|
STEP 1
12 to 18 mos. before study in USA begins |
DEFINE
YOUR EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER OBJECTIVES |
What
field/subject do you enjoy? What job opportunities
are there in this field in your home country?
Talk with people in the field. Consult an
educational adviser |
|
STEP 2
12 to 18 mos. before study in USA begins |
DECIDE
IF YOU SHOULD STUDY IN THE U.S.A.
How is your English, academic background,
and financial ability? |
English
ability is measured by the TOEFL test.
A minimum score of 230 is usually required
for bachelors programs; a minimum score of
250 for masters programs and Ph.D. candidates.
Academic background:
You cannot study in the US unless you have
shown yourself to be a satisfactory student
in your home country. You should be at least
a "C" grade student. More selective
schools may not consider you unless you are
an "A" or "B" grade student
Financial ability: Costs for study in
the USA (tuition and accommodation) will range
from $15,000 to $45,000 annually. At the bachelors
level only some colleges and universities
offer financial aid to exceptional international
students. There are virtually no alternative
scholarships. Scholarships at the master's
level depend on the field of study and your
demonstrated ability. It is almost impossible
to find financial assistance for MBA programs.
YOU MUST
APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AT LEAST 7-12
MONTHS BEFORE YOUR STUDIES BEGIN. |
|
STEP 3
12 mos. before study in USA begins |
SELECT
THE INSTITUTION IN THE US.A. |
Develop a
list of 10-15 schools to write to for further
information. Select on the basis of:-
 Your
level of study
Kind of program desired
Location and characteristics of the school-
Accreditation of institution (and of program
when appropriate) |
|
STEP 4
12 mos. before study in USA begins |
OBTAIN
APPLICATION FORMS AND REGISTER FOR REQUIRED
ADMISSION TESTS |
Take forms
for tests which the schools on your list require
for admission:-
TOEFL
(required for everyone)
SAT I and maybe II (required by some schools
for applicants to bachelor level programs)
GMAT
(required in some institutions for applicants
to business/management programs
at the master's or Ph.D. levels)
GRE (required in some institutions for applicants
to all other programs at the master's or Ph.D.
levels)
Note: You may
be requested to show your TOEFL and other
test scores when you apply for the student
visa. |
|
STEP 5
10-12 mos. or more before study in USA begins |
BEGIN
PREPARING PARTS OF YOUR APPLICATION
REVIEW APPLICATION INFORMATION AS IT IS RECEIVED |
Many applications
have similar sections and requirements. Be
certain you use exactly the same name on all
your correspondence, application forms, academic
credentials,
standardized tests, etc.
Narrow your original list of 10-15 institutions
down to 4-6 and apply to each. Each will require
an application fee to be sent with the application.
This is non-refundable. |
|
STEP 6
9 mos. or more before study in the USA begins |
PREPARE
FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS |
Review sample
questions in the test bulletin or on the test's
website. If you have time, order preparation
materials from the testing body, or purchase
prep books from any good bookstore. |
|
STEP 7
8-12 mos. before study in USA begins |
TAKE
TESTS |
Earlier is
better than later. |
|
STEP 8
7-12 mos. before study in USA begins |
COMPLETE
APPLICATIONS AND SEND BY AIRMAIL |
Keep copies
of everything you send!
Be sure to send all required documents and
application.
Make certain the documents you send via post
are mailed so that they arrive at the university/college
before the deadline. |
|
STEP 9
4-8 mos. before study in USA begins |
WAIT
FOR ACCEPTANCE LETTERS. |
If you are
accepted to more than one institution, choose
the one you will actually attend and use that
I-20 to apply for the student visa. Notify
the institution of your plans to attend.
All other I-20's MUST be returned to the institution
that sent them with a letter explaining that
you will not attend their program.
Write to or call institutions from which you
have not received a response yet. The I-20
might have gotten lost in the mail. |
|
STEP 10
4-5 mos. before study in USA begins |
ASK
AN EDUCATIONAL ADVISER FOR PREDEPARTURE AND
VISA INFORMATION |
Apply for
the student visa as soon as you receive your
I-20. The visa clearance process can take
months, and you want to apply early so the
long wait doesn't delay when you're able to
begin your studies. |
