General Info

It’s not too late to apply for fall 2023

Dilip Oak's Academy

The United States is without a question every student’s first choice when thinking about studying abroad for master’s. To convert this dream into reality, many of you may have already started with your applications for the fall 2023 intake. Most universities began accepting applications in October. You might be thinking that it’s too late to apply for the fall of 2023 now that January has arrived. The good news for you, It’s not too late!

Let’s delve deeper into this topic.

  • Roughly 10% of the universities had their final deadlines on 31 December
  • Around 10% have their final deadlines on 31 Jan.
  • However, the majority (about 80%) of universities allow you to apply till March and some of them even accept applications till May.

Which means that you can still secure an admission in a good university even if you start with your applications now!

Why Fall 2023

Fall intake is usually the most preferred among Indian students and for good reasons

  • Fall intake offers a more diverse range of courses
  • Fall intake allows students a better access to funding
  • Many universities have waived of GRE requirement for Fall 2023
  • It also allows students to explore part-time on-campus job opportunities such as research assistant and teaching assistant
  • Probably the most important reason for the popularity of fall admissions is the higher availability of post-study work options for students who start their studies during fall

You must move quickly

Although most universities will still be accepting applications till march, you need to consider time required for documentation and university shortlisting. Documentation includes procuring transcripts, drafting SOPs, personal statements, diversity statements LORs and resumes. University shortlisting involves lot of research to select right universities according to your profile and interests. You also need to move quickly because even after securing an admission, securing a visa can be equally tedious considering you are already on a tight timeline.

We are here to help you

We at Dilip Oak’s academy are here to help you.

  • We are the best when it comes to admissions counselling. We will provide you with a well-balanced list of universities with safe as well as ambitious options, thus increasing your chances of admission.
  • We offer counselling for SOPs (statement of purpose), LORs (letters of recommendations) and resumes and help you prepare everything from personal statements to diversity statements
  • We also provide guidance for visa along with mock visa interviews

Dilip Oak’s academy can be your perfect guide into this often confusing admission process. We have been in this business since 1996 and we have more than 30,000 success stories to attest to our expertise in this field. Our counselors are experienced professionals who interact with every student personally to understand his/her unique requirements and provide guidance accordingly.

Best Wishes and Happy applying!!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultants, we offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and UK.

Top 5 Reasons to Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA

Dilip Oak's Academy

The last few years have seen an increasing number of Indian students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in America. This trend has been strengthened by the increasing economic power of families who now want their children to benefit from the high-quality education that is available in America. For this reason, many professionals and those in business or top corporate positions are now sending their children to join American bachelor’s programs.

This trend has been further boosted by the fact that even parents who are not financially very strong can still afford an American education because their children can get tuition waivers and scholarships if they have exceptional academic credentials and high scores in the SAT, ACT or AP exams.

But what else makes getting a bachelor’s degree in America a good choice?

Tough Competition in India

Getting admission to top-ranked Indian institutions like the IITs, BITS, and NITs is now even more difficult than it used to be. Around 10 lakh students appear for the entrance examinations for these institutions but, only 11,300 secure admissions to the IITs, 19,000 to the NITs and 380 to BITS. This amounts to a total of 30,000 students, which comes to hardly 3% of the total number of applicants. As a result, other intelligent and above-average students who often miss getting admission by very narrow margins have to take admission into local colleges which do not provide the same level of facilities as the elite institutions. Nevertheless, it is still possible for such students to get admission to even some of the best US universities which offer high educational standards and world-class facilities.

American Education can be Affordable

As mentioned above, students who get high SAT scores (more than 1400 out of 1600) and have good academic records in standards 9, 10, 11 and 12 (if available), can get tuition waivers and scholarships from good American universities. In addition, campus jobs as tour guides, library assistants, food court and front desk staff and other such positions pay enough to take care of living expenses. This makes education in America can be affordable.

Academic Flexibility

In India, you are required to select your desired branch of study (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical or, Computer Science) right at the beginning of your bachelor’s degree and then, you cannot change your field of study.  However, in the US, you are allowed to take general courses and study different subjects of your choice in the first one or two years. Then, in the second or third year, you can select your specialization from a broad range of programs. The initial exposure you gain in the first two years of your course allows you to make an informed decision regarding which specializations to take up. You can also take a dual degree, e.g. as an engineering student, you can also take economics as your minor and graduate with both the degrees, an advantage that you do not have in India.

Updated Courses and the State-of-the-art Labs

With curricula updated according to the latest trends in education and industry, US universities offer students excellent exposure. The courses focus on practical skills and in-depth application, and research labs are well-equipped. This means that graduates from American universities are always among the best-trained in the market which increases their chances of securing good jobs anywhere in the world.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer SAT Coaching  and also Admission Counseling through which we provide guidance on selection of universities, application essays and visa counselling.

Our next SAT batch starts 8th January 2022. Enroll Now and get started with your prep!

Eligibility Requirements for MS and PhD programs in the USA

Dilip Oak's Academy

In order to pursue a Master’s degree in America, you need to meet the following academic and English language requirements:

  • Academic credentials: A majority of American universities require you to have completed 16 years of education (12+4), i.e. a four-year Bachelor’s degree before applying for MS. This is applicable for students from technical backgrounds like Engineering, Pharmacy, and Architecture. For non-technical fields like Arts and Management, a student is required to complete 17 years of education (12+3+2).
  • A good GRE score: the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is an American standardized aptitude test that assesses a student’s verbal and mathematical ability. The GRE, which is scored out of 340, is an internet-based test and can be taken throughout the year. The score is valid for five years.
  • The minimum required TOEFL or IELTS score: since our native language is not English, we need to show that we have the minimum required English language skills to pursue graduate programs in America. For this purpose, you can take the TOEFL which is scored out of 120. Most good American universities require a score of 80+ in TOEFL. You can also take the IELTS, another English proficiency examination which is conducted by the British Council which is scored on a scale of 9. Most universities require a band score of at least 6.5 in IELTS.
  • Good academic performance: your academics are as important as your GRE score. To get admission in a good university you should have a consistently good academic record in all four years of your degree course. As far as possible avoid backlogs and year-downs.
  • Curricular and co-curricular accomplishments: American universities give weightage to the projects and seminars you have done as part of your course and to co-curricular activities such as the publication of papers in nationally and internationally recognized journals and participation in conferences. To gain practical experience and boost your profile, you should take up internships, whether they are paid or unpaid.
  • Relevant work experience: relevant work experience increases your chances of getting admission to good universities and securing good jobs after you have completed your MS.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer GRE Coaching ,  TOEFL Coaching ,  IELTS Coaching  and also Admission Counseling  through which we provide guidance on selection of universities, application essays and visa counselling.

Advantages of Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in the USA

Dilip Oak's Academy

The last few years have seen an increasing number of Indian students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in America. This trend has been strengthened by the increasing economic power of families who now want their children to benefit from the high-quality education that is available in America. For this reason, many professionals and those in business or top corporate positions are now sending their children to join American bachelor’s programs.

This trend has been further boosted by the fact that even parents who are not financially very strong can still afford an American education because their children can get tuition waivers and scholarships if they have exceptional academic credentials and high scores in the SAT, ACT or AP exams.

But what else makes getting a bachelor’s degree in America a good choice?

Tough Competition in India

Getting admission to top-ranked Indian institutions like the IITs, BITS, and NITs is now even more difficult than it used to be. Around 10 lakh students appear for the entrance examinations for these institutions but, only 11,300 secure admissions to the IITs, 19,000 to the NITs and 380 to BITS. This amounts to a total of 30,000 students, which comes to hardly 3% of the total number of applicants. As a result, other intelligent and above-average students who often miss getting admission by very narrow margins have to take admission into local colleges which do not provide the same level of facilities as the elite institutions. Nevertheless, it is still possible for such students to get admission to even some of the best US universities which offer high educational standards and world-class facilities.

American Education can be Affordable

As mentioned above, students who get high SAT scores (more than 1400 out of 1600) and have good academic records in standards 9, 10, 11 and 12 (if available), can get tuition waivers and scholarships from good American universities. In addition, campus jobs as tour guides, library assistants, food court and front desk staff and other such positions pay enough to take care of living expenses. This makes education in America can be affordable.

Academic Flexibility

In India, you are required to select your desired branch of study (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical or, Computer Science) right at the beginning of your bachelor’s degree and then, you cannot change your field of study.  However, in the US, you are allowed to take general courses and study different subjects of your choice in the first one or two years. Then, in the second or third year, you can select your specialization from a broad range of programs. The initial exposure you gain in the first two years of your course allows you to make an informed decision regarding which specializations to take up. You can also take a dual degree, e.g. as an engineering student, you can also take economics as your minor and graduate with both the degrees, an advantage that you do not have in India.

Updated Courses and the State-of-the-art Labs

With curricula updated according to the latest trends in education and industry, US universities offer students excellent exposure. The courses focus on practical skills and in-depth application, and research labs are well-equipped. This means that graduates from American universities are always among the best-trained in the market which increases their chances of securing good jobs anywhere in the world.

To help you get started with your preparation, we offer SAT Coaching  and also Admission Counseling through which we provide guidance on selection of universities, application essays and visa counselling.

Specializations available in various Engineering streams for MS in the US

Dilip Oak's Academy

It’s time to gear up and start completing your applications if you are planning to pursue masters in the USA starting fall 2021. But before that, it is imperative to understand the various specializations your field of study offers and chose the right one. Every year, we come across a lot of students who are confused about specializations under various streams of engineering.

Here are a few things you should consider before choosing a specialization:

  • Your area of interest and long-term goal
  • Your technical background, skill set, work experience
  • Career prospects of your chosen area

Considering the above factors, here is a list of some of the most popular and recommended stream-wise specializations you can choose from to pursue MS:

Computer Science

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cloud computing
  • Comp arch
  • Comp security
  • Databases Data mining
  • Embedded systems
  • Graphics
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Image processing
  •  signal processing
  • Machine Learning
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Networking
  • Operating System
  • Parallel & distributed systems
  • Programming
  • Robotics
  • Software Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

  • Automobile
  • CAD/CAM
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Combustion
  • Control
  • Design
  • Dynamics
  • Energy
  • FEM
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Heat Transfer
  • Hybrid Vehicle
  • Manufacturing
  • Material
  • Mechatronics
  • Noise and Vibration
  • Robotics
  • Solid Mech
  • Thermal Fluids
  • Thermodynamics

Electrical Engineering

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Automation
  • Communication
  • Communication systems
  • Computer Architecture
  • Control Systems
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Design
  • Electric Power
  • Embedded Systems
  • Energy Systems
  • Image processing
  • Machine Learning
  • Networking
  • Power Electronics
  • Power systems
    Robotics
  • Telecom
  • VLSI
  • Wireless communication

Industrial Engineering

  • Health care system
  • Human factor and ergonomics
  • Logistics
  • Manufacturing systems
  • Operations Research
  • Production
  • Quality and Reliability
  • Supply chain management
  • Systems
  • Transportation

Civil Engineering

  • Construction engineering
  • Fire protection engineering
  • Geo-technical engineering
  • Hazardous materials management
  • Hydraulics
  • Structural engineering
  • Surveying science and engineering
  • Transportation and highway engineering
  • Water resource engineering

 

 

 

15 cheapest and 15 most expensive American universities for international students

Dilip Oak's Academy

 

cheapest & costliest American universities

Pursuing M.S. in the USA is often expensive, especially for international students because unlike American citizens who pay in-state tuition fees, international students have to pay full tuition fees. For example, if an annual in-state tuition fee is $8000, an out-of-state tuition fee can be as high as $20,000. These tuition fees are also dependent on the ranking of the university. US universities are given rankings by certain private agencies like the US News, Princeton Review, etc. and as a thumb rule, the higher the ranking, the costlier is the university. Generally, state-funded universities are cheaper than private universities. Of course, there are certain exceptions to this.  However, just because the universities are cheaper, it does not mean they do not offer quality education.

Taking all these factors into consideration, at Dilip Oak’s Academy, we have shortlisted around 150 accredited universities which offer quality education and also offer good job opportunities.

Below is a list of the 15 most expensive and the 15 cheapest universities you can apply to, for pursuing a master’s degree program in the USA. The list is based only on tuition fees for fall 2020 and is not inclusive of living expenses because the living expenses mentioned on the I-20 form are on the higher side and the actual living expenses are less than that.

15 cheapest universities

SR.NO               Name of UniversityState CodeTuition Fees
1Minnesota State UniversityMN7424
2University of Central MissouriMO8697
3South Dakota State University – BrookingsSD8876
4University of South DakotaSD10330
5University of Texas – El PasoTX10664
6Brigham Young UniversityUT11160
7Bowling Green State UniversityOH11611
8Sam Houston State UniversityTX11630
9North Western Polytechnic UniversityIL12150
10Indiana State University – Terre HauteIN12260
11University of Wyoming – LaramieWY12566
12Texas A and M University – KingsvilleTX12839
16University of Arkansas-LittlerockAR13320
13Arkansas State UniversityAR13500
14Wright State University-DaytonOH13800
17California State University-Long BeachCA14568
15Central Michigan UniversityMI15300

15 most expensive universities

SR.NO               Name of UniversityState CodeTuition Fees
1Columbia UniversityNY58656
2North Western University – EvanstonIL56067
3Dartmouth CollegeNH55605
4Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteNY53757
5Johns Hopkins UniversityMD52170
6University of Michigan – Ann ArborMI50326
7Boston UniversityMA49886
8Carnegie Mellon UniversityPA49372
9Brown UniversityRI49146
10Duke UniversityNC49080
11Cornell UniversityNY48900
12New York UniversityNY45426
13University of PennsylvaniaPA44814
14University of RochesterNY44608
15University of Southern CaliforniaCA46948

For more guidance on university selection and admission process, enroll for our expert admission counseling today!

 

 

 

Four ways to build a great career profile during lockdown

Oaks Academy

Untitled design

We know how this lockdown has affected your future plans, delayed your dream of flying to the US to start your master’s, and has left you wondering what to do! Well, our suggestion: Do not let the pandemic dampen your spirits. While at home, seize the opportunity, enhance your skillset and start building a strong career profile. Value-addition is the need of the hour and with ample hours at your disposal, you better spend them productively.

Here are four great ways to build a solid profile and skyrocket your career:

  1. Add to your certifications: There is nothing more comfortable than sitting on the couch, snacking and taking an online lesson without the hassle of travelling, or sitting in a class of 100 people! Lookup for online courses, certifications, short term diplomas and get started. There are various websites that offer tons of free courses that are certified and recognized by recruiters.
  2. Internship/Job: If you aren’t already working and you have made up your mind to defer your MS admission to spring 2021 or fall 2021, you have enough time to take a high leap and start working. Look actively for a job that matches your skillset or you can also try something that is not directly in the spectrum of your profile but you are enthusiastic about. Not only will this help you utilize your time prudently, but will also make you independent.
  3. Freelancing: If you do not want to go for a full-time job because you are still dicey about your deferral decision, take up freelance projects. It is flexible, keeps you occupied, gives you hands-on experience, and pays you well! It is a win-win situation.
  4. Learn something new: Co-curricular activities and unique skills are always appreciated by US universities and recruiters. Challenge yourself and pick up a new skill. If not great at it, you will have learnt something 20 other students of your batch or 50 other candidates for the position you apply for, do not know!

So gear up and get going!

Ten Reasons Why USA Remains The Best Choice For Indian Students (Part 2)

Oaks Academy

In the last blog, we covered the following points:

  1. Abundant employment opportunities
  2. The strongest economy in the world
  3. Worldwide acceptability of US degrees
  4. Wide range of universities to choose from

In this blog, we will cover the remaining six points:

  1. Access to the latest technology and research

It is a well-established fact that US education offers an updated syllabus in accordance with the industry requirements. It provides easy access to the latest developments in various fields and enables you to stay abreast of the changing technology which adds to employability. Almost all US universities focus on research-based education which again opens multiple career avenues for those of you who wish to work on research-based projects or go for a Ph.D. subsequently.

  1. Students of all calibers can make it to the US

One of the biggest plus points of studying in the US is that due to a large number of universities compared to Germany, Canada, and other European countries, students who are fairly good and not extra-ordinary, too can make it to good universities and secure good jobs. With decent GPAs, good overall experience and a GRE score above 300, you can definitely make it to a good state university in the US.

  1. Flexible course structure

In the USA, you have a wide scope to choose your subjects and there is ample flexibility to switch courses and classes to manage your studies at a steady pace without feeling burdened or obligated. This ease of learning lets you settle faster and allows you to blend in with the culture, both inside and outside the classroom.

  1. 100 percent loan availability

Another key point of studying in the USA is the easy availability of education loans as compared to other countries. Due to job guarantee and high salary structures in the US, most financial institutions have the guarantee of repayment and therefore provide easy loans for higher education in the US. We assist you in the process with our partner financial institution that offers up to 100 percent loan against property. Many a time, they even offer unsecured loan to students joining universities with a high reputation.

  1. Rich campus experience

US universities are known for their rich campus life which includes not just academic activities but also various extra-curricular activities, volunteering events, clubs, and student organizations. These engaging experiences play a huge role in ensuring the overall development of a student. What adds to the comfort is the excellent student support, aid, and services that these universities offer to make you feel at home.

  1. Lifestyle

The USA is probably the only place that offers a perfect blend of everything and has something for everyone. Its multi-cultural environment becomes one of the most conducive factors to settle down. Be it in the college or at the workplace, your interaction with diverse groups of people allows you to develop in a versatile manner.

Coronavirus and Student Lives of Academy students in USA

Oaks Academy
We have been getting several inquiries from the concerned family members and media regarding the impact of Coronavirus on the lives of foreign students and especially students from the academy currently studying in the USA. We wanted to clarify some of the questions regarding the same.

Housing:
90% of the students from the academy live away from the campus, in private apartments which are less expensive and more convenient for our students. They usually live with a group of fellow Indian students, so they do have a support system. These students have not been impacted and continue to live in their own rented space.
For students who do live on the campus itself, some universities have asked students to look for housing out of the campus to encourage social distancing, however it is important to note that in many such universities – students can file applications to request an exception to the campus closure. Additionally, several U.S. universities are willing to work one-on-one with international students and assist them with accommodation during hardships.
In the majority of the universities, food service, campus health, libraries, and computer labs are open to supporting international students.
Additionally, university medical phone lines and medical services are open for diagnosis and potential testing of students who may show any symptoms or need medical attention.

Food:
Grocery stores are open all across the U.S.A and online food delivery services are open as well. Universities have been in constant communication with students regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and as a result, students were already alerted early on that they need to stock up on groceries and essential supplies. Medical pharmacies too, are open across the USA in all states. These pharmacies also carry basic food supplies which the students can purchase in case of emergency.

Academics:
The majority of the US universities have canceled in-classroom instruction and have moved the classes online, and this will most likely continue for the entire spring semester.
For future students: coming from a country where coronavirus is present has no effect on whether students are admitted or not in the universities. The admissions process will continue as per the usual guidelines of each university.
We urge everyone to stay safe and take the utmost care during these times. We also want to ensure that there is no anxiety or incorrect information that can cause additional worry to friends and family in India.

Ten Reasons Why USA Remains The Best Choice For Indian Students (Part 1)

Oaks Academy

If you wish to study abroad and you are having a hard time deciding between the USA and other countries, you have probably landed on the right page. After the election of Donald Trump, there were a lot of rumors going around about difficulty in getting H1B Visa and students were reluctant for applying to American universities. Even now, they are opting for other countries like UK, Canada, and Australia where getting a visa is easier even if job opportunities are much lesser than the US. It is high time that we correct these misconceptions and understand the many advantages that the USA has over any other country, the biggest one being President Trump’s support to merit-based immigration policy that promises better education and employment opportunities to Indians.

Here are a few other reasons why the United States remains the best choice for Indian students: 

  1. Abundant employment opportunities

Apart from ace education, the USA offers abundant employment opportunities to students, especially from the STEM category (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The USA has an unemployment rate of only 3.5 %, which is the lowest since 1969 and there are abundant job opportunities available. Our students too have secured jobs without any hassle and the demand for Indian employees is on the rise. As per the CNN Business survey for 2019, Google has over a hundred thousand employees to this date and more than fifty percent of them are Indians. Other tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook have more than a hundred thousand employees who testify the favorable employment scenario in the US.

  1. The strongest economy in the world

The USA has retained its position as the world’s largest economy for decades and its current GDP is $19.3 trillion. Occupying more than a quarter of the world economy, the USA has emerged to be a superpower and promises to stay so in the years to come. Compared to the USA; GDPs of other countries are way behind, especially the UK where Brexit uncertainty has caused a dip in the employment rates and pay scales. Also, countries like Ireland, Denmark, and Sweden have very limited capacity to absorb immigrants.

  1. Worldwide acceptability of US degrees

It is seen that students who earn degrees from the US are often sought and preferred by employers for their overall experience, research-oriented knowledge, and diversified skills. Most of the international companies that strive to make a global presence opt for US graduates since their communication, negotiation, and business skills are better as compared to graduates from other countries.

  1. Wide range of universities to choose from

With over 200 good universities for almost all the disciplines, the United States has the largest university pool to select from as compared to any other country. From the popular Ivy League schools to some of the best state universities, you have ample scope to select what suits you the best according to your score, field of interest, budget and long term goals.

Stay tuned for the second part which will be uploaded on Thu, March 19, 2020.