MODEL ANSWERS

Note: - Use these answers just as role models. You are advised to develop your own answers. But
you get clear-cut guidelines going through the stuff.

Introduction:

The first impression is the best impression. Try to impress the visa officer with your dress,
appearance and facial expression. Sport a smile throughout the interview.

Greet the visa officer saying- good morning visa officer-the Americans would like to be
addressed with their designation. The visa officer may or may not respond to your wish. Don't
bother about it. Wait for the question with all enthusiasm. But don't be artificial.

I. Some introductory Questions

1. How are you?

2. How are you feeling today?
3. How is life?
4. How do you do?

The purpose of these questions is to make you feel comfortable and put you into the right frame
of mind to face the interview. Be casual in answering these questions. You can just say-I am doing
fine, thank you. Avoid using superlative expressions.

II. Purpose of trip to USA

1. What is the purpose of your trip to USA?

Ans. I plan to go to USA to pursue the Master's degree in Computer Science in Michigan State University.

2. Why have you chosen USA to pursue your Masters degree?

Ans.For this question you must be prepared with a long as well as a short answer. So do proper
homework before answering this question. Try to know the advantages of studying in USA.
Don't belittle your country. Just highlight the merits of US System of education.

Short Answer

I have chosen USA to pursue my masters because it gives me practical exposure to the field of my
interest that is computer networking. The research work in US universities is really beneficial. It
helps in sharpening my skills. US degrees have global acceptance. The qualitative training and
techno-centric environment provides perfect ambience for growth. The courses in US are known
for flexibility.
The cultural diversity of US universities provides cope for emotional growth. The US degree has a
great demand in Indian market. The practical Knowledge that is acquired in US is of great help way
back in India.

Long Answer

In this part some of the hints are given and the students are advised to prepare answers according
to the case and the situation.

1. Academic excellence- US has one of the best education systems in the world.
The qualitative training provided will prepare the student to start working in the
industry directly. There is an unbreakable link between the university and industry in
US. This provides a practical touch to the course. There is tremendous diversity of
programs offered by US universities. You can think of programs like MS in sports
medicine, MS in criminology etc.
2. Lab to field link - The courses in US universities are directly linked to the field.
Here, student keeps himself in touch with current happenings.

3. The research tradition - The US universities have a strong grounding in

research. In fact while admitting students also, the departments give importance
to research background of the student.80% of research work is carried out in US
in the universities. A master's course in this research- centric environment will
definitely prepare the student for a challenging career. The course in U.S. has
more industrial slant rather than theoretical slant. This keeps the student in the
forefront of research.
4. Global acceptance - In spite of the competition from countries like Australia, UK,
Canada etc, the US degree has a cutting edge. A US degree will literally throw
open the doors of the whole world. You can compete anywhere in a global village.

5. Techno-centric Environment - US universities make use of modern technology

to the maximum extent. Right from academics to the personal comforts,
technology is given top priority.

6. Flexibility of curriculum - The courses in US universities have tremendous

flexibility. The syllabus is not imposed on the student. The student is given a wide
choice to choose from. For example, if the university offers VLSI, DSP,
Embedded systems, computer Architecture, wireless communication, VHDL, as
part of MS in Electrical Engineering, the student is free to choose any of the
majors satisfying the credit hour requirement. In most of the universities, the inter
disciplinary majors can be chosen. For example, a student of mechanical
Engineering can select one of the majors in computer science.

7. Cultural diversity- The US universities offer tremendous cultural diversity in

most of the US universities, there will be students from a minimum of 70 to 80
countries. This offers a great scope to grow in every way possible.

3. Why do you want to study in US not in India?

Ans: India has definitely some internationally renowned institutions like IITs. But they are very few.
In American universities the course has an industrial slant. In terms of diversity of student
population, the Indian universities cannot be compared with the US universities. The
universities will have students from all the five continents in the world. The flexibility of courses
in US is great. The cutting edge technologies used in US universities may not be found in Indian
Universities. Last but not least, the US degree enjoys a great popularity in Indian market.

4. Why would you like to pursue your masters in US but not in UK, Australia, etc?

Ans: Firstly, the US degree has more credibility in India than the degree from any other country.
Secondly, the cutting edge technologies used in US system of education has no parallel. In fact
US is technology leader in the world. Thirdly, in US universities, the courses have greater
flexibility. The student can choose literally from hundreds of specializations. Finally, US is the
only country that offers curricular practical training option during or after the course. This
helps student in gaining invaluable practical experience. The US degree has more respect,
credibility &acceptability.

5. How long do you intend to stay in US?

Ans: I'm going to stay in US for the duration of my course.

6. Are you going join your family members or relatives to US ?

Ans: All my family members are in India and my purpose of going to US is to pursue
higher education.

7. Why are you going to this particular place in US?

Ans: My only priority in going to US is to pursue my higher education. When I thought
about it, I've taken into consideration the right program and the right university and
also the budget. Since the university I have opted to study has satisfied all these
requirements, l am going ahead with it.

8. Where are you going to stay in US?

Ans: I prefer to stay on campus.

TOPTENREASONSTOSTUDYIN US:

1. The U.S. education has the largest number of world-renowned educational

institutions.
2. U.S. Education will open doors and increase your market value.
3. The One-year practical training course of study is an invaluable opportunity to gain
work experience in the US.
4. The option to pursue a liberal arts degree as an undergraduate in the US means
that you can explore diverse academic interests before getting locked into a Particular
field. Even graduates can specialize infields that are virtually unheard of elsewhere!
Imagine doing a Masters in Playwriting, or sports administration which prepares
you to be a coach!
5. US universities attract visiting faculty from around the country and, in fact, the world. The
unique structure of the quarter or semester system allows you to take short courses
offered by these professors alongside the regular college offerings. This means that at
a good university, you can literally get the best education the world has to offer.
6. The nature of the quarter or semester system followed in the US also eliminates end-
of –the year stress over final exams. The approach to learning is not dictated by the
kind of questions that will be asked in the exams. Instead, you absorb and perform at a
steady pace throughout the year and there is no pressure of your whole life being
determined by how you do in one test.
7. US education is not just about books; experience is the real teacher. And Living
away from home, in a country like the US, is an experience in itself. Right from the time
you fill out the application, the system really pushes you to stretch yourself and think. You
will grow emotionally and intellectually in ways you might never have imagined.
8. When selecting applicants, US schools really focus on diversity. This means you will be
exposed to people from a variety of backgrounds that will also contribute immensely
to your growth. It also means that most schools have a good support system for
international students. Many have an Indian Student Association that can serve to
anchor you. So while you experience the best of another culture, you will not be
overwhelmed by it.

III. 1. Which University you are going for?

Ans: I'm going to University Of Texas at Dallas in Texas.

2. Why have you opted for this University?

Ans: SHORT ANSWER: I have chosen this university because it suited my priorities. The research
facilities provided help me achieve my career objective. The profile of faculty is also one of the reasons.
Even it suits my budget. The course here has an Industrial Slant

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

I. General:
1. Name of the University:
2. Geographical location:
3. State (size, population composition, important industries, and
important places.)
4. Air route from India:
5. Port of Entry:
6. Important cities in the vicinity: Tourist spots.
7. Climatic conditions:
8. Campus diversity:

II. Academic details:

9. Course:
10. Majors:
11. Syllabus Description(refer to university catalogue)
12. Names of two to three professors:
13. Unique features of the university:
14. Important members of the Alumni:
15. Research work:
MODEL ANSWER:

3. What do you know about the university?

Ans: The University is located in Southwest Massachusetts, one hour driving distance from
Boston and 35 minutes from Providence. Small towns like New Bradford and Fall. The
university offers around 60 courses to graduates and undergraduates and there are more
than 320 full time facilities. There are more than 7000 students in the university.

4. How have you come to know about this university?

Ans: When I have decided to pursue my masters in US, I’ve started an extensive research
Firstly, though the website and later through my seniors. After these I have even consulted
some professionals in the university.

5. Can you name one professor?

Ans: Enlist the name of two or three professors in the university.
➔Do you know any Professor? did you contact any ?

Ans: I know the name of the professor .He is an expert in this field. i have not contacted him Personally
but excited to learn from him .

6. How many universities did you apply to?

Ans: Hear the V.O. would like to know the acceptances rate. It is better to be frank. But
the student is to be bit cautions in case he received 5 rejections out of 6.
7. Why this specific university?
Ans: this case the V.O. would like to know, here there are any other reasons in going
to this university. Here the student is supposed to be assertive and repeat the same
points covered in the answer above.

8. Why have you received a rejection for a particular university?

Ans: US universities receive applications from all over the world. May be I got the
rejection because students with better profiles than mine must have applied. I have
applied to 4 and received acceptance from 2.

9. Would you tell me something about the course you are applying for?
Ans: The course run for 2 years in 4 semesters. I’m supposed to complete 12 courses
to get MS in Telecommunications. The course equips the students with technical as
well as managerial skills. The main stress of the curse is on wireless communications.
I am also planning to take up some programming course related to
Telecommunications.

10. Could you tell me the mane of the campus you have applied for?
Ahs: Answer accordingly.

11. What are the majors you would be pursuing as part of the course?
Ans: Refer to the university catalogue and enlist the courses offered as part of the
course.

12. What is your research interest?

Ans: Answer Accordingly.

13. What is the duration of your course?

Ans: Answer Accordingly.

14. In what way the course you are going to do in US will help you?
Ans: Lot of information is given in the answers above. You can take it from them. The
course I am going to do specialize in computer networking. In fact, this is my area of
interest. The masters program in this would defiantly brighten my career Prospects in
India.
Questions related to Educational Background:

1. What is your major in under graduation?

Ans: Answer accordingly.

2. What is your undergraduate percentage?

Ans: Answer accordingly.

3. Why have you chosen this major?

Ans: Right from my schooling days, I was interested in elections. Due to my interest
in the subject, I have chosen this major.

4. What was your undergraduate college?

Ans: Answer accordingly. Be brief.

5. How many backlogs do you have in your course?

Ans: Be honest in answering as visa officer can verify your individual marks memos.
6. After these many backlogs how should I believe that you are going to be serious
about your studies in U.S.?
Ans: Sir, I do admit that I have more backlogs. You can see that I have improved by
performance during the last two years. Even my test scores indicate my seriousness.
I have really become serious about my studies from 6th semester. I have even taken
up some prerequisite courses to strengthen my foundation in the subject. With this I
am very confident that I would complete my master’s program successfully

7. Why is your GRE score low (or any section low)?

Ans: (This is the most preferred answer) I answered the first few questions incorrect
and I couldn’t improve my score later even after performing well. (Another answer
could be) GRE score interpreter says that engineers don’t need an extraordinary verbal
score and you can see that my score in quant score in quant section which is pretty
high and in fact the university I applied for stressed on quant section.
Note: Answer depending upon your situation.

8. Why is your percentage less in Under Graduation?

Ans: Less percentage is not a criterion for rejecting your visa. It depends how you
defend your case. You can say – I accept that I neglected my studies in first 5
semesters. But my performance has shown a marked improvement from 6th semester.
Infact I want make up for less percentage by pursuing my masters in US.

9. Why are you changing your major?

Ans: Generally students change their major to computer sciences. While pursuing my
6th semester, I had to do project using C++. This spurred up my interest. This has
made me opt for Computer Sciences at master’s level. H mastered a number of
languages on my own and an also into web designing and software debugging (push
in technical words). I will go on to enhance my skills in the field of computers.

Note: Always try to show that you have an interest for that subject. Never project that
you are taking it up because the market is strong. The visa officer might think that you
are fickle minded. Show that whatever you do, you do it with focus and interest.

10. Why haven’t you applied for universities mentioned in your score report?
Ans: At the time of taking my test, I have not seriously thought of the universities. Once
I get to know my scores, I started a search.

11. I see a gap of two years in your academics what are the reasons?
Ans: Build up the answer on both the followings:
• Health related problems.
• Took break because of sports etc.
• Family problems.

12. Why have you not planned for master’s right after under graduation?
Ans: I am a person who does one thing at a time. I completed my UG and then started
preparations for masters.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO FUTURE PLANS:

1. What is your future plan?

Ans: My immediate future plan is to pursue my masters in U.S. After that I intend to
join Indian industry at middle level position.

2. What are your plans after graduation?

• Possess information on the field you are going to pursue.
• Your field is on a roll in India.
• Your field has great opportunities.
• You get these opportunities even now.
• You get better opportunities once you do your MS.
• Show that foreign companies are coming to India and investing in your filed.
• Start some technical words expressing the advancements in your filed.
• Make it seem this field won’t go ahead without guys like you.

A MODEL ANSWER OF SUCCESSFUL ASPIRIANT

Sir, as it is I believe that better technical knowledge will help me to achieve greater heights in
➔this field, having deepened my technical knowledge after completing my higher studies. I wish to
get into this seemingly vast arena of Indian Telecom Industry. "

"Sir, I was also selected by Reliance telecom but deeper technical knowledge would surely enable
me get better results in the competitive field and I have seen that there is a dearth of persons with
greater technical know-how in this field. So I wish to complete my MS and strengthen my technical
know-how and grasp the opportunity.

1. In what way the course you are going to do I U.S. will help you?
Ans: The course equips me with advanced technical skills related to my field. This
would my opportunities in Indian job market.

2. You look like a potential immigrant or I don’t think you will come back to India?
Ans: This is a real tricky question. Stay calm and say what all you can to provide that
you will come back to India after MS in U.S.
“sir, the career opportunities in my filed in India are great I am going to U.S. for
technical knowledge and cross-cultural exposure. Moreover, I am from a well to do
family and more is not at all a critical. Infact most of the U.S. companies are turning to
India due to recession. Most of the Indian companies have tie-ups with U.S.
companies. So I am certain that with a degree from U.S. I will get an equivalent
opportunity & pay packet in India.

3. Your scores and academic background are very good. You are like to get a good
job in America. Then why would you like to come back?
Ans: I am going to U.S. with the purpose of study. I have no intention of staying back.
Be categorical in this. Build up your answer on the following points.

1. Career opportunities in India

2. Monitory benefits
3. Social roots in India
4. Property to be inherited

4. Do you plan to work in U.S.?

Ans: No, I have sufficient funds to fund my education in U.S.

5. Most of the students who go to U.S. work on campus. What is your plan?
Ans: I don’t know about others but as far as I am concerned I want to devote all my
time to studies.

6. Do you propose to come back to India during vacation?

Ans: My ties with my family are very strong. So I intend to come back but before doing
I will take the opinion of my student advisor.

7. How much you get paid in India after completing MS in U.S.?

Ans: Roughly 6 lakhs to 8 Lakhs per annum.

8. Don’t you think it is less compared to what you could get in U.S.?

Ans: to start with, it may be less. But if I provide myself I think I can get much much
higher. I can enjoy the company of my friends and family, inherit property etc.

9. How do I know that you will come back to India?

Ans: India is considered to be one of the tiger economies in Asia. It is one of the largest
economies in the world. But there is scarcity of man power with advanced knowledge
various fields. This knowledge can be achieved through MS in U.S. So I have a clear
cut plan of coming back to India and joining Indian Industry. I feel U.S, education
stands apart.

10. In case you come across someone in U.S. whom you like, would you consider
marrying him / her?
Ans: (The visa officer tries his best to see whether you have any idea of staying back
in U.S. be assertive in stating that you want to come back.) My primary goal is to finish
my masters in U.S. I don’t think I would get deviated from that.

11. Do you plan to study PhD in U.S.?

Ans: I am going to U.S. to complete my master’s. As of now, my plan is to come back

to India after this, if at all I think about PhD. I will do that onely after completing my
masters.

12. Down the line 10 years, where do you see yourself?

Ans: 10 years is a very long period. First I want to complete my masters in U.S. and join the
Indian Industry and work here for 4 to 5 years. After this I have a vision of starting my own firm.
So I see myself as an entrepreneur down the line 10 years

QUESTIONS RELATED TO FINANCIAL STATUS:

1. What will be your expenses during the course?

Ans: Calculate the tuition fee and living expenses as mentioned on the I-20 and answer
accordingly.

2. How much is the tuition fee?

Ans: Here the visa officer would like to know your knowledge related to facts and figures. Don’t
struggle to give the exact figure. For example it the tuition fee is $ 12,892, you can say around
$ 13, 0000. By trying to give exact figure, you might falter.

3. How do you propose to fund your education in U.S.?

Ans: visa officer would like to know whether you have sufficient financial strength. Sir, my
parents have planned for my education in U.S. for the past 3 years. They have sufficient bank
balance to support my education.

4. How do your parents plan to fund you?

Ans: My parents have an annual income of Rs.XXXXX. Out of this they save Rs.XXXXX every
year. Apart from this we also have fixed deposits or R.Ds of RsXXXX.
The worth of our immovable property is Rs.XXX. With this financial background, it is not at all
difficult for my parents to fund my education in U.S.

5. What is your mother / father?

Ans: just talk about their profession. He is an engineer/doctor/real estate consultant I software
consultant etc.

6. What is your father’s annual income?

Ans: This question often decides your ability to pay for your expenses. They think that money
can be up into banks, but annual income is proof which they heavily rely upon to decide the
student’s parent’s capability to spend for his educational expenses.

Whatever the officer asks: 1. what is your father’s annual income? 2. What is your family’s
annual income?.. The moment the words “Annual income” creep in, state your complete family
annual income, i.e. if your mother is also an earning member, if you have agricultural income,
if you have rental income plus the interests and dividends...state all of them together. Don't
commit the blunder of stating just your father's income... many a time it hampers your chances...
if it seems low to them. Obviously a sum of mother's income, your father's income, agricultural
(if you have) rental will be more than a single one. And if - they ask for the IT returns hand over
both of your parent's return statements, plus the agricultural papers plus the rental receipt
(duplicate) at a time. And if he / she just argues (usually they don't) that you were asked about
your father's income... then say, “Sir my family is sponsoring me. Along with my father my
mother is also an- earning member and an income tax payee. Family funds is what the 1-20
states, and so my family including my father and mother (opt brother, if you have one earning)
are sponsoring me and -here are their statements and proofs of other modes of income.

7. Who are the others that contribute to your family income?

Ans: My mother is a lecturer in Government College and she earns Rs.XXXX. My
elder brother works for a software company and his annual income is Rs.XXXX.

8. Don't you think that it is a heavy burden on your parents to fund your education
in U.S.?

Ans: I don’t think so. My parents will be left with sufficient savings even after funding
my education in U.S. Moreover, they still have a log working life.

9. Who is planning to sponsor you?

Ans: Follow the I-20. If it is given in the I-20, “family funds”, say accordingly. If you
have a scholarship, mention that.

10. How many brother and sisters do you have?

Ans: Here the visa officer would like to equate the annual income of your family with
the responsibilities.

11. When you have so many siblings how is it possible for your father to fund your
education in US?
Ans: If your brothers and sisters are elder to you, you can show that they are working
and financially independent. If they are younger and require the assistance, you need to
take pains to show that your parents will have sufficient savings even after funding you.
You can also say that since my sister is still in school, I don't think that she requires huge
funds.

12. Are you going for a student loan?

Ans: Yes, I am going for a education loan as a backup.

13. What are the plans of your siblings?

Ans: The visa officer would like to measure the financial strength of your parents in
terms of the plans of your siblings and yourself. So be careful in answering the question.

Q. Which all universities did you apply to (both admits and rejects).
Ans: On the basis of my specific course requirement, I had shortlisted and applied
to four universities. This was amongst my top two choices and I was lucky to get
an admit from the same.
Q: Who Made the appointment for the interview
A ns : My self
Q: Have you gone any website related to this interview ?
Ans : there are many website that I came across.
As U.S.travel doc’sdeclared that it’s the official website for VISA,I have followed the
rules of that websitre only .
Q: when Was your passport issued

Q: Is this your first passport

Ans: yes

Q: Haveever been to USA ?

Q: Why did you Choose that Course

Ans: I really Passionate About Computer science .There are not many experts on this Subject here .so if
I do this course in US it will help me a lot here in india once I come back

.Miscellaneous issues:
1. What will you do if your visa is rejected?
Ans: I am fulfilling all the visa requirements. I have sufficient funds to meet expenses
of my hither education. I will be coming back to India as soon as I complete my Masters
Program. I have my family and education ties to India. As I am having certain goals in
my life, and to pursue Masters Program in the USA is not of it, for my better future
career prospects. So I am confident of getting visa. But if still I am not able to convince
you, it’s up to you to decide. As the saying goes quitters will never be winners and
winners will never be quitters, in which I believe very strongly, I will analyze what might
have gone wrong and where I failed in my efforts to continence you and try to improve
on those things and apply again for visa.
2. Why should I give you visa?

Ans: I am fulfilling all visa requirements. I have sufficient funds to meet all expenses
of my higher education. I will be coming back to India as soon as I complete my masters
program. I have my family and economic ties to India. As I am having certain goals in
my life, and to pursue Masters in the USA is one of them, for my better future career
prospects. So I am confident of getting my visa.