USA Study Abroad Questions

Most US universities began going test-optional in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when standardised testing access became difficult. Since then, many colleges have kept the policy, though a growing number now encourage applicants to submit SAT scores again, since a strong score can still meaningfully strengthen an application.

Yes, start building an activity record in 12th grade for US applications; the Common App Activities section allows up to 10 entries rather than a formal resume, so documenting clubs, awards and projects now with dates and measurable impact makes the eventual list far stronger.

Gather your passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt and visa appointment confirmation, plus financial proof covering one year of costs, such as bank statements, income tax returns, an education loan sanction letter or scholarship award letter, per US State Department guidance.

Germany and France run cheapest at roughly Rs 12 to 19 lakh and Rs 15 to 33 lakh yearly; the USA runs highest at Rs 35 to 65-plus lakh, while the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia fall between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 70 lakh depending on course and city.

At $58,000 to $70,000 in tuition plus $12,000 to $30,000 in living costs, your annual total runs about $70,000 to $100,000 at a typical US master's program. A $30,000 scholarship still leaves $40,000 to $70,000 to fund yourself, before insurance, books, travel and visa fees are added on top.

Your SAT score is accepted by more than 4,000 universities spread across more than 65 countries, including major study destinations like the US, UK, Canada and several countries across Europe, making it one of the most widely recognised standardised tests you can take for undergraduate admissions abroad.

For 2026, Harvard Business School's predicted GMAT score cutoff is a wide 515 to 685 range, since top B schools rarely publish fixed cutoffs and instead evaluate applicants through overall class profiles, so a strong score alone will not guarantee admission without the rest of your application matching up.

No single verified approval percentage exists for 2026; the US Department of State publishes F-1 visa issuance statistics by nationality and class but does not release a current, simple approval rate for Indian applicants specifically, so treat any exact percentage you see online with caution.