At a Glance: To ask for more financial aid, follow these four steps. First, write a persuasive appeal letter, focusing on either need-based or merit-based factors. Provide supporting documents, such as invoices or letters of recommendation, to validate your claims. Submit your letter and documents t…
At a Glance: There are several alternatives to student loans for funding a college education. These include grants, scholarships, work-study programs, part-time work, income-sharing agreements, employer sponsorships, payment plans, and savings. Grants and scholarships provide free money that doesn&#…
At a Glance: If you go back to school, you may have the option to defer your student loan payments with the lender’s permission. Not all loans qualify for deferment, so it’s important to understand eligibility and the process. Deferment temporarily stops payments, reduces the financial b…
At a Glance: To calculate college credits, you consider the hours spent on classroom work and homework per week, multiplied by the number of weeks in a semester. The federal government sets the credit hour rule, defining it as one hour of classroom instruction plus two hours of work outside the clas…
At a Glance: The US grading system assigns letter grades from A to F, indicating the quality of a student’s performance. Numeric grades are also used, ranging from 4.0 to 0.0, with 4.0 being the highest. Some variations include standards-based grading, rank-based grading, weighted GPA, and alt…
At a Glance: Duration of Status refers to the period of time during which certain visa holders, such as F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, are allowed to stay in the United States. It is determined by the length of their program and is recorded on the Form I-94. Proposed changes to the duration…
At a Glance: Yes, it is possible to get a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree. There are unconventional paths to obtaining a Ph.D., such as enrolling directly in a Ph.D. program after completing a Bachelor’s degree, opting for an Integrated Ph.D. program, or upgrading a Master’s disser…
At a Glance: Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows graduates to gain practical experience related to their field of study in the United States. To apply for OPT, students need to have their designated school official (DSO) send a recommendation letter, fill out Form I-765, and submit it to the US…
At a Glance: Graduate school can be expensive, with medical degrees averaging $200,000 at private colleges and $128,000 at public universities. Law degrees cost around $45,000 per year, and an MBA averages $150,000. It’s crucial to assess the costs and benefits before deciding. To finance grad…
At a Glance: In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has announced that international students on J1, M, or F1 visas will be allowed to study online for the 2021-2022 academic year. This decision aims to prioritize the safety of students and prev…