Classroom Pronunciation Reductions Grammar Conversation Reading Listening Vocabulary Activities Videos
Idioms Slang Acronyms Phonics Portmanteau Words Handwriting Alphabet Surveys Tests
Holidays Movies Everyday Environment Learning News Places Flashcards Study Literacy
World America History Drive Education Teaching Dictionary Resources About Contact
 
The Application Process Checklist
 
12 TO 18 MONTHS PRIOR to the academic year in which you hope to enroll, begin to consider, research, and do the following:
  • What are your reasons for wanting to study in the United States?
  • Which universities offer your subject and specialization?
  • Will you need financial assistance?
  • Begin narrowing down your choices of schools to approximately 10 to 20 institutions, and make sure they meet your academic, financial, lifestyle, and other needs.
  • Find out application deadlines. This will affect when you take the standardized tests required for admission since test results must reach admissions offices no later than these deadlines. The tests should be taken in advance of submitting university application forms.
  • Register to take paper-based GRE Subject Tests if required by the universities to which you are applying.
12 MONTHS PRIOR to enrollment, start to complete the following (months indicated are estimates):

August
  • Continue narrowing down your choice of schools. While some students apply to more, 5 to 10 well-researched choices are sufficient.
  • Contact universities for application and financial aid forms and catalogs.
  • Register to take the TOEFL and the GRE General Test, GRE Writing Assessment, GMAT, or other admissions tests, as necessary
September – December
  • Continue narrowing down your choice of schools. While some students apply to more, 5 to 10 well-researched choices are sufficient.
  • Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution.
  • Brief your recommenders and request letters of reference from them.
  • Draft personal statements or statements of purpose and research proposals, if requested.
  • Submit completed application forms (for admission as well as financial aid).
  • Double check that transcripts and references have been sent.
  • Take the necessary admissions tests.
January – March
  • University application deadlines must be met.
April – June
  • Letters of acceptance or rejection arrive. Decide which university to attend, notify the admissions office of your decision, complete and return any forms they require.
  • Send letters of regret to those universities you turn down.
  • Organize finances (arrange to transfer funds to a U.S. bank; make sure you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival).
  • Finalize arrangements for housing and medical insurance with your university.
  • Notify any sponsoring organizations of your plans.
June – August
  • Use information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to fill out the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay the $100 required SEVIS fee (see SEVIS information for description of SEVIS form and fee).
  • Upon receipt of your I-20 and SEVIS I-901 payment receipt, apply to your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a visa. This should be as far in advance of your departure date as possible (see "Visas").
  • Contact your nearest EducationUSA information and advising center to let them know that you have been accepted to a U.S. institution.
  • Make travel arrangements, planning to arrive in time for the university's orientation program.
  • Contact the International Student Office at your university with details of your arrival plans, and confirm details of any orientation for new students held by the university.
Getting Ready to Go

Once you know that you are going to study in the United States, you will probably have many questions about visas, accommodations, health insurance, banking, how to study, and other "predeparture" information. Most EducationUSA information and advising centers conduct predeparture orientation presentations in the summer, and some may also offer sessions midyear. Contact your nearest center for their schedule and to reserve space for these popular events. Some centers may charge a fee for this service.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Search Fun Easy English
 
 
 
 
About    Contact    Copyright    Resources    Site Map