Cracking U.S. University Applications

For students who need a structured approach while navigating their application process, EducationUSA offers a helpful five-step process. (Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock.com)

Applying to U.S. universities involves navigating a range of choices and requirements. From selecting colleges and fields of study to managing application deadlines and standardized tests, the process demands careful planning.

Quanita Suresh Mohammed, a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), offers advice based on her experience. Quanita, who is pursuing a Master of International Affairs with a concentration in international finance and a specialization in data and quantitative analysis, says she began by identifying her career goals, shaped by internships and work experiences. “These experiences allowed me to explore what I truly want to pursue and, more importantly, what I didn’t want to,” she explains.

Based on her aspirations, she chose the degree that would best develop her skills and provide valuable connections for job opportunities. Quanita then researched programs across the United States known for excellence in her field and reviewed their application requirements, preparing accordingly for standardized tests and essays.

Tracking deadlines

For Quanita, keeping track of submission deadlines—especially for scholarships and recommendation letters—was essential. “I carefully tracked submission deadlines, particularly scholarship deadlines at each university, as well as the due dates for recommendation letters,” she says. “I also monitored when each university would release their results so that I could apply a contingency plan in case I wasn’t admitted.”

EducationUSA’s 5-Step plan

For students who need a structured approach, EducationUSA offers a helpful five-step process. EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State network with over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries, helps students manage the U.S. college application process. According to Bhavvna Jolly, senior program officer, and Aastha Virk Singh, senior adviser at EducationUSA in New Delhi, students should approach the process with thorough research, relying on official sources and avoiding shortcuts.

EducationUSA’s five-step plan can be invaluable. Singh emphasizes that “the first step is to select institutions not just based on rankings alone but based on the student’s priorities, which could include factors like program of study, acceptance rate, size of the institution, cost of attendance and accommodation.”

Financing your studies

The next step is often overlooked: planning finances. This should start as early as the university shortlisting stage. Identifying funding sources like scholarships, assistantships and personal resources along with estimating attendance costs and meeting priority deadlines for financial aid, are crucial steps to make a U.S. degree affordable.

Completing the application comes next, involving standardized and language proficiency tests, personal essays, resumes, letters of recommendation and financial documents. “If students complete these first steps with thorough research and planning, the phases of student visa application and preparation for departure become smooth and stress-free,” Jolly and Singh emphasize.

Planning early

EducationUSA advises students to start early—ideally one to two years before they plan to enroll. With nearly 4,000 accredited institutions in the United States, students need ample time to research, take tests and gather required documents. A structured approach prevents rushed decisions and helps keep applications organized.

Quanita echoes this advice, adding that her choice of Columbia SIPA was a deliberate one, based on her interests in impact finance and global change. She also considered Johns Hopkins University and the University of Pennsylvania, as both offered coursework that suited her career needs. “Since U.S. universities follow a holistic admissions process, it is important to create a detailed plan for each step along with outlining deadlines for components like tests, essays and recommendations,” she says.

Finalizing applications

One crucial part of the application is the Statement of Purpose (SOP). “The SOP is a crucial essay that tells each student’s unique story,” Quanita notes. “Crafting it requires time, multiple iterations and patience. Students should dedicate a few weeks to perfecting their SOP, while also refining their résumé. Seeking feedback is useful, but it’s equally important to filter out excessive input.” As deadlines near, students should focus on compiling and organizing the application to ensure everything is complete and ready for submission.

Recommendations also need careful planning. Quanita advises, “Talk to your recommenders well in advance and give them enough time to prepare and submit your letters. Keep an open line of communication to ensure timely submission.”

Balancing your college choices

It’s wise to apply to a balanced mix of institutions, including both dream schools and safer options. For further guidance, Jolly and Singh encourage students to visit an EducationUSA center for insights on studying in the United States.

Paromita Pain is an associate professor of Global Media Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno.

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