While filling up applications of universities for admission, many typical situations occur, which need to be understood carefully, before the actual filling in commences.

The following Frequently Asked Questions have been answered here. If you need further help, don’t hesitate to contact me.

  QUESTION 1:
When should one start filling up application forms?
     The best time to start the application filling up process is, at least two to three months before the Ist deadline of the universities. Make photocopies of the applications and use for initial filling up.

  QUESTION 2:
How do I obtain the relevant application form/material?
     You can either download the application form from the universities?web sites or get the same by writing to them early, clearly indicting the semester you are seeking admission to. Most of the universities are requesting students to either download the applications or apply electronically.

  QUESTION 3:
What is an Electronic Application and how do I fill that?
     Electronic applications are applications "online" which have to be filled up in real time and submitted on the web site. Unless you are conversant with all the questions that you may have to fill in, do not try to apply online, in haste. Even if you apply online, you still need to submit all the transcripts and other documents separately by post or courier for enabling the universities to make a final decision. Unless the universities receive the balance documents, they will not decide upon your admission. Hence, it is practical to apply regularly, unless the university insists on online application or because of deadlines.

  QUESTION 4:
What are the typical areas to be careful about, while filling up applications?
     Normally, Indian students get confused about the "Name" part. What we call as "Surname" is called as "Family name" or "Last name" in other countries. Also, "the Middle Name" is confusing some. That is a part of your name that was given along with your First name or the commonly called name. For example, if one’s name is Adivi Srikanth Reddy, Adivi is the Last Name, Srikanth is the First Name and Reddy is the Middle Name.

  QUESTION 5:
What are these ‘Sophomore?, ‘Senior?years etc., they keep asking about?
     The four year undergraduate study in U.S is called with a name, year wise. The first year is the "Freshman? IInd is the ‘Sophomore? IIIrd is the ‘Junior?and IVth is the ‘Senior?year. While indicating percentages/grades or GPA, you need to be careful about what year information you are providing. Hence, it is essential to know which year is called with what name.

  QUESTION 6:
Do I have to provide marks of my 10th or 12th (Intermediate or +2) standards?
     Yes, you definitely need to include marks lists of both 10th and 12th classes. Some universities do ask information only for the post secondary education. You need not include ‘Pass Certificate?of these two qualifications. In such cases, you have to provide from Intermediate (+2) onwards.

  QUESTION 7:
Some universities ask information from my 1st standard, when I joined school. I do not have information. How do I provide that?
     Even though you may not have grade/percentage details of your pre-primary or primary education, you need to give the information in the chronological order. That is, which class you had studied during which year. This type of information indicates to the universities whether you have been consistent in your climb to this academic level or with breaks (for whatever reasons). Be sure to indicate clearly the reasons for discontinuation/gap during your education.

  QUESTION 8:
What is ‘Financial Statement?
     Financial Statement or Bank Statement indicates the availability of funds with you, (or your sponsor) in a bank, in a Savings Bank account only. These funds must be available for the purpose of your further education. A statement given by the Bank manager, on the Bank’s letter head, clearly indicating the amount of funds available both in your native currency and also the currency of the country where you would like to study, has to be given, with the seal of the bank and signature of the Manager. To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original Bank Statement. Instead of getting multiple originals, which may not be practically possible, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the banker) and then signed and sealed by the bank manager individually. Some universities need the Financial Statement filled, in the application itself. If it is indicated as mandatory, you need to get that form appropriately filled by the Bank.

  QUESTION 9:
How much should I show in the Financial Statement?
     Ideally, one should indicate availability of funds for the entire duration of the course. For example, for a two-year Masters program, funds must be adequate to cover for both the years. If you cannot show funds for two years, then you must indicate availability for atleast one year, covering tuition, living expenses and other fees. Hence, before taking a statement, calculate what would be the maximum expenditure from among the universities you wish to apply to. Take the higher amount and arrange for Bank Statement, accordingly. This will eliminate the need to take fresh statement every time you apply to universities with higher fee structure.

  QUESTION 10:
What is the Affidavit/Letter of Undertaking?
     Letter of Undertaking or Affidavit of Support (AOS) is an undertaking to be given by your sponsor who finances your education. This has to be given on Rs.20/- (if in India) Non-Judicial Stamp Paper, in a prescribed format. Sometimes, the universities request the undertaking to be given on their applications itself, in which case you have to do so. This AOS has to be signed by the sponsor, properly witnessed and attested by Notary public. To each and every university you apply to, you need to enclose an original AOS. Instead of getting multiple stamp papers and doing the AOS, you may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the sponsor) and then signed by the sponsor and notarised individually.

  QUESTION 11:
I am applying to more than 10-15 universities. I want to ask for waiver of application fee, since it will be very costly for me. Is it OK?
     No, it is not and it affects your application negatively. Since universities consider the payment of Application Fee as a pre-requisite for the process, avoiding the same tantamount to rejection of application. If universities require Application fee,then arrange to pay the same as required, in the currency of that country.

  QUESTION 12:
What are the documents that I should enclose to my application?
Documents required:

• Completed Application
• Your transcripts from 10th class onwards (duly attested by the respective Head of the Institution)
• 10th and Inter (12th) transcripts need not be in sealed envelopes. Whereas, your degree marks and provisional must be in sealed envelope, with seal and signature on the flap of the envelope too.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Ideally must be a one page statement of your purpose in personal and academic life. In case of doubt about contents, please contact us.
• Recommendation Letters - At least two-three recommendation letters from three lecturers/professors, who taught you at the degree level. Preferably from those who taught you the main subjects. These recommendations must be done on personal or college letterheads and must be signed and sealed (including the envelope)
• Bank Statement - For each university, the B.S has to be an original, showing adequate funds to cover at least an year's tuition and living expenses.
• Affidavit of Support on Rs.20 Non Judicial Stamp Paper Original to each university and to be notarised.
• Application fee in US $ (or that country’s currency) as required by university
• Covering letter - A covering letter, indicating your plans about TOEFL and GRE/GMAT and informing them that you would arrange score reporting by ETS- If not taken and reported already.

Courtesy: www.infozee.com. Corrections and improvements are welcome.