May 25, 2003 12:07 AM
4827 Views
(Updated May 25, 2003 12:10 AM)
Since the last decade, going abroad for higher studies has become something common. Most of the Indian students want to go abroad for further studies for 2 reasons : For the educational quality and for the bright chance of securing a job and settling there.
Following the September 11 attacks, the 2nd option doesn't seem too viable. But this has not stopped Indians from going there for studies. Last year, in the international students who went to American for further studies, the number of Indians were the 2nd highest. US education no doubt expensive, is actually worth it. Everything there is merit based. No OBC, SC, ST seats. No minority. Everyone is granted admissions according to their academic qualification. For going to states, the planning must begin a year in advance
The first few steps include :
1) Taking TOEFL : Test of English as a foreign language is taken by those students whose native language is not English. TOEFL is taken everyday, but one has to register well in advance. The registration charges are 110US$. Registration for TOEFL can be done by filling up a booklet available at the USEFI or it can be done by phone on the no. 91 11 6511649 (Delhi). For registration on phone, one needs to have an international credit card
2) Taking SAT I and SAT II : Scholastic Aptitude Test I is taken by all undergraduate who wants to apply to universities in USA. It tests the verbal and mathematical abilities of the applicant. Registration for SAT I can be done by filling up a booklet available at USEFI or can be done online from the website https://collegeboard.com. SAT II is required by very few universities. SAT II can be given for 3 subjects depending on your intended major. Registration is the same as SAT I. The cost of application for SAT I is 58$
Graduation students have to take GRE or GMAT.
3)Selecting Universities : Once the tests are taken, you have to start looking out for the universities that suit you the best. The factors include your academic qualification, your weather preference, your budget, relatives living closeby and the university ranks and whether it offers financial aid incase you can't spend a lot. One should select 8 universities on an average. 2 Universities whose academic requirements are very high (the top universities), 2 universities which are exactly proper according to your academic performance, 2 back up universities and 2 university close to you relatives residing there, in case you have any.
4) Documents : On choosing the universities, you have to gather all the documents required to apply to these universities. Generally following documents are required.
(i) Transcripts : These are the marks of the years while you were in your home country. You don't have to send the originals. You have to xerox the marksheets and get them attested from the school/college. These attested photocopies have to be enclosed in an envelope which has to be sealed by your school/college which have attested it. For undergraduate students 10th, 11th and 12th marksheets are required. While for postgraduate students, their marksheets till the graduation are required. Schools don't generally provide transcripts. Transcripts are not the same as marksheets. They are a little different because transcripts contain your grades while marksheets don't. Universities accept the marsheets for your school years but they will require a transcript for the years in the college.
(ii) SAT/GRE and TOEFL scoresheets : Each university has a distinct code for these tests. You have to arrange to send the score sheets directly from the testing center. The information is provided when you register for these tests. No university accepts the xerox of these score sheets sent by you.
(iii) Letter of recommendation : These are the letters of student appraisal by the teacher. One has to ask the teachers of their recent institutions to write one for them. These letters are written by the teachers explaining the university why they should admit you. One should collect 2-3 letters of this kind. These letters have to be enclosed in an envelope and sealed by the institution to which the teacher belongs
(iv) Statement of Purpose : This is an essay of 400-500 words explaining written by the applicant explaining the authorities as to why they should admit him to the institution. One has to write about their goals and the eagerness of blending into a new culture.
(v) Bank Letter : One has to go to the bank and ask them for a bank letter which will show that the student has enough fund for his education. American universities do not accept certificates from co-operative banks. The minimum amount to be shown is $22000
(vi)Photocopies of your passport
5) Applying : After the above documents are ready, one needs to go to the websites of the selected universities. They have their application forms of 3 kinds : They can either be filled online and all the supported documentation can then be posted to them along with a cover letter, They have their application files in pdf format which can be downloaded and printed, One has to fill these forms in ink and post it to the universities along with the supported documentation. They have an application request, in which you have to give them your address and they send the application form by post..you have to fill in this form and send it to them with the documentation. Along with the documentation, each universities have some application fees which range from 30$-70$. They also have to be sent.
After this application procedure, the university replies within 1-2 months if they have accepted or rejected you after which you can make your choice and then proceed for obtaining your visa.
I guess this is all that is needed for application to american university (atleast for undergraduate student). I hope it has helped you all.
