Application Considerations
Planning in advance is a key part of any university application process. The following considerations can help applicants do that. However, they should also note individual universities’ requirements and submission deadlines could differ.
![Dining hall at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, United States](https://www.studywithusca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/alex-batchelor-6iAxBlkb8N0-unsplash-791x1024.jpg)
![Student working on laptop.](https://www.studywithusca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/annie-spratt-QckxruozjRg-unsplash.jpg)
Explore future study possibilities
(2-3 years before start of program)
- Identify people and resources to help with the university application process
- Complete career interest assessments to pinpoint potential careers and fields of study Participate in extracurricular activities to broaden interests and experiences
- Compile a preliminary list of potential universities for application
Choose where to apply
(1-2 years before start of program)
- Shortlist 5-10 universities for application
- Visit in-person or virtually potential universities
- Create a calendar with application submission deadlines, including entrance exam test dates
- Create a reference list of extracurricular activities, and awards received
- Begin studying for entrance exams (such as, TOEFL, SAT, GRE)
- Start investigating funding options
![Baker Library and Tower at Dartmouth College](https://www.studywithusca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ronni-kurtz-e17b7HW89vc-unsplash.jpg)
![Two students with masks looking at a tablet.](https://www.studywithusca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pexels-charlotte-may-5965620.jpg)
Complete applications
(1 year before start of program)
- Create accounts on Common Application, Coalition for College, and College Board websites
- Send school transcripts for external evaluation
- Register for and take required entrance exams
- Select people to write letters of recommendation
- Write college essays and/ or personal statement and research proposal
- Submit CSS Profile and scholarship applications
- Submit completed applications to universities
Select university and prepare for travel
(4-6 months before start of program)
- Look into housing options on and off-campus
- Pay deposit to secure place at chosen university
- Submit any final required documents to university
- Register for student visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in home country
- Reserve tickets to fly to United States from home country
![Female student in hijab walking in front of NYU building.](https://www.studywithusca.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pexels-keira-burton-6084455-683x1024.jpg)