HOW TO APPLY TO U.S. GRADUATE SCHOOLS
 U.S. graduate schools are
all independent, and each sets its own requirements for admission. Within
each school individual programs may often have different requirements.
These guidelines are written to assist you in your search for graduate
education. It is advisable to start this process approximately one to one-and-a-half
year(s) before you hope to begin studies in the U.S. The American academic
year begins in August or September, and students should generally request
admission for the autumn or fall term.
Obtain information about
institutions which offer the program you want to pursue. Use reference
guides, such as Peterson's Guide and the Directory of Graduate Programs,
to locate specific institutions which offer the program at the degree level
(Master's or Doctorate) you are seeking.
Write directly to the Graduate
Admissions Offices of the institutions to obtain information and applications.
Indicate the major academic area of interest to you. Carefully print your
name and address on all such inquiries. You should also write to th e department.
Stress field of specialization, professional background, reasons for choosing
particular faculty and ask for information on financial aid possibilities.
You do not need the name of the department chairman or a professor to obtain
an applicat ion. Advise each office that you have contacted the other.
Read thoroughly all materials
received to determine whether the program you want is offered; whether
you appear to meet the minimum academic requirement; if you require financial
assistance, whether it is available for your proposed programs; and whet
her you can meet the application deadlines.
Apply to more than one institution.
U.S. institutions receive many applications and often cannot accommodate
all qualified applicants. You may decide which institution to attend after
you have received your admission offers.
Complete the admission application
carefully and legibly. Always give your name in exactly the same way on
the application and in all correspondence. If some of your records are
under a different name, be sure you indicate that on the application. Com
plete all items on the application and submit all items requested.
If an application fee is
required, submit the appropriate amount in U.S. currency with your application.
Most institutions will not process your application without the fee.
Request official academic
records both in the native language and in English translation. Official
documents must bear the seal of the school and authorized signature. Photocopies
are not usually acceptable unless they are officially attested as exact
copies of the original. Records should be submitted for all post-secondary
schools attended and should provide a list of courses taken, yearly examination
results, and conferral of degrees. 8. If your native language is not English,
register as early as possible for the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL)
and request that Educational Testing Service forward your scores to the
institutions to which you are applying.
Register for the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT),
or other tests if required by the program/institution to which you are
applying.
Request letters of recommendation
as required by the program/institution. These letters should generally
be written by professors with whom you have studied.
Submit verification of scholarship
or other financial support.
Note the deadlines for application
given in the institutional information you receive. Different institutions/programs
have different deadlines. Allow time for mail delays, application consideration,
and for obtaining passport and visa when you are ad mitted. Apply early.
Stated application deadlines are generally the final date for receipt of
applications and all supporting credentials. Additional time is required
to process applications from international students.
Allow 6-8 weeks after your
application file is completed with an institution to receive their admission
decision. Many schools and departments, however, send admission offers
only in March and April.
It is courteous to notify
an institution if you will not be accepting their offer of admission.
Send all requests, applications,
and credentials airmail.
Remember: A Certificate of
Eligibility (I-20 or IAP-66) cannot be issued until you have been admitted,
your level of English proficiency has been determined (and additional training
arranged for if necessary) and your funding has been established as a sufficient
amount to meet the institution's expenses. A Certificate of Eligibility
is valid only for study in the institution which issued it - and only for
the starting dates.
If you have questions about
a program of study or your application status, do not hesitate to write
for more information.
© Prepared by: Evelyn
Levinson Director, European Membership Servicesand Counseling Networks,
EducationConnet, LLC, Tel Aviv, Israel
Telephone/fax: 972-9-954271
E-mail: Evelyn@EducationConnect.com
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