Chapter 24: The Student Route (Beyond just the GRE)

For 70% of Indians, the gateway to America is the Master’s Degree.

24.1. The Selection Strategy

Most Indians only look at “Rankings.” This is a mistake.

The School Type: A “State School” in a tech hub (like San Jose State) might be better for your career than an “Ivy League” school in the middle of nowhere.
The STEM Extension: Make sure your degree is classified as “STEM.” This gives you 3 years of work permission (OPT) instead of just 1 year. This “extra time” is the only way to get enough chances at the H1B lottery.

24.2. Financing & Survival

The Debt Burden: Do not take a ₹1 Crore loan unless you have a clear plan to pay it back in dollars. If you have to return to India and pay back a US loan in Rupees, you will be financially ruined.
Assistantships (TA/RA): This is the “Holy Grail.” If you can get a research or teaching assistantship, the university pays your tuition and gives you a salary.

24.3. The Visa Interview: The Paradox of Intent

To get an F-1 (Student) visa, the law says you must prove you intend to return to India. But the university and the economy want you to stay and work.

The Rule: In the interview, your focus must be on the Education. Talk about the research, the professors, and how this degree will help you in your “Global Career” (don’t say “I want to settle in the US”).

Practical Takeaway for the Indian: The Master’s degree is a $60,000 networking event. The classes matter, but the Connections you make with professors and classmates matter more. Don’t spend all your time in the library; spend time at the “Career Center.”