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Admission to American universities

Griffis Helen

In the US, there is no unified application system like UCAS in the UK or uni-assist in Germany. But there is a Common App – a single application form for admission. It is accepted by more than 800 American universities. It contains full information about the applicant, his education, test results, achievements. And there is also a section with an essay, which will help to reveal your personality more fully.

US universities have several periods of accepting documents from applicants:

  • Early admission. It is usually held from mid-September to early December. There is a lower competition during this period. Plus you will have a head start to find a scholarship and thoroughly prepare for the visa interview. Early filing is divided into three more stages:
  • Early decision – you send your documents to only one university. If you are accepted, you will not be able to apply to other universities.
  • Single choice early action – here you also submit a single application. However, even in case of a positive decision, you will be able to try your luck at another university during the main application period.
  • Early action – gives you complete freedom of action. You can submit several applications and try a second time if you are not accepted.
  • Regular admission. It takes place from December through February. During this period, the largest number of applications are considered – competition is skyrocketing.
  • Rolling admission. Universities accept documents all year round and enroll successful candidates when there is a free place on the program. This is an additional opportunity for those who could not apply in previous periods. But if you plan to receive a scholarship, rolling admission is not an option for you. At the time of application to the university, the funding program may already be closed, and you will be left without money.

In American universities, you need to recognize a certificate or diploma. Usually it is done by the university itself. But in some cases you can apply to independent organizations – WES, ECE.

After confirming the application, the university enters the future student in a special database SEVIS – Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. This serves as the basis for a student visa. It is important that the chosen university is included in the list of SEVP-certified schools.