Study in the USA
Study in the USA, with a clear plan from the SAT to the visa.
Four year degrees with wide subject choice, strong internships and work options after study. We help Indian students choose the right universities, prepare for the SAT, apply on time and get the visa ready.
The USA at a glance
Figures for fall 2027 entry. Checked 15 October 2026.
Degree
Bachelor’s degrees usually take 4 years
Apply
Common App, UC Application, or a university’s own form
Deadlines
Early rounds 1 November. Regular rounds 1 to 6 January
Work after
OPT for 12 months, plus 24 months for STEM degrees
Cost
About USD 52,700 to 97,500 a year with housing and food
Why the USA
Why families choose the USA
The USA offers a very wide choice of universities and subjects. It also costs more, and its visa rules have changed often since 2025. Here are both sides.
Choose your subject later
Students take a broad mix of courses in the first one or two years before they choose a major. Many add a minor or a second major.
A very wide choice of universities
More than 1,200 colleges accept the Common App, from large public universities to small liberal arts colleges.
Internships during study
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows internships and co-ops that are part of the course, approved by the university.
Work after study
Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives 12 months of work after each degree level. Graduates with an approved STEM degree can add 24 months, so up to 36 months in total.
Full financial aid at a few universities
MIT, Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth admit international students without looking at ability to pay, and meet their full demonstrated need.
SAT scores count again
Most of the most selective private universities require the SAT or ACT again. A strong score is a clear advantage for a CBSE or ISC student.
Things to weigh honestly
- Cost. A year with housing and food costs about USD 52,700 to 97,500 (Rs 50.1 to 92.7 lakh).
- Aid is limited. Apart from a few universities, aid for international students is small, and most public universities give limited merit aid.
- Visa rules changed. Since 2025, student visa applicants generally need an in person interview, apply in their home country and set their social media profiles to public.
- Rules may change again. A rule to fix the length of student stays was blocked by a court in September 2026. A new OPT rule is planned for 2027. Work after study is not guaranteed.
Campus and city life
A first look at campus life in the USA
Universities
A balanced first list of US universities
Twelve well known universities, from the most selective to strong public options. Your own shortlist depends on marks, subject, test scores and budget.
| University | Type and SAT or ACT | Cost of attendance, 2026 to 27 | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | Private, MassachusettsSAT or ACT required | USD 92,760 a year (Rs 88.2 lakh). Same price for all students. | Admissions |
| Harvard University | Private, MassachusettsSAT or ACT required | USD 95,134 to 100,134 a year (Rs 90.4 to 95.2 lakh), plus health insurance unless covered | Admissions |
| Stanford University | Private, CaliforniaSAT or ACT required | USD 97,545 a year (Rs 92.7 lakh) | Admissions |
| Cornell University | Private, New York, Ivy LeagueSAT or ACT required | Tuition USD 73,946, plus about USD 21,348 for housing and food, so about Rs 90.6 lakh together | Admissions |
| UC Berkeley | Public, CaliforniaSAT and ACT not considered | About USD 93,944 a year (Rs 89.3 lakh) for students from outside California | Admissions |
| UCLA | Public, CaliforniaSAT and ACT not considered | USD 84,770 a year (Rs 80.6 lakh) for students from outside California | Admissions |
| University of Michigan | Public, MichiganTest optional for 2027 entry | USD 88,394 a year (Rs 84 lakh) in years 1 and 2, Literature, Science and the Arts | Admissions |
| University of Illinois Urbana Champaign | Public, IllinoisTest optional | USD 62,146 to 72,976 a year (Rs 59.1 to 69.4 lakh), by major | Admissions |
| Purdue University | Public, IndianaSAT, ACT or CLT expected | USD 52,698 a year (Rs 50.1 lakh). Computer science and engineering USD 56,748. | Admissions |
| Georgia Tech | Public, GeorgiaSAT or ACT required | USD 56,520 a year (Rs 53.7 lakh) for first year students from outside the USA | Admissions |
| Arizona State University | Public, ArizonaCheck the current test policy | About USD 69,906 a year (Rs 66.5 lakh), including health insurance | Admissions |
| Penn State | Public, PennsylvaniaCheck the current test policy | Tuition about USD 44,574 a year (Rs 42.4 lakh) in years 1 and 2, before housing and food | Admissions |
Figures from each university’s official cost page. Rupee amounts at Rs 95.07 per US dollar, the RBI reference rate on 15 October 2026. Bank rates for sending money are usually a little higher. Checked 15 October 2026.
Admission requirements
US entry requirements for CBSE and ISC students
Most selective universities read the whole application: marks, tests, essays, teacher letters and activities.
School marks
Grades 9 to 12 all count, not only the board exam.
MIT asks for three years of grades and board results such as CBSE, with predicted grades if available. The University of Michigan asks for a 12 year certificate such as the All India Senior School Certificate or the ISC, with first division marks. The University of California asks students to list ICSE, ISC or AISSC marks.
Subject preparation
Strong mathematics and science for engineering, computer science and science majors.
MIT asks for one teacher letter from a mathematics or science teacher. The University of California asks international students for 15 year long academic courses with a 3.4 GPA.
SAT or ACT
Required again at most of the most selective private universities.
Required for fall 2027 entry at MIT, Harvard, Yale, Brown, Penn, Cornell, Stanford, Georgetown, Dartmouth and Georgia Tech. Purdue expects a score. Michigan and Illinois are test optional. Princeton is test optional for fall 2027 and requires a test from fall 2028. Dartmouth also accepts final CBSE results in place of a test for students outside the USA. The University of California does not consider SAT or ACT scores.
For Penn, the last SAT for Early Decision is 7 November 2026 and for Regular Decision 5 December 2026.
English test
TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo, unless the university waives it.
Typical scores: MIT asks for IELTS 7 at least and recommends 7.5. The University of California asks for IELTS 6.5. Cornell suggests IELTS 7.5 to be most competitive. The TOEFL moved to a new 1 to 6 scale from 21 January 2026.
Many universities waive the test after English medium schooling: Penn and Princeton after 3 or more years, Yale and Dartmouth after 2 or more years. Harvard does not require a test for first year applicants.
Essays
One main personal essay, plus each university’s own short essays.
Short essays vary a lot. For example, Yale’s 2026 to 27 questions include three short answers of about 35 words each. The essays must be the student’s own work.
Recommendations
Usually two teacher letters and one counsellor letter.
Harvard and Brown ask for two teacher letters and a counsellor letter. MIT asks for one mathematics or science teacher and one humanities, social science or language teacher.
Activities and portfolios
Life outside class, and arts work where relevant.
Activities, leadership and projects are part of the review at selective universities. Students applying with an arts portfolio may face earlier deadlines: at Stanford, 15 October for the early round and 5 December for the regular round.
Interviews
Offered by some universities, often with an alumni interviewer.
MIT offers an interview where one is available, and there is no penalty if it is not. Georgetown requires an interview when one is assigned.
How to apply
Common App for most universities, with a few separate systems.
The Common App opened for 2026 to 27 around 31 July. The University of California uses its own application, open from 1 October to 30 November, with a fee of USD 95 per campus for international students. MIT uses its own application with a USD 75 fee.
Rounds: Early Decision (ED) is binding. Early Action (EA) is not binding. Restrictive or Single Choice Early Action limits other early applications. Regular Decision (RD) is the main round.
Sources: the official admissions pages of each university named. Checked 15 October 2026.
Costs
The cost of a US degree each year
Ranges from the twelve universities above for 2026 to 27. Your own figure depends on the university, the city and any aid.
| Cost | Per year in US dollars | In rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, public universities | USD 32,104 to 71,798 | Rs 30.5 to 68.3 lakh |
| Tuition, private universities | About USD 62,000 to 74,000 | Rs 58.9 to 70.4 lakh |
| Housing and food on campus | USD 14,628 to 23,640 | Rs 13.9 to 22.5 lakh |
| Health insurance, where charged separately | For example USD 2,765 at Arizona State and USD 4,954 at Harvard | Rs 2.6 to 4.7 lakh |
| Visa fee and SEVIS fee, once | USD 185 + USD 350 = USD 535 | Rs 50,900 |
| Flights from India | Not included in most university budgets | Plan separately |
| Total cost of attendance a year | USD 52,698 to 97,545 | Rs 50.1 to 92.7 lakh |
| Four years, before any aid | About USD 210,800 to 390,200 | Rs 2 to 3.71 crore |
Sources: university cost pages, US State Department visa fees and SEVIS I-901 fee. Rupees at Rs 95.07 per US dollar (RBI reference rate, 15 October 2026). Checked 15 October 2026.
Scholarships and financial aid
Where aid for Indian students really exists
A few universities meet full need for international students. Elsewhere, aid is mostly merit based and limited.
Full need
MIT
Need blind and full need for all undergraduates, including international students. Families earning under USD 200,000 typically pay no tuition. Official page
Full need
Harvard
Admission decisions do not depend on whether a student applied for aid, including for foreign citizens, and Harvard meets full demonstrated need. Official page
Full need
Yale
Considers all applicants without regard to ability to pay and meets 100% of demonstrated need. International students get the same aid. Official page
Full need
Dartmouth
Need blind for all international citizens, with a commitment to meet 100% of demonstrated need. Official page
Merit
Purdue
Applying by the Early Action deadline of 1 November includes scholarship consideration. Official page
Merit
Arizona State
The New American University scholarship is a merit award for a limited number of high achieving international students. Official page
Aid deadlines and forms
- Many private universities use the CSS Profile for aid. CSS Profile
- MIT’s aid deadlines are 30 November for Early Action and 15 February for Regular Action.
- The University of California does not use SAT or ACT scores for scholarships.
- Apply for aid at the same time as admission. Ask each university how it treats aid requests from international students.
Application timeline
For August 2027 entry
For a student in grade 12 in 2026 to 27. For August 2028 entry, add one year to each date.
Grades 9 and 10
Build the base
Strong marks in every subject, and one or two activities the student really cares about.
Grade 11
Tests and list
Take the SAT or ACT and an English test if needed. Build a first shortlist and choose teachers for letters.
June to September 2026
Essays
Draft the main essay. The Common App opens around 31 July and the UC Application on 1 August.
October and November 2026
Early rounds
Most ED, EA and REA deadlines fall on 1 November. UC applications run from 1 October to 30 November.
December 2026 and January 2027
Regular rounds
Early results arrive in mid December. Most regular deadlines fall between 1 and 6 January.
March and April 2027
Results
UC decisions come in March. Most regular results arrive from mid March to early April.
By 1 May 2027
Choose
Accept one offer and pay the deposit, keeping to any Early Decision promise.
May to August 2027
Visa and travel
Get the I-20, pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and attend the interview. Enter the USA no earlier than 30 days before the course starts.
Main deadlines for fall 2027 entry
| University | Early round | Regular round |
|---|---|---|
| MIT | Early Action, 1 November | 4 January |
| Harvard | Restrictive Early Action, 1 November | 1 January |
| Stanford | Restrictive Early Action, 1 November | 5 January |
| Brown | Early Decision, 1 November | 5 January |
| University of Michigan | Early Action, 1 November | 1 February 2027 |
| Georgia Tech | Early Action 2, 2 November | 6 January |
| Purdue | Early Action, 1 November | See the official site |
| University of California | No early round | 1 October to 30 November |
Sources: each university’s official deadline page. Always confirm in the application portal. Checked 15 October 2026.
How Tathastu helps
SAT teaching and US admissions, from one team
Most families come to us for the SAT. The same team then guides the US application, so nothing is lost between steps.
Our core strength
SAT preparation
Digital SAT classes in Pitampura and online, taught by Devender Kumar and team. A strong score matters again at most selective universities. SAT coaching
University shortlist
A balanced list of reach, match and safer universities, chosen for marks, subject, test policy, budget and aid.
Common App and essays
We help the student find their story and write it in their own words, with detailed feedback on every draft. We never write essays.
Rounds and deadlines
Advice on Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision, and a tracker for every form, letter and deadline.
Aid and budgets
Help comparing costs, aid forms such as the CSS Profile, and education loan options.
F-1 visa
I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160, financial documents and visa interview practice, led by CA Jogender Singh.
Need the English test too? We teach IELTS in the same centre.
Student results
US universities our students have joined
University names only. A student’s name or story appears here only with written permission, and a parent signs for students under 18.
Our students joined
- University of Chicago
- Cornell
- Columbia
- Duke
- Carnegie Mellon
- UCLA
- UC Berkeley
- University of Michigan Ann Arbor
- New York University
- University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
- University of Washington
- Purdue
Admission letters are kept on file. Past results do not guarantee future admissions.
Questions
Questions parents ask about the USA
Have another question? Call +91 95998 45444 or message us on WhatsApp at +91 81301 34242.
Is the SAT required for US universities?
It depends on the university. For fall 2027 entry, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cornell, Penn, Brown, Dartmouth, Georgetown and Georgia Tech require the SAT or ACT. Michigan and Illinois are test optional, and the University of California does not consider test scores.
Can a CBSE or ISC student apply straight after class 12?
Yes. US universities admit students after 12 years of school. They look at grades 9 to 12, the board results, test scores, essays, letters and activities.
How does Early Decision differ from Early Action?
Early Decision is binding: if admitted, the student must join and withdraw other applications. Early Action is not binding. Both usually have deadlines around 1 November.
Do US universities give scholarships to Indian students?
A few universities, including MIT, Harvard, Yale and Dartmouth, meet full demonstrated need for international students. Most others offer limited merit aid. We help you find realistic options for your budget.
Can students work in the USA after the degree?
Under current rules, Optional Practical Training gives 12 months of work after each degree level, and an approved STEM degree adds 24 months. These rules can change, so work after study is not guaranteed.
How much should we budget in total?
Plan for about USD 52,700 to 97,500 a year with housing and food at the universities above, so roughly Rs 2 to 3.71 crore for four years before aid. Add flights and personal costs.
Counselling
Planning to study in the USA?
Book a counselling session. We will look at your child’s marks, SAT plans and goals and suggest a clear plan and a first list of US universities.
- A first look at your child’s marks, tests and goals
- A balanced shortlist of universities in the USA
- A clear plan for tests, documents and deadlines
Book a counselling session
Call or message us now, or send an enquiry. We reply within one working day.
Call +91 95998 45444 WhatsApp us
Email info@tathastuedu.com