My son wants to go for MS degree in US. He is working as software engineer for one year now. Please advise pros and cons. Thanks,

Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. With your son's interest in pursuing undergraduate education in the USA, it's critical that you understand the many benefits and downsides. Here’s a summary:

Pros:

1. Academic Excellence: Universities in USA provide excellent education and research opportunities, with degrees that are recognized worldwide.

2. Array of Options: The United States offers a wide range of academic programs and majors, allowing students to customize their education to their interests and future prospects.

3. Research Possibilities: Colleges in USA have well-funded research programs that allow students to partake in cutting-edge studies, work with renowned scholars, and earn priceless experience.

4. Build global networks: Study in USA allows your son to interact with students from many cultures, establishing a strong global network for future professional opportunities.

5. Career Opportunities: A degree from the United States improves career opportunities internationally since employers value the abilities and global exposure earned.

6. Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations at US universities often allow students to develop leadership abilities and pursue interests outside of academics.

Cons:

1. Exorbitant Price: International students studying in the United States endure higher tuition rates than domestic students, causing a major financial strain. Furthermore, living expenses, viz., housing and healthcare, add to the overall price.

2. Immigration and Visa Rules: Navigating the US visa procedure can be challenging and time-consuming. Your son must make sure he fulfills all the requirements and keeps up with any changes to the policy.

3. Culture Shock: Moving to a foreign country can be challenging, and your son might face culture shock. Getting used to a new environment, lifestyle, and social conventions takes time and patience.

4. Away from Home: For some students, being far from home can be emotionally stressful, particularly during significant events or trying times.

5. Competitive Admissions: Admission to prestigious US institutions can be fiercely competitive, and meeting the admission requirements can be a challenging procedure.

6. Medical Insurance: In the US, health insurance is mandatory, but it may also be pricey. Understanding coverage and selecting the appropriate plan is critical for overseas students.

The decision to study in USA depends on your son's particular circumstances, academic interests, and professional objectives. Pursuing a US undergraduate education can be satisfying if he is passionate about a certain field and aware of the difficulties and opportunities. Making an educated decision requires research into colleges, programs, and scholarships.

For more information, you can visit our website.

Ans: Hello,

To begin with, thank you for getting in touch with us. Yes, ma'am, pursuing a Masters degree in the United States is a wise idea. In these competitive times, getting a better degree from another country not only helps with updated knowledge but also with a higher salary and employment opportunities. There are several specializations for your son to pick from, and education in the United States is highly respected globally. Costs may vary, but we can help him select a course and university based on his profile and budget. You may also apply for an education loan. For additional information, please contact your nearest branch so that our team of experts can better help you. Thank you very much.

For more information, you can visit our website.

Ans: Hello D,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear about your husband’s plans to pursue an MS in the USA. To answer your question first, considering your husband’s background, having acquired 14 years of professional experience, and even at the age of 38 years, it is indeed possible for him to now apply for MS (Master’s of Science) programs in the United States. Candidates who have acquired different experiences are highly sought-after by a number of universities in the USA. Taking into account this factor, your husband’s MBA degree in 2009 from IIM Dubai, will definitely be a plus point, which I believe, in turn, will definitely make him an invaluable asset. I suggest that you take the below mentioned factors into consideration and then make a final decision:

1. Take into account your husband’s age and years of professional experience:
Your husband’s decision to pursue a Master’s degree in the USA is a wise choice. Although his age may not match the ages of the other candidates opting for a Master’s course, I would like to let you know that having acquired 14 years of professional experience will definitely serve as a plus point in this academic pursuit. Candidates with diverse work experiences having been employed at different companies, are often preferred by the Admissions committees. Your husband’s 14 years of professional experience surely brights to light his level of maturity, unwavering dedication, and the different ways in which he can prove to be a perfect fit for the program he intend pursuing.

2. Researching and Shortlisting Programs:
This is a crucial step in the application process, wherein your husband needs to conduct an extensive study and shortlist programs that align with his interests and academic objectives. Considering his background, I believe, he would surely wish to pursue management, and business-oriented programs or maybe programs in an associated field that matches his abilities. Accordingly, he can look into programs viz., Master of Science in Finance (MSF), Master of Science in Management (MSM), or Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT), etc. I suggest that he selects the perfect program, and for that he will need to investigate universities and the programs they have to offer, and finally select the one that best resonates with his professional ambitions.

3. Appearing for the GRE as a program prerequisite: Addressing your query concerning whether or not your husband would need to appear for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), I would like to inform that you will need to inquire with the specific university and program your husband intends applying for. Each university and program has varying prerequisites. In my opinion, the GRE standardized test may be a necessity while applying for certain programs. On the other hand, considering your husband’s past educational accomplishments and professional experience, other programs may not require him to appear for the GRE. I suggest that he meticulously investigates the entry criteria of the universities and courses he wishes to apply to.

4. Applying to universities and programs: As a part of the application procedure, your husband will need to submit important documents. I recommend that he prepares an excellent application. He will need to submit a compelling Statement of Purpose, endorsement letters from professors and employers who can attest to his academic achievements and character, as well as results of mandatory standardized exams. He should strongly focus on his professional experience and explain how it makes him the perfect fit for the program he intends applying to. I recommend that he begins the application process beforehand.

5. Plan your Finances: I know that studying in the USA is a costly affair, and for that reason, your husband should budget his finances correctly, so as to cover his cost of education, including living and tuition costs, as well as other miscellaneous expenditures. Also, a number of grants, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid, in addition to part-time employment possibilities, are offered by majority of the universities. I recommend that your husband looks into the available assistantships, scholarships etc. as these can help alleviate the high costs of studying.

6. Obtaining a Valid Visa and following Immigration Guidelines: Your husband, on securing admission, will be required to obtain a valid student visa in order to study in USA. An F-1 visa is the required one. I recommend that he conducts an extensive study and prepares for the visa application process.

7. Consider Long-Term Prospects: Your husband should take into account his prospects for the future and understand in what way the Master’s program opted for by him resonates with these prospects. I believe that undertaking internships, career guidance, and building connections while still pursuing his Master’s degree will go a long way in enabling your husband bag employment possibilities upon graduating.

Summarizing the above, I would like to tell you that taking both, your husband’s age and professional experience into account, he is eligible to apply for USA Master’s programs. Nevertheless, I recommend that he conducts a comprehensive research and opt for those courses that best match his aspirations. Not just that, he should also make a compelling application as well as possess a sound financial strategy. I also suggest that he finds out whether or not the particular programs require him to appear for the GRE or not, and that he adheres to other prerequisites for admission if required.

For more information, you can visit our website.

Ans: It's great that your son is considering his options. When pursuing an MS in the US, he should consider factors like program relevance, university reputation, potential scholarships, and location. Some reputable universities include MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. The cost can vary widely, but tuition and living expenses may total $30,000 to $60,000 annually. An MS can enhance career prospects, offering advanced skills and access to a broader network of opportunities. It's essential to research specific programs and consult with career advisors for a more tailored approach.