• General Questions
• Tests
• Financial Aid

What is the difference between a school, a college and a university?

In many countries of the world a college is a secondary school and is very different than a university. In the United States, however, colleges and universities are quite similar. Often, both colleges and universities are referred to as "schools." Generally, both colleges and universities in the United States are four-year institutions that offer a Bachelor of Arts degree or a Bachelor of Science degree. This is commonly known as an undergraduate or bachelor's degree. The main difference is that most universities also offer a higher level of study after you complete your bachelor's degree - resulting in a master's degree or doctorate. What confuses many international students is that Americans use the words "school," "college" and "university" interchangeably in conversation. For example, someone may ask, "Where do you go to school?" In this case, they simply want to know what university you are attending. Adding to the confusion, universities are often divided up into sections that are referred to as "colleges." The University of Idaho, for example, is organized into ten colleges, which include the College of Engineering, the College of Law and the College of Agriculture. No matter which of these colleges you attend, your degree will be issued by the University. You will also hear the word "college" when people discuss two-year colleges. These colleges (also called community colleges or junior colleges) offer a degree called an associate degree. Many international students choose to get this type of degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university to study two more years to earn a bachelor's degree. You will want to pay close attention when you read or hear information about a school, college or university, but recognize that all the institutions share the same basic principle -- providing a challenging and exciting place to study and earn a degree!

I have done B.Sc ( a three year undergraduate course) in chemistry. Can I apply for the graduate program in US universities? 

For admission to Graduate studies the eligibility is to have 16 years of full time higher level education . Few US Universities do offer one year course for students like you.

What kind of additional course should be done to fulfill the requirement of the four-year undergraduate studies? 

Any one year higher level course in the same subject which is recognized by AICTE or University can be taken for fulfilling the eligibility criteria.

I have got 65% in the final year of engineering. Is there any minimum percentage level required for applying to the graduate program?

It varies from University to University.

I am in the final year of M.Com and I am planning to do MBA. Can I get into MBA program without full time work experience?

Most of the US Universities ask for minimum two years of work experience.

I have appeared for TOEFL test and I got 237. Is it possible to get into MS program without GRE? 

It depends on the field of study. But for most of the US Universities it is mandatory to take a GRE.

I am an engineer in electronic and communication. Can I apply directly for the PhD program? 

Yes, though you will have to match your research area with that of the University.

I am preparing statement of purpose (SOP) for MBA in the international business. Is there any online service available which can help me in preparing my SOP? 

You can visit us at our Center. We provide guidance on preparing Statement of Purpose.

What is a computer adaptive test ?

• In a computer adaptive test (CAT) questions are selected while each individual takes the test.

• As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information about the test design, to determine which question to represent next.

• As long as you respond correctly to each question, questions of increased difficulty will be presented.

• Whenever you enter incorrect responses, the computer will present you questions with lesser difficulty level.

• The computer scores each question before selecting the next question. you must answer each question.

• The difficulty level of each question are taken into account in the calculation of scores. Therefore, the scores of all test takers can be compared even though they received different set of questions.

What computer skills do I need ?

Minimal computer skills are required to complete the tests. Before beginning the test, you will complete a tutorial test that covers topics like using a mouse, entering a response, using the word processor, accessing the help function and moving on to the next question.

TOEFL 
(Test Of English As A Foreign Language)

What is a TOEFL test ? 

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language is conducted to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. It is a requirement for admission in the universities of United States.

When is the TOEFL test conducted ?

In India it is conducted on all weekdays (Monday to Friday).

Can I apply for a paper based TOEFL test ? 

In India, TOEFL is only a Computer based test. Though in the Writing Section you will have an option to handwrite or type your essay.

How much  is the fees of TOEFL ? 

The fees for TOEFL is 140 US Dollars.

Can I reschedule or cancel my TOEFL test dates ? 

Yes, you can. For details on how to reschedule or cancel the test dates, contact us at our Center or visit  www.toefl.org.

How can I register for TOEFL test ? 

You have two options for registering for TOEFL test in India. 

On Phone : (Preferably if you have a International Credit Card) 
By Calling (011)26511649, 
Regional Registration Center (RRC), 
Sylvan Prometric, Senior Plaza, 
160-A, Guatam Nagar, Yusuf Sarai,
Behind Indian Oil Building, 
New Delhi 110 049 India.

By submitting the form : The TOEFL Form can be printed from this website . Or You can collect the form from our Center or any other USIEF Centers in India . It can also be downloaded from www.toefl.org .

To how many Universities my TOEFL score will be sent when I take the test? 

Your official score report will be sent to 4 Universities which you will have to name. If you want to send the report to more than 4 Universities, you will have to send an Additional Score Report Request form with requisite fees to Educational Testing Service, USA.

How much  fees is to be paid if I want to send additional score report for TOEFL to one University? 

The additional Score Report fee is US $ 12 per University.

Fees Structure for the Tests

Validity of Test Scores

Fees Payable By    

Fees Payable To  

1. Which are the various types of Financial Assistance available to graduate students and how does one apply for them?

Many graduate departments at U.S. universities offer teaching assistantships or research assistantships to their graduate students (students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree). Assistantships usually involve a tuition award and some sort of salary in return for teaching or research duties. Such funds are generally controlled by individual departments at the university. It is often the case that a department will want to see how good a student you are and what kind of adjustment you make to university life before it will be willing to invest money in your education. In some cases, a department will accept only as many students as it can support with teaching or research assistantships. Although you will find some information about assistantships in a catalog or on university web pages, you may have to write directly to the department to inquire about this kind of funding. When you write to an academic department, you will need to explain your academic interests and your background. This exchange of information may occur after you have been accepted into the program. It is also important to inquire and apply early if you hope to receive financial assistance from the U.S. institution. Often deadlines for scholarships and assistantships are months before the normal application deadline. Even if you are lucky enough to receive aid, you will still have to have sufficient funds to travel to the United States, and at least enough money to cover your first month's expenses.

There are 4 types of financial aid available to students:

1. TA (Teaching Assistantship)
2. RA (Research Assistantship)
3. Scholarship
4. Part Time On Campus Job

Source: www.nafsa.org