Studying in the US: Questions to Ask an Adviser

Studying in the US involves four decisions that are easy to get wrong from another country: which program and school, how to pay for it, how the student visa process works, and what you are allowed to do once you arrive. A good education adviser answers all four honestly, including the parts you do not want to hear. This guide gives you the questions to ask at each step and how to tell a trustworthy adviser from a sales agent, so you can get expert advice online before you commit years and a large sum of money.

Choosing a program and school

Rankings are the least useful place to start when you are studying in the US. Program quality, cost, location and career outcomes vary far more between departments than between universities. Ask an adviser:

• Which schools have strong programs in my specific field, not just a strong overall name?
• What are the admission requirements for international students in this program, and do I meet them?
• What is the typical class size, and how much contact will I have with faculty?
• Where do graduates of this program actually work, and do employers in my home country recognize it?
• Is the school accredited, and by whom? Accreditation affects visa eligibility, credit transfer and whether your degree is recognized.
• Are there community college or pathway options that lead to the same degree at lower cost?

Take a worked example. Arjun wants a master's in data analytics. His list was five famous universities on the coasts, each with high tuition and living costs. An adviser added three strong state universities in smaller cities where the same degree costs far less and offers more funded assistantships. He still applied to two of the famous names, but he now has realistic options he can afford.

Costs and scholarships

Ask for the full picture, not the tuition line. The real annual cost includes tuition and fees, housing, food, health insurance (usually required), books, travel home, and the proof of funds you must show for the visa. Ask:

• What is the total cost of attendance for this program, including living costs in that city?
• Which scholarships, assistantships or fellowships are open to international students at this school, and how competitive are they?
• Can tuition be paid in installments?
• What are the rules on scholarships if my grades drop?
• What happens to my funding if the program takes longer than planned?

Most financial aid for international students comes from the schools themselves, not from the US government, so ask each school directly. Be suspicious of any adviser who promises a scholarship for a fee.

The student visa process

Most full-time academic students need an F-1 visa. The sequence is: get admitted, receive the school's immigration document, pay the required fee, complete the visa application, attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate, and then enter the country within the permitted window before your program starts. The official source for every step is the Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States site at studyinthestates.dhs.gov.

Questions for your adviser:

• What documents will I need for the interview, and how far in advance should I start?
• How do I show proof of funds, and what counts?
• What are common reasons students from my country are refused, and how do I prepare?
• Can my spouse or children come with me, and on what status?

Only licensed immigration attorneys and accredited representatives can give legal immigration advice in the US. An education adviser can explain the process and help you organize documents, but if your situation is unusual, such as a previous visa refusal or a gap in your studies, you need a licensed attorney. Our guide to legal advice online explains how to check a lawyer's license.

Tests and requirements

Requirements differ by school and program, and they change. Ask:

• Does this program require an English proficiency test, and which ones does it accept?
• Is a standardized test required, optional or not considered for my program and level?
• Will my transcripts need to be evaluated by a credential service, and which one does the school accept?
• What are the deadlines for test scores to arrive, not just for the application?
• Does my degree from home meet the entry requirement for a graduate program here?

An adviser who has placed students from your country into similar programs will know where applications from your education system usually hit trouble.

Life and work rules as a student

This is where students studying in the US most often get into trouble, usually by accident. F-1 students face strict limits on employment. On-campus work is generally allowed within set hours. Off-campus work usually requires specific authorization tied to your field of study, and working without authorization can end your status. Ask:

• What work am I allowed to do on campus, and how many hours?
• What are the options for internships or practical training during and after my program?
• How many credits must I take each term to keep my status?
• What do I do if I need to change schools, change programs or take a break?
• Who at the school handles international student questions, and how do I contact them before I arrive?

Your school's international student office is the authority on your status once you enroll. Build a relationship with them early.

Choosing a trustworthy adviser

The international education market has excellent advisers and also agents who are paid by schools to fill seats, which is not always in your interest. Before you book:

1. Ask how they are paid. If a school pays them commission, you need to know.
2. Ask which schools they work with and whether they will recommend schools outside that list.
3. Look for reviews from students who actually enrolled. On ConsultChat, reviews come only from completed, paid sessions.
4. Walk away from anyone who guarantees admission, guarantees a visa, or asks you to pay for a scholarship.
5. Never let an adviser submit forms with information you have not seen. You sign everything, and you are responsible for it.

Our guide to avoiding online consultation scams covers the general warning signs that apply here too.

Studying in the US is a large decision, and most of the cost of getting it wrong falls on you. Read our questions to ask before booking a consultant, then book a session on ConsultChat with an education adviser who will give you straight answers about programs, costs and the process before you apply.