The U.S. university application process is quite different from the Indian application process. For instance, admission is not based purely on an entrance exam or marks. The process also begins many months before students go to the U.S.
To simplify the process, EducationUSA breaks it down into five steps. Executing these steps promptly and systematically, you will navigate the process easily.
The U.S. hosts over 4000 institutions of higher education. The vast number and diversity of universities means that each student can find universities that suit them best.
When researching universities, it is important not to be guided solely by external influences such as rankings or lists of friends and seniors. It should be emphasized that there are no official rankings for U.S. universities. Instead, it is ideal to be open-minded and broaden your horizons beyond the universities commonly applied to. This will enable you to find universities that are the “best fit” that meet your educational goals, personal preferences, and professional aspirations.
We advise beginning this process around 12 to 18 months before your departure to the U.S.
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Creating a financial plan for your U.S. university education must be done in lockstep with shortlisting your universities.
First, assess your personal funds and any family financial resources and consider what budget might be affordable. Secondly, consider funding opportunities from U.S. universities that can plug any difference in costs or bring costs down. Undergraduate applicants should search for scholarships and financial aid from universities. Community colleges also make for a financially friendly option. Graduate applicants can avail themselves of fellowships and research, teaching, or administrative assistantships. You can also apply for external scholarships from various Indian business houses, trusts, and organizations.
However, if possible, it is generally a good policy to apply to a safety net of universities that fit your family’s budget. If you are not awarded funding, you may still pursue U.S. studies.
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Once you have shortlisted universities and have made your financial plans, you can set the application process in motion.
Most universities request transcripts, two or three letters of recommendation, one or more application essays, and a resumé or list of activities. As an Indian, as with other international applicants, you will usually be required to take an English test. Finally, there may be a requirement for academic tests such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduate applicants and the GRE or GMAT for graduate applicants.
Your deadlines will usually be towards the end of the year before you go to the U.S. Plan your test-taking and application process to avoid clashes with your regular school or university exams.
It is critical, too, to give plenty of time to collecting and developing application documents. Teachers and professors should be requested for letters of recommendation well in advance. Similarly, most institutions take some time to produce transcripts. Finally, permitting time to revise your application essays over multiple drafts is advisable to arrive at the most polished version.
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UNDERGRADUATE
GRADUATE
BOTH UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE
When you have received admits from U.S. universities, you can obtain your Form I-20 from your institution of choice. For this, you usually need to provide proof of funding for one year of the program. You may also be asked for additional documents, such as a copy of your passport.
Once you have your I-20, you can proceed with your visa application. EducationUSA India conducts visa sessions before student departures in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates. We advise you to attend these sessions that provide first-hand and authentic information about U.S. student visas.
With a visa, your final step is to prepare for departure. You can arrange accommodation and tick immunizations off your checklist in the final months preceding your flight. You can also initiate course registrations, but ideally, you can do this in consultation with your academic advisor. You can prepare in other ways, such as gathering key documents, shopping for the items you must carry, and networking with new and senior students at your U.S. university.
We advise you to attend EducationUSA India Pre-Departure Orientations that equip you with the skills to pack, prepare, and adjust to U.S. student life.