February 4, 2005:
Study in the USA Chat

Transcript/FAQs

The following FAQs summarize Questions and Answers of general interest from those participating in the Study in USA Chat held through Virtual Consulate Davao on February 4, 2005.

The Chat included representatives from Hawaii Pacific University, Southern New Hampshire University, Universal Technical Institute and University of San Francisco to answer questions from Philippine students, parents or school officials exploring opportunities to study in the US. Embassy officers were also available to answer questions about student visas and representatives from Philippine Educational Foundation were able to provide information about scholarship opportunities.

Some basic information about the participating Universities as well as courses offered at each is available through these links:

• Info shseet
• Course List
• University of San Francisco information and Dr. Stanley Nel Bio

The following are the questions and answers provided through the Chat:

Q1. User asked: Are there different types of student visas? What is the difference between F, J and M visas which can all be used for student visas?

A. The requirements for F and M visas are identical with the sole exception that the F Visa is for Academic or Language programs while the M Visa is for nonacademic or vocational study. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program (J-visa) is to further the foreign policy interest of the United States by increasing the mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of mutual educational and cultural exchanges. Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees obtaining on-the-job training with firms, institutions, and agencies; teachers, professors coming to teach or do research, research scholars; professional trainees, and international visitors coming for the purpose of traveling, observing, consulting, conducting research, training, sharing, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills, or participating in organized people-to-people programs. You must have been accepted in to a U.S. Department of State approved exchange visitor program.

Q2. User asked: Many users have asked about the requirements for applying for scholarships.

A. The following is a general guideline to graduate scholarships. Each university will have its own requirements typically:

Graduate studies in the physical science degrees (bio/chem/physics) offer international students a bigger chance at obtaining financial aid than other humanistic/social science fields. A Masters/PhD in any of those three fields will allow the international student to apply for (and compete against other graduate students for) graduate assistantships; some of these TA/RA posts cover the tuition fees and provide monthly stipends - not substantial, but enough to live on.

The minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) that any international student should base an application to a US research institute on is 3.0 or equivalent to a B (80% to 85%). To be considered for scholarship, the student should have an average GPA of a 3.4 and higher (closer to an A the better). Assistantships may be rescinded if the graduate student does not maintain a minimum of a C (75%) throughout their academic program. Failure to comply may lead the department to put the student on probation for first offence, then dismissal if no improvement follows suit.

Q3. User asked: - Is there an age limit for the prospective applicants?

A. There is no age limit for general studying in the US as long as you meet program qualifications.

Q4. User asked: Much as I want to apply for graduate studies in the U.S., I am concerned with my family which I would be leaving in the Philippines. I have two very young boys. Is it possible for me to bring my family with me?

A. It is possible to bring family members to the United States when studying but important to note that you will have to show the ability to financially support all family members you bring. For student visas family members are not allowed to work.

Q5. User asked: This question is addressed to Southern New Hampshire University. How much is the total cost of studying at your institution? A business student for example?

A. At SNHU the estimated annual cost per academic year is $21,000 + other expenses (books, health, isnurance, supplies, etc)

Q6. User asked: Can the school help provide me job after I graduate?

A. US law allows for practical training for up to twelve months either during or after graduation. Also, Most colleges and universities have career-counseling offices that provide a great deal of advice, resume services and networking opportunities.

Q7. User asked: Can international students work on internships? Are there restrictions on this?

A. Yes they can.

An F-1 student may apply for off-campus practical training in a job related to his or her major area of study, during vacations (full time), or for not to exceed 20 hours a week during the school year, after completion of all course requirements for graduations (not to include thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements. Such training must be completed within 14 months. To do so the student must gain approval by the DHS and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Practical training must be approved by the university and the student remains on the University issued I-20 and student visa during this time. Students may also accept approved on campus work-study employment. Students should always check with their university international student advisor before accepting employment of any kind regardless of compensation.

Q8. User asked: Is there a priority for certain nationalities in applying for a scholarship example those from third world countries?

A. There is no priority or quota system for certain nationalities; many scholarships are given out based on MERIT (your grades). Many scholarships are offered to Asian students, but they will still want to see your grades.
Addendum: Some schools offer specific scholarships or grants to citizens from certain countries; for example, Filipino students applying for undergraduate studies in the US may want to look into two colleges that have offered partial scholarships (Randolph Macon Women’s College (Virginia), College of St. Catherine (Minnessota) – both schools are for women only) specific to Filipinas.

Q9. User asked: I did not graduate with honors but do have work experience in journalism/media/public relations for almost two years. Do you think this will give me an edge?

A. Work experience is always important if you are applying for graduate school in a specialized field. If your grades in your undergrad weren't that great, but you have strong recommendations from your supervisors, and, in journalism strong writing samples, this may help your application to a US university. You can also increase your chances by scoring well on the GRE and TOEFL.

Q10. User asked: What do TOEFL, GRE, SAT, GMAT stand for?

A. TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language (used as an English equivalency exam);
SAT: Standard Achievement Test (only for students applying for undergraduate studies in US colleges and universities. Many of the 3600 schools DO NOT require the SAT. Check with the college admission office first before taking the test);
GRE: Graduate Record e Examination (required for most Masters/PhD programs);
GMAT: Graduate Management Achievement Test (required for applicants to an MBA program)

While many institutions do not require tests for admissions, especially at the undergraduate level, these tests are good indicators for admission review officers, who may be unfamiliar with the academic levels in the Philippines, on how well you will do in their academic program. They are also good indicators for the student of their strengths and weaknesses.

Q11. User asked: Are scholarships granted for distance learning?

A. Distance learning/virtual degree programs do not usually provide any financial assistance for international students. The advantages of a dl/virtual program for an international student are staying close to home, keeping one's job, and not leaving family behind. However, the cost of a dl/virtual degree is close to the same fee per credit cost as taking the degree in a US campus (minus living expenses and other related costs).

The student will also have to purchase the books ahead of time and have the materials delivered which will be quite expensive. For US based programs, the student should also take the time difference into account. If any of the classes require some same-time email or discussion feeds, the student in Asia will have to stay up past midnight. While there are many excellent distance learning programs and growing numbers of Americans are taking advantage of such opportunities, we recommend that your thoroughly research the value of degrees offered by various institutions. These programs are not intended to be less demanding than traditional classroom programs other than the opportunity to study at home at times you choose. If a program promises a quick and easy road to a degree, you may find yourself paying for a degree that fails to prepare you for your profession and is not recognized by prospective employers.

Q12. User asked: I am interested to further my studies in the U.S. What is the process for applying for a Student Visa?

A. Whatever course/degree you are interested in pursuing. Items to consider are the location of the school, type of school (University, College, Graduate School, Vocational School, etc.) and cost. Notify the school of your interest and ask about their application process. All American universities and colleges have extensive websites that will give you an in-depth view of the institution. Most have specific pages on their website devoted to prospective students which provide admission requirements.

Once accepted the school will provide a Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status for Academic or Language Students. Nonacademic or Vocational Institutions issue Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students.

Upon receipt of Form I-20 a prospective student can call for an appointment and apply for a Student Visa at any visa issuing US Embassy or Consulate. It is necessary to bring the following documents to the visa interview.

An application form (DS-156/157 and 158) completed and signed. One form is needed for each applicant. Blank forms are available at the bank where the application fee is paid.
- A valid passport.
- One color photograph 2.x2; against a white background glued to the application form where specified.
- Validation that you have paid the visa application fee.
- All copies of Form I-20.
- Financial evidence showing sufficient funds to cover the costs for the first year of intended study and a reasonable source of funds thereafter.
- Evidence of ties to your country and that you will depart the United States when you have completed your studies.
It is important to note that being accepted by a U.S school and being issued an I-20 will NOT by itself result in issuance of a Student Visa.
Many interviewing officers also like to see the student’s previous educational transcripts.

Q13. User asked: Are there any radical changes in SAT as well as TOEFL this year? Could you help me and give me detail information about this? Any representative can answer my query.

A. Changes to SAT: the SAT 1 Reasoning test will now include a written analysis section on top of the regular math and verbal sections; a new scoring range (2400 is the new highest score. The old score range was 1600. Each section (Verbal, Math, Writing) is scored 200 to 800 pts.); and the test is longer (3.5 hours). Specific changes to the sections: Verbal section will no longer have analogies, and there will be more focus on the reading comprehension sections. The Math section will include advanced algebra questions.
The TOEFL is expected to change later this year, although the rollout in Asia will not happen until 2006. The test format will include internet based testing; presently the formats available in the Philippines are Computer-Based Test and Paper-Based Test. The new internet based test will have the following sections: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, speaking, writing.

Q14. User asked: I am very interested to study in the US. If I get a scholarship grant is there a time limit on staying in the US?

A. Scholarships depend on the length of your academic program. If you have received funding to study a master's degree, the grant usually lasts two years; PHDs can be anywhere from 3 to 5 years. The scholarship organization may limit the number of years they will fund your academic program.

Q15. User asked: I'm 27/f from the Philippines. May I know the requirements for the Masters Degree courses

A. In order to apply for a masters degree, you will need to graduate with an appropriate bachelors degree, have taken the standardized tests (TOEFL,GRE, or GMAT), letters of recommendation from your teachers and/or supervisors, and show ability to pay for your academic program. We encourage you to research Master’s programs offered by different universities on the internet. There are also numerous publications that provide information on graduate programs in different fields. These publications are often available in university libraries, at the Philippines American Education Foundation (PAEF) office. Check www.paef.org.ph for local addresses.

Q16. User asked: Why do some U.S. universities have us pay a processing/application fee before our applications are evaluated?

A. When you apply to a US college, you are charged an application fee ($20 to $250 depending on the school); these fees pay for the processing of the paperwork. Some schools now offer application fee waivers if the student uses the online applications instead of sending in paper applications.

Q17. User asked: What are the important dates to be consider if I will transfer to your school? Assuming that I am already qualified?

A. Take note of the application deadlines for the semester you are applying to: for example, if you plan to apply for Fall Semester (which starts in August/September), many application deadlines are in January to March. If you apply for the Spring semester, deadlines are usually in October.

Other dates to consider include when you should be taking your standardized tests (TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT), and any interview dates if the school requires one.

Q18. User asked: This is Lady Ann from CPU. What scholarships are available to pursue graduate studies in psychology or guidance and counseling?

A. Depending on the specialization in psychology, you may be able to apply for teaching/research assistantships from certain graduate programs. I'd suggest using the PAEF advising center's resources on graduate psychology degrees to improve your search of schools that provide financial aid. Check www.paef.org.ph or visit the EducationUSA advising center at CPU (Henry Luce III Library; look for Prof. Josephine Fernandez).

Q19. User asked: This question is for Hawaii Pacific University, I have noticed that in the information about the total number of Asian and total number of Filipino students are Not Available. Do you accept Asian or Filipino students?

A. Yes, Filipino students are eligible to apply, and there are Filipino graduate students at HPU.

Q20. User asked: Do International transferees need to take up GMAT, TOEFL exams too as requirement to study in some of your colleges & universities?

A. Clarification: the SAT (1 and 2) are only used for students applying to undergraduate programs. A high school student applying to colleges may be required to take the SAT 1 and/or 2. It is not required by all US universities and colleges.

The GMAT is only required for MBA and business related programs in the masters/PHD level. If your field of study is non-business related, you may be required to take the GRE.

The TOEFL is required for most international students who live and study in non-english speaking countries. The Philippines is considered a non-english speaking country.

Q21. User asked: Where is the Universal Technical Institute located?

A. Main campus located in Phoenix, Arizona. Other campuses located in Texas

Q22. User asked: I was in the US from aug04-jan05 studying in the University of Central Arkansas. I am currently in the Philippines and I am applying to another university in Chicago. Do I have to change my visa? (my UCA visa is still valid until may06)

A. Yes - you will need to get a new I20 and apply for a new visa. If you were in the US and transferred from one university to another, you would apply with DHS.

Q23. User asked: Why is it difficult for students coming from the Third World countries to get a student visa?

A. It is important to note that there are many students from developing countries studying in the United States at any given time. In fact, India and China rank near the top of all countries that send students to the U.S. While the costs for a college education in the United States can be prohibitive many qualified students are able to receive financial aid to help them complete their studies. It is very important for academic institutions in the United States to attract qualified students from around the globe, not just to fill classrooms but also because the educational experience for all students is enriched by diversity and varying opinions. In fact, many of the best and brightest students in America today come from developing countries.

Q24. User asked: What about if you have passed the IELTS, is it acceptable in any of your universities.

A. The IELTS is used by over 300 US colleges and universities in lieu of the TOEFL. You will need to check with each school you apply to whether they will accept the IELTS. The TOEFL is used by all US universities to evaluate English proficiency.

Q25. User asked: Which of the four schools has a distance learning program?

A. With the exception of University of San Francisco, the three other schools do offer a distance learning program. Please check with the DETC (www.detc.org) to check distance learning programs of US universities, and take note that there is no financial aid available for many distance learning degrees.