8 steps that influence your selection of best US universities

With so many universities in the USA that offer a wide range of courses, it can be an overwhelming task for you to decide on the best universities to apply.

You may have more than one university to apply, but you can attend only one school. It is always better to analyze each university methodically to shortlist your top universities.

You might want to consider the following parameters that influence your selection of best US universities:

Quality of education
The US has one of the world's best education systems. The universities offer excellent programmes in all disciplines they have. A degree from the best universities are recognised world-wide for its excellency.

why you should choose USA for higher education.

University rankings
Universities in the US are ranked based on factors like research, student acceptance, placements after graduation, academic reputation and so on. So, you may carefully select the school based on these prime factors.

You might want to read....

College and University Rankings: Guide to study in the US

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Tuition fees/ affordability
One major question that stresses your decision making process is about the affordability of the course/programme. The tuition fee at the US universities can be a staggering 5 digit number. It can be rather daunting to pay such huge amounts of fees. You can apply for scholarships, funds or grants, or take a loan to fund your education.

the cost of education in the US

Cost of living
Cost of living in the US is comparably higher and it depends on the location of your college. The required budget for accommodation, food, books and other expenses may make a total of approximately $60,000. Hence, plan your expenses according to your budget.

You might want to read, the ways to fund your education in the US

On-campus recruitment
Every US university has a career service center which will help you prepare for interviews and getting jobs. Companies in the US will offer you an internship first, and not a job directly, unlike here in India. These career centres typically have a Career Fair, where you would get a chance to drop your resume at a company's recruitment centre.

Internship opportunities
International students are eligible to work for 1 year in Curriculum Practical Training. There are some schools which allow students to work during all the semesters. It is better for students to opt for schools that offer Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

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Campus life and on-campus student experience
Find out if the schools has a residential campus, as living on campus is more affordable than off-campus and is more convenient. On campus facilities include utilities, cable TV, and wireless internet access and other services like laundry, computer labs, exercise facilities, a volleyball court and many more.

Campus infrastructure
The campus infrastructure plays a vital role for a convenient stay at the US. Most of the universities have housing facilities, transportation, fitness centre, safety, health and wellness facilities.

Considering all these parameters to choose a college/university in the US could make your time at the US worth-while and you might end up having the best experience in your lifetime.