Top Things You Need To Know About To Study In USA
For most candidates study abroad has become a popular choice. With the emergence of globalization, more and more people are aiming for a world-class education. It so happens that the USA is one of the most popular destinations. Many students are often worried about interview questions.
The Hurray Online Overseas Education Consultant team has taken up the onus of penning down a few common questions asked.
Student Visa Interview Questions: USA
The visa interview is an important step in the process of Studying Abroad.
After you have successfully gained admission and enrolled in a university in the USA, you have to then apply for the F1 Visa that permits international students to study in the country – an important component of this process is appearing for and successfully clearing the visa interview.
How the interview works
The visa interview will take place at a US Embassy or Consulate, here in India. The interview is conducted by a consular officer, whose task it is to assess your visa application and accordingly approve or disapprove it. The interviewer will be assessing your eligibility to enter the USA and to study the course you have applied to, and whether or not you are a genuine applicant seeking to enter the USA for academic purposes alone.
Ensuring that you have completed all the necessary procedures and are in possession of the requirements is the first step to successfully getting your visa. The second important step is plenty of preparation for the interview itself. By familiarising yourself with the kinds of questions that are likely to be asked, and preparing your answers accordingly, you will gain the confidence to handle the interview well.
Interview questions
These are the major areas of information/questions that you are most likely to be asked about.
1. Academic Background
Including practical information about
- your latest qualification(s), including scores/GPA
- your latest employment details
- accounting for any gap in your academic/employment history
- results/scores of qualifying exams including GRE, TOEFL
2. Personal Background
You will be asked about
Family
- your marital status
- your family background, including number of family members
- your dependents, if any
- any family members currently in the USA, their purpose for the same, and their visa status
Financial position
- how you are paying for your course and other academic-related expenses
- how you are planning to cover your living expenses
- information about loans, if any
- information about sponsorship, if any
- information about scholarships, if any
3. Your plans in the USA
- Questions about your academic plans, living arrangements etc.
- Questions about the course structure, course requirements, course duration etc.
- the number of universities you applied to/gained admission to
- where/with whom you plan to live for the duration of your course
- whether you plan to work while studying, and why
4. Your plans for the future
Including questions about
- your career plans
- whether you intend to continue your studies after the course is completed
- whether you plan to apply to stay back in the USA to work/study further
5. Reason-based questions
Your answers to these questions are meant to indicate how well-researched your academic plans are; furthermore, through these questions, your interviewer will be able to assess whether you are a genuine applicant.
- why did you choose this university?
- why did you choose this programme?
- why do you want to study in the USA?
- did you consider any other country to go to? Why did you choose the USA?
- why do you not want to study in India?
- what do you like about the USA?
6. Case-specific questions
In addition to the above, which most interviewees are likely to be asked, you may also be asked questions specific to your case.
For instance:
- you have changed your subject of study
- you have been denied a visa on a previous occasion
- your spouse is currently in the USA on an F1 visa
- your education is being sponsored by someone other than an immediate family member/employer
Note: Remember that this list is indicative only. There is no fixed order or number of questions that the interviewer will ask you. Some of these questions may not be asked, while others not included in this list could be.
Important tips for preparation
1. Prepare the necessary information: Be aware of all the important practical information that you must know about, particularly those related to your academic background and financial status. You must also be aware of all the rules related to international students in the USA.
2. Think about your reasons: The answers to the reasoning questions are entirely subjective. Think of valid and specific reasons. Avoid general statements.
Bad answer:
“The university is renowned worldwide for its engineering programme.”
Good answer:
“The department at the university has several faculty members, including Dr. X and Professor Y, who have research strengths in the area of medical technology. This is the area in which I wish to work, and I am looking forward to benefiting from their expertise.”
3. Do not learn by rote: While preparation is essential, you must not try to memorize your answers in advance. If you do so, the interviewer will be able to recognise that you have and you will make a bad impression. Furthermore, if you are asked about something that you have not prepared for, you will be at a loss for words, creating an even worse impression.
4. Be honest: Do not falsify any information or leave anything out in response to a question. If you are caught being dishonest, your application is likely to be rejected outright.
5. Be yourself: Do not try to appear to be anything that you are not – whether this is in terms of mentioning skills or interests that you do not possess, or even using words that you do not understand or a fake accent.
For all your Study Abroad needs, from applying to universities to acing the visa interview, the Hurray Overseas Counselling team is available for assistance. Book your one-on-one session with us now – reach out via email:overseaseducation@hurrayedutech.com, or phone; 8971357928 for more details.
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