I've recently successfully applied to universities in the United States. Frankly, applying and being accepted into a university in Australia and UK, I have to say that the US system varies in many ways. Anyway, here is a short list of things you should know about applying to study in the states:
1. It can be very costly.
2. In USA, every university has their own requirements.
3. Timezones
4. Time
1. It can be very costly.
For an international student, most universities charge an application fee of $90.00 ($90 x 3.3 = MYR297). So if you want to keep your options open its MYR297 x (no. of options).
Next, you will need a proof of English Language Proficiency. This may vary depending on what exam you took or choose to take. For me I took the IELTS and it cost around MYR600.
Also, postage. Mailing official documents can be costly. However the cheapest option i've found so far is the local post - Pos Laju Malaysia. An envelope with the required documents will cost MYR 81.25. This cost covers insurance, tracking number and is basically quite reliable. The documents will arrive within 3 to 7 working days. So again, for more options, sending documents to different universities will cost MYR 81.25 x (no. of options).
SAT/ACT requirement, $51.00 ($51.00 x 3.3 = MYR 168.30) I don't know if anyone got in without sitting for this. Do tell me if you do, but sitting for either one of these tests allows you to avoid hassles and complications of you application.
Medical check up - This is only required after you are admitted. But I am pretty confident that most of you guys will get into a uni. So it is better to do it earlier. Get it out of the way so you can settle other things. The jabs are around MYR150 and the x-ray for TB can cost around MYR45 or more (depending on your Dr). Total: MYR 195.00. Basically you need at least two hundred to ensure you fulfil their requirements.
AFTER accepting the offer:
- you will receive your I-20 to apply for a VISA.
- you will be able to apply for housing (most unis charge a fee to apply for a contract - again this is general and does not apply to all universities)
Visa -
SEVIS fee: $200 x 3.3 = MYR 660
VISA fee: $160 x 3.30 = MYR 528
Total: MYR 1188
Housing fee -
$40 x 3.3 = MYR 132
Estimated total for applying to two schools:
APPLICATION FEE: MYR 594 ( 297 x 2 options )
IELTS: MYR 600
POSTAGE: MYR 162.50 ( 81.25 x 2 options )
SAT: MYR 168.30
MEDICAL CHECK UP: MYR 200.00
VISA: MYR 1188.00
HOUSING FEE: MYR 132.00
TOTAL: MYR 3044.80
I have not considered everything in these brief paragraphs. This is merely a rough estimate - so hopefully it will help. As we can all see, it adds up to a pretty hefty sum! (Yes i'm broke now, thanks Dad for paying the rest)
2. In USA, every uni has their own requirements.
Although somewhat similar, some universities may vary in certain aspects. For example, one of my options was University of Texas, (UT) Austin. While the other unis requested for official hard copies of academic records, UT wanted it in PDF form - uploaded into their system.
Be very careful. I wasn't aware earlier, but fortunately I managed to upload my documents.
3. Timezones
So the USA has a timezone that is entirely different than in Malaysia. Be aware of that when corresponding with the university admissions board. Depending on which timezone you are planning to apply to but generally evening onwards our time would be their opening hours. So be prepared for late nights!
4. Time
Yes time. The earlier you apply the better. Give yourself time for unexpected delays and what not - being continents away it is only convenient to do so. If you are considering studying inhttp://sat.collegeboard.org/, you should look into the intakes immediately. Start your application as soon as you are sure you are leaving! The best is 6 months. However I manage to settle mine in around 2 months - so it is still possible but MAN it was so hectic and rushed! Nobody likes to rush, so plan ahead!
I hope you have a brief perception of what you have to do/prepare when applying for a University in US. I wish you all the best when applying. I hope you get into a school you want!
Till then! Part two here.
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