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Education
System in USA ( Admission Procedure) |
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The U.S. university application
process is a lengthy procedure that requires students to fill out many
documents. Documents may differ, based on the department to which a
student is applying. Therefore, it is very important to read the instructions
carefully. Some universities do not process the application until they
receive all the documents. Some universities provides conditional admission
if the student is still completing his or her current course. Following
is a list of required documents for an international applicant:
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Application Document Checklist -
1 |
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University Application - 1 |
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Financial Support Form - 1 |
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Transcripts of Previous Degree - 2 |
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Resume - 1 |
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3 Letters of Recommendation - 1 |
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Bank Statement - 1 |
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Statement of Purpose - 1 |
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Standardized Test Scores - 1 |
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Passport Copies - 1 |
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Statement of Purpose |
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Most applications ask for a statement of interest or an autobiographical statement. It is important for students to thoroughly research a field of study before applying to it. That way, they can effectively write about how they will fit into the program and how they program will best help them obtain the career of their choice. Admissions committees are impressed by students who have a strong sense of self and can creatively express themselves through writing. Students should begin their Statement of Purpose in a way that will catch the reader's attention, such as with a quote or personal anecdote. A student's Statement of Purpose should describe the following: |
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Who the student is as a person and why they stand out from others
Why the student is interested in a particular program
How the particular program will help the student achieve his or her long-term goals and ambitions |
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Letters of Recommendation |
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As part of the application procedure, every university requires students to send three letters of recommendation. These letters should be from professional references, such as teachers or employers, who can verify that the student is an outstanding candidate for a program. Family, friends, and character witnesses should not be references. It is important that the person providing the recommendation has a good understanding of the student's academic history, interests, goals, and direction. The letters should be confidential and not be discussed with the applicant. Therefore, it is important that the applicant choose references that he or she can trust to write a good recommendation. |
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Following are several points to remember: |
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The letter is typed on official letterhead
The letter should have the reference's signature
The letter is enclosed in a sealed envelope. |
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The Resume |
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The resume should provide a snapshot of the student's life on approximately two pages. Students should verify the following in their resume:
Personal information, including name, address, telephone number, and email address
Academic history, including highest completed
degree and relevant courses
Employment history, including job titles, responsibilities,
and the start and end dates
Volunteer work
Professional memberships or affiliations
Awards and recognitions
Certifications
The names and contact information of at least three reference |
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Visa Procedure |
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All appointments for visa interviews at the Embassy's consular section are made via the Internet at www.vfs-usa.co.in (give the hyperlink)
SEVIS FEE DEPOSIT: All students & exchange visitors must pay mandatory payment of the Sevis (Student/Exchange Visitor processing fee) before arriving for a visa appointment at the consulate. The fee is US$ 100 non-refundable. Please visit www.fmjfee.com to read further instructions.
An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the
registration date specified on the FORM I-20.
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Booking an Appointment (under new visa rules effective October 3, 2005): |
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Prior to confirming a visa interview appointment online or at any US Visa Application Centre, you need to pay the following fees and obtain a Visa Fee Receipt from designated HDFC Bank.
When going to HDFC Bank, please carry with you a photocopy of the 1st page of the applicant's passport.
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): $100 in Indian Rupee equivalent at consular rate of exchange. Rupee amount at current rate of exchange (Rs. 44) is Rs 4,400/- This fee is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favouring - US Embassy - Visa Fees.
VFS Service Charge: Rs 276/- This fee is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favouring HDFC Bank a/c VFS
IMPORTANT: The fee receipt gets activated 2 working days from date of issue.
Do not attempt to take an appointment till then. The applicant should carry
demand draft of visa Issuance Fee amount of Rs. Rs. 2,200/-. favouring the US
Embassy, New Delhi.
Fill out a Visa Application Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158)
Interview in the Embassy: An "interview'" will last no more than one or two minutes. What to Bring When Applying for a Visa:
Passport:
Photograph: One black and white or color photograph taken on a white background
(size = 2 inches x 2 inches or 5cm. X 5 cm.) Photographs should be no more
than six months old. Instant photos are not acceptable.
I-20 Form
Evidence of Prior Education
Financial Assets
What If Your Visa Is Denied?
Most visa requests are granted, so your chances of receiving a student visa are
good. But when a request is denied, the main reason (90% of denials) is that
the official believes the student actually wants to go to the US to live and
work. If you are denied a visa, ask politely for a reason. Ask if additional
documentation could result in an approval, and (if so), what documents would
be most useful.
If your visa is denied, you can re-apply, but you need more evidence to show
you will return home after study and that you have sufficient funds to pay for
your educational expenses. If you are refused a second time, you will have to
wait for a period before you return. However, the probability of success on a
third try is not very high. Each time you apply, you need to provide more documentation,
so that you can say truthfully that there are new facts to review and more reason
for approval. For more information, please meet our Student Visa Experts at our
Office.
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