Study in the USA

The United States of America (USA) is renowned for its developed economy and international influence attracting foreigners for studies and work. Studying there has always been a choice for thousands of candidates worldwide for Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and PhD programs due to the excellent quality of education and outstanding career prospects.

At Koutsodontis Prep Center, with experience since 1981, we provide successful preparation for the IELTS and TOEFL tests, as well as for the GMAT, GRE, and SAT aptitude tests, which are required for admission to American universities. Additionally, we offer support for your admissions process through various services. Every year, our students are accepted into top American universities for Bachelor’s or Master’s programs!

Why Study in the USA

1. Personal Benefits Outweigh Academic ones

Many overlook the significant impact that studying abroad has on students’ personal development, beyond their career prospects. The opportunity to step out of their comfort zone exposes them to new situations and different cultures. Mainly, this experience shapes their character and attitude holistically. In other words, studying abroad offers a real-life experience that broadens students’ horizons and enriches their personal growth.

2. Multicultural environment

American universities offer a plethora of programs and are top in their fields every year, making them particularly popular. After all, they host the largest number of international students from any country, with half coming from China and India! Consequently, students can enjoy American student life in a welcoming and diverse environment.

3. High-Quality Education & Flexibility

American universities receive international recognition, having a strong presence among the best educational institutions globally. This is partly due to the funding and support they receive, as well as the high demands they have from students. Moreover, teaching methods vary depending on the program, while modern facilities and equipment allow for better course and research conduction. Note that students have great flexibility in choosing their major, as they can tailor their degree or choose a major later.

4. Excellent career prospects

The USA can offer graduates valuable jobs in their field of study shortly after graduation. Esteemed universities are connected with the labor market, providing students with the knowledge and skills to be competitive. In fact, such distinguished study programs have a good reputation and earn the trust of employers. Furthermore, many of the most successful multinational companies are American, such as Microsoft, Apple, Coca Cola, Ford, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta.

5. Vibrant student life

American universities are known for offering clubs and communities that allow students to explore different aspects of student life! For example, if someone wants to improve their studies, they can join studying societies to improve their performance. In addition, students interested in sports can join respective clubs to train and collaborate.

6. Excellent support for international students

International students can work on campus, do internships at off-campus businesses, and hold research and training positions as graduate students. Moreover, many universities offer counseling and support services to international students to help with issues such as housing or adaptation issues when they arrive at the university.

University Admissions

American universities employ various application systems (regular decision, early action, early decision, rolling admissions). The system chosen determines deadlines and different opportunities for candidates. Moreover, candidates should always start preparing for applications as early as possible and programs may begin in either fall or spring.

Regarding applications, undergraduate candidates initially register on the CommonApp platform. This is a centralized system that allows a single application to be submitted to multiple universities. Candidates create an account, list the universities they desire and upload the required documents. Thus, they submit a unified application through CommonApp, but also a separate application (outside the platform) to each university for additional requirements that may be requested.

Candidates can apply to up to 20 institutions but must pay the application fee for each one. A new version of the application is released each year on August 1st for the upcoming admissions cycle, but an account can be created at any time.

More than 900 American institutions use the CommonApp but here are some notable universities that do not use the platform:

Brigham Young University—Provo
Colorado School of Mines
Georgetown University
James Madison University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Rutgers University
Texas A&M University–College Station
University of California (all 9 campuses)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of New Mexico
University of Texas–Austin
University of Washington
Washington and Jefferson College

*The CommonApp does not apply to graduate programs, for which candidates must apply separately to each university.

When applying through CommonApp, students can choose to apply as Early Decision if they wish, thereby committing to their first choice institution. Therefore, if accepted, they must enroll in that university. Many universities in the USA state that their acceptance rates for Early Decision are higher than for Regular Decision. In other words, candidates have higher chances of acceptance if they apply through Early Decision to these universities.

This option is worthwhile only if a student clearly has one university as their first choice. This is because Early Decision is binding, and a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the program. The application for Early Decision is exactly the same as for Regular Decision. The only difference is that the submission deadline is earlier (usually between November 1 and 15).

Admission Requirements

Basic requirements for English-taught undergraduate programs are:

High school diploma
English language certification TOEFL (or IELTS)
SAT score
Personal Statement
Letter of Recommendation from a teacher

Basic requirements for English-taught postgraduate programs are:

Bachelor’s degree and Transcript (original and certified translations)
English language certification TOEFL (or IELTS)
Scores on aptitude tests GMAT or GRE (depending on the program)
Personal Statement
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of Recommendation from professors and/or employers

New classes for IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, and GRE start every month. We also offer preparation courses for the SAT. Additionally, the Admissions Office provides individual services regarding Bachelor’s or Master’s programs, starting immediately after your registration.

Tuition Fees & Funding in the USA

The cost of studying in the USA is quite high. Although universities do not differentiate tuition between US and non-US students, public universities have lower tuition fees for in-state students, while private universities have a set tuition fee for everyone. For undergraduate programs, tuition starts at $10,000 and can exceed $40,000 per year, while graduate tuition starts at $15,000 and can exceed $40,000 annually.

It is possible to finance studies through scholarships, grants, or loans. Financial aid usually depends on the students’ merit and financial situation. Although international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, many universities have their own forms of aid. With the ‘net price calculator’ service available on all university websites, applicants can check if they are eligible for any form of financial aid.

The general amounts of financial aid are based on the difference between the institution’s cost and the amount the applicant can pay. Applicants who compete in sports can look into athletic scholarships. Moreover, most scholarships may cover only part of the total cost of education and living and may not be available to first-year international students. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants do not exclude universities based on their total cost. Instead, they should check whether these universities offer any financial aid to international students.

Finally, the universities of Amherst, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Harvard offer “need-blind” admissions. In other words, students are admitted without considering their ability to pay tuition, with the university committing to provide the necessary support to allow the student to attend.

There are several agencies or organizations in Greece that grant scholarships for studies abroad. It should be noted that a high SAT/GMAT/GRE score is a prerequisite for the award of scholarships. Lastly, special attention is required to the requirements and deadlines of scholarships.

Visa Issuance

The issuance of a visa is of exceptional importance. After applicants are accepted by the university of their choice, they must apply for the F-1 non-immigrant visa. Therefore, they need to go through an interview at the local U.S. embassy following this process:

Payment of the $160 application fee (Machine Readable Visa – MRV application fee) as informed by the embassy.
Completion of the electronic form (DS-160), with an attached photo of the applicant.
During the interview: Submission of proof of acceptance from the university, payment of the required tuition fees, and completion of the necessary documents. Additionally, the forms I-20 or DS-2019 and passport (ideally valid for up to 6 months after the completion of studies) are required.

The decision to issue the visa lies with the consular officer and depends on the following:

The applicant’s ability to finance themselves.
Proof that the applicant can and intends to return to their home country after graduation (obtaining a work permit is a different process).
Proof of the applicant’s academic qualifications, which usually includes proof of English language proficiency.

Additional documents may be required to prove academic progress, departure from the U.S. after completing studies, and the method of covering expenses. Finally, the embassy informs about the time needed for visa issuance, which can be obtained up to 120 days before the start of classes. However, the process can start earlier. Nevertheless, for entry into the country earlier than 30 days before the start of classes, a visitor permit is required, which also applies to those who normally do not need a visa for a short stay in the U.S.

Living Costs in the USA

The average cost of living amounts to approximately $15,000 – $25,000 per year (approximately $1,250 – $2,000 monthly). Depending on the city of residence and lifestyle, there may be deviations from this amount. Generally, expenses that need to be taken into account include housing, food, clothing, transportation, health insurance, activities, and other expenses.

Housing is an important issue for foreign students in the USA. Typically, students choose student residences or on-campus housing, with costs varying depending on the university’s location. Renting an apartment or room is also possible, with many universities assisting their students. There is also the “homestay program” in which students are hosted by a local family, have their own room, and spend time with the family. In any case, it is imperative to start housing search as early as possible to avoid surprises.

Moreover, unlike some other countries, the USA does not provide healthcare for everyone. While the American healthcare system is among the best in the world, it is also one of the most expensive and complex. Most educational institutions offer some form of medical services or their own insurance programs, some of which may be mandatory. Upon arrival, students need to provide copies of their medical records to the university health center. However, obtaining basic health insurance is highly recommended. A one-year health insurance program for a foreign student in the USA can range from $500 to $1000 annually.

Regarding transportation, major cities have subway systems, which are the cheapest and most efficient means of transport. For longer distances, there are trains or services like Greyhound, a widespread bus network for routes within and between cities. Finally, with vibrant student life, students have various leisure options ranging from trying new cuisines or clubbing to escapes for skiing or music festivals!

Popular American Universities

Business & Management

The most popular Business Schools in the USA, according to QS Top Universities, are the following: Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Pennsylvania, New York University, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Yale University, Cornell University.

Moreover, graduate programs in Business Administration have their roots in the USA, with the first MBA program identified at Harvard University in 1908! According to the Financial Times, the top American universities for MBA programs are: University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Harvard University, Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Chicago, Yale University.

Engineering

The top universities in the USA for engineering studies, according to QS Top Universities, are the following: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of California – Berkeley (UCB), Harvard University, California Institute of Technology (CalTech), University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Princeton University, Cornell University.

Life Sciences & Medicine

Well-known universities offering medical programs include: Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of California- San Francisco (UCSF), University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of California – Berkeley (UCB), Columbia University.

The most popular universities in the USA for Social Sciences are: Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),University of California – Berkeley (UCB),Yale University, Columbia University, University of Chicago, University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Princeton University, Cornell University, Brown University.

Koutsodontis Tips

TIP 1: Choosing a Study Program

Finding the right program that combines interests, qualifications, and budget is a challenging process, especially when it comes to universities in the USA. Accurate information is key.

Our Prep Center offers the Program Finder service for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs, to identify the best programs based on your individual profile.

TIP 2: Connecting with Alumni

Information from alumni is invaluable for candidates, providing insights into career prospects post-graduation and practical advice on navigating academic challenges.

Our Prep Center provides all students enrolled in GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS preparation programs the opportunity to communicate with our alumni who have achieved their goals.

TIP 3: Start your Preparation Early

After selecting their program of study, it’s crucial for candidates to start their preparation as soon as possible. Typically, candidates begin by obtaining TOEFL language proficiency certification.

Our Prep Center offers intensive preparation programs with new courses starting every month, designed to help students achieve their desired scores in a short period.

TIP 4: High Test Scores in GMAT / GRE

American universities evaluate candidates from different countries and institutions, often requiring SAT (for Bachelor’s) or GMAT or GRE (for Master’s, MBA, PhD) tests to facilitate comparison on a common basis. Therefore, candidates aim to perform as well as possible to achieve their goals, which entails striving for a high score.

Our Prep Center specializes in preparing students for the SAT, GMAT, and GRE tests, ensuring they achieve their desired scores. Our 40-year experience shows that the proper guidance, the right mindset and continuous practice lead to success. This is what our thousands of successes attest to!

TIP 5: Make your Application Stand Out

Your applications are essential. Special attention must be given to the CV, Personal Statements, Essays, or Recommendation Letters and simple editing is not sufficient. The truth is that these components require significant time and hold great importance during the university selection process.

Our Admissions Office provides full support for Bachelor’s and Master’s applications, achieving a 100% success rate every year in the application process!