Free Web Hosting by Netfirms
 Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms


Study in U.S.A - Answers to all your questions!
 This Page comes to you courtesy of Dhaka Cafe.

Disclaimer: This material is complied and copy righted by Dhaka Café and Dhaka Café is the sole owner of this information. Any reproduction or plagiarism of this material will be prosecuted. However you are most welcome to provide a link to any page of Dhaka Café. Dhaka Café does not guarantee the correctness of this information. ©2000 Dhaka Café All Rights Reserved.

If you are planing to study in the US you may be looking for the answers to the follwing questions.
 


If you can't find the answer to your question here then e-mail us (studyinUSA@dhakacafe.com) with your question, be specific and we will try to answer it and add it to our list of questions.
 

How do I pickthe university I should attend?

In the U.S. there are a couple of thousands of Universities, choosing the right University for your needs is an essential step to a successful future career. All universities do not offer degrees in every major. University reputation also differs for different majors. For example some universities are more recognized for a certain major than other.  You should have a general idea of what major you would like to pursue then consult the web for rankings and information. A good website is http://www.usnews.com . Then visit the web pages of the institutions them selves, look for things like 1. Number of Students,  2. Location, 3. Student: Faculty ratio, 4. Percentage of international students.  5. Facilities offered. 6. Housing regulations. 7. Scholarships and financial aid offered. Keep in mind you will be living here for 2-5 years depending on whether you are coming for an undergraduate or graduate degree.  If you do not have web access,  look for books on universities like Peterson’s Guide.  The costs of universities also differ.
 

How much does ranking matter for an Undergraduate degree?

This depends on your perspective. The fact is as an undergraduate you are less likely to have to use a lot of the expensive equipment and lab facilities. Universities in the U.S. are ranked not only on academic reputation but at least 10 other major factors, some of which are listed above. So the ranking of a university is not as important for an undergraduate degree as it is for a graduate degree. However one can never underestimate the effect and role graduating from a well-known university can be.
 

What’s better:  a large school or small school?

There is a trade off of going to either; most large schools tend to be well known just because of their size and of course Alumni. However going to a smaller school has the benefits of having a closer contact with your professors where as at a large school you are most likely to get a lot of your education from a TA (teaching assistant). However in most cases you will hear lectures from the Professor.
 

What are the SAT and TOEFL exams? Do I have to take them?

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) are both required by most universities in the U.S. The TOFEL is a must for those whose mother tongue is anything other than English. The SAT is a recognized standardized test that most universities use for admission, deducing financial aid and academic scholarships. Doing well on these exams can be very positive especially for foreign students. Check the application material to find out exactly what tests are required for the University you are applying too. Some universities also require ACT and SATII subject (chemistry, physiscs, biology etc) tests.
 

When should I take the SAT and TOEFL exams?

Try to take them at the latest before you send off your applications. If you plan to take these tests at a near date after your application has been sent off make sure you write your date of test on the application and indicate that you have requested an official copy to be sent to the University from the testing agency. A lot of universities have no objection to that as long as they receive your test scores within reasonable time.
 

What about the GRE or GMAT?

These tests are equivalent to the SAT for students seeking graduate admission to an U.S. institution. GRE is required for most Science and Technology majors while the GMAT is required for Business related majors.
 

Can I get a scholarship or financial aid to ease my expenses?

Many universities in the U.S. offer scholarships, which depend on academic performance or financial aid, which depends on your financial status and your eligibility, however getting substantial aid is very difficult especially in the undergraduate level. A lot of universities offer partial scholarships, which help, but very few full scholarships and funding are even available. However if you are applying for graduate studies you may be able to get a research or teaching assistantship (RA or TA). In most cases a RA or TA pays for your tuition and also provides a monthly stipend which can be used toward your living and personal expenses. The amount of monthly stipend depends on the University type of assistantship and your advisor in the case of an RA. Undergraduate aid is more available from private universities than State funded ones, so that maybe one thing to look into before you select your institution.
 

Can I work in the U.S while I am enrolled in school? How much can I work?

Yes you are allowed to work on-campus 20 hours/week while enrolled full time for a degree. The definition of on-campus is that the University that you are attending must issue your paycheck not any other company.
 

What kind of job can I get on campus?

Most schools offer students jobsin the library, cafeteria, offices, resident assistant in a dormitory, tutoring, and computer labs.
 

How much can I earn per hour working on campus?

The minimum wage in the U.S. is currently $5.15/hour. Most on campus jobs start at minimum wage and go up $12/hour, the rate depends on the work etc. The rates here are an example; one may earn more.
 

Is it possible for me to support myself and pay my tuition with a part time job in U.S while studying?

Realistically this is extremely difficult. From the hourly wage rates you can figure out your earning and your cost – do the math and you will find it is impossible.
 

Am I permitted to work anywhere I like?

No. As a foreign student on F-1 student visa you are only allowed to work on campus while enrolled full time. However if you are doing a co-op or internship authorized by your university then you may work for the company that you are authorized for.
 

Can I work full time in the summer?

Yes you may work full time on campus or off campus with authorization (from INS or your institution) during the summer.
 

Do I need to apply for a Social Security number?

If you are planning to work part time then you must have a social security number. Many states also require a social security number if you are applying for a drivers license. If none of these circumstances apply to you then you need not have one, however your institution will probably assign an identification number in the format of a social security number.
 

What is a co-op?

A co-op is a job that gives you experience in your field of education. Most schools require a full year of co-op to be able to get the credits. This kind of experience before graduation is very helpful and can be the trick to landing your self a good job on graduation. Work experience is considered extremely valuable here and student graduating with co-op or internship experience usually fare better in the job market than a fresh graduate without any experience. Co-ops usually pay an hourly or monthly salary and are done on alternate semesters. This is a great way of both getting experience and legally earning money off campus while you are a student. Foreign students require school approval and INS notification before they can do a co-op. Different schools have varying regulations in terms of co-ops so make sure you inquire into the details before you co-op. (For example some schools require that your last semester cannot be on co-op.)
 

What is an internship?

An internship is usually referred to as work experience in your field of study for the duration of one semester. Usually students tend to do interns over the summer. Some universities do not allow foreign students to do internships you must inquire with your department and school for their regulations. Some internships do not pay compensation for the work experience, so make sure you do your home work before you accept the offer to an internship.
 

I have admission and visa, what should I not forget to bring with me to the U.S.?

Make sure you bring your immunization papers and documentation. This is very important if you do not have them with you most institutions will require you to get them on arrival. Also bring your medical history with you especially if you have a medical condition and a few weeks of supply of prescription medicine if you are on medication, as it may take you a few days to find a doctor who can continue treating you. Get a full medical check up before you come.