A decision to study in the USA could involve you working for a degree in one of the best universities in the world, Some American universities are ranked in the global top ten, including Stanford, Harvard, Princeton and MIT (Massachusetts institute of Technology), along with our own Oxford and Cambridge.

Obviously with such a vast country, you will need to carefully research and narrow your choice based on your specialist subject and whether you have any instincts about precisely where you want to study in the USA.

One factor you need to consider if you wish to study in the USA is that their tuition fees are very expensive, probably somewhere between $15,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on the university. That will be for your tuition and your accommodation only.

The USA does not offer any direct assistance for foreign nationals. But to study in the USA you could apply for a scholarship or financial aid. A scholarship is a form of grant based on merit, and dependent on your achievement in your subject area. Financial aid may cover all sorts of loans, funds, tuition fees, general living expenses. Aid will be also be based on an individual student’s financial circumstances. You should narrow your choice of university to 10 or 15 institutions, then make a short list of about 6.

Part of the application process involves securing standardised test scores. These will show that you have the ability to study in the USA and will predict that you can do well as an undergraduate. And, the scores will help American universities compare your potential performance with American students and international students. But the tests are only part of the application process, and not all universities will require you undertake them.

The application process to study in the USA is similar to the one here in the UK. You will need to prove your educational credentials, maybe sit a standardised test, certainly provide a letter of recommendation, and will have to write an essay or personal statement.

And, as is fairly normal, you need a visa, called an ‘F-1 student visa’. The institution to which you have applied will provide you with the forms for this process, but only after you have a firm offer and you can prove that you are able to meet all of the costs involved to study in the USA. Your university of choice must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (known as SEVIS), which is operated by the Department of Homeland Security.

And, you will need to pay a SEVIS fee and fill out other visa applications forms prior to your visa interview.

However, if you can afford to study in the USA, then this vast country is your academic and cultural oyster. You will need to remember though that there are many cultural differences, behaviours and habits between the UK and the USA. If you can overcome these, your stay will be one to remember.