Education System in USA
Choosing to study abroad in U.S.A. could be one of the best decisions for an Indian student. While studying in U.S.A. could be expensive when compared to other countries, the breadth and depth of post-study career opportunities are, to be fair, incomparable. Because, evidently, the higher education framework in American universities is future-ready.
Broadly, the education institutes in U.S.A. could be categorized as:
Public Universities
Also called as ‘State Universities’, these institutes are usually funded by the government – state or federal – and hence, the tuition fees are lower comparatively; but it could vary from one university to the other. Public universities, in most cases, are larger in size and reach than private universities.
Typically, State Universities are part of the state system – a collection of public universities operating separately in different locations of a particular state. State University of New York (also called SUNY) – for example – spread across the state of New York has about 60 campuses!
Private Universities
A significant number of enrollments by Indian and international students happen in the private universities. These institutes of academic excellence offer courses in almost every fathomable line of specialty. They even introduce courses based on emerging and future applications, which are usually covered under the STEM education branch.
Speaking of STEM, American universities are often considered a top-priority by international students for STEM programs. They are hugely popular among Indian students too. While CALTECH, MIT and the likes are world-renowned for their research capabilities, other American private universities are not far behind when it comes to imparting quality education irrespective of the study program.
Ivy League
Arguably the best league of global universities, Ivy League is an American collegiate comprising of 8 premier private institutes located in the north-east. Being the most elite of institutes, getting admission is a matter of pride and is also highly competitive.
The 8 Ivy League schools include Harvard University, Princeton University, Brown University, Dartmouth University, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and Yale University.
Technical Universities and Community Colleges also form a part of the U.S.A. education system. However, their popularity is limited among Indian students.
Academic intakes
Fall intake:
Starting in September / October, colleges and universities in USA accept admission applications for a vast number of study programs during this primary intake. Being a more popular study intake, students are expected to start application process 6-8 months in advance.
Spring intake:
This is a secondary intake, starting in January, offering programs in various disciplines. This is also a popular intake for students aspiring to pursue higher education in U.S.A.. Students would be well-advised to start application process 6-8 months in advance for this intake as well.
Summer intake:
Students who may have missed Fall or Spring intake could look at Summer intake – starting in May – to seek admission in their university of choice. But do remember, seats for this intake are usually limited and therefore admission process must start 8-10 months in advance.
Popular Courses
STEM study programs are most popular in the U.S.A. And for obvious reasons. Visit STEM Programs In USA page to know in details.
Over and above STEM, American universities offer top-class programs in following specialties:
- Business & Management
- Economics
- Medicine
- Media & Journalism
- Architecture
- Social Sciences
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