| So you have taken the standardized tests. You have | | | | Most US universities now conduct fairs and seminars |
| got the recommendation letters. You have even | | | | in many countries as part of their worldwide admission |
| written the essay. Now is the time to send in your | | | | process. If your country happens to host some of |
| application. Before you take that crucial first step, go | | | | these, make sure you attend them. By attending these |
| through this checklist to make sure that everything is in | | | | fairs you will be able to learn more about your options. |
| place. | | | | You will also get a chance to meet others who are |
| Official transcript of scores | | | | applying to the same university. It is also a good idea to |
| All US University programs require you to submit an | | | | go visit the university of your choice. Most students |
| official transcript of your scores. You need to obtain | | | | can't afford this. But if you can don't waste the |
| this from the college or school you last attended. Make | | | | opportunity. |
| a request well in advance. Most colleges will ask you | | | | Don't apply to just one university |
| to fill in a request form and hand over your mark | | | | This is very important. It is not always easy to get |
| sheets. They will then crosscheck with their records | | | | admission to the most sought after University/college. |
| before handing out an official transcript. | | | | So to be on the safe side, you need to send in your |
| Resume | | | | application to at least five schools. Other than your |
| Most programs will ask you to submit your most | | | | dream school, this should include one or two |
| recent curriculum vitae or resume. Don't send in an | | | | 'next-to-best' schools and at least one school where |
| existing copy you have before reading the instructions | | | | you will definitely secure an admission. |
| on the application form. Some universities may suggest | | | | Retake the standardized tests |
| a one or two page limit. What you need to do is to fit | | | | Don't panic if you don't do well in the standardized |
| in all the relevant details and still meet the page limit. | | | | tests. You can always retake them and attempt to |
| Don't forget the application deadlines | | | | perform better. For this reason, you shall not wait until |
| If you are applying to several universities, chances are | | | | the last minute to take your first test. |
| you will mix up deadlines. Make a chart citing the name | | | | Extracurricular activities |
| of the university and the last date for sending in the | | | | Set aside some time for extracurricular activities. They |
| application form. Start working on the one that has to | | | | look good on your resume. They also make you a |
| be sent out first. Earlier students used to send off the | | | | better well rounded person. |
| entire application in one envelope. Now that the | | | | Start the application process early |
| admission process has moved online, you submit some | | | | Start the application process at least twelve months in |
| documents online and send some by mail. Follow the | | | | advance. If you start early you will be able to send in |
| instructions carefully. If your admission essay is to be | | | | your application for round one of the admissions |
| submitted online, it shouldn't be sent by mail. | | | | process. Be sure to contact the graduate department |
| Application fee | | | | to introduce yourself. Check the status of your |
| Most universities require you to pay an application fee | | | | application online to make sure that your file is |
| when submitting your application. You can pay your | | | | complete. Before you send in your application make |
| application fee by credit card. In case you are not | | | | sure that the university offers programs that suit your |
| paying by credit card, make sure you clearly specify | | | | needs. After sending the application be patient - it |
| which other mode of payment you prefer. | | | | takes time to process the application. |
| Attend admission fairs and seminars | | | | |