| When | What |
|---|
September
(24 months) | Begin your search for colleges. Visit the nearest
educational advising center and the library. Explore college sites on
the web. Talk with family, friends, and acquaintances who may have
studied in the US. Write to 10-15 schools for information. |
October-November
(22-23 months) | Start preparing for the TOEFL exam and other
admissions tests (e.g., GRE, GMAT, or SAT). |
December - May
(16-21 months) | Register for the TOEFL exam and other admissions tests. |
January
(20 months) | Select the schools to which you
will apply. Request application materials if you haven't already. |
March - June
(15-18 months) | Take the TOEFL and other admissions tests. You must take
the tests before November, or you will miss the deadlines at most
universities. Taking the tests now gives you a chance to improve your
scores by taking them again in October. |
May
(16 months) | Identify the
teachers you will ask for letters of recommendation. |
July
(14 months) | Read the
college applications and backtrack the deadlines to allow yourself
enough time to complete them. Remember to allow for delays in the
mail. Narrow your list of schools to 10. |
August
(13 months) | Write a
draft of your application essays and statement of purpose. Get
comments on it from friends and an English teacher. |
September
(12 months) | If you
want to try improving your scores on the TOEFL and other exams,
register for a second set of tests. |
September
(12 months) | Ask
your teachers to write letters of recommendation for you. Given them
the necessary forms and a stamped, addressed envelope. |
October
(11 months) | Complete
your essays and application forms, including the financial aid
application forms. Mail them airmail. Ask your schools to send certified copies of your
academic transcripts. |
October
(11 months) | Take the
TOEFL and other exams again, if necessary. |
November
(10 months) | Check
with your teachers and the school to make sure your recommendations
and transcripts have been mailed. |
December
(9 months) | Respond
promptly to any requests for additional information. |
April-May
(4-5 months) | You
will start hearing from colleges. Contact the admissions office if you
do not receive anything from them.
Accept one school's offer, and
notify them and the others of your choice. Ask the school to send you
the I-20 or IAP-64 form. Make permanent housing
arrangements if you will be staying on-campus, temporary housing
arrangements if you will be living off-campus.
Apply for a passport if you
do not already have one. |
June
(3 months) | Apply for a
visa. Attend pre-departure orientation programs in your country. Make
travel arrangements. Plan to arrive at least 15 days prior to
orientation (2 months if you have to take an English course). |
July-August
(1-2 months) | Have a nice trip! |
