Bangladeshi students often underestimate the amount of time required to apply for admission to a college or university in the United States. You can avoid this mistake by setting a schedule for yourself that begins well in advance of the time that you plan to begin your studies.
When setting your timetable, always remember that starting the process early is the best way forward. You will need to allow yourself sufficient time to thoroughly research the institution and/or program that will best serve your academic and professional goals. Then you must meet the application deadlines of the universities to which you apply, which may be up to ten months before the beginning of the school term.
Especially for schools with competitive admissions, the application process takes a significant amount of time and effort. You will need to write personal statements and request recommendations from teachers or others who know you well. Even if you are applying online via the Common Application, you will want to get started early. University websites and other academic Internet sites may provide quick and convenient access to the required application forms, but you still need time to research your options, contact teachers and institutions to provide recommendations and transcripts, and sign up for required entrance exams in time to meet application deadlines.
Below five steps explain the process an international student can follow to study in a university or college in the U.S.:
- Research Your Options. Postsecondary education includes six-degree levels: associate, bachelor, first-professional, master, advanced intermediate, and research doctorate. The U.S. system does not offer a second or higher doctorate but does offer postdoctoral research programs.
- Axiom gives Bangladeshi students advice on higher education and study opportunities in the United States.
- College Navigator – Find and compare colleges by location, type of institution, programs, majors, and more.
- Finance Your Studies. The U.S. government does not provide loans, grants, or general scholarship assistance for international students. As an international student, you will have to find alternative sources of funding such as:
- The International Admissions Office – Many U.S. academic institutions assist international students. Contact the international admissions office at the schools you are interested in to learn if you may be eligible for assistance.
- Scholarships and Grants – Private foundations, businesses, and nonprofit organizations offer scholarships and grants for study and research.
- Exchange Programs Administered by the U.S. Government – These exchange programs, including the Fulbright Program and others at all education levels, provide assistance to qualified international students.
- Complete your application. In the U.S., colleges and universities establish their own admission requirements, including third-party standardized tests. Follow the application requirements set by the admissions office of the institution in which you are interested.
- Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition – Higher educational institutions and licensing boards in individual states evaluate academic coursework, degrees, and professional licenses. The U.S. has no single authority to evaluate foreign credentials.
- Standardized Tests – As part of the application process, some programs require students to take one or more standardized tests. Plan to take your tests in advance so your scores are available when you submit your application.
- IELTS & TOEFL) – Many colleges and universities require this test to measure your English language skills.
- Apply for your visa. Before you can apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted by a U.S. institution of higher education that is certified by the SEVP.
- Student Visas – Learn more about the types of student visas, how to apply, fees, and documentation requirements.
- How to Prepare for Your Visa Appointment – Read these recommendations before your appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Prepare for departure. Consider exploring these resources while you plan your move to the U.S.
- How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System – Find out how to get started, arrive, stay, and depart from the U.S.
- Life in the U.S. – Learn about American holidays, states, and other useful information about the country.
- Working While You Study in the U.S. – Find information for students and exchange visitors (F-1, and M-1 visa categories) pursuing employment in the United States.
- Training Opportunities in the U.S. – Eligible international students and new graduates have the opportunity to gain on-the-job learning that supplements knowledge gained in their academic studies.
- Foreign Visitors Driving in the U.S. – Get quick facts for short-term visitors, students, and residents about driving in the U.S.
