Getting Prepared

If you’re thinking about attending a university in the U.S., we strongly recommend that you start planning two years in advance. This will put you on a solid footing to apply to the universities of your choice. Below are links to important resources and a timeline of what you should start doing — and when.

Two-Year Plan for Studying in the U.S.

Two Years In Advance

September to December

  1. Start researching! Gather information about U.S. higher education institutions and compare them based on what you’re looking for in a university. Enter your criteria in College Search and see what suggested institutions result.
  2. Look for resources within your country. EducationUSA advising centers, libraries, educational organizations and the Internet are great sources of information on U.S. study.
  3. Find out if you need to take an English proficiency exam. If English is not your first language, universities may require you to take an English language proficiency exam like the TOEFL or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  4. Think about taking AP courses and/or exams if you haven’t done so yet. Go to College Board Tests and Programs to learn more about AP.
  5. Practice and Register for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests. The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are offered between October and June. The College Board provides many free and affordable online resources to help you get ready for test day. Visit the SAT student site for practice tools, advice on how to do your best on these tests, test dates, registration deadlines and test center locations.
  6. Attend a college education fair. These events are a great opportunity for you to speak directly with U.S. university representatives and get your questions answered.
  7. Get advice about your U.S. study plans. Talk with teachers, family, people who work in the field you want to study and those who have studied in the U.S.

January to March

  1. Make a list of your top choices. Gather all your information on universities and choose three to six institutions that you would like to research more fully.
  2. Think about a financial plan. Consider how much you will have to pay for tuition, living expenses, and transportation for each year that you study in the U.S. Try out the Net Price Calculator to estimate actual costs on campus.
  3. Schedule a time to take an English language proficiency test like the TOEFL.

April to July

  1. Contact the universities you’ve chosen for their current catalog or application or go to their website for more information. Also request financial aid and scholarship forms if you plan to apply for aid.
  2. Identify teachers, counselors or other adults who you can ask for letters of recommendation.
  3. Continue to improve your English skills by reading, writing and speaking English whenever possible.
  4. Read through university applications instructions carefully to understand what exactly is required and when deadlines are for all application materials.

One Year In Advance

August to December

  1. Look into intensive English language programs if you do not meet English proficiency requirements.
  2. Start your college essays. If applications require this, take a stab at your first draft.
  3. Take an admission test such as the SAT or SAT Subject Tests if you haven’t done so yet or feel you can improve your scores. Make sure to register no later than November.
  4. Send your academic transcripts. Find out from your current and previous secondary schools what the process is for sending transcripts to universities.
  5. Have your teachers complete your recommendation forms.
  6. By October, apply early to colleges.
  7. Fill out and send in financial aid application forms. If CSS PROFILE is required, you can start filling in information online by October 1.
  8. Request your scores on all required tests be sent to the universities you are applying to.

January to April

  1. Keep studying hard. Even though your application has been submitted, universities consider your complete academic record in admission decisions.
  2. Review your financial aid plan. If you think you’ll need additional help, look into whether your country might offer scholarships or loans.
  3. Decide where you’re going. Between March and May 1, universities will be contacting you regarding their admission decision. Be sure to send your reply and deposit by the acceptance deadline.
  4. Apply for a passport if you don’t already have one.

May to August

  1. If you haven’t yet heard back: email the universities you’ve applied to about their final admission decision.
  2. Review procedures that you need to complete before you depart for the U.S.
  3. Confirm housing arrangements with the university you’ll be attending.
  4. Apply for a visa. Make sure to check with the U.S. Embassy or consulate that you meet all requirements for entry into the U.S.
  5. Research predeparture orientation programs in your country – including those offered at EducationUSA centers.
  6. Make travel arrangements and ask your university about meeting you on arrival.
  7. Continue to increase your English language proficiency.
  8. Earn money toward your university living expenses.
  9. Complete all predeparture activities for the U.S.

More Resources

SAT

The SAT is the most widely used entrance exam for undergraduate study. It can also connect you to university planning resources, scholarships and financial support.

About the tests
The SAT: Your Bridge to Top Universities
SAT Practice

SAT Subject Tests

Many of the leading universities in the U.S. require or recommend SAT Subject Tests. For international students, SAT Subject Tests may be particularly meaningful because results from these tests help put your secondary grades in context.

Learn more about SAT Subject Tests

PSAT/NMSQT and PSSS

You can get a head start on your SAT practice with the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) or the Preliminary SAT Scoring Service (PSSS). Both tests give you access to additional college and career planning tools.

Learn about the PSAT/NMSQT

AP

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) can give you a sense of what university-level learning is like. AP is recognized in the admission process by more than 4,000 universities worldwide and can help you earn college credit and placement out of first-year introductory university courses.

Learn more about AP
AP Credit Policy Information
AP Courses and Exams

AP International Diploma

The AP International Diploma (APID) is a globally recognized certificate awarded to students who display exceptional achievement on AP Exams across a variety of disciplines.

AP International Diploma (APID)