Study Abroad In The United States Admission Requirements And Timeline

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Have you always dreamed of studying at one of the many amazing colleges or universities in the United States? Do you understand what it will take to get accepted at an American school, including the application requirements and the admissions timeline you should follow? If not, you are in luck. In this article we will explain the various application requirements for international students wishing to apply to, and further their studies at a US institution, and provide you with an approximate timeline you should follow to ensure you meet all of the important admission deadlines.

Study Abroad in the United States: Application Requirements

Studying abroad in the United States can be the opportunity of a lifetime, but in order to be accepted into one of these fantastic schools you will need to meet certain application requirements and deadlines. First, you will need to contact the college or university you plan to attend and request an international student application from the admissions office. This application, which you ...
... will ultimately send 10 months prior to the upcoming school year (schools in the US typically begin in August or September), will need to include certain documents and information, including:

• Transcripts. Transcripts of any college-level coursework completed in your home country or internationally must be included with the application.
• Essays. Many universities will require one or more essays. These are used to measure your writing competence as well as to gain information on why you’d like to study in the United States.
• Recommendations. Recommendations are a very important part of the application and admission process. Typically the university will ask for two or more written recommendations from people with direct knowledge of your aptitude, ability, effort and character. These recommendations should come from people in a position of authority (professors, employers, clergy, etc.), and not from friends and/or family.
• TOEFL Scores. Proof of a passing grade on the TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is usually required by most universities. This test, for which you can find information and study resources at your home university, should be taken and passed several months prior to submitting your application.
• Other Standardized Tests. Depending on the degree program for which you’re applying, you may be asked to take one or more standardized tests to check for competency.

Note: If you are a disabled student who will require specialized services and support, check with the admissions office of the school to which you are applying for any additional information that may be required with your application.

Study Abroad in the United States: Admissions Timeline

The process of applying to a United States college or university should begin approximately 18 months before classes are set to begin. Below is an approximate timeline listing the tasks that will need to be completed and by when:

• 18 Months. Begin the search for a college or University and register for any required entrance exams, such as the TOEFL.
• 12-14 Months. Obtain application form(s) for the school(s) to which you plan to apply.
• 10-12 Months. Obtain recommendation letters, request transcripts, and write your entrance essays.
• 10 Months. Complete and mail application(s).

If you are accepted by the school of your choice you will typically be notified in April or May—and if you are, congratulations. Now you can take steps to obtain a student visa (required for international students), and begin making the necessary arrangements for your departure, including travel arrangements and student housing.

About The Author:
This article is written by Daren Kyle, A staff of spainexchange.com where you can find international students, Studying abroad, a href="http://www.spainexchange.com/student-housing/">student housing and many more study abroad programs. For details, visit http://spainexchange.com/