If you are applying for Fall (August) 2024, the clock has begun to tick. So, don’t delay. To help you streamline your application process effectively, we have prepared a detailed timeline. Take a look at the steps you need to take:
Begin Your Preparation: October-December 2023
Register for GRE and TOEFL/IELTS: Take the first step by registering for the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS exams. We recommend completing these exams by 15th December 2023. Dilip Oak Academy can assist you with your preparation for these exams. We are also now an ETS Authorized Test Center for GRE and TOEFL exams.
Research and Shortlist Universities: September-October 2023
Explore university websites and make a preliminary list of universities which meet your requirements considering:
Broad specializations you are interested in: while shortlisting, ensure that the programs offered by your selected universities align with your interests.
Expected GRE score: depending on your GRE score you can choose rank of the universities where you want to apply.
Academic record: your academics play an important role in the entire application process and a good academic record can compensate for a low GRE score.
Budget: select universities keeping your finance in mind; however, there are many universities and financial institutions that offer financial assistance to deserving students.
Recommendations by seniors studying in American universities: first-hand reviews from your seniors who are currently studying can prove useful in shortlisting rather than depending on the information given on the university website.
Gather Necessary Documents: August-November 2023
Craft a Stellar Statement of Purpose (SOP): SOP is a crucial document that provides insights into your purpose of joining the course and university, your personality, experience in the field and long-term goals. It should be around 500 to 800 words long, precise, interesting, grammatically and technically sound.
Arrange Transcripts: Prepare four sets of college and university transcripts.
Request Recommendation Letters: Choose your recommenders, preferably college professors, project guides, or employers, and request recommendation letters. Most universities require three recommendation letters.
Finalize University Choices and Apply: October-December 2023
Shortlist 8 to 10 Universities: After thorough research, finalize your preferred universities.
Complete Online Applications: Ensure that you complete the online application process by 31st December 2023. While many universities accept online applications, some may require physical documents via courier, so be mindful of deadlines.
Apply Early: While many universities accept applications even till 31st March 2024, we recommend that you apply before 31st December.
Forward Test Scores: Request ETS to send your GRE and TOEFL scores to the selected universities (scores take a minimum of 2 weeks to arrive).
After Sending Applications: Await Decisions and Prepare for Visa
Admission Decisions: You can expect to receive admission decisions around February/March 2024. Once you receive an offer, promptly email your acceptance, especially if funding is involved.
Obtain I-20: Upon acceptance, complete the documentation formalities, and the university will send you the essential I-20, an immigration document required for obtaining a visa.
Prepare for Visa: Review the total cost of one year mentioned on the I-20 and prepare the necessary visa documentation.
Visa Application Process: Apply for a visa interview date after receiving your I-20. Generally, students start applying for a visa from the third week of April. Once you get the visa date, proceed with the interview and complete the remaining formalities until your departure date.
Time waits for no one, so start your preparation now and unlock a world of opportunities for your academic journey in the USA!
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, we understand the significance of this journey, and our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-020-67444222.
We offer GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, GRE Self Prep and guide students with university selection, application essays, and visa counseling under our Admission Counseling Services for USA, Germany and Canada.