When choosing your Day 1 CPT program, you should consider factors such as the school's accreditation, location, program structure, tuition costs, and academic workload.
How to Choose a Day 1 CPT School?
1. School Legitimacy and Accreditation
When selecting a school, prioritize those with a long-standing reputation and national or regional accreditation. You must avoid unaccredited schools, as accreditation is a key factor in ensuring the school's legitimacy.
Reputable accreditations in the U.S. include, but are not limited to:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
2. On-Site Course Frequency and Transportation Convenience
F-1 students must fulfill on-site attendance requirements, so it is crucial to consider the frequency of on-site classes as well as transportation convenience. Schools with higher on-site requirements or those located far from the student's residence can make it challenging for students to balance studies and work, especially if transportation options are limited.
3. Academic Pressure
Academic pressure can vary significantly among schools, majors, and individual courses. During the CPT period, students must balance work and studies, maintain a GPA of above 3.0, and ensure perfect attendance. Thoroughly researching course demands is important for avoiding burnout.
Use the CPT course evaluation system to help you make informed course selections and manage your workload effectively.
4. Tuition and Other Expenses
If your company does not fully reimburse tuition fees, tuition costs can become an important factor in choosing a Day 1 CPT school. Additionally, you need to consider commuting expenses and the potential time cost of attending on-site classes.
5. For-Profit vs. Non-Profit
If this is your first graduate degree in the U.S., you should choose a non-profit school. Only a master's or doctoral degree from a non-profit institution qualifies you to participate in the H-1B Master's Cap lottery, increasing your chances of selection. However, if you already hold a graduate degree from a U.S. institution, whether the school is non-profit or for-profit does not matter.
How to Choose a Day 1 CPT Program?
1. Choose a Program Related to Your Job
Your Day 1 CPT program must be closely related to your current or future job. According to USCIS regulations, CPT can only be authorized for work related to your major.
2. Avoid Repeating Similar Programs at the Same Educational Level
It is important to avoid pursuing multiple degrees in similar fields at the same educational level. Repeating similar programs can lead to application rejections from schools and even raise issues during H-1B and green card applications.
3. Consider MBA or DBA Programs
If you have trouble finding suitable Day 1 CPT programs, consider pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or DBA (Doctor of Business Administration). These management-focused degrees are versatile and can be aligned with various job positions; their emphasis on communication, management, and organizational skills makes them popular choices among Day 1 CPT students.
4. Pursue a Higher Degree
Repeating similar degrees may lead to scrutiny from immigration authorities. To avoid this, you can consider advancing your education. For instance, if you hold a bachelor’s degree, attending a master’s program in the same field is a logical next step for Day 1 CPT. Similarly, those with a master’s degree can pursue a doctoral program in the same field.