Study in the US 2024: Conditions, documents, costs, scholarships, Visa, roadmap

Studying abroad in the US is the dream of many international students in general and Vietnamese students in particular. Because the United States is the convergence of the world's top educational quality with top schools. To study abroad at an American university, many of you started researching 2-3 years in advance to prepare to apply.

Đi du học Mỹ là ước mơ của nhiều học sinh quốc tế nói chung, Việt Nam nói riêng. Bởi Hoa Kỳ là nơi hội tụ chất lượng giáo dục hàng đầu thế giới với các trường nằm trong top đầu. Để được đi du học đai học Mỹ, nhiều bạn đã bắt đầu tìm hiểu trước 2-3 năm để chuẩn bị sẵn sàng apply.

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Consulting on choosing the right major and American university for each student

Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, AP,... with a team of native teachers who graduated from top US universities

Help students participate in exclusive extracurricular activities, creating a good impression for their applications to their dream universities

Instructions on writing an impressive main essay and supporting essay to score points with the admission committee

1. Why should you choose to study abroad in the US?
According to a report by the Institute of International Education, in the 2021-2022 school year, the total number of international students in the US has reached 948,519, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year.

Among them, more than 290,086 international students come from China, which is the country that contributes the most to the number of international students in the US, followed by India with more than 199,182 students. Other countries such as South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada also have a significant number of international students in the US. Vietnam is also becoming one of the countries contributing many international students to the US with more than 20,000 students in the 2021-2022 school year.

So why is studying abroad at an American university so attractive? Here are some great reasons for you to choose this flower country.

The quality of education is world-leading
Although it does not have a long history of education like the UK, the US is considered one of the countries with the top quality of education in the world. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, in the list of the 10 best universities in the world, the United States has 7 schools including Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology. California, Princeton University, University of California and Yale University.

The following are the strengths of the American education system:

Although it does not have a long history of education like the UK, the US is considered one of the countries with the top quality of education in the world. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, in the list of the 10 best universities in the world, the United States has 7 schools including Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology. California, Princeton University, University of California and Yale University.

• Diversity of programs and majors: America has a variety of programs and majors, from engineering, science, business, medicine, arts to social sciences. International students can choose according to their interests and learning goals.
• Abundance of Universities: There are more than 4,000 universities and colleges in the US, including both public and private schools. This creates diversity in quality, learning environment and research opportunities. =
• Teaching quality: Lecturers at American universities all have high expertise (doctorates, professors) in the field and field of teaching. Not only does it help students equip in-depth foundation knowledge, but it also shares their creativity and excellence in the industry. From there, helping students after graduation have high quality and join large corporations.
• Advanced facilities and technology: As a top country in the world, America always cares about the quality of education not only for people but also for the world's most modern facilities and technology. Universities in the US are willing to spend billions of dollars every year to update technology, helping students have quick access and great testing opportunities.

The American education system is flexible and clearly decentralized
The US education system is divided into different levels, including: preschool, elementary school, high school, university and graduate school. Each level has unique requirements and learning goals. Students often must complete previous levels to advance to the next level. This hierarchy helps guide and ensure a continuous and specific learning process.

• The US higher education system is specifically as follows:
• Universities are divided into public universities and private universities.

- There are two main types of university in the US: four-year university/four-year college and community college.

- Four-year universities award bachelor's degrees to students after completing a four-year program.

- Community colleges award associate degrees to students after completing a 2-year program.

Students can transfer from a community college to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree.

• There are two prominent school systems in the United States: National University and Liberal Arts College.

- National Universities (NU) are large-scale schools with many majors, often with graduate schools and research institutes.
- Liberal Arts Colleges (LAC) are small-scale schools that only focus on training bachelor's degrees, engineering or arts fields, usually without graduate schools or research institutes.
In particular, the American education system is famous for its flexibility and diversity. Pupils and students have many options to choose subjects, study programs, and approaches to knowledge. Depending on each school's regulations and study area, students can customize their study schedule to fit their personal interests and goals.

Valuable degree, recognized globally
Because it is on the list of top educational quality in the world, the output at Universities and Colleges in the US is more valuable and prioritized when applying to large corporations and multinational companies in the world. gender. Even for students after graduating from prestigious universities in the US, employers are willing to invite them to work with high remuneration and the opportunity to become US citizens.

Culturally diverse learning environment
The United States is known as a multicultural country, attracting students from 200 countries around the world. This creates a diverse and rich learning environment, bringing many benefits to international students.

A multicultural learning environment helps international students broaden their horizons and reshape their personal perspectives. When interacting with students from different countries, international students have the opportunity to understand and respect different values, perspectives and lifestyles. Experiencing this diversity encourages flexibility of thinking and the ability to accept and work with people with different cultures and perspectives.

Furthermore, the multicultural environment also creates conditions for multi-dimensional exchange and learning. International students have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, skills and experiences with students from other countries.

Personal development opportunities
Studying abroad at an American university is an environment that helps you freely develop yourself in many different ways such as: working part-time jobs related to your major, extracurricular activities, cultural exchanges from other countries... From That helps you form and develop leadership abilities and accumulate work experience in the future.

Limitations of studying abroad in the US
Although studying abroad in the US brings many benefits, there are also certain limitations.

• High cost: Studying in the US requires a large financial resource due to high tuition and living costs. This is a barrier for Vietnamese students who want to study at university in the US.
• Fierce competition: America is a popular choice for international students around the world, so students have to compete with thousands of other candidates in recruiting students and applying for scholarships to top universities.
• Separation from family and cultural differences: When leaving home and family, international students often face loneliness and homesickness. At the same time, adapting to an environment with different languages, habits, customs and social rules can be inconvenient at first.

Although the above limitations may seem worrying, they can be overcome if you have determination. Therefore, the US is still a top choice for students who want to study abroad.

2. What study abroad programs in the US are there?
There are many study abroad programs in the US for Vietnamese students, depending on each person's goals, abilities, and conditions. Here are some of the most popular study abroad programs in the US:

Level 3 study abroad program in the US
High school study abroad program in the US, also known as high school study abroad in the US. This is a program that allows Vietnamese students to study at American public or private high schools.

Students will live in a host family or school dormitory and participate in academic and extracurricular activities with American friends. This is a good opportunity for you to improve your English level, experience American education and culture, and prepare for future university study abroad.

To participate in the US level 3 study abroad program, you need to meet the following conditions:

• Good academic scores of 7.0 or higher in core subjects.
• Relative English ability of 5.0 IELTS or 500 TOEFL or higher, and can be proven by a certificate or test required by the school.
• Financial ability to cover study abroad and living expenses, from 15,000 to 40,000 USD/year, and can be proven by documents such as salary slips, savings books, or guarantees.
• You need an F-1 or J-1 US student visa, depending on the type of program you participate in. You need to prepare documents such as admission certificate (I-20 or DS-2019), visa application form (DS-160), visa fee payment certificate (SEVIS and MRV), portrait photo , passport, and other documents required by the US Consulate.

College/community college study abroad program in the US
College study abroad in the US is a program that allows international students to study Associate Degree courses lasting 2 to 3 years at community colleges in the US. Students will learn basic and specialized subjects, and can transfer to universities to complete a bachelor's degree.

To participate in this program, students need to have a high school diploma, average English ability or higher, and enough financial capacity to pay the cost of studying abroad.

University study abroad program in the US
Studying abroad in the US at the university level is for high school graduates who want to study undergraduate programs at universities in the US. A bachelor's degree program in the United States usually lasts 4 years, including 2 years of general education and 2 years of specialized study. Students will learn in-depth about a specific field of study and have the opportunity to participate in scientific research and professional internships.

To participate in this program, students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, high English skills, SAT or ACT test scores, good health and enough financial ability to pay the costs of studying abroad. See detailed conditions for studying abroad at American universities in the following part of the article.

Postgraduate study abroad program in the US
Postgraduate study abroad program in the US is for students who have graduated from university, have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and want to pursue graduate programs including master's and doctoral degrees (PhD). ) and professional programs. Students will improve their knowledge and skills in a specialized field and have the opportunity to participate in international research projects.

Conditions to participate in this program are that students need to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, very high English ability, GRE or GMAT test scores, and proof of sufficient finances to cover the costs of studying abroad.

In addition, there are a number of other study abroad programs in the US, as follows:

US vocational study abroad program
Vocational study abroad in the US is a program for high school graduates who want to study vocational, technical training programs, etc. at vocational schools in the US. This program usually lasts from 1 to 2 years, providing knowledge and practical skills necessary for specific occupations such as electrical, mechanical, medical, tourism, or information technology,...

In addition, students will also be able to participate in internship and work programs at the school's partner businesses. This is a good opportunity for you to gain international qualifications, work experience, and future employment opportunities.

US summer study abroad program
Summer study abroad in the US is a short-term study abroad program, usually lasting from 1 to 2 months, allowing Vietnamese students to participate in English courses, life skills, etc. at American universities and colleges.

You will learn subjects according to your interests and abilities, such as English, math, science, art, culture, or leadership. You will also be able to participate in extracurricular activities and visit famous American tourist destinations. This is a great opportunity for you to improve your English, experience American education and culture, and expand your international horizons.

Below, within the scope of this article, American Study will share details about studying abroad in the US at university level.

3. Is studying in the US difficult? What are the conditions to study in the US?
To study abroad at university in the US, there are some mandatory conditions that you need to pay attention to:

What is the age to study abroad in the US?
How old do you have to be to study abroad in the US? The US does not limit the age of international students to study abroad. They only evaluate based on admission documents. This regulation applies to all educational levels. So, whether you are an elementary school student, high school student, university student or graduate student, you can absolutely apply for a US student visa, as long as you are qualified to study.

Although there is no mandatory age requirement, to study at university, students must be at least 17 years old and have graduated from high school.

Academic level
One of the important conditions is the overall grade point average (GPA - Grade Point Average). GPA is usually calculated based on the 4.0 grading system in the American education system. Typically, American universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, to have a chance to receive scholarships or enter prestigious universities, GPA needs to be higher, preferably 3.5 or higher.

English proficiency conditions
Most universities in the US require international students to have internationally standardized English certificates proving the ability to use English as a second language. That is TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or equivalent certificates like Duolingo.

Each school and level will require a different score. According to isc.baylor.edu, schools often require an average TOEFL iBT score of 65-80 points, IELTS score of 6.0 -6.5, Duolingo score of 110 or higher to pursue a bachelor's degree. For postgraduate programs, the score is similar: TOEFL iBT from 79-100, IELTS from 6.5 or higher.

However, to be admitted to top American universities such as the Ivy League group of schools, you need to maintain at least an IELTS band score of 7-7.5 or TOEFL score of 90-100.

SAT and ACT competency assessment tests
SAT and ACT are recognized and used by leading universities in the US in the admission process.

• The SAT test includes Math and Reading and Writing.
• ACT includes Math, Reading, English and Science.

Besides average GPA, SAT, SSAT, ATC and AP tests are all important in the admission process to universities in the US. Especially if you want to hunt for scholarships or want to get into the top 100 schools. The best SAT score is from 1000-1600, and the minimum ATC score must be 22.

Demonstrate financial
Proof of finances is a mandatory requirement to apply for a US student visa (F1 Visa) and ensures that students are able to be self-sufficient and complete their study program in a stable manner throughout their time studying in the US. .

Normally, you need to prove that your account balance is at least or more than the tuition and living expenses for the first academic year according to form I - 20. However, to increase your chances of successfully proving your finances, you should have an account balance that is about 1.5 times the required tuition amount.

For example, if the first year's cost is $50,000 USD, when proving your finances to apply for a student visa, show that you have $60,000 - $75,000 USD.

Health conditions
To study in the US, students need to meet certain health conditions. Here are some common requirements:

• Get a health check: Students need to complete a comprehensive health check to ensure there are no serious health problems. Checks include medical history, blood tests, dental tests, etc. Health documents need to have a copy translated into English and authenticated by a US diplomatic mission or consulate.
• Vaccinations: Students often have required and recommended vaccinations to ensure personal health and prevent disease. Vaccinations include tetanus, rubella, mumps, COVID-19 and other vaccinations depending on school requirements and state regulations.

4. What is required for an application to study at a US university?
To prepare your application to study in the US, you need to collect and prepare the following documents:

• Personal documents include a copy of your passport that is valid for at least 6 months and confirmation of student status or student card.
• Application for admission according to the form provided by the school.
• Academic records including diploma and transcript of the most recent educational level translated into English and notarized upon request.
• The application fee when making the application is about 35-150 USD depending on the school (this fee will not be refunded).
• English certificates (IELTS, TOEFL iBT,...) and academic certificates SAT, ATC,...
• Letter of recommendation from previous teacher, instructor, or school. Recommendation letters should clearly state the student's academic ability, personality and adaptability.
• The essay shows the purpose of studying abroad, personality, and personal color of each student.

After submitting the application and being approved by the school, students will need to send a confirmation letter and pay the admission fee. After that, the school will send back the I-20 form, an important document used for paying fees, applying for a visa, and entering the US.

So how long does it take to apply to study in the US? Normally, the time it takes for a US school to review an I-20 usually lasts from 3 to 8 weeks. To prepare for visa application procedures and focus on interview practice, you need to spend 3 to 6 weeks. Therefore, to complete the process of preparing your application to study in the US and ensure you meet the school's opening deadline in the US, you may have to spend 2 to 3 months.

5. How long is the deadline to apply to study at a US university?
Admission deadlines for US universities may vary depending on the selection round you are interested in. Below is a general breakdown of the selection rounds and their respective application deadlines:

• Early decision (ED)

Early Decision is a form of early admission with an application deadline usually in November or December. ED admission results are usually announced in December or January. If a student is accepted in the ED form, They must withdraw their applications from other schools and commit to enrolling at their chosen school. This commitment is binding, except in cases of insufficient finances or failure to meet the school's financial requirements.

Early Decision allows students to know their results early and can focus on a single school. However, students need to consider carefully before applying to ED, because they must commit to admission and give up other opportunities.

Some universities conduct two Early Decision rounds (ED I and ED II), in which ED II has an application deadline and announces results after ED I. Specifically, the ED II application deadline is usually on January and results are usually announced in February.

• Early action (EA)

The application deadline for the EA admission round is usually in October or November. EA admission results are usually announced in December or January. The difference with ED is that students are not required to Right to choose other schools after receiving EA admission results.

The advantage is that students will know the admission results before the Regular Decision exam, giving them more time to plan and decide.

• Regular Decision (RD)

Regular Decision (RD) is the most popular and official form of admission applied by most universities in the US. The RD application deadline is usually December or January, after the ED/EA admission exams have ended. Results are usually announced in March or April.

The advantage is that students can apply to many schools and are not bound. In addition, you have a long time to complete your application and organize your personal essays, letters of recommendation, and additional documents. However, RD admission usually has a large number of candidates, so the competition is higher.

• Rolling admissions (RD)

​​​​​​​Rolling admissions is a flexible admission form used by some universities in the US. This form allows students to submit school registration applications continuously without a specific deadline. Schools will review applications and accept students until they meet the quota for that school year. Students receive admission results shortly after submitting their application, helping them make decisions and complete the admission process quickly.