The Road map to Study in USA with timeline and checklist will give you a guideline for admission to US for Fall and Spring semester. Months listed are for best case scenario. Many students for Fall semester take GRE in Feb/March and still able to get admission for Fall semester.
Roadmap to Study in USA
Exams (Fall – Aug ; Spring – May )
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Get Passport (Surname(or last Name) is Mandatory
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Register for GRE Test
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Register for TOEFL
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Prepare for GRE Exam
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Browse Universities
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Give GRE (or GMAT)
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Report Scores to 4 Universities (at end of the exam)
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Give TOEFL Test
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Report TOEFL Scores to Universities
University Selection (Fall – Oct, Nov; Spring – June)
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Browse Universities
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Research – University Deadlines, Fees, funding, cost of living, safety, etc
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Finalize programs
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Finalize Universities
Application Documents (Fall – Oct,Nov; Spring – Jun, July)
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Collect Required List of Documents (per school)
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Statement of Purpose
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Recommendation Letter
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Resume
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Transcripts
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Bank Statement
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Affidavit of Support
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Certificates and other supporting documents
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Copy of front and last pages of passport
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Copy of online application submission conformation
Application (Fall – Nov, Dec; Spring – Jul, Aug)
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Fill out online Graduate School Application
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Fill Department application (if any)
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Pay Application Fee (online or send dd)
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Confirmation number or application id
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Submit Application (online)
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Mail Application documents – Express Mail (courier)
Admission (Fall – Feb, Mar, Apr; Spring – Oct, Nov, Dec)
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Check Application Status (Takes 2 to 4 months)
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Plan for Visa Bank balance and expenses
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Receive Admission Decision ( Admission Letter + I-20 form)
F1 Visa (Fall – Jun, July, Aug; Spring – Dec, Jan)
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Learn about F1 Visa Interview Process
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Pay SEVIS Fees
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Bank Statement
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Affidavit from Sponsors
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Other Required Documents
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F1 Visa Questions and Answers
Travel to US (Fall – Aug; Spring – Dec, Jan)
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Find friends to travel together
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Book flight ticket
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Arrange for Pickup and Accommodation
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Buy stuffs
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Buy Suitcase
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Find Health Insurance Requirements
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Carrying Money to US (DD, TC or Wire Transfer)
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Leave a copy of documents at home
