USA Universities - Application Process

Step 1: Make a list of your preferred schools.

Before you kickstart the application process, the first essential thing you need to do is to make a list of the universities and schools in the USA that provide your preferred study program

When you are done with that, what follows is to contact the schools for an application form for international students. Take your time to gather much information about the schools you wish to apply for.

Step 2: Contact the Universities in the USA

Once you are done preparing a list of the universities or schools you wish to attend in the United States, you can contact each via mail or phone. Use this stage wisely to clarify any questions concerning particular programs, courses, accommodation, application form, adopted teaching methodology, international student admission, and many more.

Step 3: Go through Application Requirements and Essentials

After making a list of the universities or schools you want to apply to in the USA, the following process is finding out all the application necessities, document checklist, and eligibility requirements you need to apply to your shortlisted schools or universities. Below are the primary application requirements and essentials to study in the United States of America.

• Academic Transcripts
• ACT/SAT Scores for Undergraduate programs
• GMAT/GRE for MBA
• English Language Proficiency Scores like TOEFL, IELTS
• Research Proposal for Doctoral Programs
• GRE for Masters and Doctoral Programs
• Resume
• Additional admission essays
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Register and Take the Admission Test Needed

At this step of the application process, you should take at least six months to appear for the needed eligibility exams like standardized test prep for GRE, GMAT, ACT, and SAT. Otherwise, you should handle language proficiency exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. Doing this helps you target the perfect scores needed to apply for your shortlisted program and universities. Note that these exams are carried out at testing facilities globally.

These exams are known to be standardized. As a student, you can take similar tests at each testing location or test centre. Your outcomes provide the admissions staff with a consistent global benchmark for comparing your capacities to other students. Your test outcomes will then be delivered to your school of interest directly. For computer-based examinations, you will be needed to select the schools at the exam location. Afterwards, the testing organizations will transmit your outcomes to them instantly.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application and Essays

As you prepare for the admissions tests, you must draft an impressive application for your selected course. Generally, this includes preparing LORs, SOP, and finessing your CV and resume. For programs like MBA, you will be required to submit MBA admission essays. Otherwise, you need to provide a research proposal for PhD in the USA.

Step 5: A guide on how to provide an outstanding essay.

• Choose an exciting process. Make sure your essay topic is meaningful to you. It ought to show something concerning your values, personality, and hobbies. Besides, it should show how you differ from other applicants.
• Complete your essay. Typically, it takes time for one to write well. Hence, you should not be in a hurry to complete writing your essay. When writing, it is advisable to take much care of the introduction. You have to draw the reader in to make them curious about what the rest of your essay will disclose.
• Employ simple phrases to help you describe your ideas. There is no need to use complicated vocabulary to demonstrate your English language command.
• Take time to seek help. You should give yourself time to be away from your essay for several days or a week. Doing this allows you to reread your essay with new eyes. Finally, request your instructors, mentors, family, and friends to read your essay. This will help them notice issues you might have overlooked or forgotten to mention.

Step 6: Fill Out the Application Form

Gearing up for your complete university application to study in the United States of America is the next important step you need to take now that you are ready with your essays and scores. Keep in mind that US universities admissions usually are based on the academic records and applicable test scores of the students like SAT, ACT, or TOEFL/IELTS. Besides, you might be needed to submit GRE or GMAT scores based on the course you are applying for.

During the application process, you have to pay an application process fee that varies from $35-$100. Furthermore, if you want to apply for a scholarship at the same university, you might be needed to enclose your scholarship application along with the form of application.

Step 7: Wait for Acceptance Letter

After submitting all the needed documents before the deadline, it is up to you to wait to hear the outcomes. If your application is impressive, you will be assured of getting an acceptance letter from the universities that shortlisted you.

Step 8: Receive Acceptance Letters

You will get acceptance letters from the universities you have selected after the deadline application. Some universities notify their candidates of their acceptance as soon as their documents arrive in the office of admissions. Mainly, this is referred to as rolling admissions. On the other hand, others wait for months before informing all candidates.

Step 9: Fee Deposit

Once you have received your letter of acceptance, you will be needed to deposit your fees to the chosen university. Most of the universities in the USA have a deadline for when to pay. Paying as early as possible is highly advisable. Doing this will help you to plan on getting an accommodation room at the campus because they get filled up very fast.

Step 10: Fill out I-20 Form and Apply for Student Visa

Once you have been accepted at a school and you have deposited your fee, what follows is to receive an I-20 form from your designated school. Typically, this is an important document meant to help you get a student visa. Upon receiving it, you are advised to keep it safe for the whole international student life cycle. Keep in mind that you will be needed to have an original form with you when entering the country. This is the concluding step of the application process to help you study in the USA.