List of Universities for Study in USA

U.S. Education Application

Undergraduate

1

Make a Choice

  • Research the options
  • What university or college best suits you
  • Give yourself adequate time to make your application, which should be made 6-12 months in advance
  • Prepare for the standardized tests as per the requirement
2

Make an Application

Submit the completed application 6-12 months prior to commencing your course
Get the documents ready that are needed for the application:

  • Online forms for admissions as well as financial aid
  • Official transcripts of your academic performance
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Take the necessary Standardized Tests and send the scores to the university
  • Confirm the receipt of your documentations and application with the university
3

Responses from the university

  • A university/college takes anything between 6-8 on an average months to respond with acceptance or rejection
  • Decide which institution you want to study at. Send the confirmation to the University your Choice and the decline to others.
  • The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives you the opportunity to save up to an academic year of study by earning college or university credit for work you have already done—thus saving time and money!
    Colleges and universities in the United States have varying CLEP policies, so be sure to find out if the requirement of the institutions..
  • Complete the required forms of acceptance
  • Organize and send the financial documents with evidence confirming you can fund your education.
  • The admissions officer can then prepare your immigration form
4

Financial Aid

  • Applications for financial aid go together with applications for admission. So plan your finances well in advance. It is important to know your funds and what you require to get the financial aid.
  • Know the cost of your education. Include the tuition, fees and living expenses to know your actual cost.
  • The cost will vary as per the college/university, program and the location
  • Know your own funds from family and self. The need-based financial aid is the difference of the funds you can raise and the actual cost that you will incur.
  • You could accelerate your education by earning extra credits and waive off up to one year on your education thereby saving on the cost.
  • Academic excellence in some colleges/universities earn you partial tuition waiver
5

Apply for Visa

  • The visa should be applied as far in advance as possible from your date of departure
  • You will receive an admission letter and a certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status from U.S. institution before you begin the visa application.
  • Make an interview appointment only after you have received the visa application from the U.S. institution
6

Make travel arrangements

  • Confirm your accommodations
  • Make arrangement for the housing and medical insurance. Complete the necessary papers
  • Make travel arrangements and contact the university and give them the details of your arrival.
  • Before travels make sure you are aware of the immigration requirements and have all the documents in accordance.

TIMELINE FOR ADMISSIONS

Throughout high school (freshman - senior year)

  • Take college-prep courses — Take challenging courses in high school focusing on the core academics: English, math, science, history, and world languages.
  • Focus on your grades — Your high school transcript is one of the most important parts of your college application. Good grades will help you reach your destination college.
  • Explore and commit to extracurricular and leadership activities — try several different extracurricular activities to see which ones are most interesting to you. Once you decide what you like, dedicate more time to fewer activities in order to become deeply involved.
  • Find summer volunteer opportunities/jobs/internships — Utilise the summer to explore different career fields. Volunteering and getting hands-on experience is the best way of finding out.
  • Meet regularly with your guidance counselor — Discuss your plans for high school, college, and career to gain insight into what to expect and how to prepare
  • Outline your financial plan : Planning will not only ascertain the required funds but also help you identify the means to arrange them.
  • Search and apply for non-traditional scholarships (those available before you are a senior in high school) — Though most scholarships are available only for seniors applying to college, there are some scholarships available regardless of where you are in your high school career.

Junior year, fall (September to November)

  • Take the PSAT — Take the PSAT as a junior to practice for the SAT and qualify for the National Merit Scholarship program.
  • Prepare for the SAT and/or ACT — Begin preparing for the SAT and/or ACT at the start of junior year, and plan to take each test twice. Most students do better on the second attempt , so keep room for that option.
  • Learn more about colleges — Use online search tools, attend college fairs, speak with college reps, and ask friends already in college for their thoughts on different colleges to begin formulating an opinion of where you want to go. Continue this process throughout junior and senior year.
  • Make a visit to college campuses — If possible, .

Junior year, winter (December to February)

  • Take the SAT and/or ACT — Take the SAT and/or ACT for the first time in the winter of junior year. Most students do better their second time, so plan to test again the spring of junior year or fall of senior year. If you are worried about the cost of the test, ask your guidance counselor for a fee waiver!
  • Take SAT Subject Tests for courses ending in the fall — SAT Subject Tests, which are required for some colleges, are best taken immediately after you’ve taken the relevant class and while the material is still fresh.
  • Make a list of target colleges — Identify 10 to 15 colleges of interest with the goal of having several schools at varying levels of selectivity: some “safety,” some “match,” and some “reach” options. Continue updating this list throughout junior year and at the beginning of senior year.
  • If possible, set up appointments at your top target colleges — Call ahead to admissions offices of colleges you want to visit. Note that certain colleges offer “fly-in” programs to cover cost of travel for students with financial need. Continue setting up appointments throughout junior and senior year, but don’t worry if it’s not possible for you to visit your target colleges.
  • Search for traditional scholarships — Once you are midway through your junior year, it’s time to begin searching for more traditional scholarships that are specifically made available to students in their senior year of high school. Continue searching throughout junior and senior year.

Junior year, spring (March to May)

  • Take the SAT and/or ACT — If you feel like you can improve on your initial winter SAT and/or ACT results, take the SAT and/or ACT for the second time in the spring of junior year.
  • Take SAT Subject Tests for courses ending in the spring — SAT Subject Tests, which are required for some colleges, are best taken immediately after you’ve taken the relevant class and while the material is still fresh.
  • Take AP Exams — AP Exams, which provide an opportunity to earn college credit, are offered each year in May.

Junior year, summer (June to August)

  • If possible, visit target colleges — If possible, travel to top target colleges the summer after junior year to visit dorms, classes, and recreation centers. Check individual college websites for details on info sessions, tour times, and interview opportunities.
  • Determine the application deadlines for each of your target schools — Early decision and early action applications are typically due in November of your senior year, while most regular admissions applications are due between January 1 and March 1.
  • Begin preparing for your interview — Research the colleges where you plan to apply, identify those that may offer optional interviews, and begin practicing for the interviews with an available teacher or friend.
  • <strong>Begin drafting college application essays — Senior year is very busy, so the summer after junior year is a great time to begin college application essays.
  • Identify potential teachers to provide recommendation letters — During the summer after junior year, begin identifying potential recommenders. These should be teachers from your core classes (math, science, history, English, or world languages) who know you best.
  • Prepare materials for your teachers’ letters of recommendation — Prepare a few bullet points for your teachers, explaining why you chose them as recommenders and how you believe you excelled academically in their classes.
  • Outline your financial aid plan — Use the financial aid calculators found on individual college websites, also known as net price calculators, to determine how much your family will need to contribute for your college education. Create a list of all the financial aid options you plan to pursue along with the deadlines for each.
  • Apply for traditional scholarships — Many seniors apply to more than 30 scholarships. Don’t shy away from local options or ones that require essays. Since fewer students apply for these, you often have a better chance. Begin applying between junior and senior year and continue throughout the school year.

Senior year, fall (September to November)

  • Take the SAT and/or ACT — If you feel like you can improve on your initial SAT and/or ACT results, take the tests for the second (or at most, third) time in the fall of senior year. If you are worried about the cost of the test, ask your guidance counselor for a fee waiver!
  • Revise college application essays — Once senior year begins, ask a teacher to proofread your application essays and then make any revisions and prepare final drafts before college applications are due.
  • Ask for letters of recommendation — At least a month prior to the deadline, provide your recommenders with bullet points listing how you excelled academically in their classes along with the letter of recommendation forms and stamped envelopes addressed to the colleges where you are applying.
  • Gather all application materials — Make sure you, or your guidance counselor, have the necessary materials for college admissions including forms, test scores, essays, recommendations, and transcripts. If you are worried about the cost of the application, ask your guidance counselor or college of interest for a fee waiver!
  • Submit early decision application, if desired — Early decision applications, usually due in November, require a binding commitment in exchange for early acceptance.
  • Submit early action applications — For early action schools, you receive a decision early but can wait for the regular decision deposit deadline to make your final choice.
  • Submit CSS PROFILE if applying early — Though the FAFSA cannot be submitted until after October 1, certain schools require the CSS PROFILE in the fall if you plan to go through their early application process.
  • Ensure official SAT and/or ACT score reports are sent to early application schools — In addition to your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other requested materials, your early decision application will require you to go to the College Board (SAT) and ACT Student (ACT) websites to send colleges your official test score reports.
  • Go into early admissions interviews confident — Interviews for some early action/decision schools happen in the fall, but don’t stress out. You’ve done your research; now it’s just about having a conversation!

Senior year, winter (December to February)

  • Take SAT Subject Tests for courses ending in the fall — SAT Subject Tests, which are required for some colleges, are best taken immediately after you’ve taken the relevant class and while the material is still fresh.
  • Receive response on early applications — Most applications submitted through early programs will receive a decision by December. If you submit your financial aid forms on time, you should receive an estimated financial aid package as well.
  • Submit enrollment deposit for early decision school, if desired — If you’ve decided to apply early decision and the school’s financial aid package meets your need, enrollment deposits are often due in winter of your senior year. If you’re worried about the cost of the deposit, talk to the school about a fee-waiver.
  • Submit regular decision applications — Most colleges have regular decision due dates sometime between January 1 and March 1 of each year.
  • Ensure official SAT and ACT score reports are sent to regular decision schools – In addition to your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other requested materials, your regular decision application will require you to go to the College Board (SAT) and ACT Student (ACT) websites to send colleges your official test score reports.
  • Go into the regular decision interview confident — Interviews for some regular decision schools happen in the winter, but don’t stress out. You’ve done your research; now it’s just about having a conversation!
  • Fill out and submit the FAFSA — FAFSA, the main determinant of federal financial aid, can be submitted after October 1 of your senior year. Submit ASAP, as some schools give aid on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Fill out and submit the CSS PROFILE or other school – based aid forms—Certain schools require the CSS PROFILE in addition to FAFSA to determine financial aid. Submit ASAP, as schools often give aid on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Senior year, spring (March to May)

  • Update your FAFSA and CSS PROFILE applications — Revise your financial aid applications with data from your most recent year tax returns if this information was estimated on your initial FAFSA / CSS PROFILE.
  • Send tax transcript for verification, if requested — Certain colleges may require verification of your financial information. Follow up your financial aid applications by sending the requesting college copies of your or your parents’ tax transcripts.
  • Receive decision on regular applications — Regular decision applicants typically receive an accept/reject/wait-list response in March or April.
  • Compare financial aid packages from multiple schools — Once you are accepted, colleges will offer a financial aid package consisting of grants along with suggested loans and work-study.
  • Consider work – study—Many students consider work-study options offered by their college if they cannot fully cover the cost of attendance through grants and scholarships. You can indicate your interest for work-study on the FAFSA and by contacting your college’s financial aid office.
  • Consider loans — Many students consider loans for college if they cannot fully cover the cost of attendance through grants, scholarships, and work-study. The best deals are often from subsidized federal loans, specifically Stafford loans (now often called Direct Loans) and Perkins loans.
  • Consider a financial aid appeal — If your family’s circumstance has changed, or if a college’s financial aid package does not meet your need, reach out to the financial aid office ASAP to appeal the offer.
  • Submit your enrollment deposit — The final date to submit a deposit and lock in your place for regular decision applications is typically May 1. If you’re worried about the cost of the deposit, talk to the school about a fee-waiver.
  • Take AP Exams — AP Exams, which provide an opportunity to earn college credit, are offered each year in May.

Senior year, summer (June to August)

  • Complete ongoing enrollment paperwork for your college — Once you’ve decided on a college, you will receive updates regarding orientation, scheduling, housing, etc. Complete all paperwork by the necessary deadlines.
  • Conduct work – study job search—Coordinate with the financial aid office to identify work-study options. Finalize your job search the summer before college begins or in the fall of your college freshman year.

COLLEGE APPLICATION : HOW TO BEGIN

Get Informed:
Colleges want to know the real you. When you apply to colleges, you don’t have to try to make yourself look better by listing the kinds of accomplishments or writing the kind of essay you think they want to see. If you’re honest about who you are and what you’ve done, you’re more likely to end up at a college that’s a good fit for you.

Talk to People:
Tell your family, your school counselor, your teachers and anyone else you’re close to that you’re applying to colleges. Talking about what you want for the future — and the ways college will help you get there — is a great warm-up for college applications.

Brainstorm
Most applications ask you to describe what you’ve done in and out of the classroom. Start thinking about your activities, honors and awards, and make a list of those that mean the most to you. You can also write down some notes on your favorite classes and the reasons you like them.

Get Organized

If you can keep track of everything you need, you’ll be ahead of the game. For each college you’re applying to:

  • Create a real and a virtual folder for storing documents.
  • Print a checklist to track your progress on each part of the application.
  • A copy of your high school transcript
  • Your score report from a college admission test

Components of College Application

The pieces of your college application add up to give admission officers an idea of who you are. Check with the college all the components it requires and make sure you collect them all

  • Application Forms
    To fill in all the blanks on the application form itself, you require some documents which will have your personal information as well as one that reflects your school records.
  • Application Fees
    College application fees vary, but generally it costs from $35 to $50 to apply to each college. Fees are non-refundable.
  • Your High School Transcript
    The record of the classes you’ve taken and your grades is one of the most important parts of your application. Your high school should send your transcript, along with a school profile, directly to the colleges you are applying to.
  • Admission Test Scores
    Some colleges require or recommend that you send scores from tests such as the SAT or ACT, SAT Subjects, AP. Colleges accept scores only from the testing organizations themselves.
  • Letters of Recommendation
    Many colleges require letters of recommendation from teachers or other adults who know you well. Ask your references well in advance of the deadlines to write you a recommendation you.
  • Essays
    Your essays are a chance for you to give admission officers a better idea of your character and strengths. Remember to proofread your essays carefully before you send them in.
  • Auditions and Portfolios
    If you’re applying to music, art or theatre programs, the colleges may want to see samples of your work. This means you may need to audition or send portfolios or videos showing your artistic ability as part of your application.
  • Interviews
    It’s a good idea to ask for an interview, even if it’s not required. It shows you’re serious and gives you a chance to connect with someone in the admission office.

COLLEGE APPLICATION CHECKLIST FOR US

There are multiple parts of a completed admissions application, and each college requires something slightly different. Included below is a comprehensive list of what could be required in an application, along with who will often be required to make the submission.

1

Submitted by you

The Application – Some colleges have their own unique application form. Others use the Common Application, which can save you substantial time by allowing you to apply to multiple schools through a single portal. Regardless of the format, colleges often ask for the following on the application form:

  • Personal Information – Input your name, email address, phone number, high school, college credits already earned, standardized test scores, citizenship information, etc.
  • Extracurriculars – Explain what you’ve done outside of class, and how much time you devoted to it. In addition to traditional extracurricular activities, remember to include part-time jobs or other obligations like taking care of siblings.
  • Summer Activities – Explain summer jobs, internships, or other enrichment opportunities.
  • Essays – Submit the essays that you’ve written.
  • Honors – List any honors you’ve received along with the context. How many students competed for the honor? How many students received it? Why is it important?
  • Disciplinary Infractions – Detail information on any suspensions or expulsions.
  • Application fee – Pay for your application to officially submit it .
2

Standardized Test Scores – In addition to listing your SAT and/or ACT scores on your college application, you will be required to submit official score reports. These must come sent directly from the College Board (SAT) or the ACT to the college. You can select colleges to receive your scores while you are registering to take the tests, or you can do it later when you get your scores back. Many colleges also ask that you submit results for AP or SAT Subject tests that you’ve taken.

3

Submitted by your guidance counselor

Official High School Transcript – The official transcript lists each of the classes you have taken during your time in high school, along with the grades and credits that you have earned. The transcript is usually sent directly from your high school to colleges by your guidance counsellor

4

Mid-Year and Final-Year Grade Reports – The initial transcript that you submit with your college application only includes grades through your junior year. Colleges want to make sure that your trajectory in high school continues and that you finish strong, so they typically ask for an update on your grades from your guidance counselor after the first half of your senior year and again once you finish senior year.

5

Submitted by your guidance counselor

Secondary School Report and/or Counselor Recommendation – The secondary school report allows your guidance counselor to place your academic experience in context. They will typically provide information on the number of advanced placement courses offered at your school, your academic strength in relation to your class, the number of students at your school who attend college, etc. The counselor will also have a chance to provide information about other special circumstances you may have faced in high school and how you add to the academic and social community.

6

Submitted by your teachers

Teacher Recommendation – The teacher recommendation is meant to give colleges insight into how you perform academically within the classroom.

Personal Statement/Essays

Ensure that the essay that you write is a reflection of you. It should tell the university as much as it can in the given words. It should be able to convince the university that you will not only complete the course but will do it with complete honesty and dedication. Keep in mind the following points to include when you write:

Qualities that you should emphasize on:

Commitment

Make sure you include incidences or any interest or your education achievements that can show your commitment

Progression

Include something that shows that you have moved and progressed further. It could be a musical instrument, a hobby that you have pursued for sometime and have achieved a certain standard as desired. It should show that you have pursued something with complete commitment.

Leadership

The university is looking for both these qualities coupled with the most important quality- Leadership. It could be said with an example that you have faced a challenge, personal or even academic and how you overcame that and learnt from that. It should reflect your leadership quality and a quality that says that you know how to face circumstances and triumph.
These qualities are the most important factors that the university is looking for to set you apart from the rest of the students who are competing for the same place.


Truthful

If there is any reason that you have had a bad year or bad grades or any other challenges that you have faced, write about it so that the admission officer can understand that and take into account. But don’t write Hard-luck accounts that you could not overcome.

Benefit/ Asset for the university

Convince the university that you would be an asset to the university. Give example or the details of your quality or achievements by virtue of which you can prove to be an asset fro the university and which becomes one reason why they should chose you.

Avoid the following:

Writing an autobiography

It is a document to establish your strengths and qualities not a historical documentation of your life. Do not write things like I was born in.., my parents are…

Don’t be college/university specific:

You are going to use the essay for more than one university. The university does not need to know their own qualities, they are aware of it, they want to know you and your qualities.

Humor and Quotes:

These reflects someone else’s personalities not yours, avoid it unless you are very sure.

Repetitiveness

Give the required information but do not emphasize and be too repetitive

Grammar and spelling mistakes

Mistakes like that makes your application look like it has been written in a hurry and not given adequate attention. It reflects badly on your personality and on your commitment. Always proofread and double-check your statement.

Structure the Essay

Introduction

Use the introduction to set the tone of the essay and to introduce your ideas. It is important to engage the reader right here

Body

Expand on the ideas that you have presented and give evidences to reiterate the facts and information that you have shared about yourself and/or incidences that go on to emphasize your qualities and abilities.

Conclusion

The conclusion should be strong and be able to wrap up your ideas efficiently.

SAT SUBJECT TESTS

SAT Subject Tests are college admission exams on specific subjects. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your strengths and interests.
There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science
Each Subject Test is an hour long. They are all multiple-choice and scored on a 200–800 scale.
Subject Tests test you on your knowledge of subjects on a high school level. The best way to prepare is to take the relevant courses and work hard in them.

WHY TAKE THE SUBJECT TESTS?

Colleges May Require Subject Tests

Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests

Stand Out in College Admissions

Even colleges that don’t require Subject Tests may accept them and use them in admission to get a more complete picture of applicants.

Show Colleges Your Interests

You can show how ready you are to tackle the work.

Fulfil Requirements or Get Credit

Some colleges use Subject Tests to place students into the appropriate courses. Depending on your test scores, you might be able to fulfil basic requirements or get credit for introductory-level courses.

Play to Your Strengths

Some types of students can especially benefit from taking SAT Subject Tests.
ESL students: If English is not your best language, SAT Subject Tests may be even more important for you. They let you show your abilities in subject areas that don’t depend so much on your mastery of English, such as math and science — and, of course, other languages.
International students: You can use Subject Tests to show your academic strength in math, science, or other languages. Also, many international colleges use Subject Tests to make decisions about admission or placement, so taking the tests gives you more opportunities
Home-schooled students: Some colleges require or recommend SAT Subject Tests for home-schooled applicants to get a better idea of their college readiness.

When to take the test?

In general, you should take SAT Subject Tests right after you’ve completed the recommended classes, because the material will still be fresh in your mind. In some cases, this may mean spring of your freshman or sophomore year. For the language tests, however, it’s best to take these tests after you’ve studied the language for at least two years.
If you’re thinking of applying early decision or early action to any college, note that many colleges advise that you take the SAT Subject Tests by October or November of your senior year. For regular decision applications, some colleges will accept SAT Subject Test scores through the January administration. Check with the college you’re interested in to find out its deadlines.

SAT Suite of Assessments

The redesigned SAT Suite of Assessments is an integrated system made up of these tests:

  • SAT
  • PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10
  • PSAT 8/9

SAT

SAT tests the students on the following aspects:

Reading Test

It asks the students to interpret, synthesize, and use evidence found in a wide range of sources. For every passage or pair of, at least one question will ask students to identify which part of the text best supports the answer to the previous question.

2. Writing and Language Test

It asks students to do things like analyze a series of sentences or paragraphs and decide if it makes sense. Other questions ask students to interpret graphics and to edit a part of the accompanying passage so that it clearly and accurately communicates the information in the graphics.

SAT Essay Test

After reading a passage, students will be asked to determine how the author builds an argument to persuade an audience through the use of evidence, reasoning, and/or stylistic and persuasive devices

Maths Test

The Math Test focuses in-depth on three essential areas of math: Problem Solving and Data Analysis, Heart of Algebra, and Passport to Advanced Math.
Problem Solving and Data Analysis is about being quantitatively literate. It includes using ratios, percentages, and proportional reasoning to solve problems in science, social science, and career contexts.
Heart of Algebra focuses on the mastery of linear equations and systems, which help students, develop key powers of abstraction.

SAT TEST DATES 2017-18

2017-18 International SAT Administration Dates and Deadlines

WP Table Builder

PSAT

The PSAT/NMSQT and PSAT 10 are highly relevant to your future success because they focus on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. They’ll measure:

  • What you learn in high school
  • What you need to succeed in college

The best way to prepare for the test is to:

  • The best way to prepare for the test is to:
  • Do your homework
  • Prepare for tests and quizzes
  • Ask and answer lots of questions

In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.

PSAT tests you on the following aspects:

Reading Test

When you take the Reading Test, you’ll read passages and interpret informational graphics. Then you’ll use what you’ve read to answer questions.
Some questions ask you to locate a piece of information or an idea stated directly. But you’ll also need to understand what the author’s words imply. In other words, you have to read between the lines.

Writing and Language Test

To answer some questions, you’ll need to look closely at a single sentence. Others require reading the entire piece and interpreting a graphic. For instance, you might be asked to choose a sentence that corrects a misinterpretation of a scientific chart or that better explains the importance of the data.
The passages you improve will range from arguments to nonfiction narratives and will be about careers, history, social studies, the humanities, and science.

Math Test

The Math Test will focus in depth on the three areas of math that play the biggest role in a wide range of college majors and careers:

  • Heart of Algebra
  • Problem Solving and Data Analysis
  • Passport to Advanced Math
  • Additional Topics in Math.

Standardized Tests for U.S.A

There are thousands of universities in the world that welcome applications from international students. The applications are judged on various aspects and content. The Standardised Tests is one of the major components of your application that helps the Admission Officer decide.

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

The AP program offers university-level courses and exams where you can earn college credit or placement while still in secondary school. It’s recognized by most colleges and universities in the U.S. and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Institutions in the U.S. give credit and/or placement for qualifying AP Exam scores of 3, 4, or 5. This could allow you to skip some first-year university courses.
More than 1,000 schools in 116 countries outside the United States participate in the AP Program. If you are a student in India or China, there are some key distinctions in how AP is offered in your country.
Check the official website or collegeboard to know more.

Taking the SAT

PSAT-related Assessments

The best practice for the SAT is the PSAT 8/9, PSAT/NMSQT®, and PSAT 10. These tests measure the same skills and knowledge as the SAT.

English proficiency Assessments

Most colleges and universities require proof of English language proficiency if your first language is not English and if your education was not in English. This proof can be provided by taking an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS)tests

VISA PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT VISA TO USA

VISA REQUIRED: F-1 or M-1

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.

Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School

Before you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP approved school.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a part of the National Security Investigations Division and acts as a bridge for government organizations that have an interest in information on non-immigrants whose primary reason for coming to the United States is to be students.
On behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), SEVP manages schools, non-immigrant students in the F and M visa classifications and their dependents

When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

FORM I-20

The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

How to Apply

1

Complete the Online Visa Application – FORM DS-160

Online Non-immigrant Visa Application

  • Complete the online visa application
  • Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Photo

  • Upload your photo must be in the format as per the Photograph Requirements valid for the US Visa compliance details.
2

2. Schedule an Interview

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.

3

Fees

Pay the non refundable application fee. The fee may vary as per your country of residence. Kindly check the official website for the fees

4

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

  • Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States
  • Non-immigrant Visa Application Form DS-160 confirmation page
  • Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
  • Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
  • Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students
  • Form I-20 – Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20.
  • Academic Transcripts – diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
  • Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
  • Financial Documents to validate how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.
  • Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study

Attend Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Prepare for Your Interview

  • Ties to your home country: you must successfully establish that you have reasons to return to your home country are stronger than the reasons to live in United States.
  • English Language: the interview in conducted in English to ascertain your grasp on the language.
  • The Program: Convince the consular officer that you are indeed planning to study and not immigrate to USA. You should be able to explain how the program you intend to study fits into your future plans.
  • Employment: Your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, not for the chance to work before or after graduation. While many students do work off-campus during their studies, such employment is incidental to their main purpose of completing their US education.
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