Study Bachelors in USA After 12th

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Samarpita Goswami
Updated on Apr 27, 2023 04:36 PM IST

Studying bachelors in US after 12th can be a great opportunity provided you have a clear understanding of what a bachelor's degree in the USA entails. This article details information to study in USA for Indian students after 12th along with advantages, eligibility, admission procedure, and top courses and universities.

Study Bachelors in USA After 12th

Most teenagers dream of studying for bachelors at the top-ranked and renowned colleges and universities of the world and given that the majority of the top global universities are in the US, international students prefer it the most for higher education.

The United States of America (USA) has become a prime destination for international students to pursue their bachelor's degrees. The standard of education and teaching is excellent. It provides you with myriad opportunities to distinguish yourself in academics and future job prospects. Indian students can pursue their higher education in the USA in a variety of post-secondary or undergraduate programmes.

In addition, an edge in your career is the most promising thing offered by American universities. America is known as the salad bowl for its diverse cultural entities, meaning it is one of the most welcoming study destinations in the world.

Nearly 40% of international students are enrolled in undergraduate programmes in the United States, indicating that they presumably migrated here after completing their 12th grade in their home country. This proves that foreign students prefer studying in the US after their 12th-grade year. If you are planning to continue your education in the US after the 12th grade, you should start making plans with your family one to two years in advance.

Find Out the Best US University for Your Desired Bachelor's Degree!

Bachelors in US After 12th: An Overview

It should come as no surprise that the United States is one of the most sought-after study abroad destinations. With more than 5,300 renowned institutions of higher learning and over 2,000 additional universities offering bachelor's degrees in a variety of subjects, Indian students who want to continue their education in the USA after completing their 12th grade have a wide selection of possibilities to choose from.

Further, to study in USA for Indian students after 12th is not just about the quality of the education offered by its universities. The nation is also an ideal destination owing to its rich cultural diversity, the system established to help international students, ample opportunities for research and career advancement, and the promise of an optimistic future. The following table details an overview of studying in USA for Indian students after 12th:

Level of Study

Bachelors

Popular Courses

Medicine, Law, Engineering, Applied SciencesLiberal Arts

Top Universities

Harvard University, Stanford University, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of California, Yale University

Eligibility Criteria

Should have passed 10+2 in a relevant field

Admission Tests Accepted

SAT exam, ACT exam

Documents Required

LOR, SOP, Academic Transcripts, etc.

Average Annual Tuition Fees

USD 20,000 to USD 80,000

Why Study Bachelors in the USA After 12th?

After the 12th grade, the most popular country for Indian students to study abroad is the USA. The US has more than 5,300 renowned universities and more than 2,000 institutions that grant bachelor's degrees in a variety of fields and educational frameworks. USA universities provide an accommodative environment to their students, enabling them to enjoy and have a unique learning experience. In brief, the advantages you will get if you study in the USA are as follows:

Excellent Curriculum and Effective Teaching-Learning Environment

US universities offer a modern curriculum that is at par with global standards of education. The excellent academic environment will nurture your understanding of the subject and also help you to develop practical skills. Here, you will get support from top-class systems of education. Your education will not only be limited to books and writing them on paper. The universities will also help you to gain practical knowledge through internships in reputed organisations.

Professional Growth

Who does not want an enriched resume? Studying at a university in the USA will help in the expansion of your professional development. Your prospective employers will be charmed by your academic background and knowledge. If you want to settle in the USA, then acquiring a degree from their institution will increase your credibility. Or, if you want to work in your own country, then the degree will help you to earn an attractive salary package.

Exciting Social Life

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Keeping this in mind, US universities emphasise sports and co-curricular activities along with education. You can join any sports team or cultural team of your choice and become a part of it. They have ice hockey teams, football teams, and volleyball teams for both men and women. The cultural clubs at US universities include literary societies, singing and dancing clubs, theatrical activities, etc.

Eligibility to Study Bachelors in USA After 12th

To obtain a bachelor's degree in the United States, students must complete four years of study. This course duration is to ensure that students entering the undergraduate programme have a comprehensive understanding of a range of fields and subjects. The eligibility criteria for admission to a bachelor's degree program in the US include:

  • Proof of completion of class 12th examination from a recognised board of a country. The minimum average GPA to study in the USA is 2.0 or above and in some professional courses, you will require a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75. A GPA above 3.75 is considered good in the US.

  • The certificates of secondary and higher secondary education.

  • English proficiency test scores to understand the proficiency level in English of a student. The US accepts English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL exam, IELTS exam, PTE exam and Duolingo English Test.

  • Official test scores of SAT or ACT. Some US universities have gone test-optional, test-blind or test-flexible.

  • Results of any other subject-specific examinations (if required).

  • Family income certificate for I-20 form.

Admission Process to Study Bachelors in the USA After 12th

The admission process to study in USA is simple. All you need to do is do thorough research prior to applying for your desired courses at a university. The following is a step-by-step process for applying to US universities for a bachelor's degree:

Step 1: Select your preferred US universities and courses and refer to the specific eligibility criteria of the program and the university by visiting the university's official website.

Step 2: Qualify in the entrance examinations for international students applying in the US. You have to score well in examinations like the ACT, SAT, and an English proficiency test accepted by the university. Let us briefly understand what these tests are:

  • SAT - SAT or Scholastic Assessment Test is an entrance examination that makes one eligible for studying undergraduate courses at universities in the US. It is three hours long that is designed to judge the language and mathematical abilities of the students. The language test also is based on evidence-based reading and writing.

  • ACT - ACT or the American College Testing exam is conducted for admission to a bachelor's degree in the USA. The test judges the four main academic skill sets like Reading, English, Mathematics, and scientific reasoning of a student. Like SAT; ACT also takes around two hours and 45 min to three hours.

  • English Language Proficiency Test - TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is one of the most accepted tests to understand proficiency in English. It is widely accepted by American universities. This test is important as English is the main language of communication and without a decent knowledge of the language, you will face hurdles on your way. Other English language proficiency tests include the IELTS, Duolingo and PTE.

Step 3: Now, apply to colleges and universities that provide your chosen courses.

Step 4: Prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendation (LOR).

Step 5: Give video conference interviews (if required by the university).

Step 6: Apply for an F-1 visa.

Step 7: Rent accommodation in the USA.

Recommended Reads:

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Top Courses to Study in USA After 12th for Indian Students

Top Courses to Study in Canada After 12th for Indian Students

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Top Countries for Indian Students to Pursue Bachelors Abroad After 12th

Documents Required for Admission to Bachelors in the USA

An internationally recognised degree can be pursued in the USA after the 12th grade if certain requirements are met. These requirements evaluate the expertise of potential students and help organisations choose suitable students. Application and admission processes are heavily influenced by these factors. Studying Bachelors in the US will require you to submit the following documents:

  • Attested a copy of the class X Marksheet.

  • Attested a copy of the Class XII Marksheet.

  • College application essays (if needed)

  • Copy of ACT/SAT, and TOEFL scores.

  • Portfolios (for art, architecture, and design courses)

  • Certificates of achievements

  • Certificates of co-curricular activities

  • Work experience letter (if applicable)

Depending upon the university, undergraduate application essays, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and extracurricular activities may also be considered in the admissions process.

Top Courses to Study Bachelors in the USA After 12th

There is a thin line between the academic course pattern in the US and India. This is because a bachelor's degree in USA can only be obtained after 4 years of study. Hence, it is better for students to make an informed decision when choosing a major. All the courses in every discipline are available at universities in the USA.

After completing their 12th-grade year, students who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States typically have a choice between two- and four-year academic programmes. Here are some of the main options to choose from:

Two-Year Undergraduate Academic Courses in USA 

In the United States, community colleges typically provide two-year undergraduate programmes. After completing this, the student is given an Associate Degree, such as an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts. An associate degree typically requires 60 credits to accomplish and consists of the following:

  • General subjects

  • Core subjects (subjects concentrated on the primary field of study)

  • Elective subjects (optional subjects that can be chosen based on the student’s interest)

The supplementary field of study, or minor, usually supports majors and usually is driven by personal interests. Students who get an associate's degree can move on to four-year undergraduate academic programmes.

Four-Year Undergraduate Academic Courses in USA

In the USA, state colleges and institutions typically offer four-year undergraduate programmes. After completing this, the student is given a bachelor's degree, such as a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts. An associate's degree usually requires 120 credits for completion. When transferring to an undergraduate programme, students who have already earned an associate degree are given 60 credits. 

The liberal arts and sciences are the cornerstone of postsecondary education in the USA. To finish their bachelor's degree, students can select from a variety of subjects. The fact that students have up to two years to choose their majors is a huge benefit. Usually, the latter two years are when majors are more heavily emphasised.

In the USA, bachelor's degrees are not granted in either law or medicine. Once a person has earned their bachelor's degree and complied with all other requirements, they are eligible to pursue them.

Some of the popular degrees and specialisations among the students community are provided below:

Course

Degree

Popular Specialisations

Engineering

BE

(Bachelor of Engineering)

Automobile Engineering, Aviation Engineering, Communication Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Software Engineering, Sound Engineering

Business Administration

BBA

(Bachelor of Business Administration)

Strategy, International Business, Business Management, e-Business and e-Commerce, Automotive Business, Marketing

Medicine

MBBS

NA

Liberal Arts

BA (Bachelor of Arts)

BFS (Bachelor of Fine Arts)

BS (Bachelor of Science)

Education, International Relations, Art History, Economics, Sociology

Applied Sciences

BAS (Bachelor of Applied Sciences)

Communications, Computer Science, Forensics, Astrophysics, Criminology

Law

JD (Juris Doctor)

International Law, Business Law, Criminal Law, Patent Law, Public Law

Hotel Administration

BHM

(Bachelor of Hotel Management)

NA

Top Universities to Study Bachelors in USA After 12th

A number of top-ranked universities in the USA offer bachelor's degrees in almost every discipline. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, several of these universities rank highly. The following table highlights the list of top universities to study bachelors in USA after 12th:

University Name

Approx. Annual Tuition Fee in USD (Excluding Aid)

Stanford University

78,218

Princeton University

68,044

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

72,462

Harvard University

75,891

University of Pennsylvania

81,110

Columbia University

77,603

Yale University

79,370

University of Chicago

81,531

University of Miami

73,712

University of California

41,582

New Jersey Institute of Technology

38,574

University of Maryland

27,807

University of Michigan

31,484

The University of Arizona

30,416

Scholarships to Study Bachelors in USA After 12th

The cost of education in America is comparatively higher than in other countries and is something that worries many international students. But, you do not need to worry about the cost as there are many financial aids available in the form of loans and scholarships. Here, we will discuss the top US international scholarships for bachelors which will reduce your burden of tuition fees and will give wings to your dreams.

Several factors are taken into consideration for assessing the eligibility for scholarships so you need to fulfil those requirements. Your academic and admission test scores need to be at par with their scholarship requirements.

Scholarship

Amount (in USD)

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarships

20,000 per year

AAUW International Fellowships.

18,000 to 30,000

South Asian Regional Awards at Oregon State University

8,000 per year

Ferris State University Gold International Scholarships.

2,000

International Students Support Contest for 2022-2023

500 to 2,000 per year

The GPR Leadership Scholarship

500

UNO International Achievements Scholarships at the USA

8,000 per year

Pioneer Academics Scholarships in the USA

2,000

Leaders of Tomorrow International awards in the USA

33,000

Limura Peace Endowed Funding for Asian Students

5,000

When Indian students think of higher education overseas, the United States is unquestionably the first country that comes to mind. Millions of international students are drawn to the nation every year by its illustrious educational history. However, you must select the appropriate college and course from the range of academic alternatives offered in the USA following your 12th grade based on your preferences. This is because an international degree from the USA after the 12th grade opens up a wealth of work prospects throughout the entire globe. 

Still confused about how you can study bachelor's in USA after 12th? Not to worry, drop us a line at abroad@collegdekho.com. and resolve all your doubts by consulting our experienced professionals!

Know How to Study in USA After 12th From India?

FAQs

What can I study in USA after completing 12th-grade science?

You can study in USA after completing 12th-grade science courses like:

  • Bachelor of Science

  • BSc in Chemistry

  • Bachelor of Biology

  • BS in Biological Chemistry

  • BS in Applied Physics 

For students who do not want to pursue a BSc in the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, pure sciences are a good alternative. Your study abroad experience will be valuable to your employers because the US university's course curriculum is not simply academic but also offer considerable research productivity and practical experience.

What are the top science courses to study in USA after 12th?

The following are the top science courses to study in USA after 12th:

  • BSc Nursing (BSN)

  • BSc in Chemistry

  • Bachelor of Computer Applications

  • Bachelor of Surgery

  • Computer Science

  • Bachelor of Biology

  • Data Science

  • BSc in Mechanical Engineering   

  • Economics

  • BSc in Civil Engineering

What are the admission intakes to study in USA after 12th?

Three admission intakes in an academic year are offered to study in USA after 12th. The first one is Fall intake which starts around the month of August and ends somewhere around December. The second is Spring intake which starts around the month of January and ends somewhere around April. The third is Summer intake which is offered by particular universities for certain programmes only. It starts around May and ends somewhere around August. For detailed information, visit Timeline for September 2023 Intake to Study in USA page.

Can I work and study bachelors in USA after 12th?

Yes, you can work and study bachelors in USA after 12th. Hard work and independence are valued in American universities. The pursuit of part-time employment as a student is encouraged. However, there are still rules that must be properly obeyed when working part-time. To get detailed information, check out our article on Part-Time Job Options in the USA.

Can I study in USA without IELTS after 12th?

Yes, you can study in USA without IELTS after 12th. For you to be qualified for bachelor's courses, English must have been one of your core subjects in high school. The university may require you to enrol in their own English language preparation course known as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) in order to learn the basics of the language if you are unable to provide an IELTS score. To get detailed information, check out Study in USA without IELTS.

Can I get a USA student visa without IELTS?

Whether you can get a USA student visa without IELTS depends on several factors. You can apply for a study visa in the US without taking the IELTS only if you have an international baccalaureate degree or you have studied English in the past. If you are chosen for a highly regarded university, you would have to pass a visa interview even if you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria.

What are the benefits of studying in USA after 12th?

There are numerous benefits of studying in USA after 12th. The US is home to some of the best educational institutions in the world. It is home to 33 of the top 100 colleges in the world, according to the QS World Rankings 2022. Numerous research and training opportunities are available to international students seeking higher education in the US.

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