The moment you decide to study in the US, you start living the American dream. And why shouldn’t you when the US offers the most prestigious and competitive universities of the world. It is not only reasonable for any highly aspiring student to nurture his/her desire of attending an American college, but the most logical decision in this era of cut-throat competition. However, it can be an expensive dream since the tuition fee shoots through the roof, especially for international students. Having said that, it does not mean quality education is accessible only to people with deep pockets. Trust that a student belonging to a middle-class family, too, can avail the benefits of the dynamic education, and that also for free, yes you read that right, for free. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind and the steps you must take to study in the US universities for free.
1. Academic Competency - The first and foremost criterion that the admission officers would take into account would be your academic competency. This means that your previous academic record (for IX, X, XI Grade) has to be exemplary to make it stand out among the thousands of applications. Therefore, studying hard and establishing a robust academic profile should be on top of your list among other things. Your GPA, SAT/GRE Test score, TOEFL/IELTS (English language proficiency test), along with Extracurriculars shall collectively help you get that admission and also provide you the opportunity to study in the USA for free.
In addition to the above requisites of an outstanding academic profile, you must prepare all your documents and application requirements way before the deadline. Try to submit your application as early as possible as, this will give your application a better chance at getting noticed by the admission team. Thus under all circumstances, avoid submitting your application just before the deadline to avoid any last-minute hassles.
2. Scholarships - Bear in mind that colleges and universities in the US offer scholarships for international students. Studying abroad can be financially draining for many students but, don’t let that come in the way of achieving your dreams. Be assured that with the help of various scholarship opportunities from the universities, private institutions and government organizations, attaining your degree from the US for free is absolutely possible. However, scholarship providers are very selective, that's why you need to have and present an outstanding profile. You can apply for as many scholarships as you possibly can to increase your chances of acceptance. All you have to do is to ensure that you meet the parameters mentioned above.
While the tuition cost can be taken care of through scholarships, you would have to bear the living and other miscellaneous expenses for the duration of your stay there.
3. Aim for Affordable Colleges – US has plenty of affordable colleges/universities to choose from that offer high-quality curriculum for higher education. Choosing universities that have cheaper tuition fees can lift off the burden from your shoulders and help you manage other finances better. Since you won’t be paying the tuition cost, you could use the expendable finances to pursue things of your interest, for example, explore the city.
Besides you study for free in the US, you could also soak in the American culture by visiting its numerous tourist spots, national parks; taste its cuisine; experience music; and enjoy the festivals to have a more lively and vibrant stay.