Credit System in US Education- The courses you take are calculated under a credit hour system and that is how the cost of one course is calculated. One course can be anywhere from 3 credits to 5 credit hours depending on your major (field of study). Usually, the classes which have a lab (mainly for science-related classes) assigned to them, are 4 to 5 credit hours, and non-lab classes are usually 2 or 3 credit hours. Few universities also offer classes that are 1 credit hour. It is advised to be careful while registering for class so that you do not fall under the required credit for your visa requirements. Generally, the credit hour indicates how much time that week you will need to watch lectures for that class combined with how much coursework you will need to do.

Difference between the Indian and The US grading system.

In India, when a student enrolls and takes classes for their undergraduate or master’s degree, their progress and completion of classes are calculated according to Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), which is out of 10. While in the US, it’s called Grade Point Average or GPA and it is calculated out of 4. When you start your degree in the US in the fall, spring, or summer semester, you register for 12 credit hours worth of classes or more courses (subjects) for undergrad. The student needs 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and for a master’s, the student requires 9 or more credit hours to be a full-time student, and 30 to 32 credit hours to graduate. An international student is required to be a full-time student as a requirement for an F1 visa. 

How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated?

These credits influence your GPA. GPA is recorded after every semester and the other yearly. The GPA recorded after every semester is called comprehensive (semester) GPA recorded yearly is called Combined GPA. If you have straight A’s in all your classes you will be awarded a 4.0 GPA. In order to calculate your GPA, for 3 or 4 credit hour classes, multiply by the points earned from the class. 

Math (3 credits)- Earned A (4)- 4*3= 12 points 

English ( 3 credits)- Earned B (3)= 9 points 

Economics (3 credits)- Earned B (3)= 9 points 

Physics (3 credits)- Earned C (2)= 6 points 

Geology (4 credits)- Earned B (3)= 12 

Add all points- 48 points 

Number of hours taken in the semester 16 

So 48/16= 3.0 GPA 

Cost per credit hour and I-20

When the student gets accepted into the university, the international services of the particular university send the student a document called the I-20, which basically gives you an insight into your course of study, the level of study, when the program starts, and what the tuition expense is. I-20 specifies either 9 months or 12 months depending on the university to university (always mentioned near student funding). 9 months includes 2 semesters- fall, and spring. While 12 months includes 3 semesters- Fall, spring, and summer. On the I-20, the tuition fee mentioned includes living expenses, miscellaneous expenses, and health insurance. 

So even if the calculation per credit comes out different, I-20 will always have a higher price. 

The calculation: 

18 credits will cost $15,990— this is provided on the I-20 under Tuition and Fees section. 

Cost per credit = 15,9920 / 18 = $888

Total Cost for 30 Credits = $888 x 30 = $26,650.

As the layperson finds it very complicated we have tried to break it point by point and simplify it to give you better clarity. In spite of it, if you find it hazy, please connect with Education Street without any hesitation. We will help clear the clouds to give you a brighter picture to fly to your dream destination. 

US visas can be rejected for a variety of reasons. According to the United States Department of State, an applicant’s current or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, may make them ineligible for a visa. The most common reason for visa rejection is ineligibility. The applicant may not meet the specific requirements for the type of visa they are applying for, Here are the Top 5 reasons why US visas are rejected.

Definitely looking forward to settling there

Your intention might be to settle there but that should not come across while you speaking with the visa officer. If he gets the even slightest hint on this matter he would straight put a reject on the visa. So very smartly we need to show them that something very strong binds you back to your country.

Financial Inadequacy

Funds play a crucial role in receiving the visa. The visa officer would want to make sure that you have sufficient funds to sponsor your education and living expenses for the intended period of stay before issuing a visa.

Body Language 

You need to show them your confidence and purpose to study. They expect you to come across as a self-assured, well-bred and well-mannered individual and if you look nervous or under-confident, you are going to get yourself into hot waters.

Incorrect Information

Do not provide any false information and documents to the US visa officer. Most common lies are related to any family members in the US. They have the entire background about you in their system so do not fake it. Once caught there would never be a chance for you to visit that country.

Low Academic credentials 

The visa officer wants you to demonstrate your credibility as a good student. Additionally, your English language skills have to be reasonably good. Mediocre GPA and bad GRE scores can also become a deterrent to getting F-1 Visa. If at you have a backlog, you must be able to justify it. Moreover, the ranking of the school you plan to attend also matters to a certain extent. Make sure you are well informed about the university you intend to attend and spare no efforts in creating an impressive credential.

Don’t waste your time and money. Every country is different. Thus, every profile needs to be carefully evaluated before choosing the country to reduce the chances of rejection. Connect with Education street to be in that 99% Acceptance.

 

Also, know- How long does it take to receive an I-20?