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USA, college admission timelines!

USA

Admission process is simple but may seems long because it is not spoken everyday in our system and we are not used to the timelines as we are well aware for the admission timelines in Indian institutes. We will give you a detailed timeline in case you are looking for admission in the USA for graduation. Please note that it is essential to ensure that the ‘complete application process’ along with appearing for interviews and visa application procedure should be complete by June or July for the September intake.

Timelines for September 2024 intake:

Let us understand the timelines to follow in case you are aiming for September 2024 intake

Steps:

April 2023 to September 2023
  • Start early and by August, shortlist 8-12 universities that you will apply to. Visit university websites and note application requirements, deadlines etc.
  • By September, be familiar with bank loan options and scholarships to fund your studies.
  • Begin by downloading admissions brochures from the university websites. All the university and college brochures and necessary information bulletins are already out.
  • Do some initial research on various accommodation option.
Crack the exams: June 2023 to December 2023
  • Prepare for required standardised tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL or IELTS – depending on the course and university.
  • By June-July or three months before the test date, register for GMAT/ GRE.
  • Register for TOEFL/IELTS at least a month before the test date.
  • Take the required tests around September. You must keep buffer because in case you need to retake the test you need time.

Application time: August 2023 to January 2024
  • Shortlist the colleges and prepare for your application.
  • Think hard about what makes you unique as an applicant and sketch out your strengths and self-assessment. No shortcuts please.
  • Contact your professors, teachers and direct managers for the required 2-3 reference letters. At least a month before your application deadline. Check the deadline timetable!
  • Begin drafting your SOP and Essay. Give a month’s time to structure these documents properly.
  • Apply before the deadline!
What next: November 2023 to March 2024
  • Do not delay replying to college e-mails. And there will be quite a few!
  • Appear for personal/video interviews. These are scheduled around January to March.
  • Once you get acceptance letters, make your decision as soon as possible.
  • Depending on the deadline, notify the universities of your decision.
  • You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your admission.
Visa and money matters: May 2024 to July 2024
  • Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable).
  • Apply for student loan, after you get your acceptance letter.
  • Gather paperwork for your student visa. Check visa requirements.
  • Apply for student visa on time. Keep in mind the time taken for visa processing!
Get ready to fly: July 2024 to August 2024
  • Book airline tickets.
  • Arrange for an International Debit/Credit card.
  • Collect all the documents and their photocopies, to take along.
  • Check out the pre departure checklist for USA:

Right before leaving, students need to make a checklist of important documents that they need to carry with them through immigration. These must be taken in their hand baggage with a copied set in their luggage.

These documents Checklist include:

  1. Passport with valid visa
  2. I 20 (Internet receipt verifying SEVIS fee payment)
  3. University offer letter & Accommodation proof
  4. All Original Academic Qualifications certificates
  5. It is also advisable to carry a chest X-ray & Immunization Certificate
  6. Proof of finance, Affidavit and CA statement
  7. University address and contact details
  8. Covid Vaccination Certificate
  9. Airline tickets
  10. Buy travel and health insurance
  11. Arranged accommodation in the US
  12. Arranged transportation to/from the airport to home in the US
  13. Arrange your banking – consider buying traveler’s cheques
  14. Check baggage and customs limitations
  15. Clear all paperwork with your home educational institution

Get your documents in order and make photocopies to store in your baggage and keep at home, including:

  1. Passport
  2. Airline tickets
  3. Travel insurance certificate
  4. Letter of Acceptance by the educational institution;
  5. Key addresses and phone numbers
  6. A bank statement showing proof of funds
  7. Prescriptions for any medication you are carrying
  8. Traveler’s cheques—if applicable
  9. Medical and immunization records
  10. Academic history and university transcripts

For more information about getting admission in the USA after XII or in Post Graduation please get in touch with us.