from guarantor etc.) of his financial capability to bear the expenses involved in doing the course. Candidates who are able to afford the expenses, especially for the undergraduate courses, are preferred.
It is important to note that colleges/universities take fairly a long time to finalize admissions, however most of them accept additional information like improved test score etc., after the application deadline. It is very important to apply early and also to give a positive picture of oneself in the application. The 'personal statement' and 'statement of purpose' should be written carefully so that they are impressive and are able to bring out areas of academic interests of the candidate as well as the reason for his choosing the college for pursing the particular course. After submission of the application a candidate may receive a regret or a wait-list status or a letter of acceptance from the college. Some universities may even seek a personal interview with the candidate. Along with letter of acceptance the college would also send Form I-20. After evaluation, in exchange of Form I-20 the US embassy would issue the Visa.
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