International Student Info | Graduate

Undergraduate Preparation/Ability
Realistically assess your ability to do well in a graduate program, and one to be conducted entirely in English. Graduate studies in the U.S. is very intensive, requiring a heavy amount of research and self-study, and presentations and writing. Professors do not teach like was done in college and most of what you'll learn will be from your personal study.

If you cannot answer truthfully that you can cope with this level of studying, you probably should postpone grad school till you are adequately prepared for it.

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Will You Get Accepted?

Academic Program

You probably already know what you want from a graduate education. Programs with the same name often have very different philosophies or specialties. Research the schools thoroughly before applying to be sure its programs match your interests and will meet your expectations. Comb the websites and literature of the programs to gain information, and talk to the faculty members, any current students and alumni that you can find, to learn about the program and determine if it is right for you.

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Choosing a Grad School

Practical Considerations

What Are Your Goals

The Faculty Factor

The ABC's of Getting a PhD

Cost

A U.S. education is expensive, and for most, cost is the most important consideration. Tuition costs vary from school to school, with the range being from $17,000-$50,000 per year. Consider your financial resources before applying to a school. Research scholarship opportunities you can use to fund your education. Government grants may also help pay for your education. U.S. universities also award scholarships to international graduate students in form of teaching and research assistantships.

In considering cost, you should also look at the cost of living in the city where your school is located. While many schools have on-campus housing for graduate students, it is not mandatory to live in university housing. Whatever you decide, you should take into consideration the living expenses in the city where the school is located, because living expenses vary widely across the U.S.

Healthcare

Many universities have student health centers that offer basic medical care to their students for a low fee. If you have a specific medical condition or will require regular medical care, you should consider a school that has adequate student health services and is located near a comprehensive medical center. Healthcare is very expensive in the U.S., so you should also consider buying health insurance.