You have arrived in the United States, having followed our advice, with a less than 100% clear financial picture. Congratulations! If you are in your teens or twenties, you probably may not appreciate that uncertainty, especially financial uncertainty, will likely be a way of life henceforth. So this will be good practice!
Remember you should not choose to go to the USA under-funded. Only do so if you have exhausted all possibilities for amassing a more solid financial foundation prior to leaving home, and choose not to be deterred by the frustrations and the obstacles and move forward with your dreams and aspirations.
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Naturally, the surest way to guarantee funding for any venture is to search the space closest to you. In effect, mobilize your personal resources and those of your immediate family.
But if you are in a developing country, family resources can be limited or even non-existent. That is usually the source of initial frustration and a sense of hopelessness for the pessimistic. The optimistic ones dream of winning the lottery or acquiring the proverbial “full scholarship.”
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One of the great things about the US is that there is a legal mechanism for foreign students to work while going to school. However, this is a tricky area. Work, for the most part will be limited to on-campus jobs at close to minimum wage. But you will find that a great supplement.
There is a very high probability that you can access some form of work, scholarship, or other assistance, that can reduce your cost. It may happen immediately, but more likely it will after a year or so.
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You are probably just like the thousands of students we have previously advised. You are bright, capable, enthusiastic, ambitious and progressive. Unfortunately, you are probably also financially limited. So how do we reconcile these two divergent quantities? We strategize.
How much money your need to study in the US depends heavily on which US university your select.
Select schools practically, if finance is your constraint. Remember you are likely to get a payoff that is just as rewarding from a small, lesser known school, as you would from the so-called “elite” school.
The payoff is largely contingent on the qualities that you possess, the qualities outlined above… than the perceived quality of your school. Therefore break school options down loosely like this:
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You have decided that America is the place to be. You are going for the dream, and you are going to get an American degree come what may. Well if you choose efficiently, the dream will be realized. If you don’t do your research well, the road could be a bit more hazardous than it needs to be.
You are now only one step away from having all the keys necessary to crack the code of selecting the perfect US university for you.
Once you get these 3 keys you will be able to look at any US University, and very quickly give it the thumbs up or down. In other words, you will know without guessing if it’s the one for you. Here goes…
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The Brand Name, Ivy League, Big School Issue
While we are talking about types of universities we thought we should also enlighten you on the “Brand Name” university issue. In our more than 15 years of advising thousands of prospective international students on studying in the US we have seen too many become hung up on brand name universities.
It is great if after following our selection process you arrive at the conclusion that a “Brand Name” university is what you must attend. But often we find students’ fixation on these so called “Brand Name” universities to be based on superficial analysis and inadequate counsel.
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We are getting closer to you selecting the perfect US University, but we are not quite there yet. First let’s figure out which type of US University best caters to your needs, wants, and desires.
In the US all universities are not created equally. The education system here might be a little more complex than you are used to at home. So take some time to understand the different types of US universities and colleges. This will help you narrow down the list of universities to choose from, and more importantly help you find that perfect match.
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What Happens After You get the Degree?
There is a popular saying that you should always begin with the end in mind. This holds very true when selecting a US University. The clearer you are now about what you want your life to be like after you get your US university degree, the more confident and decisive you will be in selecting a US University.
Should You Stay in US, or Return Home
For example do you wish to return home immediately after study or do you want to get some work experience in the US under say, a program like Optional Practical Training? One of the key factors that determine your likelihood of employment in the US after you receive your degree is the marketability of your field of expertise. And your field of expertise varies significantly among universities.
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There are over 200 nation states in our modern world, each unique in its own way, each with a vibrant and spirited culture. Yet there is little doubt that one nation stands out as the cultural, political, economic, military, and influential power. That nation is the United States.
Wherever you are in the world, there are people all around you aspiring to visit or even live in the United States. Since you are contemplating studying, we suggest these seven good reasons why you should also consider the United States. Even though your mother told you not to follow the crowd, if the crowd is going to the USA, especially to study, then join them for these seven reasons.
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