Application Process for U.S. universities

European Educational Advising ConferenceRiga, Latvia August 2004Courtesy of Diana Lopez (USA), Tove Lain Knudsen (Norway), Maria Paniakova (Slovakia)

Application Process for U.S. universities - TIMELINE

18 Months before Classes BeginSearch for colleges that meet your needs. Use every resource: your parents, teachers, counselors, friends.

12 Months before Classes BeginRegister to take tests (ACT, SAT I and II, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE) as needed for the institutions you are considering. Narrow your list to 10-12 colleges. Contact colleges indicating your interest.

September-DecemberNarrow your list to 5-10 colleges. Request recommendations from teachers and obtain transcripts from your school. Fill out and send admission applications. Take required tests.

January-AprilYou receive notification of admission and financial aid. From acceptances, choose and notify the college/university you wish to attend.

May-JulyApply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.

July-AugustAttend a pre-departure orientation at your local EducationUSA center to get helpful tips that will assure your success from the moment you arrive in the United States.

August-SeptemberPack up and prepare to depart for the USA.

1. Application

Students should be advised to:Always complete the application

carefullyAlways give their name in exactly the

same way on the application form and on the supporting documents

List the major as stated in the materials received from the institution

2. Application Fee

If an application fee is required, it should be submitted with the completed application

The application fee is a processing fee, and few institutions will process an application without it

The fee should be in US$ and drawn on a US bank for quicker processing

3. Official Academic Records

Both in English and in the native language Official academic records include:

Certified copies of official degrees or diplomas List of courses and grades for all post-

secondary education Records should be sent in a sealed envelope with

the application; alternatively, the issuing institution should send the records directly. Students should never send originals!

Photocopies should be certified by the university or other appropriate official

4. Test Scores

GRE - required by many, but not all

GMAT - virtually all business programs

English Proficiency (TOEFL) - all

At test center, indicate to which schools you want the scores sent

Include photocopy of scores with application, if possible

5. Letters of Recommendation

The best letters comment on academic achievements or professional potential

Some universities provide a special form for the letters, in other cases the recommender can use his/her own letter-head paper

As a courtesy, the student should provide the referee with a stamped envelope addressed to the institution marked “Re: Application of [student’s name]” when asking for a recommendation

Applicants should allow plenty of time for the referees to write the letter, and follow up to ensure that they are sent in time

Information to be included

How long has the writer known the applicant?

What is their relationship (teacher/student, employer/employee, etc.)?

A ranking of the student in comparison with his or her classmates

Points to be discussed

Intellectual abilityKnowledge of fieldWork habitsMotivation to

pursue studySeriousness of

purposeEmotional maturity

Resourcefulness and initiative

Adaptability to new situations

Leadership qualities

Potential for future contribution in the field

6. Personal Statement

The personal statement can mean the difference between admission and denial.

Goal: clear, concise, and persuasive academic or research interests reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study reasons for choosing a certain institution career goals Personal background/extracurricular activities

Tailor to each institution - answer the questions asked!

What to avoid

Do not be overly informalDo not include irrelevant

informationDo not write your life story – be brief,

yet complete

Application Process for U.S. Graduate Schools

Departmental Review

Diana LopezDirector, Systems and Procedures

University of Tennessee

Departmental Review

Admissions committees

• What do they want?• Outstanding students• Committed and motivated students• Diversity of backgrounds

Departmental Review

• General admission criteria• Previous degree(s)• Outstanding test scores and GPA• Strong Letters of Recommendation • Convincing and memorable Statement of

Purpose

• Specific admission criteria• Knowledge/results in the department’s fields

of research• Experience in/potential for research or

teaching• Difficulty of classes taken as an undergraduate• Prestige of undergraduate institution

Questions

Conclusion

www.educationUSA.state.gov

www.ThinkEducationUSA.com