Tips to ace your F-1 Visa Interview

Before you are granted your student visa (F-1 visa) to the U.S, all prospective students must attend a face to face interview at the U.S Consulate. This visa interview is usually the final step in your visa application process. During the interview, you will be asked various questions about yourself and your decision to pursue an education in the United States.

Your visa interview is a crucial step in the whole student visa process. A misstep here and you could be rejected. If there is one things that most students dread then it has to be the visa interview. The important thing to do is to realize that by constantly worrying about it you are doing yourself more harm than good. After all, you don’t want to be a nervous wreck on the day of the interview. Make sure you understand and have followed all the requirements and application process as detailed in our previous articles “Requirements for an F-1 Visa” and “How to apply for an F-1 Visa“.

The duration of your interview will depend on your personal and academic information. It will also depend on the consular official who is taking your interview.

Below are a few tips that will help you ace that interview.

• Be well groomed and ensure a clean and well kept appearance. Have a smile on your face ad greet the consular officer with a smile. It is not necessary that they will respond back, but do it anyways!
• Do not be late for your interview.
• Talk clearly into the receiver and be to the point. Keep your answers short and to the point.
• Take along all of your documents with you, including all additional documents. The consular official could ask you for anything or nothing at all.
• Do not get into an argument with the consular official since this would hinder your chances of obtaining a visa.
• Have a clear understanding of why you want an education from the United States and have complete information about the university or college and the course you are applying for. Do not give answers such as ‘The United States is a great country and their colleges have excellent education’…it will not help!
• Take along documents pertaining to your education, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc…All documents pertaining to your financials and college funding must be taken along. Read our article on “Funds to show for an F-1 Visa” for more clarity on your financials.
• Be prepared on questions pertaining to strong ties with your home country. Give ample evidence that you have complete intentions of returning to your home country after your education.
• If you are asked an ambiguous question, Do NOT answer abruptly, pause, think and then respond.
• Have a confident tone as most consular officials are trained to interpret your responses.
• Do not dress up in a garish manner and do not wear flashy make up or jewelry. Ensure that your clothes are not too exposing or too flashy.
• An important point to remember is that your answers should match with the information given in your application form. Do not respond with ‘ I have mentioned the same in my application’
• Be honest about your answers. Do not make up things. If you are asked a question like if you’ve ever been rejected before for a visa, then answer truthfully, do not beat around the bush.
• DO NOT even think of producing fake documents or certificates. You will be caught and banned from entry to the United States for a minimum period of 10 years.
• Finally, relax, be yourself and take it easy. Be calm and composed. For all you know, your interview will not more than a minute and at the end of it you will have your student visa approved.

And there you have it, keep it simple and try not to stress over it too much especially the last few days leading to the interview. Schedule your visa interview well in advance and be prepared with your documentation. Good luck !!

PhD Degree Overview

There are individuals who, after attaining graduate studies such as a master’s degree, still like to pursue advanced levels of learning. This can be due to various reasons, such as the desire to teach in the academe or to apply higher concepts to endeavors such as scientific research or business. Hence, they may take up a Doctorate in Philosophy, simply known as PhD.

A PhD literally means philosophiae doctor, or “lover of wisdom”. It is a postgraduate academic degree given by universities across the globe. A PhD degree dwells more on the formulation of research studies, theses and papers that hold significance when used in practical applications.

A PhD was first used as a doctorate in liberal arts at the Humboldt University in Berlin, and was later adopted by American universities during the 19^th century. Prior to acquiring a PhD, scholars may only attain a doctorate in the fields of medicine, law, or theology.

Qualifications needed for a PhD Degree

In order to attain a PhD degree, the student in question must have first completed a certain level of education such as a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree. Also, for some disciples like liberal arts and humanities, a PhD degree is possible in most cases.

Studying for a PhD usually takes two to three years. Most of your time will be spent on writing a thesis or dissertation based on qualified research. The load of coursework in a PhD is similar to that of a master’s degree, except that it has fewer lectures and dedicates more time on actual research work.

Some countries accept students to take a PhD without having to finish a master’s degree, provided that they are able to fulfill all the necessary requirements for the course.

Applying for a PhD Degree

When applying for a PhD, it is important to visit the department that offers the said course at least one semester before the target academic year of enrollment. This because the department office usually will have a specific application process before accepting students for a PhD. The screening process includes an interview about the student’s capacity to work on a postgraduate thesis, his or her dedication to the course and understanding the student’s expectation and/or experiences while working in an academic environment.

While there are no internships or on-the-job trainings in a PhD, the workload to complete the degree can be strenuous and requires months of focus. This is because the courses require in-depth research in the chosen field, consistent drafting of papers as well as time and effort in data-gathering necessary for the doctorate dissertation.

What can I do with a PhD?

Having a PhD offers a wide variety of advantages. Aside from being able to work in a full-time, tenured professorship positions in colleges and universities, graduates may also use the title “Doctor.” Apart from academic work, a person with a doctorate can expect better job positions in most organizations. There is a lot of weight-age that comes with a doctorate and it is well worth the hard hours you put in. You can expect good positions in government offices especially those that entail international relations and diplomatic activity.

Those who wish to work for private organizations can also expect a fairly high level position in the organization. You will find many PhD’s serving as heads of private academic institutions such as private high schools, colleges and universities. Another popular choice among graduates is to work for think tanks and consulting outfits. Independent consulting opportunities open up and you can expect decent compensation and benefits.

Savings Plan and Financial Aid

The primary concern for anyone that is planning for college is how to incorporate all assets, including cash and invested savings into their overall financial portfolio as it will be seen by financial aid agencies. We have all heard of those student who have families that make too much for financial aid, but not enough to actually pay for college. Fortunately, the 529 plan can be set up in such a way as to have a minimal impact on your overall financial aid picture. This is not to say that the rules will never change, but as of the writing of this article, this is how it will affect you. Remember that each state, and even each school, is different in how they calculate your financial aid needs. You need to consult with your specific institutions financial aid office to determine their precise methods of calculation.

The first thing you need to know is that the prepaid tuition 529 plan is treated differently than the 529 savings plan on the federal level. Unfortunately, on the state level there are about as many rules as there are states. The important thing to note about a financial aid application is if the application requests information about all available assets that are specifically set aside for your education or just those of your parents and possibly grandparents. This is important because a qualified donor for your 529 plan does not have to be a relative. Therefore if the financial aid application does not explicitly request information about available or set aside assets for your education, that is held by others, then the 529 plan held by others may not be included in your calculation.

For most college financial aid calculations, the prepaid tuition option is looked at as fixed dollar contribution and not as a percentage of assets. This is in juxtaposition to the 529 savings plan which is normally looked at as a parental asset and therefore is not calculated as a fixed dollar deduction, but as a percentage of overall assets. This is fortunate because prior to the 529 savings plan, all college savings plans were looked at as fixed dollar contributions.

In other words if your college expenses were calculated as being $15,000 for a specific year and you had $8,000 in your non 529 college savings plan prior to the calculation, then the $8,000 fixed dollar amount would be deducted from your need based analysis. This would mean that they would see your actual need as $7,000. But with the 529 plan, the $8,000 is considered a parental asset and is therefore used to reduce the expense as a percentage of the account balance. The percentage used for each state is different, but as an example, if it were 10% then the $15,000 overall need would be reduced by $800 leaving $14,200 in need. As you can see the 529 plan provision is much more advantageous to your overall financial need analysis than previous college savings plans and even more advantageous than the 529 pre paid tuition plan.

Getting a master’s degree is one of the best ways to widen a person’s scope of learning. While it is not a requirement for holders of bachelor’s degrees to pursue further studies, most of them find it handy to attain a master’s degree for various reasons. For one, it serves as a good step for a career change, and two, it adds more to the individual’s educational credentials, thus earning him the better edge for promotion and higher pay.

A master’s degree is used by many individuals to increase their scope of knowledge about a particular field of study. Unlike a bachelor’s degree where students have to complete 8-10 semesters in order to graduate, a master’s degree only requires 4-6 semesters of advanced studies.

Qualifications needed for a Master’s degree

To be able to get a master’s degree, one should have at least finished an undergraduate degree. Holders of a bachelor’s degree qualify for master’s studies; graduates of associate courses are required to take up extra units of undergraduate study first in order to be accepted in a master’s program.

It is common for graduates of a bachelor’s degree to take up master’s studies as a continuation of the major, so as they will be qualified to teach in college level classes. However, taking up a master’s degree is not limited that; individuals may also take up a master’s degree in other fields of study. For example, graduates of political science may take up a Master’s Degree in Economics, or Master’s in International Studies.

Applying for a Master’s degree

To apply for a master’s degree, students may inquire at the offices of the college or university they want to attend. Classes usually start the same time as the undergraduate semesters, thus it is best to inquire a semester prior to the intended time of study.

There are also master’s degrees offered in online universities. The classes are given through modules and online seminars, which are more flexible and can be finished faster depending on the student’s capacity.

Advantages of a Master’s degree – What can I do with a Master’s degree?

Having a master’s degree can bring about many advantages. Higher ranking positions in companies and bureaucratic offices are usually given to those who have a master’s degree. A master’s degree also in most cases will mean a much better salary.

Aspiring entrepreneurs find it handy to have a Master’s in Business Administration or MBA since they get to study more advanced lessons in business management and other related fields. Having an MBA also increases their good reputation in the business community, thus fostering better relations with clients and potential partners.

Some employees are required by their superiors to take up a master’s degree in their field of specialization. A master’s degree is seen as a specialization or even super specialization. A person with a masters is judged to be more qualified and is often tasked to work on the more lucrative assignments, client and job portfolios.

In some professions, a master’s degree is required to be promoted. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree who are working as college instructors are encouraged to take up master’s studies in order to be promoted as professors. Also, teachers who aspire for non-teaching positions in the academe are required to have a master’s degree in guidance counseling and student administration; in turn they may become school administration heads and guidance counselors.

Finally, graduates with a master’s degree qualify for postgraduate studies, such as a doctorate.

One of the most popular ways to get an academic degree today is through online colleges and universities. They are somewhat similar to distance education courses mainly because students are no longer required to go to campus to attend classes, and rather stay at the convenience of their own homes in front of their computers. Through online degrees, a lot of individuals were able to return to college and finish their majors without taking the time off from work or getting in the way of their responsibilities at home.

Online degrees were established during the late 1990s at the boom of the Internet age. During the past decade this form of education has grown extremely popular especially among working individuals who are planning to return to college, as the courses are more practical and the requirements much easier to complete. At present courses in the fields of nursing, business administration, liberal arts, finance and trade, engineering, and pure and applied sciences may now be taken online.

Qualifications needed for an online degree

The requirements for online degrees are less stringent; most online universities ask for information about the latest education level the applicant has attained, the number of units left to complete the degree he or she wants to finish, and transcript of grades from the last school they have attended.

Courses in online degrees may be finished in a shorter time frame, although they do follow regular campus academic years or semesters. The courses are divided in different modules and chapters which will be given to the student once he or she has completed the necessary matriculation processes. These modules are usually downloaded to be read and answered by the student, and afterwards submitted online during a prescribed date. Once the student successfully passes all the subjects under the course curriculum, he or she will graduate and awarded with a certificate or diploma be the online institution.

Online Degree Application

It is actually easy to take up an online degree. Interested applicants may first browse for universities that offer online courses, and then check out their necessary requirements and education costs. Indeed online degrees tend to cost as much as that of regular on-campus courses, but they offer better convenience as students may study anytime they want to. Some students make use of online degrees for more practical applications, like landing on in-demand jobs such as nurses, medical technicians, dental assistants, paralegals and even teachers.

What can you do with an online degree?

There are many uses of an online degree. Holders of online degrees find it faster to land on good-paying jobs because of the practicality of the subjects they have taken up, thus they don’t find it difficult to adjust to their working environment as compared to those who chose to take up on-campus courses.

Online degrees are used mostly by working individuals in order to boost their career opportunities such as landing on promotions, broadening their scope of knowledge, or preparing for career shifts. Online bachelor’s degrees also come handy when the individual plans to take up advanced studies, such as a master’s degree or even a doctorate.

In our next article in our series of custodial accounts we take a look at the eligibility rules, contribution rules, withdrawal rules and leftover funds when it comes to custodial accounts such as the UGMA and the UTMA. For those of you who need more details of both Uniform Transfer to Minor’s Act (UTMA) and Uniform Gift to Minor’s Act (UGMA), read the detailed overview of UTMA & UGMA. Also next, read about the advantages and disadvantages of UGMA and UTMA.

When it comes to UGMA/UTMA accounts the good news is that there are no real restrictions. At least not any restrictions that directly pertain to the accounts themselves. There are advantages and disadvantages to contributing more or less to a single UGMA/UTMA account. But the UGMA/UTMA act itself does not set any true restrictions.

UGMA and UTMA Eligibility Rules

The eligibility of a donor to set up and establish a UGMA/UTMA account is only limited by the restrictions of the institution where they wish to open the account itself. Most institutions will allow any donor to establish an UGMA/UTMA account for any named minor without regard to the relation between that donor and the minor. The institution will normally insist that the donor provide them with the birth date and social security number of the minor. There are times when a social security number will not be required, but because the gains on the account will be taxed to the minor, the account will be subjected to backup withholding if their is no social security number provided. The institution will allow the donor to designate their own name as custodian but they will need to have some contact information for the designated successor custodian. The donor will also need to specify an age where any funds that have not been distributed by the custodian for the benefit of the minor, are distributed directly to the minor. If the donor wishes to establish an account and not be the primary custodian, most institutions will require the primary custodian to be present on establishment of the account.

UGMA and UTMA Contribution Rules & Restrictions

There are not any true contribution rules or restrictions for a UGMA/UTMA account. All the donor needs to understand is that once the money is given, it cannot be taken back. There is no regard for the intent of the donation. The money must be used for the benefit of the minor until they reach the age of majority. As long as that condition is met, the funds cannot be restricted in any other way. This means that a contribution can never be retrieved by the donor if they feel the money is being wasted on a wayward child. Contributions are also subject to Federal as well as State tax rules. This means that you need to be aware of the tax implications of any contributed funds to a UGMA/UTMA account. These tax implications may affect the donor as well as the minor for whom the account is set to benefit.

UGMA and UTMA Withdrawal Restrictions

Withdrawals from the UGMA/UTMA accounts are subject to a single restriction. They must be made for the benefit of the minor. This is a vague description and the interpretation of which has been litigated repeatedly across the United States. My suggestion is that if the money is being withdrawn, that the custodian make certain they can document the way in which the money was used specifically for the minor in whose name is on the account. If the custodian plans to take the whole family on vacation and claim it was for the benefit of the minor, they may have a problem. The same thing applies if they take everyone out for a meal, the question of whether the funds went strictly for the benefit of the minor or not could be litigated. In the end, the custodian needs to make certain that all withdrawn funds from a UGMA/UTMA are documented as being used specifically for the minor.

Leftover funds that have not been distributed by the custodian for the benefit of the minor become accessible directly by the minor when they reach the age that was first designated on the establishment of the account. This means that they can walk into the bank on their birthday and pull out all of the money. I suggest that if all of the money has not yet been used, that it be transferred to some other type of custodial account for the benefit of the minor before they reach the designated age.

One of the most sought-after occupations today is that of teachers. Being a teacher not only requires skill, but as well as the passion to raise children and provide the best means of learning during the school year. There are also a lot of job opportunities for teachers, as both public and private institutions are in continuous need for mentors to handle classes and teach subjects especially now that various advancements have been introduced to today’s society.

Acquiring a teaching degree is also easy. Unlike other fields of study in which students would have to shift majors, education degrees are available through various means. Having a teaching degree also opens doors to different employment positions not only within the academe, but as well as in other work environments.

Qualifications needed for a Teaching Degree

Education degrees are available in academic institutions, as well as in online colleges and universities. To those who plan to take up a bachelor’s degree in education, they may inquire in their prospective colleges, junior colleges and universities. Among the initial requirements for a teaching degree include graduation from high school or equivalent GED, and satisfactory SAT or ACT scores.

Some universities require applicants to undergo a screening process before they are accepted to a bachelor’s degree in education. Those who wish to study in online colleges are no longer required to take examinations, provided that they have submitted the necessary requirements.

Those who have shifted from another major or another college or university are usually placed on probation for two semesters, in which they have to showcase good academic standing on all subjects in the curriculum. After the probation period, they may be classified as regular students under the education curriculum.

There are also institutions that allow students to take double majors. Students may take up at least 36 education units in order to attain a double major-one in education, and the other in their regular course.

While there are no associate programs in education, there are certificate programs which can be used as teaching degrees. The most common of which is the ESL (English as Second Language) certificate program. This program is available in community colleges and online universities, and it is used to train aspiring individuals who wish to teach the English language particularly to foreign learners.

Apply for a teaching degree

To apply for a teaching degree, students should first look for prospective institutions that offer education courses. There they will be given a list of requirements, eligibility rules and necessary appointments which they have to attend in order to be accepted to the course.

Career options with a teaching degree?

Having a teaching degree does not mean that you can only work as a teacher. There are several other employment opportunities that open up for someone with a teaching degree. Some of them include human resource training in business firms, high-ranking positions in tutorial centers, and guidance counseling positions in institutions.

Some teachers may also focus on livelihood studies and social development projects for non-governmental organizations, such as women and children’s groups and environmental advocacies.

With years of work experience, graduates of teaching degrees may also turn to business, such as setting up their own learning centers or even schools. However, setting up private learning institutions may require higher learning, which can be acquired through a master’s degree or doctorate in education.

An accounting degree one of the most sought after and is pretty much a requirement for individuals that wish to pursue jobs related to business and finance as well as to those who aspire to become Certified Public Accountants. Accountancy is one of the most lucrative courses of study in any college or university and one of the most difficult since it requires not only mathematical skills but also a good sense of logic, analysis and English communication skills.

Accountants are among the highest paid employees in the job market. This is because they work on the management of finance and resources of their employers, from checking on their balance of payments to allocating the necessary funds in order to generate profit.

Graduates of an accounting degree are also able to land on good-paying jobs in banks, financial institutions and business establishments, and they can work as tellers, bookkeepers, analysts and managers, depending on the type of employment they chose to be in.

Qualifications needed for an Accountancy Degree

In order to qualify for an accounting degree, individuals should have completed the general requirements such as completion of high school education by means of graduation or attainment of GED, and satisfactory ACT or SAT scores.

To those who wish to apply for a bachelor’s degree in accounting, they may inquire at the admissions office of their prospective college or university for other eligibility guidelines and screening procedures, such as minimum GWA and subject-specific grades such as in mathematics and English.

Associate degrees in accounting have lesser requirements to fulfill, although initial eligibility guidelines would have to be met.

How to apply for an Accountancy Degree

Applying for an accounting degree takes on the same rules as other degree courses, depending on the prospective university the student wishes to enter. Aside from submitting the necessary requirements, some institutions require fulfillment of screening processes such as oral and written examinations and interviews.

Those who wish to transfer to an accounting degree (either coming from another institution or shifting from another major) are required to earn satisfactory grades during their first two semesters once accepted. They are no longer subject to undergo initial examinations and tests, as long as they have met the necessary grade and unit requirements of the department that handles the accounting curriculum.

There are also accounting degrees offered by online colleges and universities. These can be acquired through series of webinars and modules, and they offer greater flexibility in terms of course load and schedule. Online universities provide application requirements that are much easier to fulfill, thus making them ideal for working individuals who wish to continue their studies.

Benefits of an accountancy degree

An accounting degree is known to be a golden ticket in order to land on high-grade employment in the job market. Accounting graduates are always needed in various business establishments, companies and financial institutions, and they easily get promoted once they pursue further studies in the field.

CPA’s meanwhile are not only paid by the hour of service rendered; they can also work for various firms according to their own schedules as they can work as freelance consultants as well. They can also set up their own office so that they can handle a multitude of clients all at the same time.

An associate degree is a post secondary education program that requires 60 units of a study in a chosen field. This degree is offered by junior and community colleges, but at the same time it is available in different colleges and universities.

An associate degree is divided into three parts: general education, major studies, and electives. Unlike in a bachelor’s degree in which students are required to complete eight semesters of study, an associate degree only has four to six semesters to complete. Most associate degrees concentrate on occupational fields, though courses in general arts, mathematics and sciences are also available through these degrees.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for an associate degree, one should:

• Have finished secondary education, such as graduating from high school or earning a GED.
• Have achieved a sufficient ACT or SAT score

There are also institution-specific requirements that have to be satisfied in order to enter an associate degree, and these include a C average in all major subjects, proficiency in English communication and satisfying grades in the fields of math and science.

Students who are planning to transfer from one community college to another are required to have at least completed 9-12 units of study, depending on the institution they wish to enter.

How To Apply For An Associate Degree

Applying for an associate degree is almost the same as applying for a bachelor’s degree. In essence, the student would have to scout for a college, submit the necessary requirements, and when accepted, pay the appropriate fees.

There are community and junior colleges which conduct a series of entrance examinations and screening procedures before accepting applicants, and these should likewise be prepared for. Applicants must visit the office of admissions of the institution they wish to attend in order to learn about the necessary screening processes.

Transferees may bypass the initial screening tests, but they usually undergo interviews in order to be accepted to an associate degree. They are also expected to provide satisfactory grades during the first two semesters to be able to continue with their studies in their chosen institution.

What Can I do With An Associate Degree

Most students nowadays chose to take up associate degrees because they are more affordable and have lesser time to complete. Since these courses attend to occupational fields, individuals with associate degrees are able to land on steady employment faster than expected.

An associate degree can also be used as a stepping stone towards a bachelor’s degree, especially for students who are struggling with their finances. Students who tend to be more practical take up an associate degree first in order to get a job, and after a few years they return to their studies and take up semester units in order to acquire a bachelor’s degree.

While an associate degree cannot be used to attain a master’s degree, it can be used to shorten the time of study in a bachelor’s degree. Students who want to have a bachelor’s degree in a certain field may begin with an associate degree first, as the units they have earned are also counted once they enter a new course of study.

An honorary degree, also known as honoris causa, is a degree awarded by academic institutions to individuals who have been recognized for their work and contribution towards a cause supported by the award-giving body. This type of degree does not necessarily require outstanding academic achievement or attainment of post-graduate studies, as recipients are selected based on their specific accolades. Persons who receive an honorary degree range from politicians, celebrities, writers, to members of the community who have been recognized for their own work.

Qualifications needed for a Honorary Degree

There are no specific qualifications in order to qualify for an honorary doctorate. Colleges and universities provide this degree to selected individuals as a means of honoring their visitor’s contributions not only to the institution itself but to the society in general.

Among the common reasons to grant an individual with an honorary degree are:

• Commitment to a cause supported by the institution;
• Recognized performance in a chosen field, such as the arts, sciences, music or journalism; or
• Long-term involvement in social and community advocacies.

Recipients of honorary degrees normally have no prior connection to the award-giving institution; however, there are individuals who have been awarded with an honorary degree by their supposed alma mater on the basis that they were not able to finish their undergraduate studies.

In the United States, degrees such as LL.D. (Doctor of Laws), Litt.D. (Doctor of Letters), Sc.D. (Doctor of Science), L.H.D. (Doctor of Humane Letters), D.D. (Doctor of Divinity), and Ped.D. (Doctor of Pedagogy) are also honorary doctorates. This is because American institutions do not use “higher doctorates” in their education system unlike in other countries, such as the United Kingdom.

Honorary Degree Application

There is no formal means to apply for an honorary degree, as recipients are nominated and selected by the award-giving institution. A shortlist of individuals is submitted to the board of directors of the institution for them to vote on, and the selected names will be awarded with the degree by the end of the academic year.

Some institutions meanwhile conduct special ceremonies to present honorary degrees to their selected individuals. Reasons to hold such events vary; honorees may be awarded during the time they are visiting the institution, may have been invited for that specific occasion, or in celebration of their most recent achievements.

Individuals who are interested in acquiring an honorary degree may submit their letter of intent to the institution in which they want to be recognized. When making application, a list of achievements, such as honors received from other institutions, diplomas and certifications should be included. The institution will then review the documents and provide an answer by means of a letter of acceptance or rejection within a few weeks or months.

Honorary doctorates are also available in online universities; interested individuals may submit their applications in order to be presented with the degree.

What Can I do with a honorary degree?

Although an honorary doctorate does not require previous academic attainment such as fulfillment of an undergraduate, master’s or doctorate degree, it can be listed under the recipient’s academic achievements. Since an honorary degree is somehow equivalent to an actual doctorate, some recipients address themselves as “doctors,” followed by the field in which they are awarded with the degree.