USA University Shortlisting Guide Based on Budget, Exam Scores & Goals

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the USA had over 1.1 million international students from all over the world. A great number of students around the world have the ambition to study in the USA. Regardless, selecting an appropriate university by weighing budget, exam scores, and personal goals can often seem confusing.

With so many top universities in the USA for Indian students, it becomes hard to decide which one is right for you. If you are one of them, here’s a quick guide to help you shortlist universities in the USA based on your budget, exam scores, and career goals.

Step 1: Know Your Budget

Knowing your budget thoroughly is one of the most important aspects of planning your study abroad journey to the USA. Calculate your tuition fee, living expenses, health insurance, books, supplies, visa expenses, airfare, and more. The cost of living is much higher in New York, Boston, and San Francisco than in places such as Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and San Diego.

If you are planning to target top-ranking universities in the USA, you can consider education loans for international educations in the USA. Several Indian students opt for a loan to make their dream university more affordable.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Exam Scores

Carefully check your GPA as well as your GRE / GMAT / IELTS / TOEFL scores, especially if both are needed for entrance to your program and university. Check the test requirements thoroughly on your university’s website before applying. Try to target universities in USA that match your scores. It is highly advisable to target a mix of "safety," "target," and "dream" universities.

If you feel that your scores are not up to the mark and you are not in the position to retake the exam, focus on your profile and other factors such as Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LoRs), extracurricular achievements, and more. You can also take expert advice from Nomad Credit at free of cost for personalized guidance.

Step 3: Assess Your Goals

To successfully shortlist universities in USA, you need to decide your goals before applying for admission. Try to pick universities with strong faculty, a high placement rate, good alumni network. Also, consider research opportunities and career services before deciding on your university. Here are some questions that you should ask yourself:

• What kind of career are you looking for?

• What knowledge and skills do you have?

• Are you planning to work in the USA after graduation?

• Do alumni from this university have a strong placement record?

• Do you want to apply for internships, on-campus jobs, or international scholarships for Indian students to help manage expenses?

Find the Right Fit with Personalized Support and Expert Insights

Shortlisting the right universities in the USA is not just about ranking, it's about finding a university that matches your interests, budget, and goals. With so many top universities, it becomes harder to find a university that is right for you. From understanding eligibility criteria, calculating tuition fees, every decision you make is crucial for your study abroad journey.

Getting help from someone who understands your problems can take the pressure off your mind. With the right guidance and support of a study abroad expert, you can find the top and best universities in the USA that match your requirements. Experts like Nomad Credit can help you in comparing loan offers and financial solutions based on your profile, making your study abroad experience in the USA easier.