If you’re planning to study for a Master’s degree in the United States, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to attend a public or private university. In this blog, we’ll explain the key differences to help you choose the option that best fits your goals, budget, and personal preferences.
Understanding the Basics
Before we compare, let us understand what each type of university generally offers.
What Are Public Universities?
Public universities are funded and supported by Federal and State governments. Because of this government backing, they often have lower tuition fees.
Key Features of Public Universities:
- Affordable Tuition: Generally lower than private universities.
- Big Campuses: More students, larger classrooms, and often a wider variety of courses and departments.
- Research Opportunities: Many professors are involved in research projects, so students can often find Research Assistantships (RA positions).
- Diverse Student Body: You will likely meet students from all backgrounds, both local and international.
- Multiple Campuses: Many public universities are part of a university system with campuses across the state.
Examples of Public University Systems:
- University of California (UC) System – 10 campuses (e.g., UCLA, UC Berkeley)
- California State University (CSU) System – 23 campuses (e.g., San Diego State, Cal State Chico)
- Texas A&M University System – 11 campuses (e.g., College Station, Kingsville)
Types of Public Universities
Not all public universities are the same. Some focus more on research, while others are career-focused.
Research-Focused Public Universities
These schools prioritize advanced research and often have more funding and state-of-the-art labs.
- Higher tuition due to better facilities.
- Great for students interested in research and PhDs.
- Tuition is around $34,000 to $40,000/year for international students. Example: UC Davis.
Career-Focused Public Universities
These focus more on practical, job-ready education with less research.
- More affordable.
- Good for students not interested in research.
- Tuition is around $16,000 to $18,000/year (for international students) Example: Cal State Chico.
What Are Private Universities?
Private universities do not get any funding from the government. Instead, they rely on student fees, donations by individuals and organizations, and endowments (large sums of money invested for long-term support).
Key Features of Private Universities:
- Higher Tuition Fees: Usually more expensive.
- Smaller Class Sizes: More personal attention from professors.
- Flexible Policies: They can design their own academic rules and often offer unique programs.
- Strong Branding: Many of the world’s top universities are private.
- Better Facilities & Campus Life: Often modern, well-maintained campuses with strong support systems.
Financial Aid Tip:
Even though private universities are more expensive, many offer merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, or teaching/research assistantships that can significantly reduce your costs. Always check the university’s financial aid page.
What About Ivy League Schools?
The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious private universities known for academic excellence and strong alumni networks. These schools are highly competitive but offer incredible opportunities.
The Eight Ivy League Institutions:
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
- Dartmouth College
- Brown University
Fun Fact: Stanford and MIT are also top private universities, but they are not part of the Ivy League.
Still deciding which English proficiency test to take? Check out our blog: TOEFL or IELTS? Choosing the Right Test! to help you choose the right one.
Which University Should You Choose – Private or Public?
There is no “best” option for everyone. It really depends on what you are looking for.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Your Budget: Can you afford private tuition? Are scholarships or assistantships available?
- Your Academic Goals: Do you want to do research? Or are you more focused on gaining practical job skills?
- Learning Style: Do you like big class size or smaller, more interactive classes?
- Program Fit: Does the university offer your specific Master’s program or specialization?
Bonus Tips to Make the Right Choice
Here are a few more things that can help you in your decision-making:
Check University Rankings by Subject
Some universities may not be top-ranked overall but are excellent in certain fields (like computer science, business analytics, or engineering).
Look at Career Services
A good university should have a career center that helps students with internships, job fairs, resume building, and interviews.
Talk to Alumni or Current Students
Reach out through LinkedIn or university forums. Their experiences can give you real insights.
Consider OPT and CPT Opportunities
Check if the university has strong links with companies, which can make it easier to get internships (CPT) or work opportunities after graduation (OPT).
Evaluate the Cost of Living
Don’t forget that living in Metropolitan cities like New York or San Francisco can be much more expensive than living in smaller cities or towns.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a public or private university, the most important thing is that it matches your goals and preferences. Both types can offer an excellent education and open doors to great careers. Take your time to research, explore university websites, attend virtual info sessions, and, most importantly – choose a place where you can see yourself growing academically and personally.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!
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If you are an international student dreaming about studying in the U.S. — or already in the U.S. — you have probably heard some buzz online about a new bill that could cancel the OPT (Optional Practical Training) program. It is totally understandable to feel anxious. But before you let worry take over, let us take a calm and clear look at what is really happening.
The short answer? There is no need to panic. The OPT program is still there, and this new bill is far from becoming a law.
Let us break it down in simple terms.
What is OPT?
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is a special benefit for international students in the U.S. that allows them to work in their field of study after completing their degree.
Here is how it works:
- If you are on an F-1 student visa, you are allowed to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after you finish your studies.
- If your degree is in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math), you can apply for a 24-month extension, giving you a total of 36 months of work authorization.
This program helps students gain real-world experience and also makes U.S. education more attractive for talented students from around the world. Currently, there are 1.1 million international students in the U.S., and around 331000 are from India alone.
What’s This New Bill All About?
The recent buzz started because Congressman Paul Gosar from Arizona introduced a bill to eliminate the OPT program. This is not the first time he has done this — he proposed a similar bill back in 2020, which did not go anywhere.
It is important to remember: This is just a bill. It is not a law.
In fact, over the past six years, more than 50 immigration-related bills have been introduced in Congress, and most of them never became law. The process of turning a bill into a law is long, complex, and often unsuccessful.
How Does a Bill Become a Law?
Let us walk through the steps. This will help you understand why it is too early to worry.
- A Congressman (or Congresswoman) introduces a bill.
- The bill goes to a committee for study.
- If it passes the committee, it goes to the House of Representatives for debate, possible changes, and voting. There are 435 members in the House. A simple majority is needed to pass the bill.
- If it passes the House, the bill goes to the Senate.
- The Senate also studies it, debates, amends, and votes. There are 100 Senators, and again, a simple majority is needed.
- If both chambers pass the bill, a Conference Committee from the House and Senate comes together to sort out any differences.
- The final version goes back to both the House and Senate for final approval.
- Then, it is sent to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it.
- Even after becoming law, it can be challenged in court through the judicial review.
- And finally, if it survives all this, it takes one or two years to actually be implemented.
So you see — the path from bill to law is full of hurdles. Many proposed bills never even make it past step two!
Why OPT Is Important for Everyone — Not Just Students
The OPT program does not just help students. It helps American universities and U.S. companies too.
Here is why:
- Universities depend on international students. International students often pay 2 to 2.5 times more in tuition than American students. This income helps universities run advanced research labs, libraries, sports facilities, and offer high salaries to top professors.
- The U.S. government does not fully fund universities, so they rely heavily on international tuition.
- If the OPT program is removed, many students will think twice before studying in the U.S., and that would cause huge financial stress for universities.
- US companies also benefit from the OPT program because it gives them access to talented, educated, and job-ready graduates. This is especially important in tech, healthcare, engineering, and other high-demand fields.
- Even the current U.S. administration supports skilled immigrants, recognizing their role in innovation and economic growth.
So, Should You Be Worried?
Let us be clear: No, you should not worry right now.
- If you are already studying in the U.S. or planning to join in Fall 2025, you are completely safe.
- This bill is very unlikely to become law. Similar ones have failed before.
- Even if it somehow passes (which is a big “if”), it would take years to implement.
What About the Stuff You See on Social Media?
Social media can sometimes create more fear than facts. You might see dramatic posts saying things like “OPT is being canceled!” or “Do not go to the U.S. now!” But always remember: Just because someone says it online does not make it true. Before believing or sharing anything, check the facts. Read from trusted sources, listen to official university announcements, and do not get caught up in panic.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Not Afraid
The U.S. remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students, especially those from India. The education, the experience, and the opportunity to work under OPT make it a top choice. Yes, a bill has been introduced to cancel OPT. But no, it is not a law, and it is very unlikely to become one anytime soon. So keep your goals on track, stay focused on your studies, and don’t let fear distract you from your dreams.
Stay informed. Stay calm. And most importantly — don’t panic!
Got questions about OPT or studying in the U.S.? Let’s talk!
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!
Planning to study in the US, UK, Australia, or Canada? Since English is not a native language in India, universities require proof of English proficiency through exams like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE. The TOEFL iBT, conducted by ETS in Princeton, New Jersey, is one of the most widely recognized and trusted tests worldwide.
Myth: TOEFL is Only Accepted in the US.
Many students assume that TOEFL is only recognized in the United States. However, this is not true! The TOEFL iBT is accepted by all the universities in major English-speaking study destinations, including the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, it is widely recognized by institutions in Germany, France, and over 160 countries worldwide for the courses that are taught in the English language.
Why Choose TOEFL?
Widely Accepted and Highly Reliable
- Trusted for over 60 years.
- Accepted by more universities than the closest competitor, IELTS.
- Relevant and Real-World Application
- The TOEFL iBT Speaking section assesses your ability to communicate effectively in academic settings, while the Writing section evaluates how clearly and coherently you express ideas in written English. This helps test-takers prepare for real-world academic communication.
Shorter Test Duration
- The test is just under 2 hours—less testing fatigue compared to other exams.
- All sections are completed in one sitting, making it efficient and stress-free.
Fair and Transparent Scoring
- TOEFL’s scoring system combines human evaluation with AI technology to eliminate bias.
- Evaluation of other exams rely solely on human scoring, which may be subjective.
Read “Common Errors in TOEFL Writing and Tips to Avoid Them“ to improve your TOEFL Writing Skills!
Structure and Scoring
TOEFL assesses four essential English skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
Reading Section:
- TOEFL: Two passages, 700 words, 20 questions, 36 minutes.
- TOEFL provides clear paragraph-based questions, making it easier to locate answers without scanning the entire passage.
Listening Section:
- 5 recordings, 28 questions.
- Test takers can take notes throughout the test to help answer questions.
Speaking Section:
- TOEFL incorporates both AI and human scoring, ensuring fair and unbiased evaluation.
- TOEFL’s format includes integrated tasks where students read, listen, and then speak – a format similar to real classroom discussions.
Writing Section:
- TOEFL requires students to write two responses:
- Integrated Task: Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and respond in 20 minutes (150-225 words).
- Academic Discussion Task: Respond in 10 minutes (~100+ words).
TOEFL vs. IELTS:
| Feature | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Test Duration | ~2 hours | ~3 hours |
| Reading | 2 passages, 20 questions | 3 passages, 40 questions |
| Speaking | AI + Human scoring | Human scoring only |
| Writing | 2 tasks Integrated Question (150 words), 20 minutes Academic Discussion (100 words), 10 minutes | 2 tasks Information Transfer task (150 words), 20 minutes Independent Question (250 words), 40 minutes |
| Acceptance | 13,000+ institutions | 11,500+ institutions |
| Cost | ₹16,900 | ₹18,000 |
Breaking the Myth: Is TOEFL Difficult?
Many students worry that TOEFL is harder than other tests, but the facts say otherwise: Indian test-takers score an average of 93/120, showing that it’s manageable with preparation. There are free prep resources available on the TOEFL Test Ready Platform, including:
- A full-length practice test
- A 40-minute sample test
- An 8-week study planner
- A free TOEFL Beginner’s Guide through TOEFL Market Ambassadors!
Cost-Effectiveness:
TOEFL costs ₹16,900, making it ₹600 cheaper than IELTS. Test takers can get an additional ₹1,500 discount through TOEFL Market Ambassadors, bringing the cost down to just ₹15,400! ETS provides occasional discount offers, helping students save on costs.
Your choice of an English proficiency test is just as important as choosing your university. The shorter duration of TOEFL, fair scoring, and worldwide acceptance make it a smart choice. Before deciding, explore free TOEFL resources and see the difference for yourself!
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!
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In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through one of the most famous Panchatantra tales: The Monkey and the Crocodile. This ancient fable not only offers timeless wisdom but also provides the perfect opportunity to learn and reinforce high-level vocabulary. By immersing yourself in this story, you’ll discover new words in context, helping you understand their meanings more deeply and retain them longer. So, let’s dive into the world of Panchatantra and enrich your vocabulary for GRE while enjoying a classic tale of wit, friendship, and moral lessons!
Once upon a time, in a verdant (lush and green) forest, there stood an imposing (grand and impressive) tree beside a meandering (wandering or winding) river. This tree was the domicile (residence or home) of a sagacious (wise) and vivacious (full of life) monkey. The monkey reveled (enjoyed greatly) in the bountiful (abundant) fruits and the refreshing breeze, living an uncomplicated and contented life. In the same river lived a crocodile, whose disposition (nature, temperament) was unusually affable (friendly and pleasant). Though his outward appearance was formidable (powerful and intimidating), he was a creature of gentle temperament.
One day, the crocodile noticed the monkey perched on the tree, savoring a delectable (delicious) fruit. Intrigued (curious) by the monkey’s actions, he swam closer to the tree and greeted the monkey with a cordial (warm and friendly) salute.
“Greetings, dear friend! What are you consuming? It looks delectable,” the crocodile remarked.
The monkey, always generous, tossed a fruit to the crocodile, who eagerly accepted it and tasted it. The fruit, brimming (full, overflowing) with sweetness, delighted the crocodile. “This fruit is ambrosial (delicious, divine). Where did you find it?” the crocodile asked.
The monkey, now amused, explained that it grew from the tree. As they conversed, the two became fast friends. The monkey, in turn, would routinely drop fruits from the tree for the crocodile, while the crocodile would swim over to chat with his friend. Their camaraderie (friendship) grew, and they spent many a delightful hour together.
However, unbeknownst (unaware, unknown) to the monkey, the crocodile’s wife had grown inquisitive (eager to know) about the monkey’s heart. She had heard from the jungle’s gossipers that monkey hearts were said to be delicious and nourishing, a delicacy to behold. Her greed consumed her, and she yearned to devour (eat) the monkey’s heart. She implored (begged) her husband to bring the monkey to her, so that she could feast upon it. The crocodile, though hesitant, succumbed (yielded, surrendered) to his wife’s insistence.
“I do not wish to harm our dear friend,” the crocodile muttered, “but my wife’s desire is insatiable (impossible to satisfy). I must fulfill it, but I will seek a way to preserve our friendship.”
The next day, the crocodile invited the monkey to his abode (home) on the other side of the river, claiming that he had a surprise for him. The monkey, ever trusting, eagerly accepted the invitation and climbed onto the crocodile’s back. As they ventured (dared to go) across the river, the monkey marveled at the shimmering (glistening, shining) water and the splendor (grandeur, brilliance) of nature surrounding them.
However, when they reached the center of the river, the crocodile suddenly ceased his swimming. With an air of treachery (dishonesty), he submerged the monkey into the water.
Ready to build a stronger vocabulary for GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL? Explore more tips and learning resources on the Dilip Oak Academy — start your journey today!
“Why are you doing this?” the monkey demanded, his voice tinged with panic.
The crocodile, his face now twisted with malevolence (ill-willed intent), revealed his true intention. “I regret to inform you that I am bound by my wife’s wishes. She covets (desires greedily) your heart. You shall be the sacrifice (victim) so that she may satiate (satisfy) her hunger.”
The monkey, momentarily taken aback, swiftly regained his composure (calmness, self-control) and devised a stratagem (plan). He realized that monkeys are known for their adroit (skillful) wit, and so he began to speak in a calm and calculated (thoughtful) manner.
“Crocodile,” the monkey began, “I am afraid you’ve been deceived by your own misperception. I left my heart hanging on the tree. If you return me to the shore, I shall bring you my heart.”
The crocodile, blinded by his avarice (greed) and eager to please his wife, believed the monkey’s story. He turned around and swam back to the shore. As soon as they arrived, the monkey sprang from the crocodile’s back and, with a swift leap, climbed to safety on the tree.
“You are a fool!” the monkey called down. “If you had only asked for it before, I might have given my heart to you. But now, your greed has led you astray (off course). You are outwitted (outsmarted, deceived), and your plan has failed.”
The crocodile, crestfallen (disappointed), swam away, his face burning with humiliation. From that day onward, the monkey and the crocodile never spoke again, their friendship severed (cut off) by the crocodile’s greed.
Moral of the Story:
The story imparts a valuable lesson about the importance of wisdom, quick thinking, and the destructive nature of greed. It underscores how intelligence and cleverness can triumph over brute strength, while unchecked desire often leads to one’s downfall.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!
If you are planning to study in the US and you’ve completed your applications, the next step is securing an F1 student visa. This visa is for students pursuing full-time academic programs such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees. In this guide, we will walk you through the F1 visa application process and answer some frequently asked questions.
What is an F1 Visa and How Can You Apply for It?
The F1 visa is designed for students planning to attend a full-time degree program in the United States, lasting at least two semesters – Fall and Spring. If you’re applying for a non-academic or vocational program lasting less than a year, you may be eligible for an M1 visa instead.
Where Can You Apply for an F1 Visa?
You can apply for your F1 visa at any US Consulate with available appointment slots. In India, the five consulates are located in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. We recommend applying at the consulate closest to you for convenience.
The current F1 visa application fee is $185, which must be paid in Indian Rupees at the rate declared by the US consulate each month. Right now, the fee is Rs. 15,540, but this may rise due to fluctuations in the exchange rate as the US Dollar is strengthening.
When Can You Apply for an F1 Visa for Fall 2025?
The F1 visa application can begin up to 365 days before the course start date mentioned on your I-20 form. To secure an early and timely interview slot, it’s best to apply for your visa as soon as you receive your I-20 from any university. While the US consulate makes efforts to accommodate all students, the high volume of applicants, especially in June and July, can make it difficult to get an interview date during those months. Therefore, it’s advisable to apply for your visa appointment as soon as you have your I-20.
Also read our blog on how to finance your education with an education loan!
If you receive an I-20 from your preferred university after booking your appointment, simply fill out a new DS-160 form with the updated university information. On the day of your interview, bring both the original DS-160 confirmation page (used to schedule your appointment) and the updated DS-160 confirmation page. If you cannot bring both confirmation pages, you will need to cancel your current visa appointment and reschedule it using the application number from your corrected DS-160 form.
What is an I-20 Form and How Do You Get One?
The I-20 form, officially known as the “Certificate of Eligibility,” is issued by a certified school to confirm your acceptance into a full-time study program in the United States and makes you eligible to apply for an F-1 or M-1 student visa. The form contains important details such as your name, country of birth and citizenship, the university you’re attending, your program of study, the program start and end dates, estimated costs, and your sources of funding.
The form includes your SEVIS identification number, which begins with an “N” followed by 10 digits, located in the top-left corner and other information required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for your visa, and gain entry into the United States.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was introduced by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to track students. Before attending your F1 visa interview at the consulate, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS fee of $350.
What If My F1 Visa Application Gets Rejected? Can I Reapply?
Yes! If your visa is rejected the first time, you are allowed to reapply as many times as needed. Don’t be discouraged—many applicants go through this process multiple times before successfully securing their visa.
What is the Dropbox Facility (Interview Waiver)?
Starting January 2024, applicants with a valid US visa (excluding B1/B2) may qualify for the Dropbox facility. This allows you to skip the in-person interview and instead submit your documents at a designated Dropbox location.
To be eligible for Dropbox:
- Your previous visa must have been issued after January 1, 2008
- Your previous visa must have been issued after your 14th birthday.
- If your visa has expired, it must have expired within the last 4 years.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Passport After the Dropbox Interview?
If you apply through the Dropbox facility, you can typically expect to receive your passport within 7 working days.
How to Book Your F1 Visa Appointment?
Follow these steps to book your F1 visa appointment:
- Complete the DS-160 form online.
- Create a profile at www.ustraveldocs.com.
- Select “Schedule Appointment” and choose “Non-Immigrant Visa” as the visa type.
- Follow the instructions on the website to complete the process.
Need Help with the F1 Visa Process?
Dilip Oak’s Academy offers expert guidance to help you through every step of the F1 visa process. Our services include:
- A webinar with detailed information about the visa process and guidelines.
- Assistance in preparing your financial documents.
- One-on-one mock visa interview sessions with Mr. Dilip Oak.
- A pre-departure orientation program in June 2025.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of admission counseling services that can guide you through the entire process from University Selection to Visa Counseling. In addition to our full-range services, we also provide a dedicated, standalone VISA Counseling service specifically designed to assist you with visa applications. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 33,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. We also offer classroom and online coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as GRE Self Prep. Book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222 to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!