Choosing a University

Choosing a university from overseas is a very difficult task. There are over 4,000 U.S. universities, and they all offer a wide variety of courses. The following information is important criteria to consider when choosing a university:
  • Academic Importance: Students should choose a university that offers a degree in the field of study that they wish to pursue.
  • Course Emphasis: Some universities offer a fixed course curriculum while some offer independent study, which allows students to choose their own subjects. Go through the course catalogue and course descriptions to gain a clear understanding of the types of courses offered.
  • Accreditation: In the U.S., accreditation is used to assure quality in educational institutions and programs. Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process of peer review. It requires an educational institution or program to meet certain defined standards or criteria. Students should always choose to attend an accredited university.
  • Cost Factor: Study the fee structure printed in most university prospectuses carefully and estimates the cost of living, insurance, and other expenses.
  • Type of University: U.S. universities are either private or state-supported. In general, the tuition fees at state-supported universities are less expensive than private universities. International students are charged "out-of-state" tuition rates, which are higher than in-state rates but still much less than most private universities.
  • Financial Aid: Getting Financial Aid from the university can lower the tuition rate. Check with the present students of the school or the school officials about the possibility of scholarships, loans, and assistantships.
  • On-campus Jobs: The U.S. allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week, which can help to cover monthly living expenses. Most on-campus jobs are awarded through the universitys Financial Aid Office.
It is up to each individual student to decide which criteria is most important when choosing a university. Consultants like F1study.com can help students narrow down the choices by listing important factors. The goal is to help students find the best university for them. F1study.com also provides information about university fees, available programs, financial assistance opportunities, campus jobs, and the cost of living.

Comments