Applying to a university abroad can be a nerve-wracking process. Not only is the application process extremely competitive, but it is also very complex and confusing, especially since different countries have different systems in place for international students. If you are planning to apply to a university in the US, here is a complete guide to the application process, with all the important milestones you must keep in mind:
Yearly Intakes
There are three main intakes that universities in the US offer i.e. the fall intake, the spring intake and the summer intake.
The Fall intake is the most popular period for students to apply for. As per this intake, classes start in September. Hence, applications can begin from late August in the previous year to early January of the intended year. Since this is a popular intake, most colleges offer the fall intake and there are a higher number of seats and scholarships available.
The Spring intake is the second most popular intake, as per which classes start in January. Students who miss the deadlines for the fall intake generally opt for this intake, and applications begin from late January of the previous year to June or July, depending on the university regulation. Fewer courses are offered during this intake and all universities may not even have a spring intake.
The least popular intake is the Summer intake, as per which classes begin in June and last a short while i.e. only 3 months of summer. This is not a common intake and a lot of colleges do not provide this option. Certain special cultural programmes or language programmes for non-English speakers are generally held during this time. There are quite a few scholarships available during this summer intake.
Application Requirements
There are certain requirements that one needs to fulfil in order to be eligible for a degree in a US university. These requirements are mainly the English language proficiency test and admission tests.
International students applying for any degree in the US are required to take either the IELTS, TOEFL or the PTE language tests and obtain minimum passing scores as set by the university.
Apart from this, students must appear for certain standardised tests such as the SAT, GRE, GMAT, ACT, etc. depending on the course and degree they are applying for. Only after obtaining a satisfactory score in these admission exams can one be eligible for a particular course.
Process
Here is a step by step guide to the entire application process for US universities:
- Research
- Ensure you have a valid passport
- Look through the websites high ranking universities
- Gather information through consultants, alumni, education fairs, etc.
- Determine your degree and specialisation
- Note down the requirements for eligibility for your chosen degree and university
- Tests
- Understand which standardised tests you must take for eligibility
- Register and prepare for said tests
- Appear for the tests and obtain certification and scores
- Documentation
- Cover letter
- Application form
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal essays
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Bank certificate
- Standardised test scores
- Previous academic transcripts
- Affidavit of financial support
- Relevant certificates
- Financial Aid
- Submit the application along with the relevant documentation as mentioned previously
- Pay application fees
- Once admission is confirmed, apply for available scholarships and grants
- Prepare necessary bank documents
- Apply for student loans if needed
- Visa
- Apply for the Visa as per university guidelines, well in advance
- Prepare for the interview and collate required documents
- Obtain necessary documents and letters from the university
- Pay visa fees
- Attend and complete the visa appointment
- Other Arrangements
- Decide your preferred accommodation, on or off campus
- In case of off campus options, join students groups and find appropriate places and roommates
- Book airfare and domestic travel as per commencement of classes
- Get required health insurance as per visa guidelines
- Start a bank account with a trusted bank and get an international card
International students applying for any degree in the US are required to take either the IELTS, TOEFL or the PTE language tests and obtain minimum passing scores as set by the university.
Apart from this, students must appear for certain standardised tests such as the SAT, GRE, GMAT, ACT, etc. depending on the course and degree they are applying for. Only after obtaining a satisfactory score in these admission exams can one be eligible for a particular course.