Disclaimer: Some or all information provided in this website are collected from the internet sources like
https://educationusa.state.gov/foreign-institutions-and-governments/understanding-us-higher-education and others. These information are assumed to be correct but Asha Banglades.com assume no responsibility for any info that are not correct.
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) featured in these pics
Some are even called institutes
1,892
Public
The governments of the individual states and other US territories control public colleges and universities within their boundaries.
1,754
private
State or national governments don’t have direct control over private colleges, they operate on their own. Some of them are non-profit entity.
2,270
for-profit
State or national governments don’t have direct control over for-profit colleges, they operate like a business entity. Their motive is to make money.
What are Colleges and Schools in a University:
Within larger universities there are different colleges and schools that represent different academic areas of study, such as, college of Engineering, School of business, etc.
How International students feel about education in the USA
Nearly one million or 5.6% of all college students in the US are international students. Roughly 60-65% choose to stay in the US for work opportunities.
If you enroll in a STEM major, you can have three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for each degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) you complete in the United States.
92% of current international students and 89% of recent alumni believe their US education was a good investment.
Tech Colleges and Community Colleges
Two-years community colleges offer low-cost education in local communities and provide workforce preparation or credits toward completing a bachelor’s degree.
International students who have finished bachelor’s degrees in their home countries, the United States, or third countries have two options for graduate studies in the United States: master’s and doctorate (or doctoral) degrees. A faculty member will serve as a director or adviser of your entire graduate program.
There are more than 1,000 two-year, associate degree-granting institutions in the USA.
How long it takes to finish a graduate program?
It takes about 2 years to complete a Masters degree in the USA.
The length of doctorate programs will depend on two things:
1. How long it takes to finish course works and 2. how long it takes to complete a dissertation. After finishing doctoral classes (course works), you typically begin work on a dissertation or research paper/project. Usually it takes 4-6 years to finish a Ph. D program depending on your area of study.
Campus Jobs and Co-ops
Once settled, students may want to explore the opportunity to work on campus. Legally, as F-1 student visa holders, if there are jobs on campus available for international students, you can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week during vacation periods.
As you progress into your academic major, there may be internships, co-ops, or other work options off campus in jobs related to your program. Keep an eye out for these opportunities and be sure to bring this topic up with your academic/faculty advisor and also with your international student Services, as there are immigration regulations that you will need to be familiar with and permission you will need to receive before working off campus. Many of these internships or co-ops may also offer credits toward your degree studies.
Approximately 100,000 international students currently attend community colleges in the USA.
After taking low cost lower level transferable courses at a community college, international students then transfer to a 4-year university for a BS/BA degree. This pathway lowers their educational expenses in the USA by not paying high price for lower level courses at a 4-year university. If this is a option yor you to consider give us a call as Asha Bangladesh now.
What should you study?
For many international students, taking courses outside their academic field of study is a foreign concept. But in the US you can study anything you want. For example, You don’t have be in science discipline during your H.H.C course of study in Bangladesh to choose science major in college/university in the USA.
Are you ready to start your undergraduate program in the USA?
Other countries may have only 10 or 11 years of pre-university level studies. Typically, for students pursuing post-secondary education in the United States, U.S. colleges and universities require 12 years of education.
Typical Requirements for College Admission in the US
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- Academic Records/Transcripts
Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C) or it’s equivalent)
Higher Secondary Certificate (H. S. C) transcript or its equivalent Standardized Test Scores (Varies by university)
SAT or ACT scores (many schools are now test-optional).- English Language Proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
TOEFL
IELTS
Duolingo English Test
iTEP, or other proficiency tests.
Letters of Recommendation
Usually from teachers or school counselors.Personal Statement/Essay
A written essay detailing academic achievements, goals, and experiences.
More selective colleges and universities typically require an essay (for undergraduate applicants).
Extracurricular Activities
Participation in clubs, sports, volunteering, or other activities.
Application Fee
A non-refundable fee (waivers may be available for eligible students).
Financial Documentation (for international students)
Proof of financial ability to pay tuition and living expenses (e.g., bank statements).
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Academic Records/Transcripts
Undergraduate transcripts (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent).Minimum GPA requirement (varies by program, often 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).Standardized Test Scores (Varies by program)
GRE or GMAT scores (some programs are test-optional).English Language Proficiency (for non-native English speakers)
TOEFL, IELTS, or other recognized tests.Letters of Recommendation
From professors, employers, or mentors familiar with your academic and professional work.
Statement of Purpose
A detailed essay about academic interests, career goals, and why you’re applying to the program.Resume/CV
A document summarizing academic achievements, work experience, and skills.Portfolio (for certain programs like art, design, or architecture)
Samples of creative or professional work.Interview
Some graduate programs require an interview (in-person or online).Application Fee
A non-refundable fee.Financial Documentation (for international students)Proof of financial support for tuition and living expenses.
Additional Considerations
- Deadlines: Universities have specific deadlines for applications, often with separate deadlines for early decision, regular decision, and rolling admissions.
- Visa Requirements (for International Students): Admitted students need to secure an F-1 or J-1 student visa.
Visa Considerations
Studying in the US requires you to have a student visa, with the specific type based on the purpose and timeline of your degree program. Most students apply for an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa. Having F-1 visa status permits you to study at an accredited US college or university, while J-1 visa status allows participation in a high school or university exchange program. An M-1 visa permits only non-academic or vocational education or training.
To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted at an accredited university in the US.
Once you are accepted at a US university, it will issue your Form I-20, required to apply for your student visa.
English Proficiency Test Score:
Students from non-English-speaking countries, or those who have not attended a school where English is the medium of instruction, are required to take at least one of the following tests to determine their English proficiency.
- TOEFL iBT
- IELTS
- iTEP
- Duolingo English Test
Universities—and sometimes different programs within a university—may have varying minimum test score requirements for admission.
The best English test for international students depends on the skills, knowledge, preparedness, and strengths of the individual applying to study at a US college or university. As each student is skilled in their own unique areas, there is no “best” English test overall.
Here is an overview of the most popular English language assessment tests available to you as an international student.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The IELTS exam is produced and managed by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. The academic version of the test consists of listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections and lasts two hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Listening
• Question breakdown: four recordings, 10 questions each
• Time: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time)
In the listening section, you answer multiple-choice questions, matching and labeling questions and sentences, and diagram completion questions. There are four recordings you will have to listen and respond to:
1. An everyday social conversation between two people
2. An everyday monologue or speech
3. A conversation between as many as four people in an educational context
4. An academic lecture by one person
IELTS Reading
• Question breakdown: three readings, 40 questions total
• Time: 60 minutes
Reading passages on the IELTS English proficiency test can be descriptive, factual, discursive, or analytical. There are many question types in this section, from multiple choice to matching to sentence and diagram completion.
IELTS Writing
• Question breakdown: two questions
• Time: 60 minutes
In the writing section of the IELTS English language proficiency test, you will have to answer two task-based questions.
1. The first question asks you to describe some visual cue, such as a graph or flowchart. You will have to write approximately 150 words in 20 minutes.
2. The second question asks you to respond to a point of view or argument. You will need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes.
IELTS Speaking
• Question breakdown: one oral interview
• Time: 11–14 minutes
The speaking section of the IELTS English language exam consists of three parts and assesses your spoken English skills.
1. Part 1 lasts around four to five minutes and requires you to speak your answers to general questions on familiar topics.
2. Part 2 requires you to respond to a topic written on a card. You will need to prepare, speak on your topic, and respond to follow-up questions from your interviewer during this session, which lasts between three to four minutes.
3. Part 3 lasts about five minutes and will continue with questions related to the topic on the card in Part 2. Expect these questions to be more abstract and difficult.
The IELTS used to be taken on paper, but since 2017 a computer-based version became available and is being rolled out to testing locations worldwide. It is worth noting the speaking section of the computer-based IELTS exam is still administered face-to-face, the same as the paper-based test, and can be completed at some testing centers as much as a week in advance of your official test date.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The TOEFL is produced and governed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). There are different versions of the TOEFL. While accepted everywhere, the TOEFL internet-based version (or iBT) taken on a computer is preferred by nine out of 10 universities in the US, making it a popular choice among students. If you take the TOEFL iBT test multiple times, you can use your best scores on each section.
The sections are broken down as follows:
TOEFL Reading
Question breakdown: two reading passages, 10 questions each
TOEFL Listening
• Question breakdown: three lectures, six questions each; two conversations, five questions each
• Time: 36 minutes
TOEFL Speaking
• Question breakdown: four tasks: one independent, three integrated
• Time: 16 minutes
TOEFL Writing
• Question breakdown: two tasks
• Time: 29 minutes
Which English Test Is the Easiest?
Each of the exams have their own method of testing your skills and there is no specific exam that is easier than the others. Depending on your own strengths and knowledge, you may find certain exams a better fit for you.
If you are confident in your English fundamentals, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be ideal choices. These two tests evaluate basic English speaking skills and if you have this understanding beforehand, the exam is less challenging and you may score higher.
One factor to consider is that the IELTS requires you to have a face-to-face interview with an examiner as part of the test. If you are not comfortable with these types of interactions, the TOEFL may be easier for you.
Which English Test Is Best for an International Student?
The best English test for international students depends on the skills, knowledge, preparedness, and strengths of the individual applying to study at a US college or university. As each student is skilled in their own unique areas, there is no “best” English test overall.
Here is an overview of the most popular English language assessment tests available to you as an international student.
Semesters, Trimesters, Quarters
In the American education system, the academic year typically begins in August or September. Depending on the university, the academic year may be divided into semesters, trimesters, or quarters, running until May or June. For colleges that follow the semester system, the fall term runs from late August or early September to mid-December, while the spring semester runs from January to May.
The Undergraduate Classroom
In U.S. colleges, class sizes can range from as large as 400 students in an auditorium to as small as four students around a table. At larger state universities, you are more likely to encounter big class sizes during the first two years of study.
Colleges and universities typically list their average student-to-faculty ratio (i.e., the number of students per faculty member) and average class size on their websites, allowing you to easily assess the class sizes at institutions that interest you.
Majors and Minors
International students should not expect to have more than half their total classes in their intended major.
Majors represent student’s interest to learn and to get in the work-force or go to a graduate school in that field. Minors are other academic focus areas in addition to a major, and typically require half as many classes as a major.
Undergraduate degree
How long it takes to complete an undergraduate degree
A well-prepared students normally will finishes an undergraduate program in four years. On the average students take little to finish the program.
Credits
International students usually take between four and six classes each academic term, and each class is given a certain number of academic credits. As long as you pass a course (i.e., a D grade or better) you will get full credit for that course.
Most university classes are worth between three and five credits.
BA or BS degrees
BA degrees focus on liberal arts major. BS degrees cover business, math, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and other tech fields. BFA degrees align with the creative arts, such as music or dance.
On the left: The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot-tall (192 m) monument located in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Constructed from stainless steel and designed in the form of an arch, it features a viewing deck at the top. The journey to the top is particularly fascinating, as the elevator adjusts its direction every few seconds to accommodate the curve of the arch, which is not straight.
As the world’s tallest arch, it was built as a monument to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States. Commonly referred to as “The Gateway to the West,” it has become a popular tourist destination.
St. Louis, one of the largest cities near Cape Girardeau, is about a 1.5-hour drive away. SEMO students and faculty often travel to St. Louis for shopping or enjoying a night out in the city.
Happy Faces of Happy SEMO Students
