40% Rise in US Student Visa Applications

In yet another instance of increasing interest among Indian students in overseas education, the US Consulate has seen a 40 per cent increase in the number of students applying for the US student visa last year. India now sends the second largest number of foreign students to the US.

Speaking at the inauguration of the US Universities Fair in the city recently, Consul General Phillip Min said that at present there were over one lakh Indian students studying in the US universities. He said that out of the total number of students who were studying abroad, more than half were into the STEM subjects — Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The fair saw 24 universities from across the US offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Maya Sundararajan, regional officer, United States India Education Foundation (USIEF), said that apart from graduate students, there has been an increasing interest among high school students to pursue their higher education in the United States.

“The students are also making use of the multidisciplinary approach offered by the US. Apart from their majors in subjects like science and technology, students choose to couple minors like fine arts, sports or subjects like computer science along with biology,” she said.

The US India Educational Foundation (USIEF) office in the US consulate can be accessed for sessions on application process and expert advice. Call 044-28574134/ 044-28574410.

Do’s and dont’s

?  For Essays/ Statement of Purpose / Research Statement, do not regurgitate your resume. Make the best use of an opportunity to help make your individual voice heard

?  Do in depth research on the universities and the departments you are interested in. Tell the college why you are suited for the programme and why this university is suited for you, in your application

?  In your application forms, watch out for spelling mistakes, adhere to university guidelines if any, and ensure essays are of appropriate size

?  Sending online applications is not enough. Universities start the process of applications only on receipt of transcripts

?  Make the best use of the contacts given for each university to get questions on GPA systems, deadlines, etc., clarified

?  Submit applications well in advance even in the case of rolling admissions. This will give you enough time to seek scholarships, resend documents in case of request from the university, complete visa and other process, and ensure that the seats are not filled before you apply

29th September 2014

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/40-Rise-in-US-Student-Visa-Applications/2014/09/29/article2453698.ece