Despite the continuous controversy surrounding H-1B visas, Indian students seeking higher education overseas continue to choose the United States. Indian students made up a sizable portion of the more than 1.1 million international students enrolled in US universities during the 2023–2024 academic year, according to the Open Doors Report 2024.
With a 35% increase in Indian students, India now leads the US in the number of international students enrolled. The report identifies a number of important elements that make the US a popular place to study, such as a multicultural atmosphere, access to cutting-edge research possibilities, a variety of academic programs, and promising career options after graduation.
The move toward holistic evaluation procedures is one prominent trend in US college admissions. Instead than depending only on standardized test results, several US schools and universities have switched to a more thorough evaluation process. This method takes into account a student’s whole application, which includes their personal history, essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and academic record. This change implies that Indian candidates’ chances of being admitted would no longer be based solely on their marks. More and more, educational institutions are seeking well-rounded individuals who have shown initiative, leadership, and a dedication to community service. In order to demonstrate their abilities, inventiveness, and enthusiasm outside of the classroom, Indian applicants should concentrate on developing a strong portfolio of extracurricular activities, volunteer work, internships, and other projects.
Many prestigious colleges have implemented test-optional rules, demonstrating the movement’s continued effect on the US college admissions process. This change gives Indian students more freedom so they can concentrate on other areas of their applications.
In 2025, Indian students will still be highly interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs, as they have in the past. Due to the continued strong demand for STEM graduates, American colleges provide a wide range of possibilities for STEM students, including research jobs, internships, and post-graduation employment. Applying through Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) can greatly improve a student’s chances of being admitted to a highly competitive US university. With results typically being announced in December, these admission plans enable students to submit their applications ahead of the usual deadline.
To increase their chances of acceptance and show that they are serious about a university, Indian students who are interested in prestigious schools might think about applying using these methods. To make sure that their application satisfies the requirements of the university, it is crucial to thoroughly examine its regulations and deadlines.