Applying to universities in U.S.
A lot has been written about applying to universities and colleges in the United States (U.S.), focusing on bits and parts of the application process and about how universities and colleges evaluate applications they receive from international students.
One should start preparing early for the entire process of applying to selective colleges and for getting financial aid. Those who wish to apply for the fall 2005 session should start the pre-application process now. The advantages are many:
Better scores in standardised tests: The better the scores, the more the choice of colleges for students and better the chances of admissions in colleges of your choice. This will help you to avoid last-minute hassles such as dates of different examinations falling on the same day, rushing around to get your passport to apply for tests and so on. All these anxieties could affect your preparation for the tests and add to your stress. This, in turn, could adversely affect your written tests.
Selection of universities, programmes: There are hundreds of programmes to choose from. Before you shortlist universities and programmes, it helps to check the curriculum and interact with the faculty. Such an interaction helps you to choose the university. Like people, universities have their own atmosphere. It is, therefore, in your interest to select a university that matches your profile.
Financial aid: Financial aid is based on merit and is handed out on a first-come-first-serve basis. Your application is reviewed only if it contains all the relevant information and papers. Rushing the application just two days before the deadline and sending the rest of the documents in bits and pieces may affect your chances. It is essential to check the deadline for applications for financial aid and the procedure for applying.
The last dates for this can, sometimes, be earlier than the last dates for applications. If you apply after the decisions have been made, you would not be in the contention at all. If you do your research on universities as you are preparing for your tests, you could shortlist the institutions. When you register for the test, you could provide the list of universities whose eligibility criteria you could meet. This effort will save you some dollars. To get an idea about the range of your score, you could try out some simulated tests before you write the final one.
The following is the preferred timetable for applying to U.S. universities for the fall 2005, starting in August or early September.
June-August: Think about your future and career prospects at home. Talk with your family about financial resources. Find out how to select a university. Visit an educational advising centre and become familiar with the application process. Register for tests such as TOEFL, SAT, SATII, GRE or GMAT.
August-October: Take entrance tests. Attend university fairs. Research universities and identify at least four and ten institutions.
October-March: Keep an eye on deadlines and last dates. Submit applications to universities.
March-May: Letters of acceptance or rejection arrive. Read acceptance letters carefully. Many institutions require a separate application for housing. Choose the university you want to attend. Send letters of regret to universities you will not attend. Seek information about applying for a visa.
May-July: Apply for a student visa. Make travel arrangements; attend a pre-departure orientation programme at your school or at an educational advising centre.
August: Arrive in time to attend the university's orientation programme for new students. Be prepared for an excellent academic experience.
The more selective the university, the earlier the deadline. Less competitive universities often accept late applications. Many universities will also accept applications for January admission.
UNITI FOUNDATION
E-mail: info@unitifoundation.org.
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