Higher Education in USA, study abroad in USA some facts and tips

• Most (Almost All) Universities in USA require TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) for foreign Nationals and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for both In state and Out state Students.
• TOEFL is waived for countries whose native language is English Like UK, Australia, Canada...).
• For Foreign nationals three Letters of Recommendation sealed) ,copies of Official Transcripts sealed) (Note: Some Universities accept Copies verified by Notary) are required. For Working people they may get two letters from current Employers but generally Letters from Professors are preferred.
• Most of the Universities require Undergraduate GPA to be 3/4 (US system). It is equivalent to 80/100,12/20*(China) and 1st Division ,65%*(For most Indian University).
• The Deadline for Fall Semester are from Dec 15 to July. But apply as early as possible. Many decisions are made before the deadline. Foreign nationals may take up to 8 weeks to hear their results. In state students may hear within 5 weeks.
  
  
  Financing Education
  
  Facts
• The cost of Study Tuition and fees) in USA varies from $5000 to $35000 (or more) per year.
• The cost of living depends on location. For example States like Washington, California and area around New York is costly.
• In general the cost of living may vary from $6000 to $10000.
• Renting an apartment can vary from $450 to$1000 (or more). Downtown (Chicago) may costs around $1200 for studio while it may be around $400 for Des Moines (IA).
• Grocery is Really cheap (Walmart!).
• It is assumed that students will live in shared Apartments, Live out of Campus and have less Telephone bills and other expenses are at bay.
• Most of (nearly) all expenses Living only not Tuition fees) can be met while working on Campus Jobs. The hourly pay for on Campus jobs Pay from $5 to $15 (sometimes more) per hour.
• Foreign Students can work for 20 hrs per week and 40 hrs per week during summer. Students may be allowed to work out Campus after nine months of their arrival at USA.
• Students receiving any type of AID Like TA/RA/Fellowship or GA don't have to worry about costs. But Students not receiving any AID must come prepared for Tuition fees and Living cost for initial 2-3 months.
• In some Universities TA/RA cover part of tuition fees and not all tuition fee is waived.
• Note that in some universities like University of Missouri, Rolla, Texas at Dallas and University of Texas Arlington there is huge shortage of P/T jobs. So students Planning to go to these universities must either have Scholarships or adequate Funds. Its better to contact current students via email for latest information.
• During 2004-05 aid scene has increased as compared to 2002.
• During year (2002 and 2003) Scholarships were  limited in most of the Universities. In some cases students who got scholarships have to face rollback. Aid situation is much better these days as compared to 2002-03.