The application season is on, December is just round the corner …and university deadlines are coming up soon. So, here is our much awaited blog for university application deadlines for fall 2017.
Our list covers 145 universities with deadlines ranging from December 2016 all the way up to August 2017. At the end is a section on universities with rolling deadlines (click here to find out what is meant by rolling deadlines).
Remember that US universities update deadlines on their websites at different times during the academic year so, we will update this blog to keep up with changes on their official websites. We have compiled a list of university deadlines with utmost care, however, we request you to kindly cross check the dates displayed on official websites of the university.
Presenting the first in our round of deadline alerts.
Important Question: “Do you know which university you should apply to?”
A deadline is of use only if you know what university you should apply to. For those of you who are not too clear, here is how to decide:
1. Talk to seniors and decide which specialization you should apply for (examples: Networking, Data Bases etc. for Computer Engineers; Digital Signal Processing, VLSI etc. for Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers; MEMS, Robotics etc. for Mechanical Engineers)
2. To find out which universities or colleges offer the specialization you want, go to online.dilipoakacademy.com and look up your college or university in the University Information feature. All you have to do is select a university from the list of the top 220 provided (these have been selected by Mr. Dilip Oak) and you will get a list of departments and courses available. Click here to see. Registration is free and is open to all! (For more details on how to select a university see our ‘Selecting the Right American University for Your MS in the US’ blog)
3. To plan your application process, check the general deadlines given in this blog. This will give you an idea of how much time you have and how to go about applying.
Good luck and if your university is not in the list provided, keep looking for it. We will be updating this blog.
Universities with Deadlines in December
- Stanford University – 6 December
- University of California, Irvine – 15 December
- University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign – 15 December
- Temple University – 15 December (Computer Science)
- University of California, San Diego – 15 December (For most of the departments)
- University of California, Santa Barbara – 15 December (For most of the departments)
- University of Colorado, Boulder – 15 December (Computer Science)
- University of Colorado, Boulder – 1 December (Other Engineering Departments)
Universities with Deadlines in January
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rogue – 1 January (Priority)
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute – 1 January
- Indiana University, Bloomington – 1 January (Computer Science)
- Indiana University Purdue University – 2 January (Except Computer Science)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – 2 January
- University of California, Riverside – 5 January (with Aid)
- Kansas State University – 8 January
- Washington State University, Pullman – 10 January
- Vanderbilt University – 15 January
- University of Texas, Dallas – 15 January
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville – 15 January
- Texas Tech University – 15 January
- Tufts University – 15 January
- University of Alaska, Fairbanks – 15 January
- University of Central Florida – 15 January
- University of Cincinnati – 15 January
- Northeastern University, Boston – 15 January (priority, All engg departments except Computer Science)
- Lehigh University – 15 January (Most of the departments, with aid)
- University of Pittsburgh – 15 January (Computer Science)
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago – 31 January
Universities with Deadlines in February
- Case Western Reserve University – 1 February
- University of Tulsa – 1 February
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville – 1 February
- University of Florida, Gainesville – 1 February
- San Jose State University – 1 February (Computer Science, Online)
- Texas State University – 1 February (Priority, All departments Except Software Engg)
- Texas State University – 15 February (Software Engineering)
- Eastern Michigan University – 15 February
- Florida Atlantic University – 15 February
- Florida International University – 15 February
- New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology – 15 February
- Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn – 15 February
- South Dakota School of Mines & Tech – 15 February
- University of Montana – 15 February (Computer Science)
- University of Rochester – 15 February
- University of San Francisco – 15 February
Universities with Deadlines in March
- California State University, Chico – 1 March
- California State University, Sacramento – 1 March
- Central Michigan University – 1 March
- New Mexico State University, Las Cruces – 1 March
- North Carolina State University – 1 March
- University of Texas, El Paso – 1 March
- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater – 1 March (Most of the departments)
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln – 1 March
- University of Toledo – 1 March
- Tufts University – 1 March
- University of Maine, Orono – 1 March
- University of Pittsburgh – 1 March
- Indiana University Purdue University – 1 March
- George Washington University – 15 March
- Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn – 15 March
- South Dakota School of Mines & Tech – 15 March
- University of Colorado, Denver – 15 March
- University of Kentucky, Lexington – 15 March
- University of North Texas, Denton – 15 March
- Stevens Institute of Technology – 15 March
- University of Pennsylvania – 15 March
- California State University, Northridge – 31 March
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa – March
Universities with Deadlines in April
- Idaho State University – 1 April
- University of Arkansas, Little Rock – 1 April
- California State University, Fresno – 1 April
- Oregon State University, Corvallis – 1 April
- University of Houston, University Park – 1 April
- University of Michigan, Dearborn – 1 April
- University of Texas, San Antonio – 1 April
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City – 1 April
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University – 1 April
- West Virginia University, Morgantown – 1 April
- Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo – 1 April
- Wichita State University – 1 April
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville – 1 April
- University of Houston, Clear Lake – 1 April
- University of Oklahoma, Norman – 1 April
- University of Memphis – 1 April
- Villanova University – 1 April
- California State University, Los Angeles – 15 April
- Lamar University – 15 April
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk – 15 April
- South Dakota State University, Brookings – 15 April
- University of Georgia – 15 April
- University of Iowa, Iowa City – 15 April
Universities with Deadlines in May
- City University of New York, City College – 1 May
- Clarkson University – 1 May
- Illinois State University, Normal – 1 May
- Mississippi State University – 1 May
- Northern Illinois University, Dekalb – 1 May
- Oakland University, Rochester – 1 May
- University of Idaho, Moscow – 1 May
- University of Memphis– 1 May
- University of Michigan, Dearborn – 1 May
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas – 1 May
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque – 1 May
- Wayne State University – 1 May
- Western Illinois University – 1 May
- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks – 1 May (General)
- University of Texas, Dallas – 1 May (General)
- Boise State University – 15 May
- Southern Methodist University – 15 May
- University of Louisiana, Lafayette – 15 May
- University of Colorado, Denver – 15 May (Final)
- Louisiana State University, Baton Rogue – 15 May (Final)
- University of North Dakota, Grand Forks – 15 May (Computer Science)
- Montana State University, Bozeman – 15 May (Most of Engineering Departments)
- Wright State University, Dayton – 15 May (Early)
- Lawrence Technological University – 22 May
Universities with Deadlines in June
- Louisiana Tech University, Ruston – 1 June
- Monmouth University – 1 June
- California State University, Fresno – 1 June
- Kent State University – 1 June
- New York Institute of Technology – 1 June
- Syracuse University – 1 June
- Texas A & M University, Kingsville – 1 June
- Texas State University – 1 June (Final)
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville – 1 June
- University of Arkansas, Little Rock – 1 June
- University of California, Riverside – 1 June (without Aid)
- University of Detroit, Mercy – 1 June
- University of Illinois, Springfield – 1 June
- Florida Institute of Technology – 8 June
- Drexel University – 13 June
- Marist College, Poughkeepsie – 15 June
- California State University, Northridge – 15 June
- George Mason University, Fairfax – 15 June
- Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla – 15 June (Final)
- Tulane University – 15 June
Universities with Deadlines in July
- Florida State University – 1 July
- Lamar University – 1 July
- Minnesota State University, Mankato – 1 July
- Arkansas State University – 3 July
- Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville – 15 July
- University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport – 15 July
- University of South Alabama, Mobile – 15 July (Computer Science)
- University of South Alabama, Mobile – 1 July (Other Engineering Departments)
Universities with Deadlines in August
- State University of New York, Albany – 1 August (without Aid)
- Villanova University – 1 August (Computer Science)
- University of North Carolina, Charlotte – 15 August (Final)
Universities with Rolling Deadlines
- California State University, Long Beach
- Oklahoma City University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- State University of New York, Binghamton
No matter how well you have been preparing for your Graduate Record Examination over a period of time, as the GRE test day comes nearer there are bound to be some jitters and anxiety. Even the most confident of students are no exceptions to these exam day blues. Here are a few tips to calm those nerves and stay confident before and through the GRE test:
- Adequate Sleep
Slogging it out the night before the examination is very common. However it does not help you on the exam day. Studies say that a well-rested brain performs better than a fatigued one. So be prepared with all the study material well in advance and avoid burning the midnight oil
- Stay away from Caffeine
Caffeine is known to give a refreshing kick for a short time however it has counter effect in the long run. So stay away from black coffee and caffeinated drinks for a day before the examination.
- Relax and Unwind
“All work and no play, make Jack a dull boy”, we have heard this quite many times and it’s true too. Play your favourite music, talk to friends or meditate. Do what relaxes you the most (even doodling will do!!). Take short breaks during study time and relax.
- Exercise
A light walk or jog or practicing Yoga helps in a big way to calm your nerves. However don’t overdo any exercise as it will induce physical fatigue and later may transform into discomfort and pain.
- Eat Light
Eat many small meals instead of one big meal, as it will keep you from feeling drowsy and heavy. It will also improve your concentration and alertness during study and exam.
And all in all you are the best judge of what suits you. Do what you think is good for you. Wish you the best!
Data released by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicates a recent surge in the number of Indian students seeking to study in American universities. According their report, there has been a “31.9% increase in the number of Indian students studying in American universities since 2014”. This bucks a trend that goes back almost a decade: from 2008-09 to 2013-14, the number of Indian students studying at American Universities was a fairly flat 1,00,000 annually. In 2014-15, this figure jumped by around 32% to 1,32,888.
This increase is part of a rise in the number of international students studying in the US. In 2015, that number was up by about 9%. However, a staggering 76% of these were from Asia. So, the fresh influx of students seems to be a largely Asian phenomenon fuelled perhaps, by the robustness of the pan-Asian economic scene.
In this overall picture, students from India accounted for about 13.6% (or 1,32,888) of the 9,74,926 international students who enrolled for undergraduate (Bachelor’s), graduate (Master’s) & doctoral (Ph. D.) programs in the US in 2014-15. A full 31.2% or 3,04,040 of these students were Chinese. One possible reason for this is that very large numbers of Chinese students have started enrolling for the undergraduate courses where the intake is larger while, the majority of Indian students join graduate courses which tend to offer more funding but have a smaller intake.
Another noteworthy trend is that Indian (and more broadly, Asian) students show a heavy preference for courses in the STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – especially, computer science. Currently, there are 10,54,045 international students on F and M visas in the US. Of these, 4,05,314 students are studying courses in STEM fields and of these in turn, 80% of them are from Asia. As many as 81% of all Indian students are studying STEM fields – this is the highest percentage for any country; and California, Texas and New York have emerged as popular destinations for students studying courses in the STEM category.
If these trends are any indicator, we should see a few more Satya Nadella’s and Sunder Pichai’s emerging in the coming years; If you are an engineer, a student from the field of computer science or one from the STEM category more broadly, this could be your opportunity to make it big in the United States. Even Donald Trump has said that, should he become President, he is willing to welcome bright young minds from India because he knows they contribute to America’s economy – and if Trump says so, the doors must definitely be open!
Every year U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts H1B petitions starting from 1st April. As such, petitions for the fiscal year 2017 will be accepted from 1st April 2016. The current quota for H1B VISA is 65,000 under the general category and 20,000 under the advanced degree exemption – also known as the Masters quota. Thus, the total quota stands at 85,000. In the previous year, USCIS received a total of nearly 233,000 H1B petitions under both the categories put together from 1st April to 7th April and then they stopped accepting new applications. For the first time, USCIS received more than the limit of 20,000 H1B petitions under the Masters quota (the exact number of applications is not declared by USCIS). Computer generated random selection process (lottery) is conducted for Masters quota petitions which selects 20,000 applicants for the Master’s degree cap completion. The H1B petitions filed under Masters quota cap, but not selected in the first round of lottery are then added to the general quota of petitions. The lottery is then conducted for this pool to select 65,000 petitions towards the general quota cap completion. USCIS rejects and returns the remaining H1B petitions.
Advantages of OPT Extension:
Since H1B VISA petitions are accepted only once a year i.e. 1st April, if the petition is rejected, the applicant has to wait for a further period of one year, i.e., till next April to be able to apply again. In case, a student has an OPT period of only one year, his OPT period lapses before the next April. Hence, he doesn’t get a second chance to apply for H1B visa and has no option but to return to his home country. But students under STEM category will now get an OPT period of 36 Months (Regular 12 months + 24 months extension). In other words, such students will get two more chances for applying for H1B visa if their first petition is rejected. For example, if a student applies for H1B visa on 1st April 2016 but does not get selected in the lottery of 2016, he would still be able to apply for H1B visa again on 1st April 2017 and once again on 1st April 2018.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending it F1 non immigrant visa regulations on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for certain students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) from US institutions of higher education.
OPT is a period during which undergraduates (BS/BA) and graduate students (MS/MBA) with F1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than 9 months are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for 12 months on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their education. On April 2nd 2008 DHS announced a 17-month extension to the OPT for students in qualifying STEM fields to be eligible for the 12-month permit. Any degree in any field of studies is valid. For the 17-month OPT extension a student must have received a STEM degree as listed on the USCIS website.
DHS is now amending its rule regarding OPT under STEM category to extend the OPT period to 24 months. This 24-month extension effectively replaces the 17-month OPT extension previously available to certain STEM students. In short, a student can now work in America for up to 36 months after completing degree even if he doesn’t qualify for H1B visa during that period. This rule will be effective from May 10th 2016.
The rule also makes F1 students who subsequently enroll in a new academic program and another STEM degree at a higher education level eligible for one additional 24 months STEM OPT extension. In other words, a student can get 36 months OPT after undergraduate education (BS) and also after completing a graduate degree (MS) from STEM category.
The rule also permits an F1 student completing a non-STEM graduate degree to use a prior eligible STEM degree from a US institution of higher education as the basis to apply for a STEM OPT extension. For e.g. if a student has completed MS in STEM category and now completes MBA which is a non-STEM degree is also eligible for the 36 months OPT extension.
To improve the integrity of the STEM OPT extension, the rule limits eligibility only to students with degrees from schools accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.
Keep yourself updated on our next blog on E-Verify requirements and Cap-Gap extension.

