Transcript Applying to U.S. Graduate Schools

Application Process for
U.S. universities
European Educational Advising Conference
Riga, Latvia August 2004
Courtesy of Diana Lopez (USA), Tove Lain Knudsen (Norway), Maria
Paniakova (Slovakia)
Application Process for U.S.
universities - TIMELINE
18 Months before Classes Begin
Search for colleges that meet your needs. Use every resource: your parents, teachers,
counselors, friends.
12 Months before Classes Begin
Register to take tests (ACT, SAT I and II, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE) as needed for the
institutions you are considering. Narrow your list to 10-12 colleges. Contact colleges
indicating your interest.
September-December
Narrow your list to 5-10 colleges. Request recommendations from teachers and
obtain transcripts from your school. Fill out and send admission applications. Take
required tests.
January-April
You receive notification of admission and financial aid. From acceptances, choose
and notify the college/university you wish to attend.
May-July
Apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.
July-August
Attend a pre-departure orientation at your local EducationUSA center to get
helpful tips that will assure your success from the moment you arrive in the United States.
August-September
Pack up and prepare to depart for the USA.
1. Application
Students should be advised to:
Always complete the application carefully
Always give their name in exactly the
same way on the application form and on
the supporting documents
List the major as stated in the materials
received from the institution
2. Application Fee
 If an application fee is
required, it should be
submitted with the
completed application
 The application fee is a
processing fee, and few
institutions will process
an application without it
 The fee should be in US$
and drawn on a US bank
for quicker processing
3. Official Academic Records
 Both in English and in the native language
 Official academic records include:
Certified copies of official degrees or diplomas
List of courses and grades for all post-secondary
education
 Records should be sent in a sealed envelope with the
application; alternatively, the issuing institution should
send the records directly. Students should never send
originals!
 Photocopies should be certified by the university or
other appropriate official
4. Test Scores
 GRE - required by many,
but not all
 GMAT - virtually all
business programs
 English Proficiency
(TOEFL) - all
 At test center, indicate to
which schools you want
the scores sent
 Include photocopy of
scores with application,
if possible
5. Letters of Recommendation
 The best letters comment on academic achievements or
professional potential
 Some universities provide a special form for the letters,
in other cases the recommender can use his/her own
letter-head paper
 As a courtesy, the student should provide the referee
with a stamped envelope addressed to the institution
marked “Re: Application of [student’s name]” when
asking for a recommendation
 Applicants should allow plenty of time for the referees to
write the letter, and follow up to ensure that they are
sent in time
Information to be included
How long has the writer known the
applicant?
What is their relationship
(teacher/student, employer/employee,
etc.)?
A ranking of the student in comparison
with his or her classmates
Points to be discussed
Intellectual ability
Knowledge of field
Work habits
Motivation to pursue
study
Seriousness of
purpose
Emotional maturity
Resourcefulness and
initiative
Adaptability to new
situations
Leadership qualities
Potential for future
contribution in the
field
6. Personal Statement
The personal statement can mean the difference
between admission and denial.
Goal: clear, concise, and persuasive
academic or research interests
reasons for wanting to pursue graduate study
reasons for choosing a certain institution
career goals
Personal background/extracurricular activities
Tailor to each institution - answer the questions
asked!
What to avoid
Do not be overly informal
Do not include irrelevant information
Do not write your life story – be brief, yet
complete
Application Process for U.S.
Graduate Schools
Departmental Review
Diana Lopez
Director, Systems and Procedures
University of Tennessee
Departmental Review
Admissions committees
• What do they want?
• Outstanding students
• Committed and motivated students
• Diversity of backgrounds
Departmental Review
• General admission criteria
•
•
•
•
Previous degree(s)
Outstanding test scores and GPA
Strong Letters of Recommendation
Convincing and memorable Statement of Purpose
• Specific admission criteria
• Knowledge/results in the department’s fields of
research
• Experience in/potential for research or teaching
• Difficulty of classes taken as an undergraduate
• Prestige of undergraduate institution
Questions
Conclusion
www.educationUSA.state.gov
www.ThinkEducationUSA.com