USA - the land of opportunities

Admission at US colleges and US universities can be very competitive for international students. US vocational, ESL and high school admissions are generally less competitive, but there are exceptions. Much depends on the school in question and the qualifications of the international student. In order to be accepted at a TOP US school, you must have attained good grades, completed challenging coursework, obtained sufficient financing, and developed a strong command of the English language. Less competitive schools have less stringent admissions for international students. Each US school sets its own international student admissions requirements. Different US schools will have different minimum requirements for grades as well as for standardized tests (such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE and the GMAT). Even within the same school, there may be different requirements pertaining to admissions for international students, depending on the major (or course of study) selected. For example, international students who want to major in engineering at a top USA university will be required to have completed more courses in math and science than students who want to major in business. Typically, the higher your grades and test scores, the better your chances of being accepted by at least one top school. (top)

Above all, successful admissions for international students to a top US school require preparation. The admissions process is a long one, and should ideally begin at least 6 to 12 months before your expected arrival in the US. Organization and planning are very important because timely completion of all the necessary steps is the key. Begin your search of possible US colleges or universities that you would like to attend. Register and start preparing for the TOEFL and other entrance tests (such as the SAT or GRE). Take the TOEFL and other entrance tests. You should choose: (a) one or two schools that you really like, but may be too difficult to get into; (b) two or three that you also like and which you think will accept you; (c) one or two which may not be your favorites, but you are quite sure will accept you. Identify two or three teachers or other people whom know you well and ask them to write recommendation letters for you. For undergraduate applicants the best references are teachers and your school principal. Family friends, religious counselors, and others should be used only if they know you very well and can speak specifically about your academic goals and potential. Graduate students should obtain letters from their teachers or professionals in their field whom they have worked with and who can speak specifically about their academic potential and relevant accomplishments. Ask the schools you have attended to start preparing your transcripts. These are official school documents that show the courses you have studied and the grades you have received in those courses. Ask your teachers to write their letters of recommendation for you. Give them the forms provided by the schools and a stamped, addressed envelope for each letter they will be mailing. Undergraduate students should write their application essay. This essay is an important part of the application. It should reflect who you are and what you feel is important. Try not to repeat information you have provided in other parts of the application, but instead work to make the essay unique and personal. Get comments on it from an English teacher. Graduate students should write their statement of purpose if the schools have indicated that they require one. This is an important part of the application. You should show in your statement how your education so far has created a foundation for your goals, and how your proposed coursework in the US will help you achieve those goals. You should be as specific as possible about your research interests and past accomplishments. Make photocopies of the applications and begin to fill in the required information on the copies. You will later transfer the information to the originals. If any questions confuse you, seek help from your teachers, or from professional consultants. Complete your essays and application forms, including the financial aid application forms, using the originals (not the copies). Type or write by hand very neatly and carefully. The finished applications will be your introduction to the schools, so you want to make them look good. Keep a copy of the completed applications for your records. Mail the originals by airmail in time to meet the deadlines. Take the TOEFL and other exams again, if you need to improve your scores. Check with your teachers and your school to make sure your recommendations and transcripts have been mailed in time to meet the deadlines. It is not unusual for schools to request more information or resubmission of something you have already sent. Respond promptly to any requests you receive. You will start hearing decisions from the schools. Contact the admissions office at any school that you do not hear from. Accept only one school's offer, and let the other schools know of your decision. Ask the school you have chosen to attend to send you the I-20 form. Make housing arrangements. Apply for a passport if you do not already have one. Get a visa application form from the US embassy or consulate nearest you. Make travel arrangements. Schedule your trip so you arrive at least 15 days prior to your school’s orientation. (top)

Important websites- www.vfs-usa.co.in, www.immihelp.com, www.visapro.com, www.uscis.org, www.travel.state.com (for visa waiting time etc)

(top)