Are you an Indian student planning to Study in the the USA after 12^th? This could be your lifetime opportunity to study in the world’s number one destination for higher learning, and a US degree can open up many doors for Indian graduates looking to enter the global employment market.

We have covered everything you require to know about getting admission to US universities after doing your class 12th in this blog, including selecting the best university, getting ready for the standardized examinations, and requesting a visa. Let’s Jump in!

Choose the Course You Want to Study in the USA After 12^th

Indian students have an array of options when it comes to selecting a subject to pursue in the USA following their 12th-grade education. Popular selections include science, the arts, and the humanities, all of which provide a wide range of specializations.

Science Courses for Indian Students in USA after 12th

The table below summarizes Important Science courses, their duration, and average Tuition Fee per year.

Arts Courses for Indian Students in the USA after 12th

The table below summarizes Important Arts courses, their duration, and average Tuition Fee per year.

Commerce Courses for Indian Students in the USA after the 12th:

The table below summarizes Important Commerce courses, their duration, and average Tuition Fee per year.

Average living Cost

The average living cost per annum for students studying in the USA varies in the estimated range of Rs8.30 Lakhs to Rs16.60 Lakhs per year depending on the location and lifestyle of students.

Choose the University

Given below are some of the best universities in the USA offering courses in different streams, in addition to these top-notch universities, which sometimes can be expensive, one can choose from affordable universities as well.

Admission Requirements for Different Undergraduate Courses in the USA for Indian Students After 12th

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses in the USA vary depending on the university and the program. However, there are some general requirements that most universities have in common.

General Admission Requirements

• Academic Qualifications:
  • Strong academic performance in Class 12th (85% and above approx) with a focus on relevant subjects for your chosen course.
  • Standardized test scores:
    • SAT: Generally required for undergraduate admissions, minimum scores vary by university.
    • ACT: Accepted by most universities as an alternative to the SAT.
    • Subject Tests: Optional but recommended for STEM fields or highly competitive programs.
• English Language Proficiency:
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are mandatory for non-native English speakers. Minimum scores vary by university.
• Visa Requirements:
  • F-1 student visa requires acceptance to a SEVP-certified university and proof of financial support.
• Additional Requirements:
  • Letters of recommendation: Typically required from teachers or academic advisors.
  • Personal statement: Showcase your academic and personal motivations for studying in the USA.
  • Essays and portfolios: Some programs may require additional application materials.
  • Financial documents: Prove you can afford tuition and living expenses.

Course-Specific Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements, some universities may have additional requirements for specific courses. For example, engineering programs may require applicants to have taken certain math and science courses in high school. Business programs may require applicants to have taken certain math and economics courses in high school.

Here are some additional admission requirements for popular undergraduate courses in the USA for Indian students after the 12th:

Engineering:

• Strong academic performance in Class 12th: Aim for high scores in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Standardized Tests:
  • SAT General Test: Generally required, competitive scores vary by university.
  • ACT: Accepted by most universities as an alternative to the SAT.
  • SAT Subject Tests: Highly recommended for engineering (Math Level 2 and Physics are common).
• Pre-Engineering Entrance Exams: Consider taking competitive exams like JEE Mains and JEE Advanced, as some universities may recognize them.

Medicine:

• Strong performance in Class 12th: Excellent scores in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics are crucial.
• Standardized Tests:
  • MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Mandatory for most medical schools, competitive scores necessary.
  • SAT or ACT: Generally required, competitive scores vary by university.
• Pre-Medical Entrance Exams: Consider taking exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in India, as some universities may recognize them.

Business:

• Strong overall performance in Class 12th: While specific subject requirements may vary, consistent academic excellence is crucial.
• Standardized Tests:
  • SAT or ACT: Generally required by most universities, competitive scores often expected.
  • Subject Tests (Optional): Consider Math Level 1 or 2 to strengthen your application, especially for quantitative-focused programs.
• Mathematics in Class 12th: While not universally mandatory by every university, strong performance in Math is highly recommended and often considered favorably. Math skills are valuable for various business disciplines, including finance, accounting, and analysis.

Computer Science:

• Strong performance in Class 12th: Aim for high scores in Math, Physics, and Computer Science (if available).
• Standardized Tests:
  • SAT or ACT: Generally required by most universities, competitive scores often expected.
  • SAT Math Subject Test: Highly recommended to showcase your quantitative skills.
• Pre-Engineering Entrance Exams: Consider taking exams like JEE Mains or JEE Advanced, as some universities may recognize them for STEM fields like CS.

Marks Requirement

There’s no single “marks requirement” in Class 12th for Indian students seeking admission to science, arts, and commerce courses in the USA. Each university and program has its own academic criteria, so a definitive mark threshold doesn’t exist.

However, we can offer some general guidance based on typical expectations:

General Benchmarks:

• Strong Overall Class 12th Score: Aim for a high overall percentage, typically above 85%, demonstrating consistent academic excellence.
• Competitive Standardized Test Scores:
  • SAT: Aim for a combined score of 1250-1450 depending on the university and program, with higher scores for more competitive institutions.
  • ACT: Aim for a score of 28-33 depending on the university and program, with higher scores for more competitive institutions.
• Subject Tests (Optional): Consider taking SAT Subject Tests relevant to your chosen course (e.g., Math Level 2 for science, Literature for arts, etc.) to strengthen your application.

Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in the USA After 12th

There are a number of scholarships available to Indian students who want to study in the USA after 12th. These scholarships can help to cover the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses.

Here are some of the most popular scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA after 12th:

• Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship:

Indian students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in the United States are eligible to apply for this coveted fellowship. Tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel expenses are all covered by the fellowship.

• The Tata Scholarship for Cornell University:

Indian students who wish to attend Cornell University for undergraduate study are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The scholarship pays living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship:

Students from India and other countries around the world are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel expenses are all covered by the scholarship.

• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program:

Mid-career professionals from all over the world, including India, are eligible to apply for this one-year fellowship. Tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel expenses are all covered by the fellowship.

• Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship:

Graduate students from India who wish to attend Stanford University are eligible to apply for the Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship. The fellowship pays living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

• INLAKS Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship:

Indian students who wish to pursue graduate or undergraduate education in the United States are eligible to apply for the INLAKS Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship pays living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

• American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship:

Indian students are eligible to apply for this scholarship, which is given to international students. The scholarship pays living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

Please check out our blog https://eduler.in/scholarships-for-indian-students-in-the-usa/ to know more about the different scholarships available to Indian students in the USA.

How to Get a Student Visa for Studying in the USA

To get a student visa for studying in the USA after 12th, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Select a college or university and submit an admissions application. The school will give you a Form I-20 after you are accepted. To apply for a student visa, you must fill out this form.
2. Cover the cost of SEVIS I-901. All foreign students who intend to study in the United States must pay this fee. The fee may be paid at a specified payment center or online.
3. Complete the Electronic Application for Nonimmigrant Visa (DS-160) online. All applicants for nonimmigrant visas, including those seeking student visas, must submit this form. Make sure you provide truthful and sincere answers to each inquiry.
4. Schedule for an interview at a US embassy or consulate to obtain a visa. By contacting the embassy or consulate, you can arrange an interview over the phone or online.
5. Compile the necessary paperwork for the interview for a visa. This paperwork consists of your passport, the Form I-20, the receipt for the SEVIS I-901 fee, the visa application, and evidence of your ability to pay.
6. Show up for the visa interview. Present yourself in a professional manner and be ready to discuss your academic goals, the reasons for your desire to study in the United States, and your sources of funding when questioned.

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