USA Application Process

United States of America (USA) is a host to maximum number of international students in the world. The country offers an assorted range of higher education options while providing quality education, abundant opportunities and multicultural environment to students. Moreover, American Universities offer a myriad of programs and courses to choose from. Students enjoy the freedom to select the course content as well as the structure.

Recently, the US Embassy has made changes in the student visa software such that students who have been refused a visa once will not be able to seek visa interview appointments again in the same year.  Therefore, it becomes crucial that students to follow a step-by-step guide for applying to any US university to avoid visa refusal.

Key Components of a College Application

• Personal information: Candidates must provide true and valid basic information about themselves, schools, and their families.
• High school transcript: Candidates will have to submit a record of courses pursued and the grades earned in the form of official high school transcripts.
• Standardized test scores: Many schools require applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores. Testing policies may vary as the number of schools requiring the standardized test scores have reduced post the coronavirus pandemic.
• The college essay: As a part of application process, candidates will have to submit at least one writing sample, which is also referred as a personal statement. Candidates will have multiple essay prompts to choose from.
• SOPs: Statement of Purpose (SOPs) are candidate’s introduction to the college and admission officers. Written in first person, SOPs describe the candidate’s reason for applying to a particular college.
• LORs: Letter of References (LORs) is a written letter by a third-party describing qualities, capabilities, and characteristics of the prospective student. The issuer of the letter should highlight why the candidate is fit for the college or school.

Steps to Apply to An US University

Most of the colleges in US accept online applications. Candidates are expected to visit the university or college website to apply for their preferred program. Mostly, candidates will have to make an account on the college official website to provide their basic information, submission of scanned version of documents along with application fee. Some common steps to apply to an University in US are:

Key Points to Keep in Mind While Following Admission Process

• Once candidates narrow down the list of colleges and universities they want to apply, candidates must find someone experienced to help them complete the admission process.
• There are two main intake seasons of US universities, i.e. January and September. Some universities schedule intakes in May, July, and October as well. Students must begin admission process at least six months prior to the application deadline.
• Many universities have allotted quotas for admissions in each semester. It is recommended to choose intake season when the class size is much larger as it means a better chance of getting admitted then.
• American colleges look for candidates who are curious, passionate, and altruistic. While the grades are crucial, extra-curricular activities are a great way to highlight candidate’s passion.
• Professors begin their research at the beginning of the academic year. Candidates are likely to have more opportunities to obtain on-campus jobs and internships if they begin courses in Fall semester.
• Once the application process is complete, candidates will also require a student visa and health insurance. Even if health insurance is not compulsory for student visa, it is a pre-requisite for candidate’s stay abroad.

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