The following information aims to facilitate your college application process by providing a timeline for completing each essential step. Adhering to this schedule will ensure timely completion of tasks without overlooking any items or stages.
18 months prior to commencing your studies:
Initiate your search for potential US colleges or universities you wish to attend. Engage in reading college reference guides, exploring college websites, and conversing with acquaintances who have studied in the US. Request information from 10 to 20 distinct universities to make an informed decision regarding your applications. For further assistance and information on the search process, refer to the "Choosing a University" section. To facilitate direct contact from esteemed US colleges, click here.
Enroll and commence preparation for the TOEFL and other entrance exams (such as the SAT or GRE).
Maintain a strong academic performance at your current institution. Favorable grades in your ongoing courses hold substantial weight in the admissions evaluation.
15 months prior to:
Undertake the TOEFL and other entrance tests. Many universities require completion of these tests before December. Taking them now affords the opportunity for a retest in November to enhance your score.
12 months prior to:
Send correspondences to the chosen colleges requesting application materials and pertinent information, or procure these materials and forms through their respective websites. Opt for: (a) one or two universities that you hold in high regard but may pose significant admission challenges; (b) two or three institutions that you also favor and believe will likely admit you; (c) one or two that might not be your top preferences, but where you have a reasonable certainty of acceptance.
Identify two or three individuals who are well-acquainted with you, such as teachers, and request recommendation letters.
For undergraduate applicants, teachers and your university principal are the optimal references. Family friends, religious counselors, and others should be approached only if they possess an in-depth understanding of you and can provide specific insights into your academic aspirations.
Graduate students should solicit letters from instructors or professionals in their field with whom they have collaborated, and who can furnish specific insights into their academic potential and relevant achievements.
Prompt the universities you attended to begin preparing your transcripts, which serve as official records showcasing the courses you've taken and your corresponding grades.
If your previous TOEFL, SAT, or GRE scores were subpar, re-register for the tests.
11 months prior to:
Should you not have received the requested application forms from the universities you contacted, send another letter reiterating your request.
Carefully review the received applications, paying close attention to the specified deadlines on each. Account for potential mail delays.
Request your universities to dispatch certified copies of your academic transcripts to each institution you are applying to.
Urge your chosen referees to craft recommendation letters. Furnish them with the forms provided by the universities, along with stamped and addressed envelopes for mailing the letters.
For undergraduate students, draft your application essay. This essay holds significance within the application and should reflect your personality and values. Avoid redundant information already provided elsewhere in the application and strive to make the essay distinctive and personal. Seek input from an English teacher. For more essay writing guidance, consult the "Personal Essay" section.
Graduate students should compose their statement of purpose if required by the universities. This element carries weight in the application. Elaborate on how your past education lays the groundwork for your aspirations, and how your intended coursework in the US contributes to their realization. Be precise about your research interests and past accomplishments.
Create photocopies of the applications and begin entering the requisite information on them. This information will later be transferred to the originals. If any questions appear perplexing, seek guidance from your teachers or individuals with experience studying in the US.
10 months prior to:
Complete your essays and application forms, including financial aid applications, using the original documents (not the photocopies). Ensure neat and precise handwriting or typing. These completed applications serve as your initial introduction to the universities, thus presenting them impeccably is paramount. Maintain a personal copy of the completed applications for your records. Dispatch the original applications by airmail well in advance of the deadlines.
Re-take the TOEFL and other exams if improvement in scores is necessary.
Confirm with your teachers and university that your recommendations and transcripts have been dispatched on time to meet the deadlines.
9 months prior to:
Universities occasionally request additional information or the resubmission of previously provided documents. Respond promptly to any such requests.
4-5 months prior to:
Anticipate receiving admission decisions from the universities. Reach out to the admissions office of any institution you haven't received communication from.
Accept an offer from a single university and communicate your decision to other universities. Request the chosen university to furnish the I-20 form.
Arrange accommodation.
Apply for a passport if you lack one.
3 months prior to:
Obtain a visa application form from the nearest US embassy or consulate. For a comprehensive overview of the visa application procedure, consult the "Immigration" section.
Organize your travel plans, aiming to arrive at least 15 days ahead of your university's orientation.
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