The United States of America is also called the USA, US, United States or sometimes America. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was issued, establishing the United States of America. The U.S. is a country of 50 states covering a vast swath of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean. Major Atlantic Coast cities are New York, a global finance and culture center, and capital Washington, DC. Midwestern Metropolis Chicago is known for influential architecture and on the west coast, Los Angeles' Hollywood is famed for filmmaking.
Importantly, the US is the 4th largest country in the world by land area and 3rd by population. The US is a diverse country with a multicultural society and it has the world's largest economy. The estimated population of the US in 2019 was 328,476,000. The US developed the first nuclear weapons, using them on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki near the end of World War II. The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers combine to form the longest river system in the US and the fourth longest in the world. The tallest mountain in the US is Mt McKinley, located in the state of Alaska it reaches 20,320 ft. (6,194 m) above sea level.
In addition to these facts, Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 and is the largest state in the US by land area. Hawaii is the most recent of the 50 states in the US (joining in 1959) and is the only one made up entirely of islands. Most of the world's tornadoes occur in the Midwest region of the US known as Tornado Alley. The most populated city in the US is New York City, followed by Los Angeles and Chicago. English is the most commonly spoken language in the US, followed by Spanish. The first man to walk on the moon was American Neil Armstrong (July 21, 1969). The US was the leading force behind the development of the Internet. The US consumes more petroleum than any other country in the world. The most popular team sports in the US are American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey.
When planning to study abroad it is important to introspect before taking the plunge. It is essential to make an informed decision before you head towards a higher education abroad. According to the latest report by the QS university rankings, USA has emerged as a leading country known for its quality education. U.S. offers various options to choose from according to your academic and cultural preferences. Here are a few reasons why you may choose to study in the U.S.
World renowned Academia
With over 4000 universities across the country, the United States boasts of some of the top universities in the world. The universities and colleges offer a wide range of degrees and courses in all academic fields. You may find excellent programs at the undergraduate and graduate level of study. US degrees are recognized and accepted around the world for their excellence. To support the fact, 16 universities of USA are among the top 20 in the world according to the latest rankings.
Academic Flexibility
The American higher education system offers flexible options to students according to their needs and interests. At the undergraduate level, students can choose different courses before they declare their choice for major at the end of second year. This gives students time and options to explore their interests. Also, if you have already decided what you want to study, you can still study another subject and complete a "double major", i.e. a degree in two subjects within the normal four year of study. At the graduate level, i.e. master's degree, you can customize your course according to your coursework to fit your academic goals. You always have the freedom to include ideas and opinions important to your area of academic interest.
Career Opportunities
An international degree opens up a wide range of career prospects and a degree from reputed universities widens the scope even further. Due to the varied insight into different fields of study offered by universities of USA, it broadens the scope of the career path that the student chooses and it is known that international companies look for candidates that offer them with a different take or perspective on their products.
Research and Training opportunities
U.S. universities offer research and training opportunities to international students at the graduate level. A student can assist a Professor by being a Teaching Assistant to them which also helps in funding their studies and also helps in the broadening of their knowledge and skill set. Students can assist professors with research on different projects and it also gives them an opportunity to work with the best in their chosen field of study.
Use of technology
U.S. takes pride in its technological advancement and it has made sure that all spectrums of the education sector are well equipped with the latest technology. This makes life of the student much simpler with easy access to data and other technology. It is said that technology plays a pivotal role in research and development and American universities have made sure they do not fall behind when it comes to the advancement of their facilities and their students by introducing new methods and skills to the learning curve.
American culture and campus life
It is often said that the American society is the epitome of freedom, fun and opportunity and it is quite true. Once a student decides to take admission to an American university, it brings in a lot of enthusiasm and freedom from the world to go. Studying in U.S. can give you opportunities to know and learn about other cultures and sharing your culture with your international friends. College life in universities is not just about classes and tutorials but an extension to your personality. You may find a lot of exciting mediums to make friends and enjoy college life. Indulge in a pottery class and unleash your creativity.
Help and support to International Students
It is challenging for international students to adhere or get accustomed to the new student life in an international university. However, most US universities provide good guidance and support to all the students whether it is related to accommodation, visa status, career opportunities, etc. Even US universities have international student offices. Staff and faculty members ensure a better support and guidance to international students. During your stay in US you may also gain essential life skills such as communication and social skills.
Sources
Documents Checklist for USA
Entry requirements for admission letter and I-20:
• Academic Documents
• Passport/MRP Copy
• TOEFL or IELTS Score Sheet
• SAT/ACT Score Sheet for Scholarship Options (UG Students)
• GRE/GMAT Score Sheet (Graduate or PG Students)
• USEF Verified academic documents for enrollment process
• Recommendation Letters from two subject teachers
• Recommendation Letters from employer (Working or Gap Students)
• Employment History if any Gap more than One Year
• Application for Admission in University
• Scholarship form of university for scholarship options
• Affidavit of Sponsorship
• Bank Balance to cover 1 Year of tuition fees, living expenses and travel cost
• University Application Fee (Normally 30$-100$ but some universities have more than 100$ Application Fee)
• Interview will be conducted by university prior to make admission decision
• I-20 Shipping charge (50$-100$)
• Consultancy Registration Fee for Documentation and Offer Letter
Visa Checklists for Embassy of USA in Nepal
Forms and Other Supporting Documents:
• Completed USA Student Visa application Form (DS160 Non-Immigrant)
• I-20 from US Universities
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement or Goal Statement
Financial Documents:
Normally, US Embassy in Nepal does not require any financial documents. However, students must have evidences of following financial documents:
• Bank Balance to cover 1 Year of living expenses, tuition fees and travel cost
• Evidence of income of parents or sponsors (salary, house rent and business)
• Registration Certificate of Business (Audit Report of Business)
• Property Valuation, Tax Clearance Certificate and CA Report/Annual Income Certificate
• Relationship Certificate with Sponsors
• Birth Certificate/Citizenship certificate/Marriage Certificate
• Land Revenue/Land Ownership Certificate
• Affidavit of Support from Sponsors/Sponsors Authorization letter
• Four Copies Recent Passport Sized Photographs(45mm×35mm)
Visa Application Fee and SEVIS Fee:
• Visa application fees 160$ should be deposited to Nepal Investment Bank, Maharajgunj Branch
• Students need to pay 350$ SEVIS Fees before their interview date
NB: Kindly check with the nearest US consular office for updated Visa information and SEVIS Fees
SOP Guidelines:
As the name says, “Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a statement or essay about your main purpose of applying to a university or a college abroad.” When applying to study at a university or a college abroad, one of the most important pieces of a strong application is your Statement of Purpose. A Statement of Purpose is a short essay that highlights your educational background, achievements, and goals.
Most importantly, a good well-crafted SOP brings your chance to impress the admission committee by presenting your profile through an essay. The committee wants to see whether you take an interest in letting them know how much you want to study at their university or college. Below are the important guidelines for drafting a SOP for overseas universities in the USA, UK, Australia, NZ and Canada:
1. Start your SOP with a brief introduction stating your full name, date of birth, nationality and where you are currently living. You must also include the name of the course and institution where you intend to study and identify who will sponsor or finance your studies in Australia or other chosen destination.
2. Provide brief details of your education history – from Year 10 and 12 equivalent qualifications to your highest qualification.
3. If applicable, describe your employment history including the name of the company, job title and the duration of each job you have held.
4. State how your selected course is linked to your previous study and/or work experience. If there is no link, explain why you are seeking a change of discipline and therefore a career change.
5. Describe the specific research you conducted which led you to decide on your selected course (Compare your University with other Universities). You must state the reasons on why you have chosen the selected course of study and why you have chosen to study at your University. You must include the full title and duration of the course and the specific location or campus at where this course is being offered. You should also be able to identify the career opportunities or professional recognition aligned with the course that you are intending to study.
6. If there are similar courses of the same international standing available in your home country, provide reasons on why you choose to study in Australia or USA or UK instead.
7. Provide reasons why you chose Australia or your chosen study destination rather than other countries like USA, Canada, New Zealand and European.
8. If you have dependents (spouse and children), please provide their names and age. Also indicate if they plan to accompany you or join you later or remain in your home country whilst you study in abroad
9. Explain how this course will benefit you in your future career prospects back in your home country or in other international settings where employment opportunities may be available for you. (It would be better if you mention name of companies or organizations, positions, and salary ranges).
10. Provide clear and compelling reasons for returning to your home country once you successfully complete your selected course in your study destination. In this section, you must be able to show your genuine intention to temporarily stay in that country as a student and how you implement knowledge, skills and experience that you gained from the respective country and university after studies in your future career path.
11. Concluding paragraph must be the summary of your essay or SOP.
Sample Interview Questions
Below are the sample common questions for all countries and education providers. Every country, university and college has their own specific interview criteria. Interview questions may vary according to the profile of students. Please consult with us for specific country, university and college interview guidelines.
1. What is your passport no.?
2. What is your date of birth?
3. When did you complete your SLC or SEE or 10+2 or Bachelors or Masters?
4. What did you study in your SEE or 10+2 or Bachelors or Masters?
5. What is the definition of Physics or Chemistry or Accountancy?
6. Why do you want to go to abroad?
7. Why don’t you want to continue your education in Nepal or home country?
8. Which university or college are you going to apply?
9. Why do you want to study in the particular college/university?
10. Does the university/college provide any internship facility?
11. How did you know about the college/university?
12. Why not other universities or colleges available in your chosen city or state?
13. Which course are you going to study and why this particular course?
14. What is the course start date and course end date?
15. What is the tuition fee of the course, length of the course, credit hours and intakes?
16. Have you visited the website of your college/university?
17. What information can you find in the website?
18. What will be your course outcome?
19. What will you learn during your study period?
20. How can you convert whatever you have learnt in terms of your future career?
21. How can you justify your time and money which you are going to invest for your higher education in abroad?
22. What will you do after you return back to your home country?
23. Which companies/organizations can you join?
24. How can you contribute to your own country?
25. Do you have your relatives or close family members in aborad?
About your finance:
26. Who will be your sponsors?
27. What do they do? How much do they earn?
28. If you have an educational loan then how will your parents pay EMI or repay education loan amount?
Important note:
• Please research as much possible as you can and do not forget that your interview is the gateway of your admission as well as positive visa outcome
• Visit the college or university website carefully and get to know each and every details minutely
• Visit the immigration website of respective country and know the visa application process, rules and regulations, and laws for international students
Important Resourses for Research:
www.np.usembassy.gov/visas/
www.travel.state.gov
www.ustraveldocs.com/np/np-niv-typefandm.asp
www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov
www.studyusa.com
FOUNDED
4 July, 1776
CAPITAL
Wahington DC
FORM OF GOVERNMENT
Federal Republic with Two Legislative Houses (Senate and House of Representatives)
NATIONAL ANIMAL
The American Bison
POPULATION
328,476,000 (2019 est.)
AREA
9,525,067 KM²
