Steps to get into a US university
With over 4,000 universities in the United States and no standard application system, the US admission process can be confusing. Here you will find a brief overview that might make it a bit easier to understand.
More than 8000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying at different American Universities. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, U.S universities are still offering endless opportunities for international students.
With over 4,000 universities in the United States and no standard application system, the US admission process can be confusing. Here you will find a brief overview that might make it a bit easier to understand.
According to EducationUSA, the official source on US higher education, the five steps you need to follow to get into a US university are --- Research your option, Finance your studies, Complete your application, Apply for your student visa and Prepare for your departure.
Application Requirements
There are no unified requirements for US university admission. For undergraduate admission, these requirements are considered the standard-
- Certificate & transcript of SSC & HSC ( Equivalent) Examination. Sometimes they might ask you to provide result sheets from grade 9, 10, 11 and 12
- English Language Proficiency Test. Example, IELTS, TOEFL, DET, PTE
- Aptitude Test ( SAT or ACT). This is not mandatory but recommended
- Admission Essay
- Letter of Recommendation
- Extra-Curricular Activities to your personal skills
- Financial requirements and other fees
If you are planning to apply for a Masters or PhD program here are things that you need to prepare.
- Undergraduate CGPA or transcript ( if you completed your masters already then you need to submit that as well.)
- English Language Proficiency Test. Example, IELTS, TOEFL
- Aptitude test ( GRE is for non-business students and GMAT for Business students). You can find some universities accepting applications without an aptitude test.
- Statement of Purpose/ Letter of Motivation
- Letter of Recommendation
- Academic Resume. Job experience can add extra value in the application.
- Financial requirements and other fees
When to Apply?
Most US universities have two admission intakes every year- fall and spring semesters. Fall semester starts in late August and ends in late December or early January whereas the spring semester begins in January and ends in early May.
If you are targeting to apply to any of the semesters you need to submit an application at least nine months earlier than the class starts.
Generally application starts in mid-November or first December for the fall semester and first April for spring.
EducationUSA website might help you understand each step pretty well.
Besides this, you can reach out to any of the EducationUSA offices. They provide official information on higher education in the US.
There are two EducationUSA offices in Dhaka City. one is American Center near Natun Bazar (Opposite of US Embassy) and the other one is the EMK Center near Rapa Plaza (Old Dhanmondi 27).
