The United States is a global leader in teaching and innovation and offers abundant opportunities for any student seeking to study abroad for a Bachelor’s degree. With the most prestigious universities with diverse cultures and plenty of career opportunities after the degree, getting an education in the US can be life-changing. Every year millions of students head to the USA for their higher education.
According to IIE’s Spring 2023 Snapshot on International Educational Exchange, the number of international students has increased in the US and hosts over 1 million international students in their universities. The US universities have taken over the top universities ranking: they have taken 3 of the top 10 spots. You can find a plethora of universities offering so many programs that you can find a center of excellence for each of your interests, even for your hobbies. This blog post will answer all the queries you have in your mind about studying Bachelor’s in the USA including costs, how to choose the right university, and how to secure your selection in one of the US universities.
If you have made up your mind about studying in the USA, then Contentholic’s study abroad consultants would be the best choice for you to fulfill your dreams. Our consultants will guide you through every step, from choosing the right university and program to the application process and securing a scholarship.
Choosing the Right University
This is the first step towards your study in USA journey. You need to consider several factors when choosing a university such as programs offered, research opportunities, location of the campus, cost of living expenses, and requirements to secure a visa. Make sure your university and the program of your choice are at par with your career plans. You can look at QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, and U.S. News & World Report if the ranking of an institute is one of your priorities.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees in the USA
There are mainly three types of Bachelor’s degrees offered in US Universities:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA degree)
- Bachelor of Science (BS degree)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA degree)
Other specialty Bachelor’s degrees are Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Nursing (BN), Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Bachelor of Technology (B.T./B.Tech.), and many more. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes more than 80 types of Bachelor’s degrees.
Some of the Best US Universities for Bachelor’s Degree
The United States has been the top study-abroad destination for quite some time for students having the desire to get the best education in their desired field of study. Here in this blog, we have made a list of the best universities in the US for your undergraduate studies:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is one of the top universities in the US, especially in the field of STEM programs. It is constantly striving for improvement through research, innovation, and world-class education. The undergraduate programs are designed in such a manner that students would get all the necessary skills and knowledge to face the problems of the modern world. The most popular courses at MIT are in the fields of Finance, Architecture, Chemistry, Computer Science and Engineering, and Computation and Cognition. The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate studies is USD 53,450.
As an undergraduate student at MIT, you can join any of the faculty members for ongoing research projects. Students can also take part in workshops, intensive subjects and seminars, field trips, lecture series, and other activities. If you think you cannot afford to study at MIT, then you should check its Financial Aid section. The aid is provided need-based as well as based on merit.
2. Stanford University
It is one the leading institutes known for its research, education, and entrepreneurial spirit. The most popular programs in undergraduate studies are History, Anthropology, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Film and Media Studies, Computer Science, and Chemistry. The average annual tuition fee is USD 57,693. Stanford University is located in one of the most intellectually active and culturally diversified areas of the USA, the Silicon Valley-California’s Bay Area.
3. Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the most well-recognized Ivy League universities and the oldest university in the USA. It offers 97 undergraduate degrees across 57 Majors within 19 fields of study. The most popular undergraduate Majors at Harvard are English, History, Astrophysics, Physics, Psychology, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science. The average annual tuition fee is around USD 51,143.
For international students, Harvard provides a variety of financial assistance, such as grants, work-study programs, exemptions, and scholarships. Around 20% of students do not pay for anything, and around 50% of students at Harvard have need-based scholarships.
4. University of Chicago (UChicago)
If you choose the University of Chicago for your Bachelor’s, you can choose from 50 majors and 40 Minors, along with specialized studies and pre-professional programs. The teaching pedagogy of this university is based on rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom, which attracts students to choose this university. The most popular Majors among the undergraduate students at this university are Computer Science, Economics, History, Chemistry, Neuroscience, English language and Literature, and Psychology. The university has such a strong research ethos that there is a separate school of thought named after it, i.e., the ‘Chicago School of Thought.’ The average annual tuition fee for an undergraduate program can be USD 69,324.
UChicago has a policy that every student should get the most out of their education without worrying about their financial situation. Therefore, the university provides many kinds of financial assistance as students whose family income is less than USD 60,000 per year get to study for free including tuition, housing, dining, etc; those whose family income is less than USD 125,000 in a year, get free tuition; and the students who apply for financial aid, don’t even pay the application fee. Students even get to choose from 4500+ paid internship opportunities each year to gain professional experience in between their program duration.
5. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
This is a public university offering many majors and minors to its undergraduate students. Undergraduates constitute more than 70% of the student body. The university has 14 Schools which include the highly ranked Haas School of Business, College of Chemistry, College of Engineering, School of Public Health, and School of Law. The most chosen Majors are Economics, Legal Studies, Psychology, Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Architecture, Geophysics, Chemistry, Aerospace Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering. The average annual tuition fee is USD 44,088. Around 65% of its students receive financial aid, 80% graduate either with a job offer or admission to graduate studies, and 68% of the students graduate with no debts.
Understanding the Application Process
The application process for any American university follows these steps:
- After researching, make a list of your top 5 favorite universities where you want to apply.
- Gather important documents such as your academic transcripts, standardized test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS), letters of recommendation (LOR), and a personal essay or Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Complete your application form and submit it before the deadline.
An SOP is an important element of your application. This document shows your academic achievements, motivation behind choosing a program, and the university and your future goals. Although American universities ask for program-specific essays instead of SOPs for undergraduate admissions, these essays cover the same topics as an SOP. A well-crafted SOP can increase your chances of getting admission. Below are some tips to help you write a compelling SOP:
- Discuss your achievements, coursework that is relevant to the program, and any workshop or research experience you had.
- You have to give an articulate answer about your motivations behind studying in the USA, and choosing the specific program and university.
- Connect how the university’s centers, facilities, or faculty expertise align with your career goals.
- Highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and skills that would make you a suitable candidate.
- Proofread and ensure there are no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR) provide validity to your statements in a personal essay or SOP. Seek LOR from your teachers or any other suitable person who can attest to your personal qualities, academic performance, and potential capabilities. Ensure that you have given your recommenders ample amount of time for them to write strong letters.
Conclusion
Consider your Bachelor’s degree from the USA as an investment towards your future career. However, as with any investment, you have to be prepared for the high cost of education, and the competitive and complex admission process. You should always choose the program and university based on your preference which are aligning with your career goals by making a pros and cons list.
After choosing a program and university, the next important thing that comes is the application process. Remember, even if you think you are not academically strong, your SOP and LOR can help you make it through the selection process. If you are someone who struggles to write, get assistance from professional writing services like Contentholic. Our experts can provide you guidance while editing and proofreading personal essays, SOP, or LOR to craft a standout application. Contenholic also offers professional SOP writers and SOP writing services tailored to your specific needs.
