Many Nepalese students aspire to further their education in the United States. The United States, which is often seen as the leader of the free world, has a plethora of top-ranked educational institutions and universities that offer internationally recognized degrees.
The United States, the nation of dreams and chances, provides high-quality educational possibilities for students from all over the world. The United States has monopolized the attention of most study abroad seekers, whether it is for the quality of education or the professional prospects after graduation. Let’s look closely at the world’s most popular higher education destination.
Study in USA – Educational System Of The United States
Nepal and the United States education systems have some resemblance and contrasting features. In Nepal, for example, we have 3-years and 4-year bachelor’s programs. Bachelor’s degrees in the United States, on the other hand, last no less than four years. As a result, it is critical to comprehend the American educational system and determine your place within it.
High School
Our educational system in Nepal uses “board exams”, in which students undertake the same tests conducted by a board of education or a university. The SLC board exam is administered in Nepal at the end of grade ten.
The SLC, also known as the “iron gate”, is highly regarded. Students usually enroll in a Plus Two, A-Levels, PCL, or Intermediate level program after SLC.
In the United States, high school comprises grades nine to twelve. Further, every school is autonomous, and pupils in the United States do not take board exams.
A student who has finished Plus Two, A-levels, Intermediate Level, PCL, or a similar program can be compared to a high school graduate from the United States system.
Undergraduate Studies
In Nepal, we had a two-year bachelor’s curriculum. Many 3-year bachelor’s programs, 4-years bachelor’s programs, and even longer ones are now available. Bachelor’s degrees in the United States, on the other hand, are classified as “Undergraduate” programs.
In the United States, students who have completed twelve years of education are entitled to enroll in undergraduate programs. Each of the four years of bachelor’s studies is given a name: freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.
The associate’s degree is another type of undergraduate education available in the United States. A community college associate’s degree is a two-year program. Community colleges usually serve the local area in which they are located.
The cost of a year of college tuition is usually substantially cheaper than the cost of a year of education at a four-year college. Students who pursue an associate’s degree can transfer to a four-year institution or university in the United States to pursue a bachelor’s degree after graduation.
As a result, students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in the United States have two choices. They have the option of enrolling in a community college and then transferring to a four-year bachelor’s program. These two possibilities should be carefully considered by students.
You may discover that attending a community college is less expensive, but scholarships are sometimes tough to come by after you transfer to a four-year institution. Additionally, community colleges may lack housing, forcing students to reside off-campus.
Graduate Studies
In Nepal, we have post-graduate degrees and M.Phil. that are unavailable in the United States. In the United States, master’s and doctoral studies are both referred to as “Graduate” studies. A master’s degree typically takes two years to complete after completing a four-year bachelor’s program, while a Ph.D. takes four to eight years to complete.
Why should you study in the United States?
Students opt to study in the United States for a variety of reasons. Quality, choice, and value are a few amongst them.
Quality
The United States has some of the best schools and universities in the world. They are known for its high-quality programs, teachers, facilities, and resources all around the world. Accreditation systems for higher education in the United States are in place to ensure that quality requirements are met.
Choice
The United States higher education system offers the most diverse range of institutions, academic and social settings, entry criteria, degrees, and subjects of study in the world. In the United States, there are currently over 4,000 institutes for higher education.
Value
If you think of a degree from the United States as an investment in your future, it’s a wonderful deal. College fees vary greatly, and some outstanding scholarships are available from colleges and universities.
Prerequisites For Studying in the USA
Studying in the United States of America is a huge decision, and you should think about whether it’s right for you. Consider the following elements, which we refer to as prerequisites for studying in the US, to see if you’re a good fit.
Studying in the United States of America is a huge decision, and you should think about whether it’s right for you. Consider the following elements, which we refer to as prerequisites for studying in the US, to see if you’re a good fit.
Funding
It is costly to study in the United States. In the United States, colleges and universities cost between $12,000 and $65,000 annually. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete, a master’s degree takes two years, and a Ph.D. program takes four to eight years. You will need to apply for a scholarship if you do not have this amount of money.
Academic Background
Your prospects of admission and scholarship at US colleges and universities improve if you have an excellent academic record.
English skills
In order to get into the States, it is essential to have a firm grasp of the English language. Students should be able to speak fluent English to get into America.
Standardized Exams
TOEFL is required by most colleges and universities in the United States. SAT or ACT is also essential for some undergraduate programs. GRE or GMAT scores are required for several graduate programs.
Student Visa
This is required for travel to the United States. Learn more about student visas and how to ace your visa interview at USEF’s “Student Visa Info Session.”
Procedures To Apply for United States Colleges and Universities
When we speak to degree-granting institutions delivering higher education in the United States, we use the terms “school”, “college”, and “university” interchangeably. We’ll use the word “college” to keep things simple.
You should be applying to institutions in the United States for 12-18 months before you want to begin your studies. If you are an undergraduate applicant (applying for a bachelor’s degree), beginning your application process in the first semester of Class 12 can help you avoid a gap year between Class 12 and the start of your undergraduate program in the United States. Graduate applicants, such as those seeking a master’s or doctoral degree, should begin their application process 12-18 months in advance.
Why Does Applying to American Institutions Take So Long?
You will need to fulfill each college’s application deadline in addition to carefully researching and selecting universities, preparing for, and taking the standardized exams. Some deadlines are eight or nine months before the start of class, especially for competitive colleges and colleges that provide good scholarships.
The autumn semester (classes begin in August or September) and the spring semester (classes begin in April or May) are the two semesters for which you can apply for admission (classes start in January). Because it is the start of the academic year, all colleges offer admission in the fall.
Spring admissions are not available at all colleges. If you’re looking for a scholarship, October is the best time to apply (generally, not many scholarships are available in spring). The application deadline varies depending on which semester you are applying for and which college you are interested in attending.
#1. Attend a USEF Group Advising session.
These two-hour workshops, generally offered on Friday mornings, teach you everything you need to know about the application process. On Mondays, sign up for the free Group Advising session.
#2. Choose as many colleges to apply to.
Make your decisions using USEF’s library and Internet resources. You must seek for colleges that are a good match for you. Consider factors such as your subject of study, scholarship, cost, location, prospects, competitiveness, and admission requirements as you conduct your research.
Applying to five to ten carefully selected institutions will give you a better chance of acceptance than applying to one or two. You can apply to more than ten universities if you want, but make sure you send quality applications to all of them!
#3. Obtain Application Forms for Colleges.
On the colleges’ websites, you can find application forms. Application forms, as well as eligibility and application requirements, are available for free and are simple to acquire.
#4. Register for the standardized tests and take them.
All students are required to take the TOEFL (some colleges also recognize IELTS), an English language proficiency test.
All undergraduate applicants are firmly to take the SAT (Reasoning Test) or ACT. Both examinations assess your English and math capabilities; the ACT also assesses your science abilities. The SAT Subject Assessments, which are subject-specific tests that demonstrate to U.S. colleges that you have skills in a given subject, are also highly recommended by USEF.
Good SAT/ACT and SAT Subject Test scores will be crucial, especially if you are applying to competitive universities or seeking scholarships. Furthermore, many American institutions demand the submission of a SAT/ACT score in order to be considered for admission. As a result, you should take not just the TOEFL but also the SAT/ACT and SAT Subject Tests.
In addition to TOEFL, USEF suggests that graduate applicants take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test). The GMAT is often taken by students applying for an MBA or comparable degree, while the GRE is taken by all other graduate applicants.
The GRE/GMAT, like the SAT for undergraduates, is not required by all universities, but strong results will increase your prospects of admission and scholarships. It’s best to register at least two months ahead of time to study for these tests; ensure that you set adequate time to prepare.
#5. Send in your college applications.
By the deadline, colleges must have received your entire application.
#6. Once accepted, you get an I-20.
An I-20 includes information about you, the college, and the amount you must pay each year. To apply for a student visa in the United States, you’ll need an I-20.
#7. Applying for a student visa using the finest I-20.
When applying for a student visa at the US embassy in Kathmandu, you will need to identify one I-20.
Nepal’s Best Academic Locations in the United States
All of the well-known institutions are evenly distributed across the United States and may brag about prestigious institutions. The top 100 QS best student cities include cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta.
These cities provide opportunities for foreign exposure, industry engagement while studying, and crucial professional connections, among other things.
The United States is a cosmopolitan country where children can learn about many cultures and lifestyles, allowing them to grow as global citizens. Boston is known as the United States’ student capital, with over 20% of students coming from other countries.
Like any other country, each city has its own set of living expenditures. If students plan their stay and lifestyle carefully, their time in the United States will be both pleasurable and enriching.
Health Care for Nepalese Students In the USA
In the USA, healthcare is a somewhat pricey business. Unfortunately, if you don’t have insurance, getting sick will cost a lot to treat. Consider getting a suitable plan depending on your activities and health unless you are already protected by your spouse’s employer’s insurance or a comparable arrangement.
The government does not require international students entering the United States on an F1 visa to have health insurance. However, the institution you are attending would primarily require it. It is occasionally advised that you buy insurance even if your school doesn’t need you to have it.