Confused After 10+2? What’s Next? Here’s a Step-by-Step Timeline to Study in the USA

The Question That Haunts Every 10+2 Graduates: What Now

Hey there, fellow +2 science grads in Nepal. If you're reading this, you’re probably staring at your results with that familiar knot in your stomach—the one that comes after months of grinding through physics, chemistry, math, and biology or computer science, only to ask yourself, “What now?”

I know that feeling all too well. Just a few years ago, I was right where you are—confused, disappointed, and surrounded by classmates excited about medical colleges, Pulchowk Engineering, or rushing into bridge courses. Let me share my story—not as some success guru and someone who nailed every step, but as someone who stumbled, paused, and chose a different direction.

Because sometimes, the path less taken isn’t just okay—it’s the one that changes everything.

Skipping the Race: How I Found My Own Path After +2 Science?

Like many science students, I grew up hearing that Pulchowk Engineering College was the ultimate destination. The prestige, the reputation, the bragging rights—who wouldn’t want that? But deep down, I knew I wasn’t going to make it there. I wasn’t lazy—I was just realistic. I was an average student, and I didn’t want to spend another year chasing a rank that might never come. At 17, I knew time was my most valuable resource, and I wasn’t willing to gamble it on uncertainty.

While many of my classmates enrolled in expensive bridge courses and geared up for another round of high-stress prep, I quietly chose a different path. I didn’t join the Pulchowk race. Instead, I looked outward. I began exploring the option of studying abroad—something that was barely discussed in our school environment. It wasn’t a bold leap. It was a calm, intentional decision—rooted in clarity, not fear.

Of course, it wasn’t easy. My family had doubts. Finances were tight. The whole process felt complicated. But what I found on the other side of that decision was opportunity—real, tangible, career-shaping opportunity.

If you’re even thinking about studying in the U.S., let me walk you through how my journey unfolded. Maybe it’ll help you see a new possibility waiting ahead.

Timeline & Mindset: From Result Day to Runway

It all began in mid-August, shortly after my +2 results. While others were signing up for Pulchowk bridge courses, I signed up for something else—the IELTS exam. I gave myself a clear goal: no wasted year. Just focused preparation.

By September, I had my IELTS scores in hand. That same month, I started applying to U.S. universities. I received my I-20 form soon after—a document that would later open the gates to my visa. Then came early November—I still remember the moment my student visa was approved. Just like that, within a few months, my direction was clear. I wasn’t stuck in a cycle of prep books and reattempts. I was on a plane to the USA, ready to begin my Bachelor’s in Computer Science.

So why the USA?

Believe it or not, around 80% of the S&P 500 companies—some of the biggest and most innovative firms in the world—are based there. For someone in tech, that wasn’t just impressive, it was motivating. These weren’t just dream companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple—they were within reach. Studying in the U.S. meant putting myself at the center of innovation, where ideas move fast and opportunities are everywhere.

Fast forward to graduation: I landed a role as a Java Developer at a tech company abroad. No, it wasn’t luck—I earned it through internships, personal projects, and the kind of hands-on learning that the U.S. education system encourages. That environment helped me grow—not just professionally, but personally.

And here’s the mindset shift that changed it all for me:

In Nepal, we’re often told that Pulchowk or a medical college seat is the only respectable path. But abroad, I realized something different: success isn’t about titles, it’s about momentum. It’s about independence, financial stability, and doing work that matters. While friends were still locked into retakes and test anxiety, I was building a life. A life where I could support my family, grow my career, and feel proud of the decision I made.

Do I regret not chasing Pulchowk? Not even for a second.

So, if you’re standing at that same crossroads, wondering what’s next—take a moment. Look beyond the traditional routes. Whether it’s the USA, Australia, or somewhere else—there’s more out there than you’ve been told. Start with your IELTS, research scholarships, talk to mentors, and know this:

You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.

ASLAT Guidance | Your Journey Starts Here