7 Steps to Apply for US Universities from India—Don’t Miss #5!

Okay, there it is, you want to study in the U.S. that is great! It is a bit daunting at the start, I can testify, I used to be like that. The designs, the exams, the due dates, all of it seems like too much. But don’t stress. It’s totally doable. I have come to simplify it to you by giving you 7 easy steps that will see you think about studying in the U.S. and actually do so.

And listen, step #5 — don’t skip it. The one that will make you stand out.

1. Start by Researching Your Universities

The most important thing is that you have to find out where you are going. Sounds obvious, right? However, so many options are available, and one can get easily confused. Breath deeply, and consider the following:

• What do you want to study? Identify universities which offer good programs in your field of interest.
• Location: Do you want to be in a large city or in a smaller town? Do you care about the weather? I say, then you want sunshine or snow? The ambience of the place does count and that should be remembered.
• Price: This is the sizeable one. U.S. universities are costly. Do not forget to take into consideration tuition as well as living expenses (some cities are extremely expensive).

Use a list of schools that have what you want and then you can select the ones you want. Do not just concentrate on rankings. It is all about seeking the spot that suits their needs and way of life.

2. Look at What the Universities are asking.

Ok, now that you have your list the next thing is to determine what each university wants out of you. Certain schools are rather direct, whereas others can be slightly more critical. The fundaments, however, are more or less alike:

• Test scores: There are schools that require SAT, GRE or GMA. You will need to look at what ones you need to include in your program. Other schools are going test-optional, so it is not the case that you are under obligation to take one.
• TOEFL or IELTS: In case you are an Indian, you will have to demonstrate your command of the English language. TOEFL or IELTS will be required in most universities.
• Transcripts: You shall require your official academic records. Ensure that they are current and are willing to be dispatched.
• Recommendation letters: You will require up to 2-3 letters of recommendation in a teacher or employer. Ask them sooner rather than later, professors are in a hurry!

Each school is different in its own way, thus, scrutinize their demands. It is always best to check twice before you miss out on something important.

3. Plan Your Finances — You’ll Need to Budget

Let’s talk money. It is not cheap to study in the U.S., as such. However, there is no reason to panic but there are methods to make it work.

• Tuition fees: Tuition fees can either be affordable or unbelievably high depending on the school. You better know the amount of what you are looking at.
• Cost of living: That tuition is only one of your concerns. You will have to allow on rent, food, transport, insurance and other necessities. Certain cities are much more costly than others, be it considered.
• Scholarships: U.S. universities have a lot of merit scholarships to international students. Existing external scholarships such as the Fulbright-Nehru or Inlaks Scholarship also exist. Apply as soon as you can in order to have maximum chances.

The sooner you begin planning, the more easily you will be able to determine how to make all the expenses. It is best not to leave it at the minute.

4. Get Your Documents in Order

Ok, now it is time to prepare your documents. It is here that one can have a sense of it mounting up but provided you remain organized you will be okay.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Transcripts: Obtain your formal academic documents. In case they are in a different language, ensure that they are translated into English.
• Test scores: Do not have your official SAT, GRE, TOEFL (or any other test scores) sent out by another university. Have the testing agencies send them directly to the university.
• Essays and SOP: This is the section where you explain to the university the reason why you are passionate about your course and why their course is ideal to you. Get slow with your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
• Recommendation letters: Request early these to give your recommenders ample time to write them.
• Passport: Have your passport in order. Otherwise have it renewed before you begin applying.

5. Write Your Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Step #5 - this is when things become interesting. Your SOP is your opportunity to explain to the admissions staff who you are and not just your grades and test marks. This is your story.

This is where you have to come to reality. Do not merely talk of how wonderful your grades are or how you like the subject. Discuss what you want to study, what you are obsessed with, and why this particular university is the most appropriate place to study.

Tips for a good SOP:

• Be honest: Do not simply say to them what you think they expect to hear. Be yourself.
• Explain your passion: What makes you want to work in this area? What experience have you had that has influenced your choice?
• Be clear: Admissions officers do not have time to read long and complex essays. Get straight to the point and simplify it.

This is your moment to shine. Don’t rush it. You may take your time in making sure that it talks about you.

6. Submit Your Application — Don’t Forget the Fee!

You have made the hard work and it is time to put in your application! But now, if you please, breathe in and out, and look with everything:

Did you pay the application fee? In some schools, there are waivers of fees, and then in case you are unable to pay, inquire.

• Have you posted all your documentations?
• Do you have your recommendation letters?
• When it was good, press submit. It feels good, right? You can now take a moment and wait the results.

7. Get Your Visa and Start Planning the Move

And here we are, you see, you are accepted! Congrats! And now, it is time to apply to your student visa (F-1). And you will require an I-20 form, which you will receive in the university when you are accepted. Thereafter, book a visa appointment at the U.S embassy.

You will have to present evidence of finances, demonstrate your I-20 form, and other materials. After approval of your visa, then you can begin planning your trip. Book your flight, worked out where you are going to stay and get yourself ready to bid India goodbye.

Final Thoughts

The university application process in the United States may sound intimidating and overwhelming initially but once you break it down and subdivide it into these 7 steps it becomes a lot less intimidating. Be systematic, be patient and devote your SOP attention it warrants. You have an opportunity to shine. For additional support or specific inquiries, you can connect with experts in this area

Fortune to thee, and care not too much! You will soon find yourself in U.S studios and that is not the only thing you will be doing.

I enjoy sharing thoughts and experiences that can help others learn something new or look at things from a fresh perspective. Writing gives me a way to break down complex ideas into simple, useful insights that anyone can relate to.