• The Application Process
• Timetable and Checklist
• Application Dos and Don'ts

Timetable and Checklist

Below is the recommended timetable for applying to universities in the United States. It is sometimes possible to complete the process more quickly, but you may have a much more limited choice of schools. Planning ahead gives you sufficient time to make successful applications to the universities of your choice. 12 TO 18 MONTHS PRIOR to the academic year in which you hope to enroll:

• Ask yourself:
  • What are my reasons for wanting to study in the United States?
  • Which universities offer my subject and specialization?
  • Will I need financial assistance?
• Begin narrowing down your choices of schools to approximately 10 to 20 institutions and make sure they meet your academic, financial, and personal needs.
• Find out application deadlines. This will affect when you take standardized admissions tests.
• Register to take GRE Subject Tests if required by the universities to which you are applying.

12 MONTHS PRIOR to enrollment (months indicated are estimates): August

• Contact universities for application and financial aid forms and catalogs.
• Register to take the TOEFL or IELTS and the GRE General Test, the GMAT, or other required admissions tests.

September — December

• Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s).
• Identify your recommenders and request letters of reference.
• Draft personal statements or statements of purpose and research proposals, if required.
• Submit completed application forms for both admission and financial aid.
• Double check that transcripts and references have been sent.
• Take required admissions tests.

January — March

• University application deadlines must be met; it is best to apply well in advance of these deadlines.

April — June

• Letters of acceptance or rejection arrive. Decide which university to attend, notify the admissions office of your decision, and complete and return required forms.
• Send letters of regret to those universities you turn down and return your student visa Certificates of Eligibility to those schools.
• 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 required SEVIS 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 (see chapter 7 for more information).
• Contact the International Student Office at your university to tell them when you will arrive and confirm the details of new student orientations.