  Various Study Programmes
Undergraduate Level
| • | Associate of Arts (AA) - 2 years |
| • | Associate of Sciences (AS) - 2 years |
| • | Bachelor of Arts (BA) - 4 years |
| • | Bachelor of Science (BS) - 4 to 5 years |
Graduate Level
| • | Master of Arts (MA) - 2 years |
| • | Master of Sciences (MS) -2 years |
| • | Master of Business Administration (MBA)- 1 to 2 years |
| • | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)- 3 years |
Professional Graduate Level
| • | Doctor of Medicine - 4 years |
| • | Doctor of Laws - 3 years |
Eligibility criteria and entry requirements
Most admission committees have preset admission criteria, and candidates have to satisfy these expectations for the course that he/ she wishes to take. The following are what they normally inspect when you send your application:
| • | Previous academic record |
| • | Performance on the standardized Scholastic Aptitude Test |
| • | Record of interests and co-curricular activities |
| • | Personal statement of objectives and goals |
| • | Recommendations/ testimonials from counsellors, teachers or principal |
| • | Financial requirements (is the student being sponsored by someone, is he taking a loan etc) |
| • | Proficiency in English |
Standardized Tests for Undergraduates
Every university has its own cut-off for test scores, but all applicants need to take some kind of academic tests. Applicants for undergraduate courses need to take the following tests:
Scholastic Aptitude Test
SAT is an external test for international students conducted by the Educational Testing Services in Princeton, New Jersey. In India, the test is held regularly in November, December, January, March, May-June.
SAT (I) is a 3-hour test comprising two half-hour and one fifteen minute verbal and mathematical reasoning sections. The verbal questions test the candidate's comprehension and the ability to see relationships between word pairs. The Math section tests the candidate's ability to solve problems of algebra, geometry, and arithmetic (calculators are permitted).
SAT (II) is a one-hour test focussing on subject knowledge. There is a choice of sixteen subjects, of which a student must take any three. The optimum score in each of the sections of SAT is 800. A score of 1350 out of 1800 is considered good.
English Proficiency Tests
International applicants have to furnish proof of their comprehension of English. All institutions in the US do require attainment of a specific level of English proficiency and even conduct intensive English programmes to help students bridge minor deficiencies. Most colleges in the US require TOEFL scores
TOEFL
TOEFL is the most popular English proficiency test that Indian applicants take. It tests the applicant's language skills, structure and written expression, listening comprehension, and vocabulary and reading comprehension.
TWE
This test assesses the applicant's ability to write in English, while generating and organizing ideas and putting them together with examples.
TSE
The TSE test measures the general oral language proficiency of applicants from non-English speaking countries, in an oral test lasting 20 minutes. Answers are recorded on an audiotape.
Standardized Tests for Graduates
Students seeking admissions to graduate programmes in engineering, physics, maths or chemistry will generally be expected to furnish GRE scores.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The GRE test has two parts. There is a general test which tests verbal, quantitative and analytical ability, in addition to a subject test. The applicant is expected to take the general test along with the subject test for which he/she is applying. GRE tests are conducted thrice a year in November, December and April.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Graduate business schools expect applicants to take the GMAT which measures general, verbal, mathematical and analytical skills. Fellowship sponsors as well as universities in Canada, Britain and Australia use GMAT scores.
Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)
This test requires minimal computer skills and you can take the test at your convenience. The test is taken in a quiet cubicle and registration can be done over the telephone. Quantitative and verbal scores are given immediately.
Tests for Professional Degree Programmes
Test requirements for professional degrees such as medicine and law are very different.
| • | If you are applying to a Law School, you need to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) |
| • | If you are applying to a medical school, you need to clear the USMLE. |
VISA Procedures and Immigration Rules
The F-1 visa is for full time study while M-1 is granted to students enrolled with technical schools, where they need six months practical training. M-1 visa cannot be changed to F-1 visa. The F-1 visa allows you to stay for one year after completing studies for practical training. With an IAP-66, a J-1 exchange visitor's visa is granted to those who go for training, teaching, consultation or research.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 student visa can be applied for with the I-20 Form, which is a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant F-1 students. The F-1 or I-20 however, does not give guarantee that a visa will be granted. The I-20 form will require endorsement by you for statements such as:
| • | Your purpose is to temporarily remain in USA for a full course of study at the university specified in the I-20 form. |
| • | You will not be working or engage in business without being granted permission from Immigration and Naturalization Service. |
| • | You are capable of financing your study and stay. |
The F-1 visa on the passport will indicate the college, which has issued the I-20.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
IAP-66 is a certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor J-1 status. IAP-66 is issued for programmes approved by the USA Information Agency and sponsored by a private organization or government agency. For a J-1 visa, you have to agree to remain in the USA for the duration of the course that you have been granted admission for. The financial support has to be assumed and USA Immigration and Naturalization Service has to be informed if there is any change in sponsor or in the exchange visitor programme.
Financial Certification
Since financial assistance is not available to all international students, it is obligatory for applicants to provide financial certification. This is a guarantee that a student can pay for his/ her study in the US. Other financial documents required by universities include: bank statement or a letter from the sponsoring agency or a copy of the award assigned to the applicant by the university department.
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