Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How long has IPSA been in business? Where is it located?
2. Is there a fee to work with IPSA? What does it include?
3. What educational opportunities are there for me in the USA?
4. How do I know which universities I should IPSA assist me in applying at?
5. What is the difference between a college and a university?
6. What are the levels of study?
7. Are there required entrance exams?
8. What are my chances of acceptance?
9. What is the cost of study in the USA?
10. What are the expected living expenses for study in the USA?
11. Can I get extra funding for my studies?
12. What is the length of time of the American academic year?
13. When should I apply for admission to the American universities?
14. What is an I-20 document?
15. What is a Social Security Number, and do I need to get one?
16. Do I need an American Drivers License?
17. Why should I use IPSA to assist me in applying to American universities?

How long has IPSA been in business? Where is it located?
IPSA’s Director, Karien Bennett, has been working in educational related fields for the last 25 years. IPSA was founded by Karien 10 years ago and assisted a large number of students in making their dream come true. Our headquarters are located on Coronado Island, across the bay from San Diego, California.

Is there a fee to work with IPSA? What does it include?
The fee ranges from $500 - $2500 depending on the needs of the student. IPSA provides individual quotes for each student. 75% of the fee is to be paid as a deposit, with the balance to be paid once the student has completed the acceptance process and has received his or her I-20 document from the university. The deposit can be paid in monthly installments, by credit card or direct deposit. The basic fee includes all our services listed in our introductory letter, except applying for scholarships or other grants and internships.

What educational opportunities are there for me in the USA?
There are more than 12,000 higher education institutions in the United States, providing a multitude of options and possibilities. Many of these institutions specialize in specific fields, while others have a broad range of programs and fields of study. There is literally something interesting to study for every international student. From becoming more specialized in your field of study, or simply expanding your education.

How do I know which universities I should IPSA assist me in applying at?
For each IPSA student detailed research is done to determine the most appropriate university and program for your needs or best options. When creating a selection of universities that will meet your needs, we will take into account:

1) Your field of study
2) Your level of study
3) Your financial status and needs
4) Your geographical expectations
5) Your urban or country expectations
6) The size of campus and student body
7) The faculty in the field of study you are considering.

What is the difference between a college and a university?
A college and a university are the same thing. In the USA, any four-year institution is referred to as a college university. Any institution where studying can be done is also simply known as a ‘school’ in conversation. There are also two-year institutions that are strictly known as junior colleges. These institutions offer a wide variety of fields to study, but will only offer you an Associates Degree. This degree is transferable to a four-year institution if you desire to complete a Bachelor’s degree.

What are the levels of study?
Associates Degree
Two-year degree from a junior college. Usually a technical or vocational field, but Associates Degree can also be done in almost every other field of study, including business and business management.

Bachelors Degree
Four-year degree from a college or university. A wide variety of fields of study can be pursued. An Associates degree can be transferred to a four-year institution and another approximately two years of study completed to receive a Bachelor’s degree.

Masters Degree
Also offered in a large variety of fields, this degree requires the completion of a Bachelors degree before admission. The length of study can be anywhere from two to four years, depending on course of study and whether studying full or part-time.

Doctoral Degree
Also offered in a large variety of fields. This degree usually requires the completion of a Masters degree before admission. Depending on your course of study, a doctoral degree can take anywhere from four to six years.

Are there required entrance exams?
Yes, there are required entrance exam, but the exam depends on the level and field of study. We will assist you in registering for the exams as well as locating study aids. Most of the entrance exams can be taken in any country in the world.

What are my chances of acceptance?
No acceptance is guaranteed, but IPSA promises that we will give you the very best service possible to make your chances of acceptance better. Our tract record over the past ten years has included very few students who have not been accepted into an educational institution, and this should speak for itself.

What is the cost of study in the USA?
The cost of study can vary greatly depending on the field and level of study, the locations of the school, and whether the school is private or government subsidized. Costs can range and be as high as $20,000 per year or as low as $5,000. Books will be an additional expense and the cost of those will depend on your field of study. When researching the best schools for your needs, one of our most important considerations is the cost and how it affects your budget.

What are the expected living expenses for study in the USA?
The cost of living expenses will vary depending on what part of the USA you are studying in, whether you are in a large city or not, and whether or not you are living in the on-campus housing. Living expenses (Including housing, food, and transportation) can range from as low as $500 per month, to as high as $1000 per month. Your financial ability and budget will be taken into consideration when researching locations and cost of universities and living environments.

Can I get extra funding for my studies?
Yes, there are additional scholarships, work-study programs, and assistance for students. Application to any of these usually requires a prior acceptance into a university or college. They are usually also merit based, meaning that they are awarded based on your need and your previous study record. Because of the high amount of people applying for scholarships these are usually very competitive and only the top 5% of students from across the world might be considered for some of the grants. IPSA can apply for you to private, corporate, and university sponsored scholarships for an extra $500. We have succeeded in getting students awarded scholarships in a variety of fields and based on such things as their ability to play golf professionally. Loans in your country of origin are also always a consideration.

What is the length of time of the American academic year?
The American academic year begins in the end of August or beginning of September, depending on the institution. It runs to the end of May or mid-June. There is usually a two to three week vacation period in December, with an additional week vacation in March or April. The main American vacation period is from June to August.

When should I apply for admission to the American universities?
Each school or university will have its own application procedures and deadlines. Most of these will be approximately 6 to 10 months before the opening of the school year. Most application deadline for Fall (August/September) admission fall in the end of January, with a few select schools with application deadlines that close in November. Some schools allow admission in January and application deadlines for January admission usually fall in September. Because of the large numbers that application and admissions boards deal with on a yearly basis, early application is recommended so that you can have all necessary support materials and information to the university before the deadlines.

What is an I-20 document?
An I-20 is the official document that the university where you have been accepted will issue provided that all necessary conditions of acceptance have been met. This form will be sent to you in your country of origin and will used by you to obtain your visa from the American Embassy in your come country. The I-20 will give you a specific type of student visa which will allow you to study in the USA for a specified period of time.

What is a Social Security Number, and do I need to get one?
A Social Security Number is a 9-digit number that is often used in the USA for tracking purposes. It is almost like an identification number. When completing your international study applications you will not need a Social Security Number but once you are in the United States with an F-1 Student Visa you will be able to obtain one from any Social Security Administration Office in every city in the USA. They are very practical to have and are often required forms of identification verification, for example for a drivers license you need to have one.

Do I need an American Drivers License?
If you have an international driver license you won’t immediately need an American one. However, the international license expires after a short period of time. Each American state issues their own drivers licenses and administers the tests for it. You usually have to take a written and driving test to show our proficiency in driving. Many states require a social security number as well as proof of car insurance before allowing you to take the test. Once you are in the USA, check with your Department of Motor Vehicles for the necessary requirements.

Why should I use IPSA to assist me in applying to American universities?
The American higher education system is very complex and there is little that is uniform. Almost every school, state and areas have different rules, requirements, and opportunities. To have a professional firm assist you removes the stress of being unsure whether you have met requirements and done so correctly. American universities deal with huge numbers. Some schools receive as many as 10,000 applications for only 500 openings or less. Because of this wide variety of techniques are used by the schools to cut down on the students whose applications they will review in depth. Something as simple as a spelling error on an application form can have you application end up in the rejection file. IPSA, with our team of experienced professionals, will review everything from your application to the procedure used to submit reference letters, helping you avoid unnecessary rejection. We also know the difficulty of dealing with institutions that are a great distance away from you in different times zones. We will act as an intermediary agent, making communication between you and the university where you are applying easier and faster.