Getting into top universities in the USA can be a tedious task and one can fumble with the procedure to apply to their dream colleges. Here is the Complete application timeline to get into the prestigious institutions in USA.
Table of Contents
What is the application process in the USA?
In the USA, the college application process requires investigating and choosing universities according to academic offerings, geographic location, campus culture, and size. Colleges evaluate applications holistically, taking into account essays, interviews, extracurricular activities, and academic accomplishments.
The documents required for applicants include standardized test results, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal essays. Students can apply to several colleges at once using the Common Application.
Also read- USA Visa SOP: Format, Sample and Tips
Application process for Bachelors
1. Research & Shortlisting (18 months)
- Research universities and programs
- Compare universities and select around 6-8 Universities you wish to apply.
- Ensure to follow a schedule for applying to colleges.
2. Give Standardised Test (12-14 months)
- Finalize the list of Universities to apply to and contact your student advisor.
- Take up exams like :
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) – Applicable for 5 years
- ACT(American College Testing)- Applicable for 5 years.
- Ensure to have the minimum score required by the Universities
3. Give Language test(12-14 months)
- Take up language test for English proficiency
- Exams like
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
- IELTS(International English Language Testing System)
- Both exams are applicable for 2 years from the date of result declaration.
4. Start preparing docs(10-12 months)
- Ensure the number of LORs and essays required by the university.
- Ask academic teachers for letters of recommendation(LOR)
- Draft and finalize personal statement (SOP) and Essays.
- Arrange relevant academic transcripts.
5. Check application deadlines (12-14 months)
- Keep an eye on the application deadlines of your dream university.
- There are majorly two intakes to apply: The fall and the Spring
- Make a list of deadlines during which you need to apply as per your preference of intake.
6. Submit Application (10-12 months)
Typically, applications are submitted online via the school’s website
A third-party application like the Common Application is often used to apply to various universities altogether.
Ensure all due documents have been sent
Soon a confirmation mail from the University is sent regarding the received application.
7.Apply for scholarships (8-10 months)
- Consult with your educational counselor and find a suitable scholarship.
- Apply and perform all due formalities.
- Upon receiving the financial aid desired, ensure all your expenses are covered.
8. Pre-departure arrangements (3 months)
- Apply for your Visa and research about the health insurance options.
- Make arrival arrangements in the USA regarding flights, accommodation, banking options, etc.
- Register for classes and orientation.
Application process for Masters
1. Research & Shortlisting (18 months)
- Research universities and programs
- Compare universities and select around 6-8 Universities you wish to apply.
- Ensure to follow a schedule for applying to colleges.
2. Give Standardised Test (12-14 months)
- Finalize the list of Universities to apply to and contact your student advisor.
- Take up exams like
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) – Applicable for 5 years
- ACT(American College Testing)- Applicable for 5 years
- Ensure to have the minimum score required by the Universities.
3.Give Language test (12-14 months)
- Take up language test for English proficiency
- Exams like:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS(International English Language Testing System)
- Both the exams are applicable for 2 years from the date of result declaration.
4. Start preparing docs (10-12 months)
- Ensure the number of LORs and essays required by the university.
- Ask academic teachers for letters of recommendation(LOR)
- Draft and finalize personal statement (SOP) and Essays.
- Arrange relevant academic transcripts.
5. Document Evaluation (10-12 months)
- Get your credentials verified through WES evaluation.
- WES evaluates the documents’ authenticity
- Requirements for evaluation process:
- Degree Certificate
- Academic transcript
6. Check application deadlines (12-14 months)
- Keep an eye on the application deadlines of your dream university.
- There are majorly two intakes to apply: The fall and the Spring
- Make a list of deadlines during which you need to apply as per your preference of intake.
7. Submit Application (10-12 months)
- Typically, applications are submitted online via the school’s website
- A third-party application like the Common Application is often used to apply to various universities altogether.
- Ensure all due documents have been sent
- Soon a confirmation mail from the University is sent regarding the received application.
8. Apply for scholarships (8-10 months)
- Consult with your educational counselor and find a suitable scholarship.
- Apply and perform all due formalities.
- Upon receiving the financial aid desired, ensure all your expenses are covered.
9. Pre-departure arrangements (3 months)
- Apply for your Visa and research about the health insurance options.
- Make arrival arrangements in the USA regarding flights, accommodation, banking options, etc.
- Register for classes and orientation.
Application Process for PhD
1. Research & Shortlisting (18 months)
- Research universities and programs
- Compare universities and select around 6-8 Universities you wish to apply.
- Ensure to follow a schedule for applying to colleges.
2. Give Standardised Test (12-14 months)
- Finalize the list of Universities to apply to and contact your student advisor.
- Take up exams like the
- SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) – Applicable for 5 years
- ACT(American College Testing)- Applicable for 5 years
- Ensure to have the minimum score required by the Universities
3. Give Language test(12-14 months)
- Take up language test for English proficiency
- Exams like:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS(International English Language Testing System)
- Both the exams are applicable for 2 years from the date of result declaration.
4. Start preparing docs (10-12 months)
- Ensure the number of LORs and essays required by the university.
- Ask academic teachers for letters of recommendation(LOR)
- Draft and finalize personal statement (SOP) and Essays.
- Arrange relevant academic transcripts.
5. Document Evaluation (10-12 months)
- Get your credentials verified through WES evaluation.
- WES evaluates the documents’ authenticity
- Requirements for evaluation process:
- Degree Certificate
- Academic Transcript
6.Check application deadlines (12-14 months)
- Keep an eye on the application deadlines of your dream university.
- There are majorly two intakes to apply : The fall and the Spring
- Make a list of deadlines during which you need to apply as per your preference of intakes.
7. Submit Application (10-12 months)
- Typically, applications are submitted online via the school’s website
- A third-party application like the Common Application is often used to apply to various universities altogether.
- Ensure all due documents have been sent
- Soon a confirmation mail from the University is sent regarding the received application.
8. Apply for scholarships (8-10 months)
- Consult with your educational counselor and find a suitable scholarship
- Apply and perform all due formalities.
- Upon receiving the financial aid desired, ensure all your expenses are covered.
9. Pre-departure arrangements (3 months)
- Apply for your Visa and research about the health insurance options.
- Make arrival arrangements in the USA regarding flights, accommodation, banking options, etc.
- Register for classes and orientation.
Different types of Financial Aid
Applying for & pursuing education in Universities in the USA can involve exorbitant funds. It is necessary to plan a budget and figure out the sources of financial aid to support the expenses.
Some sources of Financial Aid are:
| Sources | Providers |
|---|---|
| Scholarships and Grants | Scholarships are provided by the Indian Government and private organisations, US Universities, the US Government, and International Organisations. Some of the Scholarships to study in the USA are: Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships National Overseas Scholarship Scheme Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships |
| Loans | Loans are advanced through Banks of India either collateral or non-collateral, Private banks of USA, Family and Relatives |
| Part-time Employment | Salary through Part-time employment in the country turns into personal income |
| Savings | Saving personal income, investments, etc. |
Why is following the application process important?
Applicants must complete the application process in order to be admitted to US universities. It guarantees competitive advantage, ethical and legal compliance, timely submission, and communication with clarification.
Universities have certain requirements, and providing the necessary paperwork on time guarantees an unbiased assessment. It is not only a matter of procedure to follow the application process; it is also a calculated move to show yourself as a prepared and qualified applicant.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
Also read- Top 5 exams to study abroad
