5 Steps to Study in U.S

Whether you plan to pursue a short-term or full degree program in the United States, EducationUSA has the resources you need in ‘Your Five Steps to U.S. Study’.

1. Research Your Options

Learn about the variety of options available and how to identify an institution that best fits your needs.

The first step to studying in the United States is researching your options to find a college or university that best fits your needs. You shouldn’t try to match yourself to the school, but rather find the school that matches you and your priorities and long-term goals.

Remember that no official ranking system exists for colleges and universities in the United States. The best college or university is the one that is best for you and meets your requirements—academic, financial, and personal.

At least 12 to 18 months prior to the academic year in which you hope to attend a U.S. college or university, you should begin your research. Start by answering these basic questions and looking at the more specific ‘define your priorities’ pages under each level of study in this section:

Why do you want to study in the United States?
Where will you fit in best?
Which colleges or universities will meet your needs?
Will you need financial assistance?
What are the application and financial aid deadlines?
Where do you want to live in the United States?

Choose your level of study (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, etc.) to learn more about researching your options. Keep in mind that the schools you apply to must be certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program. You can find a searchable list of certified schools on the Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the State’s website.
Good to Know

Application and financial aid deadlines affect when you take standardized tests because test results must reach admissions offices no later than their application deadlines.

2. Finance your Studies

Need funding? Explore options or check out our university financial aid opportunity list.

Invest in yourself ! The cost of living and studying varies across the United States. With the right amount of planning and research, pursuing a U.S. higher education can be made affordable with high returns on your investment.

Start your financial planning as early as possible. Each year international students receive significant amounts of financial assistance for their studies. However, competition is high. Applications for financial aid go together with applications for admission.

When looking into studying in the United States, evaluating your finances should be one of the first things you do. As with any investment, you need to evaluate what’s best for your educational and career goals and what you are willing to spend.

Look for Special Opportunities and Financial Aid

U.S. institutions offer a wide array of programs with a wide array of tuition and fees. Find information about special opportunities and financial aid provisions that U.S. higher education institutions offer international students, such as scholarships, in-state tuition benefits, waived application fees and deadlines, and similar provisions.

Keep in mind that the United States is a large country and the cost of living varies greatly from place to place. You need to assess your funding and what you are able to spend on your education and living expenses.

3. Complete Your Application

Plan ahead and know the documents and requirements to apply for your program.

You’ve now reached Step 3: Complete Your Application. This step covers the general application requirements for U.S. colleges and universities.
Applying for U.S. study is a task that takes time and concentration as each application is different and involves collecting recommendations, writing essays, and routing the results of required standard examinations. Plan to give this step the time it deserves for a successful result.

Choose your level of study to learn more about completing your application.

Good to Know

An original high school or postsecondary transcript will be required for each institution you apply for so start collecting these materials well in advance of application deadlines.

4. Apply for Your Student Visa

How to Apply for F1 US Student Visa, Requirements, Details and Cost

Become familiar with U.S. student visa requirements and allow plenty of time to prepare your application.

You’ve now reached Step 4! Applying for your U.S. student visa. This next step will cover F, J and M student visa types.

Information pertaining to visas and travel can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States.

Choose your level of study to learn more about applying for your student visa.

Good to Know

Because visa interviews are short, do your best to explain why you want to study in the United States, how you plan to support yourself while in school, and what your plans are for when your studies are finished.

5. Prepare for Your Departure

Pre-departure information including gathering documents for arrival and immigration compliance.

You’ve made it to Step 5! Preparing for your departure is the final step to Your Five Steps to U.S. Study.

Key components to this final step include making your travel arrangements, attending a pre-departure orientation at your local EducationUSA center or online, gathering pre-departure materials and documents for arrival, as well as reporting to your school and attending orientations.

Check your new institution’s website for additional pre-departure information that will be more specialized and have information about health insurance, average local temperatures throughout the year, local transportation options, housing, and more.

Attend Pre-Departure Orientation
EducationUSA advising centers organize pre-departure orientations for students getting ready to depart for the United States. EducationUSA advisers and U.S. alumni provide information and resources that will help you prepare for new experiences and develop skills to adjust to new challenges. Topics discussed include cultural differences, motivation, changes from your home environment, academic systems and expectations, housing, and coping in a new cultural setting. Contact your closest EducationUSA advising center to attend a pre-departure orientation.

Good to Know

Pre-departure orientations are offered by EducationUSA Advising Centers to students making final preparations to depart for their studies in the United States. Contact your local center now!

ceac state gov/ iv check my status

Visa check online by Passport Number

What to do Immediately after you win the Diversity Visa Program

University of Memphis Masters Degree Programs

Otumfuo secures US scholarships for Ghanaians | undergraduate, master’s and PhD.

Check University Courses and their Programme outlines

• How to Apply UG Admissions and Buy Voucher 2023/2024

• Check All Courses and their Detailed outlines 

• 2023/2024 UG Admission Entry Requirement

• Compare Fees; University of Ghana (UG)  Programmes / Fees

• University of Ghana Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Distance admission Open | FEES

CHECK ALL COURSES AND THEIR OUTLINE

HOME

More information can be obtained from the University

YOU CAN JOIN OUR   TELEGRAM  OR WHATSAPP OR FACEBOOK  PAGES