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When you are
applying for a graduate degree, you need to start atleast one year
in advance. This is the timeline that I followed in my application
process. For a Fall 99 program, I started my preparation in Fall
98. Try to plan your timeline similarly.
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May
- June
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- Decide what course
and degree you want to take. Research universities that
offer the degree you want, but also look for similar degrees
in inter-disciplinary programs. There is a greater chance
of being admitted into these.
- Obtain USEFI yearly
membership and try to get access to the Internet and email.
- At USEFI, go through
Peterson's Graduate guide and through the college search
CD-ROMs. The latter provide a flexible search means (e.g.
one girl I met wanted all Medical colleges in New York,
another guy wanted only colleges which offered an MS in
Ceramic Engineering.)
- On the Internet, go
through university websites and see the courses descriptions,
faculty web pages, campus infrastructure etc.
- Based upon initial
research of colleges, determine the exams you need to take
(GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, TSE, Subject GRE, MLE etc). Apply for
these exams.
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July
- August
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- Speak with faculty,
graduate students and professionals in your desired field
about colleges
- Determine the ranking
of various colleges in your field
- Draw up an initial
shortlist.
- Send Pre Application
forms to these colleges. Or just download relevant sections
of their websites and printout the forms from there.
- Study for GRE, GMAT
and other exams: Take diagnostic tests to evaluate potential
areas of weaknesses, study word lists, understand basic
structure of exam and types of questions asked.
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October
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- By now you will have
almost all application forms
- Draw up a Final Shortlist
of colleges you want to apply to.
- Email current students
and recent alumni of the colleges and programs you are considering
- Prepare Application
packet:
- Make a list of potential
recommenders. Contact them.
- Begin drafting statement
of purpose (SOP).
- Draft an academic
resume.
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December
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January
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- Complete and mail
applications in the first week of December (avoid the Christmas
rush). Make photocopies of everything you send.
- Research Financial
aid alternatives: USEFI and Net.
- Apply for Financial
Aid from external sources (i.e. other than college)
- Submit any forms required
by colleges
- Draw up an order of
preference of colleges to which you have applied. This will
make things easier for you when you receive multiple offers.
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May
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- Choose a college.
Confirm their offer of admission.
- Confirm scholarship
or assistanceship, if any. Ask for it, if you haven't received
any.
- Send formal letter
of rejection to the other colleges who offered you admission.
- Study entire packet
sent by the college you have chosen thoroughly
- Research and fulfil
the immunization requirements of college chosen
- Arrange Fin Papers
(if self financed). Arrange Loans if not.
- Attend USEFI Visa
Seminar
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June
- July
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- Apply for Student
Visa
- Attend USEFI Pre departure
Seminar
- Prepare to Leave:
Arrange Tickets, Do shopping, Take Credit Card, Arrange
Foreign Exchange etc.
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August
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- Leave for US
- Attend College Orientation
- Study !
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