* Reasons for wanting to study in the United States.
* Which universities will you be interested in?
* Know the application deadline (some universities have different deadline)
* Register to take standardized tests (vary depending on the school you want to attend)
* Narrow your choices down to at least 10 to 15 universities.
12 Months before enrollment:
August
* contact universities for application forms and catalogs
* obtain test registration forms to take the TOEFL and other tests (e.g., SAT, GRE, GMAT)
September - December
* Request official transcripts from your schools (most schools would like to receive these directly from your school and must be sealed--make sure you find out).
* Request letters of recommendation from your teachers (make sure you ask the teachers to write one for each school you are applying for)
* Submit completed application forms (for admission)
* Take all the required exams.
January - April
* Your complete application packet should have been sent to the schools you are applying for by this time.
April - June
* This is the time when your acceptance/rejection letters should arrive.
* Decide which university to attend (if accepted in more than one school)
* Notify the admissions office of your decision to attend/not to attend their school and complete any forms they require (usually included in the acceptance package).
* Organize finances: arrange to transfer funds to a U.S. bank; make sure you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival.
* Finalize arrangements for housing and medical insurance with your university.
June - August
* Use information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to fill out the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay the required fees.
* Upon receipt of your I-20 and SEVIS I-901 payment receipt, apply to AIT for a student visa.
* Make travel arrangements.
* Contact the International Student Office at your new school with details of your arrival plans, and confirm details of any orientation for new students you may have to attend prior to the beginning of class.
Before You Go
* you should have all the necessary documents you need
* you should check with the International Office regarding temporary housing (if you arrive early, your dorm room may not be ready for move in).
* make sure you have information on trasportation from the airport to the school.
* pack your luggage at least two (2) days prior so that you don't forget anything
* if you wear prescription glasses, it may be wise to have a spare made
* bring prescription medicine (if any)