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Applying |
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Applying
to college in the United States is a very lengthy process. In order to give you
adequate time to get everything done we recommend beginning the process 18
months before you plan on actually beginning school.
18 months Once you know what you want to study you can begin your search of possible U.S. schools that match your interests. So the first step should be doing a self-evaluation. Take a look at what you like to do, what you want to do, and what career would match those interests. Once you discover what you want to study you can begin looking for schools that fit that career goal. At this point you should also register for and prepare for taking standardized tests and entrance exams. Taking these tests now will give you plenty of time to re-take them later in case you don't do as well as you wanted to. This is also a good time to begin your search for financial aid. Remember, it's the early bird that catches the worm. Beginning early will give you plenty of time to find adequate aid. 14 months Narrow down your list of possible schools to about five. These will be the schools that you will apply to. Write the schools and request information and admissions forms. Start a folder for each of the five schools to keep copies of all of your correspondence and other information. Begin reading up more extensively on the colleges in which you are interested. When picking which five schools to put on your list try to pick two schools that you would like to go to but may not accept you, two schools which you like and which you think may accept you, and one school that you are positive will accept you. Keep working hard in high school. Don't let your grades slip as your grades in the courses you are taking in high school will count heavily in the admissions decisions. 12 months Request any additional information you may need. Start gathering the required information to apply. Figure out who you will get letters of reference from, get your transcripts from your school, and begin writing your application essay. When you request your letters of recommendation, keep in mind that the best references are usually going to come from your teachers and your school counselor or principal. At this point you may consider retaking your entrance exams if you weren't comfortable with your previous scores. 10 months Complete all of the application materials and mail your applications. As soon as possible inform each of the schools that you are accepted into of your decision to accept or decline their offer. 3 months You need to apply for your student visa now. Get the process started early. You don't want to be all packed to go but lacking the proper paperwork. | |
Put yourself on a schedule and follow it scrupulously. Have your timetable
start 18 months before your U.S. study. And remember when you schedule things
that earlier is always better than later. Don't procrastinate yourself into
missing a deadline. Also, if you don't begin early you won't have enough time to
research all of your options.
