How To Apply For A Bachelor Degree in Universities in the USA?

International students who have just finished high school and looking to pursue their studies abroad often have one question in mind "How to apply for a Bachelor Degree in Universities in the USA?". The answer to that lies in several factors that solely depend upon the student's choices and preferences. The basic application process starts with deciding the course one wants to pursue, then choosing the foreign country one wishes to study in, followed by browsing different colleges and universities that offer that degree programme without causing much financial burden on the applicant.

Studying for an undergraduate degree is the best way to integrate into the USA culture and experience the country to the fullest. A bachelor degree in USA for international students prepares them with everything from attaining an elevated intellectual development, practically oriented thinking to research temperament and much more.

It is important that students begin their college and course research a year or two in advance if they intend to be admitted to a good university for a Bachelor degree in USA. The Bachelor degree requirements in USA for 2024 admissions involve submission of High School transcripts with a minimum GPA, Letter of Recommendation from authorized personnel, Candidates test scores for SAT and ACT exams, Proof of English proficiency such as IELTS, and TOEFL, Statement of Purpose, and most importantly a Study Visa.

Also, a lot of time, effort, and financial assets are required for doing Bachelors in USA for Indian students. This article will give guidance and information about how to apply for a bachelor's degree in universities in the USA.

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Popular Bachelors Courses in USA 2024

One should be thorough with their research for Bachelor courses in USA that will determine the future possibility of getting work and PR in the States. However, there is little worry regarding career opportunities for such students in the international job market. Some of the most prominent Bachelors degree in USA are in the field of:

• Business
• Nursing
• Economics
• Engineering
• Psychology
• Media and Communication
• Computer Science

Application Process for a Bachelor's Degree in USA

Before knowing how to get a bachelor degree in USA for international students prospects must understand their future goals, US bachelor's degree they want to study, funding options for a bachelor degree USA, financial assistance options, and the USA state to study in. A US bachelor's degree lays strong foundation in research from the undergraduate level itself.

After having adequate deliberation to the above self analysis, prospects must thoroughly review the requirements for bachelors in USA for international students. Now, they are ready to begin application process to the bachelor course in the USA.

How to Apply for Bachelor Degree in USA 2024

1. Application on how to apply for a bachelor degree in universities in the USA can vary from one university to another. Read the university requirements and their intake period for bachelor degree in USA for international students. Students who wish to begin their semester in fall intake (September) will have to apply for bachelors in USA between November to February.

2. Educational certificates - To get admission in the universities in the USA from India for bachelor degrees, students must complete their high school from recognized boards like CBSE, ISC etc and produce the certificates to apply for bachelor degree in USA.

3. Academic transcripts - These are certified copies of a student's academic record, grade cards, marksheets from their high secondary school/college. They must be in English only.

4. Standardized test scores - Top universities in the USA set their own admission criteria for international students for admission in bachelor degree in the USA. Majority of US universities and colleges give admission on the basis of a student's academic record and standardized test scores like SAT or ACT for undergraduate programs.

• SAT - SAT is conducted in over 175 countries and many colleges in the USA require this test for a four-year bachelor degree program. SAT consists of multiple choice questions and an essay section. Students are checked on the basis of their skills developed during high school. Universities use SAT scores as a benchmark to compare students all around the world to give admission in a bachelor degree in the USA.

• ACT - ACT is also a standardized test used for applying to a four-year bachelor degree in the USA. It is based on secondary school curriculum. ACT test comprises multiple choice questions in English, Reading, Science and Reasoning. There is an optional writing test to be taken, only if required by the college.

English Proficiency Tests for Bachelors in the USA

They are integral to getting admission in universities in the USA from India. Two main English proficiency tests for a bachelor degree in US are: -

• IELTS Academic - A popular English proficiency test for gaining eligibility to do bachelors in USA. It is accepted by almost every university/college/institute for admission to a bachelor degree in the USA. The test assesses English proficiency on four parameters, Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (LSRW). A score of 6.0 -7.0 band with 5.5 band in all the sections is acceptable for admission in US universities.

• TOEFL (iBT) - The test is accepted by the majority of universities and colleges for bachelor degrees in the USA. It is an internet-based test and results are available in 6-8 days. A score in the range of 70-89 is good to go.

LORs (Letter of Recommendation)

To get admission into a bachelor degree USA from India, students need letters of recommendation (LORs) from their school head, principal, teacher or supervisors. LOR must define work abilities, academic excellence and other qualities as a student taking admission to a bachelor degree in the USA.

Essay or SOPs (Statement of Purpose)

In a statement of purpose, students should define their future goals and how they are related to doing bachelors in USA, ambitions, interests, personal traits, problem solving skills etc to get admission in a bachelor degree in the USA.

Research Options for Bachelor Degree in USA for international students

1. Students who are considering applying for a bachelor's degree in the universities in the USA should begin their investigation into various schools and universities as soon as they enter high school.

2. Students can get a comprehensive list on several search engines like QS, THE, US News, Careers360, etc. Search for the most affordable universities in the USA to learn about different universities, colleges, cost structures, and rankings. Students will become acquainted with universities in the USA and colleges through the listing and learn some fundamental facts about them.

3. Make a shortlist of names and visit each educational institution's website to apply for admission to bachelor degree USA programs at American institutions.

4. Students must confirm that the institution they are applying to is approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the US Department of Education.

Visit websites of the shortlisted universities in the USA and look for sections like:

1. About or key facts of university.

2. Academics - types of courses.

3. University campus/colleges.

4. Tuition fee for international students.

5. University course credit system.

6. Eligibility criteria for international students.

7. American university application deadline 2024

8. Required standardized test and English proficiency test requirements.

9. College accreditation.

10. Scholarships and financial aid for international students.

11. Intake period of university - US colleges have three intake periods - fall, spring and summer. These are especially different for a bachelor degree USA compared to Masters, which generally have specific intakes. Fall intake starts in the month of September and attracts the majority of applicants for bachelor degrees in the USA. Summer intake offers seats in limited programs and colleges.

Financial Planning for pursuing Bachelor's Degree in the USA

1. Understand how to apply for US universities from India - To get admission in a bachelor degree in the universities in the USA from India is a costly affair. University education and living expenses can vary across different states. Proper planning and research about financial aids, fee waivers, scholarships to study a bachelor degree in USA can help save a lot of cost.

2. Scholarships and financial aids - These financial aids are given out on merit basis, need basis, and academic excellence in studies. They can cover anywhere between 16-50 % of the tuition fee cost of a bachelor degree in the USA. Universities provide their information on websites.

3. Work-study permits - These programs provide part time work opportunities on & off campus to help students with their study or living costs for bachelor degree in universities in the USA.

4. Comparing Costs- Students can also compare costs between two cities through cost-of-living calculators available on the internet for studying bachelor degree in USA.

5. Accommodation- Students planning to study a a US bachelor degree should consider costs of on campus accommodation costs rather than off campus, as it is mandatory to stay on campus in the initial years.

Application for student visa to get admission in universities in the USA

1. Once students receive an acceptance letter from a university for bachelor degree in the USA, they should contact the US High Commission in their area to process their application for a USA student visa.

2. Kindly go through the student visa policy for higher studies in the USA to get detailed and clear information on student visa requirements for doing bachelors in USA.

Checklist before departure for Bachelors in USA

1. Confirm the date of arrivals with the college (students may not enter the USA more than 30 days prior to the start of the program).

2. Information about US customs duty, Covid protocols and quarantine Information.

3. Arrangement for accommodation (for off-campus like dorm, single room, apartment).

4. Documents and their photocopies- like passport, medical record, covid vaccine certificate, letter of offer from university, confirmation of enrollment, academic records, important contact numbers.

5. Sufficient American dollars for expenses like cab fare, sim card, food and other essentials.

6. Electronics gadgets like laptop, mobile phone, chargers along with travel adapters and voltage converters as power plugs and voltage are different in the USA.

After arriving for a bachelor degree in universities in the USA, make sure to attend the orientation for international students as well as regular students. It will be good know-how, especially after passing through the stage of learning how to apply for university in the USA for international students.

Both orientation programs will give different information. They will help in understanding the institute's international student policies and procedures, introduce one to the main officials, fellow students and other important details for a smooth transition into a bachelor degree in the USA.

Also Read:

• Benefits of studying in the USA