Fall 2025 Archives - Dilip Oak Academy Blog

Understanding Form I-20 for Your F-1 Visa Application

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025Dilip Oak's Academy

If you are planning to study in the United States as an international student, the Form I-20 is one of the first important documents you will receive—and understanding it is key to a smooth journey. Let’s break down what this form is, why it is important, and what to watch out for once you have it in hand.

What Is the Form I-20?

The I-20 Form, officially called the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is issued by U.S. schools that are certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you have been accepted into a full-time academic program, the school will send this form to you.

This document proves two important things:

You have been admitted to a recognized educational institution.
You have shown that you have enough financial support to study and live in the U.S.

It is not your visa. You will need it to apply for your F-1 or M-1 student visa, and you will also need to show it when entering the U.S.

What Do You Need to Get an I-20?

Before your university can issue the I-20, you will usually need to submit:

A copy of your passport identity page
Financial documents showing you can afford the tuition and living costs
Possibly a sponsor letter or an affidavit of support if someone else is funding your education

What to Check on Page 1 of the I-20?

Page 1 contains the most vital details. Once you receive it, carefully review the following:

Personal Information

Make sure the following matches your passport exactly:

Your full name (surname, given name and preferred name, if any)
City and country of birth
Citizenship
Date of birth

School and Program Details

This section outlines your academic plans:

The university name
Education level (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s)
Your major
CIP code of the program (a general code for your field of study).

Note: This may not exactly match your specific program title. For instance, “Mathematics and Computer Science” might cover a degree in “Data Science.” That is a common practice.

Start date of your classes
Program start and end dates

Tip: Don’t panic if the end date seems further away than expected. Some universities include a grace period—extra time for you to complete your program. For example, even if your course usually takes 16–21 months, your I-20 might show a 28- or 36-month window.

Understanding the Financial Section

Your I-20 will show an estimated cost of studying at your school. Most schools calculate this for 9 months (two semesters or three quarters), but some include 12 months, covering the living cost of summer break as well.

Here is what the cost typically includes:

Tuition and fees
Living expenses
Dependent costs (if you’re bringing family)
Other expenses, like health insurance or books

It also lists your sources of funding, such as:

Personal or family savings
Scholarships or university aid
Student loans
On-campus job income

Tip for Your Visa Interview: You’ll need to bring documents that prove you have access to liquid funds (like bank statements or loan letters) that cover this amount.

Signatures Matter!

Once you receive your Form I-20, make sure the following signatures are in place:

The school official has signed the form (This confirms that your university has officially issued the I-20.)
You, the student, have signed the form (You must sign the I-20 before attending your visa interview.)

Note: If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian will need to sign it instead.

Got your I-20? Don’t miss our F1 Visa Guide for Fall 2025 — it goes beyond the I-20 to help you with visa interviews, dropbox tips, and even what to do if your visa gets rejected.

What’s on Page 2 and Page 3 of Form I-20?

Page 2 – Travel and Work Authorization

This page is used for:

Travel endorsements (signatures) that allow you to re-enter the U.S. if you travel outside the U.S. during your studies
Recording work permissions under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Note: If you are traveling outside the U.S., make sure your I-20 has been signed for travel within the past year by your university’s international office.

Page 3 – Important Student Instructions

Page 3 contains guidelines and rules for maintaining your status in the U.S.—make sure to read and understand them.

Can You Use a Digital I-20 during your Visa Appointment?

Yes! A printed copy of a digitally signed I-20 is perfectly acceptable for your visa appointment and for traveling to the U.S. Just make sure all the signatures are in place.

Final Thoughts

Your I-20 is more than just a form—it is the foundation of your student life in the U.S. Double-check every detail, keep it safe, and make sure it is up to date, especially when traveling or applying for jobs. Understanding your I-20 thoroughly will help you to stay on track and make the most of your time studying in the U.S.

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!

Master’s in the USA: Should You Pick a Public or Private University?

May 8, 2025May 8, 2025Dilip Oak's Academy

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.

Your Complete Guide to Obtaining a US Student Visa (F1) For Fall 2025

March 6, 2025March 25, 2025Dilip Oak's Academy

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.

Received an Admission for Fall 2025! What to Do Next?

February 6, 2025February 7, 2025Dilip Oak's Academy

Many Students have already submitted their applications for Fall (August) 25. Of course, many universities are still accepting applications since their deadlines are available until March 31, 2025. However, since universities process applications on a rolling basis, students have already started receiving admissions and will continue getting decisions till May/June 2025.

Congratulations on receiving admission offers for Fall 2025. Having achieved this huge milestone, you are now entering the crucial phase of planning your next steps till your Visa is approved.

Selection of Final University

Once you have received an offer, here’s what you need to do next:

Evaluate the university’s ranking, course curriculum, job opportunities, and tuition fees before making a decision.
Consider factors like location and cost of living.
Check for merit-based scholarships and assistantships (RA/TA positions) at your university.
Part-time on-campus jobs can help cover living expenses.

Types of Admission Offers

Each university follows a different process when it comes to issuing admission letters and the I-20 form, a crucial immigration document that is necessary for obtaining a student visa. Here are the most common types of admission offers you might receive:

1. Admission Letter with I-20 Form

Some universities issue both the admission letter and the I-20 form simultaneously.
This is the most convenient scenario, as you can accept the admission and still wait for responses from other universities before making your final decision.

2. Admission Letter Without I-20 Form

In some cases, universities send an acceptance letter but will not issue the I-20 until you formally accept their offer.
You can accept their offer, request to issue the I-20 form and keep your options open while you wait for decisions from other universities.

3. I-20 to be issued Based on Financial Documents

Some universities require proof of financial capability before issuing the I-20. Students must submit a bank certificate or a letter of a sanctioned education loan to demonstrate sufficient funds.

The required amount should cover two semesters of tuition, one year of living expenses and other costs, if any.
You can include funds in Savings Bank account, Fixed Deposits and Public Provident Fund. Some universities also accept funds in the General Provident Fund.
Students can also temporarily borrow funds from family or friends to obtain a bank certificate and repay the amount immediately after issuance of the bank certificate.
Since students apply to multiple universities, it is advisable to get around eight copies of the bank certificate, which is valid for three months. The bank certificate should be equal to the cost of the most expensive university among your options so that it can be used for all the universities you have applied.
If personal funds cannot be arranged, a loan sanction letter from a bank or non-banking financial institution (NBFC) can be submitted instead.

4. Non-Refundable Deposit Requirement

Some universities require a non-refundable deposit (ranging from $100 to $750) as a confirmation of admission before issuing the I-20.
If you are unsure about enrolling at that university, it is better to delay the payment.
However, if the university is your preferred choice, paying the deposit within the deadline is advisable.

Cost of Education:

Studying for a master’s in the USA is a significant financial investment. Unlike domestic students who may qualify for in-state tuition, international students must pay out-of-state tuition fees, which are typically higher.

For example, if the annual in-state tuition fee is $10,000, the out-of-state tuition fee can go up to $25,000 or more. Additionally, due to the appreciation of the USD and increasing living costs in the U.S., education costs have risen further.

On average, a master’s degree from a decent university can cost between ₹45–50 lakhs, including tuition, living expenses, and other fees.

Education Loans for MS in the USA

Due to the high cost, many students choose to fund their education through education loans. These loans can be obtained from:

Nationalized Banks (State Bank of India,Bank of Baroda, etc.)
Private Banks (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, etc.)
Cooperative Banks (Cosmos Bank, Saraswat Bank etc.)
NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Institutions) (Credila Financial Services, etc.)

Interest Rates and Loan Benefits

Education loan interest rates generally range between 8.50 to 12%.
Nationalized and Cooperative banks usually offer lower interest rates compared to private banks and NBFCs.
Female students can benefit from a 0.5% interest rate discount at Nationalized and Cooperative banks.

Loan Sanction Process
To get your loan approved, you need:

Admission letter from the university
KYC documents (passport, ID proofs)
Academic transcripts and test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS)
Income proof of co-applicant (if applicable)
Collateral (for secured loans)

However, before the loan is disbursed, the student must submit the I-20 form issued by the university and a photocopy of the F1 Visa approved by the US consulate.

Apply for Your Student Visa (F-1 Visa)

Once you receive your I-20 form, pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and fill out the DS-160 visa application form.
Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

For a detailed guide on Student Visa, wait for our next blog.

If you need personalized guidance on university selection, loan applications, or visa preparation, our counseling team is here to help!

Stay tuned for more updates and expert tips on your study abroad journey with one of the best abroad educational consultants!

As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process, from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

Fall 2025 MS Applications: Tips for Writing a Resume

December 5, 2024December 19, 2024Dilip Oak's Academy

A resume, much like other application documents, is designed to address the core question: “Why should you be chosen?” While the SOP, recommendation letters, and transcripts offer broader insights, the resume delivers the most concise yet comprehensive answer. To serve its purpose effectively, a resume must showcase your key accomplishments and qualifications in a clear, focused, and concise format. This allows it to deliver a compelling snapshot of your strengths as a candidate, effectively persuading the Admissions Committee of your suitability for selection.

Here are some tips that will help your resume to achieve its intended goals:

Focus on Achievements

Highlight accomplishments that showcase your impact, using specific details and measurable results. Admissions committees appreciate evidence of problem-solving, leadership, and innovation.

For example:

Instead of: Worked on a project to improve maintenance efficiency.

Write: Developed a machine learning model to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime by 30%.

Quantify Results

Use numerals wherever possible to emphasize the scale of your contributions. Percentages, rankings, and numerical achievements make your resume stand out.

For example: Ranked in the top 5% of a class of 120 students; achieved a GPA of 9.2/10.

Keep It Brief

Admissions officers review numerous applications. Aim to fit your resume onto a single page by using abbreviated sentences and prioritizing key information.

For example:

Instead of: I was awarded the first prize for my final year project titled ‘Robotic Arm for Assembly Line’ in Robocon 2024

Write: 1st prize, Robocon 2024 for ‘Robotic Arm for Assembly Line’ (final year project)

If you’re preparing your MS application for Fall 2025 and need expert guidance, visit Dilip Oak’s Academy today. Our experienced counselors are here to help you craft a winning application package, from resumes and SOPs to university shortlisting and more!

Use Bullet Points Effectively

Break up dense text into clear, concise bullet points to improve readability. Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs that convey responsibility and impact:

Designed, implemented, analyzed, collaborated, optimized, conducted, presented

For example, it is much easier to read the following:

Used critical path analysis and PERT techniques to finish the project 10 days before the submission deadline and within budget.
Applied ergonomic criteria to analyze worker fatigue and reduced productivity
Automated the process, resulting in a 233% increase in the job tightening rate from 18 to 60 jobs/hour

Proofread Meticulously

Typos and inconsistencies can weaken your application. Follow these tips:

Check spelling and grammar mistakes
Capitalize only when necessary, i.e., avoid the use of capital letters for the names of subjects you have studied (e.g., computer architecture, digital signal processing) or hobbies (e.g., trekking, listening to music) etc.
Capitalize uniformly, i.e., write ‘Chemical Engineering’ or preferably ‘chemical engineering’; do NOT write ‘Chemical engineering’ or ‘chemical E’
Ensure verbs are in past tense for completed tasks and present tense for ongoing work.

Tailor for Academic Audiences

Find out how standard academic journals in your field write titles (some capitalize only the first letter of the title, some italicize the whole title etc.), but in general, remember that words like ‘in’, ’of’, ‘to,’ ‘and’ are not capitalized except when they are at the beginning of a title.
Use full forms, not abbreviations, for degrees and terms:
- Write ‘Bachelor of Engineering’ and not ‘BE’
- Engineering rather than ‘Engg.’
- ‘and’ instead of ‘&’ etc.

Prioritize Relevant Information

Admissions committees look for experiences that directly relate to your chosen program.

Highlight:

Research projects
Internships
Publications
Leadership roles in technical teams or organizations

Additional Key Considerations for Crafting an Impactful Resume

Beyond showcasing achievements and formatting effectively, there are several other crucial aspects to ensure your resume leaves a lasting impression:

Avoid jargon: Always remember that a simple, precise, original, and honest resume makes a much greater impact on the recruiter than one dotted with jargon and unnecessary fancy words. Keep it simple, comprehensive, and realistic.

Leave no gaps in work history: At times, certain work experiences may be omitted intentionally or unintentionally. However, noticeable gaps in your work history can act as significant deterrents and raise concerns. To avoid this, ensure your work history is listed chronologically and includes all relevant experiences, leaving no room for doubt.

Ensure your information is legally accurate: This is a very important point to consider. Make sure everything you write in the resume is authentic, verifiable, and legally accurate and will stand up to background checks. Even minor discrepancies serve as red flags and threaten your chances of getting a good admission.

Make sure your resume is “easy on the eye”: Many times, people are inclined to use fancy resume templates with a variety of colors, fonts and designs because they think it keeps the reader hooked. However, it has the opposite impact. A gaudy resume distracts the recruiter. Hence, it would be best if you kept it very decent and easy to scan and absorb.

The recruiter typically spends as little as 15 seconds and no more than 2 minutes assessing whether you are the right fit. So make sure you provide everything necessary to be noted in this brief time.

A strong, tailored resume reflects your readiness and enthusiasm for graduate studies. Pair it with a stellar SOP and letters of recommendation for a winning application package. Good luck with your applications!

At Dilip Oak’s Academy, our expert counselors provide personalized guidance to help you identify and highlight your achievements, structure your work history effectively, and tailor your resume for academic audiences. In addition to resume building, our counseling services extend to a range of application needs, including crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), writing strong letters of recommendation, university shortlisting, and visa assistance. Join our counseling services for expert guidance and resources to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!