Application timeline
DATES TO REMEMBER:
12 to 18 months before departure:
Evaluate your reasons for wanting to study in the USA taking into consideration :
- motivation, objectives, why the USA and not elsewhere ?
- your future plans : academic or employment opportunities
- your English proficiency and academic ability
- time required to earn an American degree
- estimated cost of study & scholarship opportunities
June – September
Select 5 or 6 universities on the basis of their programs, degrees offered, accreditation, level of selectivity, cost, location and size
July – August
Find out which standardized tests are required (TOEFL, TSE, IELTS, ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT) and register to take them in October or November. Forms are available at the Commission.
August – September
Write to 5 or 6 universities to request application forms for admission and financial aid.
October – February
- request transcripts from your department or university and prepare literal translations
- have the translations of degrees and transcripts certified at the Commission
- apply for financial aid in Belgium and the USA
- have professors send recommendation letters
- send applications to universities well in advance of deadlines
February – April
Wait for acceptance and rejection letters from the universities.
March – April
Contact universities to which you have applied, but from which you have not yet received a response.
April – June
Accept offer of admission from your preferred university. Decline offers from other universities where you were also accepted. Contact the university housing office to reserve university owned housing. Contact the university Foreign Student Advisor for any specific information concerning arrival and orientation. Contact the Commission for pre-departure information.
Upon Arrival
Contact the Foreign Student Advisor
International Exchange Alumni is a dynamic and interactive networking website for all past and current participants of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs.
