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Admission Procedures

There are four levels of degrees one can study for at an American college or university. They are: 

The A.A./A.S. degree or Associate's Degree

A two-year degree given by a two-year community or junior college. It is possible to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year college for completing Bachelor's degree.

The B.S. (Bachelor or Arts) or B.S. (Bachelor of Science) Degree

Given after four years of study at an undergraduate college or university. This degree usually includes 60 credits of general education courses (Sociology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, etc;) plus 60 credits of specialization in the
major. There are many types of Bachelor degrees- B.S.M.E. (Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering), B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts), etc.

The Master's Degree

Requires one to three years of study after obtaining the Bachelor's degree. Time required is dependent on the field of study. There are several types of Master's degrees: M.A. (Master of Arts), M.S. (Master of Science), M.B.A. (Master of
Business Administration), M.Ed (Master of Education) A Master's degree requires the writing of a thesis and /or the taking of comprehensive exams.

The Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or Ed.D.(Doctor of Education) Degree

Usually requires 3 additional years of study after obtaining the Master's degree. It requires original research to be conducted and written up in the form of a dissertation and the defense of that research orally

ADMISSION PROCESS

The students from the Indian sub-continent face several difficulties in the admission process of the American universities. Due to the varying academic practices within the educational systems of the nations of the Indian sub-continent, the American universities are not able to uniformly assess the suitability of students with reference to their philosophy and academic offerings. Further, most of the students from the Indian sub-continent are not fully aware of the American universities and the systems that they follow. The communication between American universities and the students in the Indian sub-continent is also very limited. Thus, the admission process that follows is intrinsically flawed, in that the students are forced to seek admission in American universities without being conversant with the complexity of the procedures.

Due to differences in financial practices and the associated documentation, the students find the task of evaluating the requirement of funds for study in America cumbersome. Further, the students face uncertainty even after admission is given because a significant percentage of students are refused visas by the American consulates in India. Lack of proper pre-departure personal counseling results in the arrival of inadequately prepared students on American campuses. 

INFORMATION TO STUDENTS OF THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT

Students from the Indian sub-continent are unable to get comprehensive information on location, academic programs, admission, financial assistance possibilities, employment opportunities, procedures, interpretation of regulations and a host of other items of information. Some of the information provided in the American brochures and catalogs is not pertinent to the average student from the Indian sub-continent who is unfamiliar with the American way of life. The Indus Foundation takes care of all information needs of the students.