Study in USA: Admission Cycle, Requirements, Admission Process, University Transfers

USA is one of the best study-abroad destinations in the world. The application procedure for the topmost universities in USA involves the submission of a lot of documents and test scores including transcripts, proof of English proficiency, among other documents. Moreover, all of the documents are to be submitted on time, and the application deadlines change from college to college and university to top university.

Before applying to a university to study in USA, a little research about application cycles available, requirements and the process is mandatory. Therefore, aspirants are advised to keep track of the application deadlines in USA, document submission deadlines, and starting dates of the session. Information relevant to admissions can be found on the official website of the specific university.

Study in the USA: Admission Cycle

Admissions to the top universities in USA commence in three cycles per year. Therefore, depending on the graduating session, candidates get a chance to apply thrice every year for their dream college and dream program. Following are the three intakes in USA where an international student can apply.

Applications to Fall Semester

The applications to the fall semester start in the month of August or September and conclude in December or January. A majority of courses are offered in the fall semester.

Applications to Spring Semester

The applications for the spring semester commence in December or January and keep going until the month of March. The session concludes at May-end.

Applications to Summer Semester

The applications for the summer continue for the shortest period of time. They start in June and conclude by the first week of August. On the basis of availability, an individual can choose any of the three sessions.

Application requirements to Study in USA

Here are the academic requirements and the list of other documents required to study in USA:

Academic requirements

Candidates must fulfil the following criteria in order to study in USA:

• Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree or a high school diploma from a recognized institution
• Official transcripts or certified copies of official transcripts from the previous institution
• A 500-1,000 word Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• 2-3 academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and 1 professional LOR
• Standardised test Scores:
  • GRE: Quantitative: 163 (average), Verbal: 164 (average)
  • GMAT: 737 (average)
• Proof of English Proficiency:
  • IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 overall score
  • TOEFL iBT: 88 to 110 overall score
  • PTE: 68 Overall

Other Documents required:-

• Proof of Financial Stability
• Health Insurance
• A US Student Visa
• Copy of valid passport
• Relevant work experience

How to Apply to the Top Universities in USA

USA is home to numerous top-ranked universities including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Harvard University. The application process for these institutions starts with registration on time. Aspirants may either apply through the Common Application Portal or through the online application portal available on the official website of each university.

The following is the application timeline for the fall term of some of the top US Universities:-

• October: Restrictive Early Action applicants to submit their SAT scores
• November: Restrictive Early Action application deadlines
• Early November: Applications start for regular candidates and submission of SAT and ACT scores
• Mid-December: Decision releases for Early Action applicants
• January: Deadline for regular applicants for material submission
• February: Submission of financial aid application
• March: First-year admission decision releases
• Early May: Deadline for acceptance or rejection of the offer

Study in USA: University Transfer

A majority of universities in USA accept transfer students from USA as well as other institutions of the world.

Application Timeline

The general application timeline for the topmost universities in USA is:-

• For the Spring term, the application deadline is mid-October of the previous year.
• For the Fall entry, the application deadline is mid-March of the same year.

Admission Criteria

In order to study a transfer program in USA, candidates must have completed at least 1 year of course of study from a recognized local or international institution. The following are the required documents for becoming a transfer student:

• Two academic evaluations from the institution
• Two academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• School official report from the school official
• Official transcripts or certified copies of official transcripts of the study years

The application procedure for transfer student admission varies with the university. Generally, candidates have to submit a transfer admission form. Moreover, they must check whether the credit points are transferable prior to getting transferred.