I’m planning to apply to some top US universities but feeling a bit unsure, do they even give admissions to Indian students easily?? Is it more difficult for us compared to local students? I’ve heard the acceptance rates are way lower for international students. Anyone who’s already gone through this, please tell if studying in the US as a foreign student is even worth all the stress 
Hey @Siddarth
You’re right to notice that acceptance rates for international students—especially from competitive countries like India—are typically lower than for domestic applicants. This isn’t because universities don’t want Indian students (they do!), but because the applicant pool from India is huge and extremely competitive. Many students apply with top grades, test scores, and achievements, so it becomes tougher to stand out.
That said, thousands of Indians get into top US universities every year. What matters is how well you present your overall profile—not just academics, but your SOPs, LORs, extracurriculars, projects, and clarity of goals. Top colleges look for diverse, driven students, and Indian students often do well when they highlight what makes them unique beyond scores.
Yes, it’s stressful—but for many of us, the experience and exposure are absolutely worth it. Just make sure to apply smartly: mix of reach, match, and safe universities, and plan well financially. If you need help building your profile or shortlisting unis, feel free to ask here!
You’re not alone in this—plenty of us have gone through the same doubts. Keep going!
Hey! You’re not alone—so many Indian students feel the same way when applying to top US universities. Let’s break it down clearly:
Do Top US Universities Admit Indian Students Easily?
- Yes, they do admit Indian students, but it’s competitive.
- Top-tier universities (like MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, etc.) have low acceptance rates for all students, including U.S. citizens.
- That said, thousands of Indian students are admitted every year to top and mid-tier U.S. universities across many fields like Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, and Business.
- Admission depends on the strength of your profile: good GPA, strong test scores (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS if required), well-written SOP, and relevant experience or projects.
- Not all top programs are Ivy League—many public universities like UIUC, Georgia Tech, Purdue, and UCSD offer excellent programs and are relatively more accessible.
Is It More Difficult Than for U.S. Students?
- In some ways, yes—because international seats are limited and you’re competing globally.
- But Indian students are highly respected for their academic background, particularly in STEM fields.
- U.S. universities value international diversity and India is one of the largest sources of international students in the U.S., so strong applicants from India are always welcome.
Is Studying in the U.S. Worth the Stress?
- For many students, yes. U.S. education offers high-quality learning, cutting-edge research, and strong career opportunities.
- Most STEM programs make you eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training), allowing up to 3 years of work in the U.S. after graduation.
- U.S. tech and business salaries are often high enough to recover the cost of education within a couple of years.
- There are opportunities to transition to a work visa (H-1B) and possibly permanent residency later on.
Things to Consider Before You Decide
- The cost of education (tuition + living expenses)
- Return on investment based on your target career and salary
- Emotional readiness—living abroad, being far from family, and dealing with visa processes
Even I felt the same when I was applying, it is competitive for Indian students particularly at places like MIT, Stanford, Ivy League types. They get so many appllications from India and most students applying are toppers or olympiad kids or have some crazy spike but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in. You just need to stand out somehow. And apply to a mix of colleges not just the super elite ones.
Hey @Siddarth I get what you mean i know it feel harder for us internationals since the top US schools usually have lower acceptance rates and ask for strong grades, test scores, and a solid SOP/LORs. But honestly, lots of Indian students make it in every year, and the value of a US degree plus the research and career opportunities is huge. It’s definitely competitive, but with good planning and a strong profile, it’s worth the effort.