Difference Between Graduate and Undergraduate Schools!

Some education systems do not differentiate between graduate and undergraduate programs. But when it comes to US these two terms have wide differences. If you are planning to apply in US then acquaint yourself thoroughly with graduate and undergraduate schools before applying.

Under graduate school in USA

It is a first step towards obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. In USA term ‘school’ is extensively interchanged with’ university’. Associate degree and bachelors’ degree are two undergraduate degrees that can be earned in 2 and 4 years respectively. Bachelor’s degree is called as freshmen in the first year, sophomores in the second, juniors in the third and seniors in the fourth year.

In order to seek admission in undergraduate program candidate must possess secondary school report (12th ) or high school diploma in native terms ,appropriate SAT /ACT and GPA score. Along with these all international students must demonstrate their competency in English language by obtaining a decent score in TOEFL/IELTS.

Strength of undergraduate students is much higher than the graduate programs. The total expenses to pursue the undergraduate program in US can range anywhere between US Dollar 13000 to 25000 approx .per year. Public universities are much cheaper than private universities. As an undergraduate, you will be given a choice of electives that can be the range from: English, Math ,Social science, Humanities, and Social Sciences and so on .Students are required to choose a course of his/her choice and develop their acumen in that subject.

Graduate schools in USA

No one should go to graduate school without understanding the divergence between these two comprehensively distinct programs. Graduate study is much more serious business than the undergraduate study .Graduate schools are of 3 types: Professional schools, Master’s programs, and Doctoral programs. Graduate study is different from undergraduate study in a number of ways. First in terms of cost, graduate programs are bit costlier than the undergraduate programs. To meet out the expenses candidate must look for a teaching assistant ship. A teaching assistant ship means that you can do a part time job while you are in the graduate program. Many graduate schools slash their tuition fee for students with excellent undergraduate academic accomplishment. Another financial assistance is available in the form of fellowships. They are generally provided by government and public interest groups. Apart from this federal loans are also available.

In terms of requirements to seek admission in the graduate program a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US Institution (comparable to US accredited for International students),decent GRE and GPA score .Along with these international students who they belong to non English speaking countries must demonstrate their proficiency in English language by obtaining decent TOFEL score.

Duration of a graduate program remains between 5 to 8 years. Usually class size of the graduate program remains much smaller than undergraduate class. Professionalism remains at peak in graduate school. Writing thesis is very important for graduate students. It is not for those people who want to do the job soon, albeit it is for those who like to do extensive research and really want to make a difference in their respective fields.

If you wish to share any information regarding graduate or undergraduate program or about this blog then you are welcome to leave your opinion underneath this blog .We shall be blissful to hear from you.

Wishing you success ahead!!!

Shipra Srivastava
Team learnwordlist.com

8 Responses to “Difference Between Graduate and Undergraduate Schools!”

1. andrea on July 13th, 2010 4:42 pm

   I’ve been preparing for the GRE and am extremely grateful for the assistance from you. Continue the good work!

2. shipra on July 14th, 2010 4:41 am

   Thanks for your comment andrea,you are always welcome here with any query related to GRE.

3. Neeta on August 8th, 2010 2:03 pm

   Sir, thanks for the info. May I know how to calculate GPA. I m in the final yr of autonomous system. We have got CGPA.

4. kalu ik on August 9th, 2010 2:38 pm

   i have completed my undergraduate program and i made a first class degree with GPA of 4.5. can i go staight 4 a phd without a masters degree in d us? pls reply

5. shipra on August 10th, 2010 5:18 am

   Kalu, to apply for Ph.d in US you must have complete 16 year of schooling , with appropriate GRE and TOFEL ( for international students whose mother tongue in not English).If you completed all these criteria then you can go for Ph. d in US.

6. atitwa mwanaisha on September 6th, 2010 8:34 am

   i hope to join he under gradute course but i am not that good in English . my secondary school repory says i scored C- in English which isapoor grade can i not join due to that?

7. shipra on September 7th, 2010 4:40 am

   Atitwa if you aiming for US for undergraduate program then you must work on your English as you need to clear SAT/ TOFEL exam in order to seek admission. TOFEL is specifically a English Language exam for international students .You can start your preparation by taking test on learnwordlist.com

8. atitwa mwanaisha on September 7th, 2010 9:32 am

   Is it possible for you to visit me so that i can learn more about GRE. coz i need that TOFEL to achieve my admission . I have started preparation by taking tests as you had directed me

   Thanks

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