Are you looking for an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Doctoral program in the U.S. but unsure where to start? You’re in the right place! Let us guide you through the process and help you find the best options for your academic goals.
To give you an overview, the United States is one of the largest countries in the world, with a population of over 300 million, making it the third most populated country, just ahead of Indonesia in fourth place.
The U.S. consists of 50 states and one Federal District (Washington, D.C.), covering a vast area of North America. It stretches from California in the west to Maine in the east, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending its presence into the Pacific Ocean. This geographical diversity offers a wide range of climates, cultures, and opportunities for students pursuing higher education.
With such a vast country, it’s no surprise that the United States is home to some of the world’s most renowned universities. Institutions like MIT, Harvard, UCLA, and Yale consistently rank among the best globally. In fact, the U.S. has over 4,000 universities and colleges, offering a wide range of programs and opportunities.
However, with so many options, finding the best-fit university can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the U.S. education system or its different states. When asked where they want to study in the U.S., many Indonesian students immediately think of Harvard, MIT, Yale, Princeton, or other Ivy League schools. But did you know that these universities accept less than 5% of their 40,000+ applicants each year?
While top-tier universities are highly competitive, the U.S. offers many other excellent schools that can provide world-class education, strong career opportunities, and a great academic experience. The key is to find a university that aligns with your goals, qualifications, and interests, not just a famous name.
So, you might be asking yourself, what are my chances of getting into a top U.S. university? The answer depends on a few key factors: your qualifications, your major, and your preferences.
Where to Start?
- Choose Your Field of Study
- What do you want to major in? Engineering, Psychology, Data Science, or something else? This will help you focus on universities with strong programs in your area.
- Think About Location
- Do you see yourself in a big, fast-paced city like New York or Los Angeles?
- Or do you prefer a quieter, suburban environment like Boston or Dallas?
- Location matters—it affects your lifestyle, career opportunities, and even tuition costs.
- Make a University List
- Based on your GPA, test scores, and preferences, start listing universities under Reach, Target, and Safety schools.
- Look up admission requirements, scholarship options, and living costs to narrow it down.
The key is to find a university that not only fits your academic goals but also feels like the right place for you. Start researching, compare your options, and build a strong application!
How to Make Your University List?
You can divide your university list into three categories based on your SAT/ACT score (for undergraduate), GPA, and IELTS/TOEFL score:
1. Reach Schools 🚀
A reach school is a university where admission is highly competitive, and your chances of acceptance are relatively low. These schools typically have higher average test scores and GPA requirements than what you currently have.
Getting accepted is difficult, but not impossible; strong extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations can help boost your chances.
2. Target Schools 🎯
A target school is one where your academic profile closely matches the average admitted student’s profile. These schools should be a priority on your list since they are neither too easy nor too hard to get into.
You have a realistic chance of getting in, but admission is not guaranteed.
3. Safety Schools ✅
A safety school is one where your academic credentials exceed the school’s admission requirements. You have a high probability of getting accepted.
Why This Categorization Matters?
By dividing your list into Reach, Target, and Safety schools, you can apply strategically—aiming high while also ensuring you have solid options to fall back on. A well-balanced list gives you the best chance of getting into a great university that fits your goals.
For example, let’s say a student named John Doe is applying for a Master’s degree in Data Science. He has a GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 and an IELTS score of 6.5. Based on these qualifications, here’s his best-fit university list:
Reach Schools (Highly competitive, admission is challenging)
- Harvard University – Requires a higher GPA and IELTS 7.0+
- Stanford University – Prefers GPA 3.7+ and IELTS 7.0+
- Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) – School of Computer Science – One of the top programs, prefers GPA 3.7+ and IELTS 7.5+
Target Schools (Good chance of acceptance, but still competitive)
- Northeastern University – Accepts GPA 3.3+ and IELTS 6.5+
- University of California, Irvine – accepts a GPA of 3.5+ and IELTS 6.5+
- University of Texas at Dallas – GPA requirement around 3.3–3.5 and IELTS 6.5
Safety Schools (Higher Chance of Acceptance, Approved by LPDP)
- Arizona State University – Requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 and IELTS 6.5, known for strong tech programs
- University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) – Accepts GPA 3.0+ and IELTS 6.5, solid data science curriculum
- University of Delaware – Requires GPA 3.0+, IELTS 6.5, and is LPDP-approved
Now, It’s Your Turn!
That’s how John has narrowed down his list. Now, it’s time for you to create your own! Start by assessing your GPA, test scores, and preferences, and build a list of universities that match your academic goals. Let’s get started on finding the perfect fit for you! or you can contact us, eSTEP, via WhatsApp +6282311182168