Application Process

Application Components

The application packet to U.S. colleges and universities consists of five essential things. Additional materials may be required to apply to more competitive schools especially schools that offer good scholarships. Remember that all components of your application, whether submitted electronically or by mail (or a combination of both), must reach the college before the deadline date.

Application Form
A college or university’s application form can be easily downloaded from the college or university website free of cost. If you are unable to download it, you can ask the college or university to mail or email it to you. They will be more than happy to send you the form.

While filling the form, students have to be careful. Please make sure that all the information you write on the form is valid and correct. Colleges use the information on the form to generate the I-20. Any mistakes in the form will result in mistakes on your I-20. Thus you have to fill the form neatly (either typed on in very clear handwriting) so that the admission officers are able to review what you have written.

Application Fee

The application fee for each college ranges from $20 - $100, usually sent in the form of a dollar draft payable to the college you are applying to. Some colleges receive thousands of applications every semester. Students are charged this fee as a processing charge and it is non-refundable. Generally, application fees are required. However, undergraduate applicants who demonstrate severe financial hardship may be able to use an “application fee waiver” which is an explanatory letter written by your school Principal or school Guidance Counselor if you have one. This letter is sent in place of the application fee. However, undergraduate students must use this wisely. If it appears to the admissions office you are actually able to pay the application fee, your application may not be reviewed.

Attested Transcripts

In Nepal, most students receive only one set of original mark-sheets. Never make the mistake of sending your original academic documents to colleges and universities; you will most likely never get them back. In order to send your academic documents to U.S. colleges and universities, you can get your transcripts and certificates attested at USEF-Nepal or at your issuing Board Office.  At USEF-Nepal, we charge Rs. 25 per page.

Financial Documents

Generally, colleges and universities ask for a bank statement and sponsor letter. A sponsor is someone who is able and is willing to pay for your education. In the case of Nepal, it is usually the parents who sponsor their child. But, anyone from anywhere can be a sponsor. However, the reason to pay for the student’s education should be genuine. The willingness to pay for the education is shown by a letter which the sponsor writes. The sponsor must be able to provide a bank statement which should contain a minimum of one year cost of college or university in the case that the student is not applying for scholarship. If a student is applying for scholarship, then the statement should reflect at least the amount that the sponsor is willing to contribute per year.

TOEFL Score Report

The TOEFL score report will not be physically present in your application packet. You will need to arrange for the TOEFL program to send an official score report to the colleges you are applying to.

With the above five components, you can apply for admissions to some colleges. However, if you are applying to competitive schools or to schools that offer good scholarships, you will most likely require these additional materials:

Additional Standardized Test Scores

SAT/ ACT and SAT Subject Tests may be required for undergraduate applicants. GRE or GMAT may be required for graduate level students. Please note that you must order score reports to be sent to the colleges or universities via the testing program (alternately, you can send some for free if you designate the schools upon your test registration).

Application Essay

The application essay is a very important component of the application packet. The number of essays required will differ from college to college. Many times, it is the application essay which makes or breaks your successful application. The application essay is like an interview with the admission office. It is one of the only components in your application packet which is not in numbers. Spend a lot of time and effort on your application essay. Sometimes, it may take several months to produce an excellent application essay. To learn how to write an excellent application essay, students can use the outstanding collection of books at the USEF library and attend USEF’s specialized advising session called “Tips on Writing an Application Essay” offered monthly. Also, please refer to the ‘More on Essays’ section of this website.

Letters of Recommendation

Teachers who have taught you in class can write a recommendation letter for you. Usually, colleges ask for two to three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from your most recent teachers who have taught you. At the graduate level, it is important that the student gets a letter from the teacher who teaches the subject he /she is applying for. Recommendation letters should explain the ability of students to the admission officers. A strong recommendation letter from your teacher providing explanations about how you performed in class can be very helpful . It should give a clear idea about the type of student you were and what kind of activities you participated in. Recommendation letters carry a lot of weight; students should think carefully about who to choose as their recommenders.

Supporting Materials

This can mean a resume or any form of creative work you have done. For example, if a student writes articles for a newspaper, he/she can send a clipping of it. If a student is very good in playing an instrument, the student can record the music on a CD and send it. Supporting materials can also mean valuable certificates or awards you have received. You can attest these certificates from the place you have received them. Please note, all certificates need not be sent. Only the ones that are very important to you and those that will make you stand out in the application pool will be valued. Also, there will be a space in the application form to write about the different activities you have participated in. Graduate applicants should note that any supporting materials should be relevant to the program they are applying for.

More on Essays

To learn expert tips and advice on writing a successful application essay, be sure to attend USEF’s “Tips on Writing an Application Essay” session, offered monthly. Here, we present some important advice on essays.

Application essays are known by different names. Generally speaking, they are called “application essays” or “college admission essays” for undergraduate students, and “statement of purpose” or “personal statement” for graduate level students. Essays are one of the most important parts of your application. An essay can be like your personal interview with a college where they learn about your unique background and potential. An essay is sometimes the only direct communication that you have with a college. All schools do not require essays, but the competitive ones that offer scholarship might require you to write at least one essay.

There is often little difference between the credentials (for example, test scores, academics, and recommendation letters) of those admitted and of those denied at selective colleges. The selection committee often makes its decisions based on personal qualities which are best found in the applicants’ essays. Thus, the essay is an opportunity to present yourself well to the college.

Who Reads your Essay?

A typical admissions committee consists of:

• An experienced director who has been working in college admissions for at least 10-20 years.
• One or two associate directors with at least 5 years of experience.
• A handful of assistants who have just graduated from the college you’re applying to.

The assistants read all the applications and the directors read only what the assistants pass along. This means, you are writing to your peers as well as to the directors.

What You Need to Know about Application Essays

Essays comprise the most difficult but also the most important element under your control. Essays help the college to differentiate truly exciting students from the ordinary ones. The essay is your chance to show the college that you are more than just a list of courses and grades. It is probably too late to change your grades or your test scores, but you can always write a better essay.

What Are They Looking For?

College admissions officers are trying to know who you are and how you are different from other qualified applicants. They want to know you -- the person behind the numbers, percentages and other objective data that you have sent. Be careful to imply rather than state facts. For instance, don’t write ‘I am a hard-working person.’ The reader should infer it from your writing. College admissions officers also want to see your commitment to your proposed field of study. Furthermore, they are also considering your writing skills and how good you are at communicating ideas.

In order to know you better, colleges might pose questions like:

• Describe a personally satisfying experience.
• What are your most significant academic interests?
• Explain how you think our college will help you grow?

Sample Essay Questions from CommonApp

• Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
• Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
• Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
• Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
• Topic of your choice.

Personal Statement for Graduate School

The bar is higher for the graduate level applicants. Your level of knowledge, experience and wisdom is different from an entry-level college applicant. You should have identified the specific field you want to pursue and should have taken some steps in that direction. Your essay is your chance to show the admissions committee your qualifications for and commitment to your chosen field. You should discuss experiences, people and events that inspired you to pursue this chosen field. Talk about how you became interested in this particular field, your career goals and how that relates to what you have done. Research the program and professors well and talk about how the program is a good fit for you.

Some Dos and Don’ts

Do

• Plan ahead.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Write the length of essay they ask for.
• Type your final draft unless they instruct otherwise.
• Consider the unique features of the institution.
• Research the university well.
• Emphasize your positive qualities.
• Mention relevant achievements.
• Tell the truth.
• Emphasize what you have learned.
• Be definite.
• Write about something you are comfortable with.

Don’t

• Try to second-guess and flatter.
• Be phony.
• Be redundant.
• Glorify yourself.
• Use clichés.
• Use unfamiliar words.

Three Step Writing Process

You can follow these three simple steps to improve your essay:

1. Brainstorming
2. Selecting an Essay Topic
3. Writing the Essay

Brainstorming

This is one of the most important parts of the three step writing process. Plan to spend at least about a week brainstorming. It helps you to generate new ideas for your essay. If you do it properly, your life would be much easier after this. You can ask the following questions to yourself to brainstorm properly:

i) What are you like?

What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your best qualities? Are you a   plugger? An intellectual? A creative type? Curious? Passionate? Determined?

ii) What have you done?

What are your major accomplishments, and why? Have you ever struggled hard for something and succeeded/failed? How did you respond? What was the most difficult time of your life and how that changed your perspective on life?

iii) Where do you want to go?

What are your dreams for the future? What would it take for you to consider your life successful? How does this particular university fit into your plans for the future?

Selecting an Essay Topic

• Make sure you can easily meet the essay length requirement with the topic you have chosen.
• Your essay needs to be interesting. You want the reader to remember you even after he/she has read over 1000 essays.
• If your essay topic is controversial, it must be done sensitively so that a reader with differing opinion can relate to it.

Writing the Essay

• When writing the essay, remember to address the “WHY” factor.  If you tell them you volunteered at a hospital, or in a classroom, tell them why you did it.
• Admission officers do want to see that you have curiosity, passion and persistence.  But remember, don’t tell them that you have these qualities: show them in a narrative.

10 Tips on Writing the Admissions Essay

1. Answer the Essay Question
2. Grab Reader’s Attention

3) Use Detail and Concrete Experiences

4)  Be Concise

5) Pay Attention to Transition and Sentence Variety

6) Use Active Voice Verbs

7) Don’t Thesaurusize your Essay

8) Conclude Effectively

9) Proofread

10) Revise

A Few Things to Remember

• Don’t narrate your life history in your essay. Focus on depth not breadth.
• Captivate the reader, especially in the beginning of your essay.
• Don’t try to second guess what the reader wants. Be yourself.
• Evaluate your experiences in terms of who you are as a person right now. Don’t just recount.

Resources at the USEF Library

• Best College Admission Essays (Mark Alan Stewart and Cynthia C. Muchnick)
• Graduate Admissions Essays (Donald Asher)
• Graduate Admissions Essays- What works, What doesn’t, and Why (Donald Asher)
• How To Write A Winning Personal Statement-For Graduate And Professional School (Richard J. Stelzer)
• Best College Admission Essays (Mark Alan Stewart and Cynthia C. Muchnick)

Some Useful Websites

• www.educationusa.info (Click on StudentsàApply & Be Admitted àUndergrad/Grad Study à Preparing Successful Applications à Completing and Returning the Application Materials)
• http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/ materials/student/toc.shtml
• http://owl.english.purdue.edu

Finances

Studying in the United States is very expensive. Annually, cost of attendance at U.S. colleges and universities ranges from $12,000 to $60,000. Here, we present the finances broken down into parts to help you understand the true costs involved in studying in the United States.

Tuition: $3,000 - $40,000

The cost for tuition is the cost for the education provided. There is a vast difference in price when you compare $3,000 to $40,000. The tuition fee differs from one institution to another. There are two types of colleges in the United States: public colleges and private colleges. Public colleges are subsidized by the state and they are a lot cheaper in price. Public colleges have two kinds of tuition fee structures, namely the instate tuition fee and the out-of-state tuition fee. Students who are residents of that particular state pay the instate fee (lower in cost); others, including international students pay the out-of-state fee (higher in cost). Private colleges operate with student tuition money as well as funds from other sources; therefore they tend to be more expensive than public colleges. However, it is important to note that the competitive private colleges provide higher amounts of scholarships than their public counterparts. High quality education can be found at both private and public colleges.

Room and Board $4,000 - $12,000

Expenditure for your accommodation and food will depend primarily on which part of the United States you will live in. In general terms, the east coast and the west coast are expensive places to live when compared to the central area of the United States. Understandably, living costs will automatically rise if you live in big cities. If you are going to live in a rural or a small town area, your living cost will be significantly less. The college website will tell you exactly where the college is located, which will help you determine your living expenses.

Books and Supplies $500 - $1,000

Books in the United States are expensive (a single book can cost over $100!), and students are required to buy their text books. The college will estimate your cost of books for that particular semester. Some majors such as art, photography, and architecture may need additional supplies which will increase expenses when compared to other subjects.

Health Insurance $500 - $1,000

It is important to have health insurance when you get to the United States. In fact, all colleges make it mandatory for international students to have health insurance. Medical bills can be really high if you are admitted to a hospital or visit your campus health center. A one-night stay at a U.S. hospital can cost you more than $1000! If you have a health insurance, it will help you manage medical bills. It is difficult to predict your health: mishaps like an accident can take place at any time. Generally, students spend $500-$1000 per year on health insurance.

Personal Expenses $1,200 - $3,000

Personal expenses cover a variety of things. It can mean the cost for travel, laundry, telephone bills, clothes, and many more things. The amount you spend on personal expenses will of course completely depend on you and you spending habits. Sometimes students may not realize hidden costs that build up to be a large sum of money when buying basic goods.

Travel to the United States $1,000

This is the approximate cost of airfare for a one way ticket to the United States.

Yes, it is expensive to study in the United States and you must carefully plan your budget. Please read our ‘Scholarships’ section to learn more about ways to finance your education.

Scholarships

To learn about scholarships, make sure to attend USEF’s ‘Scholarship 101’ free information session offered monthly. Here, we present some basic information about scholarships at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Level

Basics

Financial Aid/Assistance is monetary assistance to eligible students. It may be known by different names like scholarships, out-of-state tuition waiver, work-study and grants. There are strict criteria for ensuring continued financial aid, such as maintaining a specific GPA and taking certain credit hours. Broadly speaking, anything that lessens cost of attendance (COA) can be called scholarship (COA includes tuition, living cost, books, health insurance, etc.)

There are only about 85 colleges and universities that offer full scholarships to international students. However, most of these schools are very competitive, and some have an acceptance rate of less than 10%. There are only a handful of need-blind colleges that cover all your need if you are admitted. Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, Stanford University and Amherst College are some of those need-blind institutions.

Only about 10% of international undergraduate students receive their primary funding from the colleges they are attending. About one-third of around 2,000 colleges offer financial assistance to international undergraduate students. Only about 40% of the 2,000 colleges offer average aid greater than $10K and about 60% offer little or no aid to international students. Financial Aid can come in the form of a package that consists of grant, loan and work-study.

Trends in Scholarship

In the U.S. education system, the higher up you go, the more funding is generally available. For instance, 47% of the graduate students obtain primary funding from the college in comparison to 10% of undergraduate students. Furthermore, private schools are expensive, but they offer more financial aid to international students. Also, the fall semester is the beginning of academic year and more scholarship is available in the fall than in the spring semester. And, colleges give freshman students preference over transfer students when allocating scholarships.

Types of Scholarship

There are basically two types of financial aid:

1. Merit-Based
2. Need-Based

Students should ask the college which type they offer. You might have to fill detailed and comprehensive forms provided by the college to apply for these scholarships. These forms can generally be downloaded from the colleges’ websites.

Merit-Based Scholarship

These scholarships are granted to enhance a college’s student body profile. Factors like academics, community service, special talents and leadership would be considered. Other factors like application essays, recommendation letters and test scores are equally important.

Need-Based Scholarship

Based on family income, assets, savings and expenses Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated. Cost of Attendance (COA) – EFC= Need. COA is constant but EFC varies with how badly colleges want you to attend. Don’t ask for more than you genuinely need because you will face more competition.100% need is rarely met. Most Nepalese students will demonstrate need. However, whether your need is met or not will certainly depend on your merits as well.

Ways to Increase your Financial Aid Offer

• Request colleges to match your current aid offer
• Apply to colleges in clusters; most competitive schools compete for same students
• Beat the priority deadline
• Ask politely to speak with the Director of Financial Aid
• Research outside sources

Ways to Reduce Cost of Attendance

• Take more courses and graduate early
• Live with a relative, friend or host parents
• Complete your first two years at a community college
• Take summer classes at a community college if courses are transferable
• Take AP exams, CLEP, SAT Subject Tests for credits to introductory courses
• Apply for Resident Adviser position
• Apply for on campus employment
• Try for an out-of-state tuition waiver

Watch out for Scholarship Scams

There are always individuals out there who try to take advantage of gullible students. You must beware of scholarship scams. One out of ten students is victimized. A scholarship scam may have a significant processing charge, an official sounding name, and high pressure telemarketers. Such programs will tell you that scholarships are “guaranteed,” that you have been selected without even applying, and that you will not find this information anywhere else. Scam programs may inform applicants only by phone. Their addresses may have post office box numbers, but no street addresses. Generally, if something sounds too good to be true, it generally is! Attend USEF’s ‘Scholarship 101’ session to learn more about scholarship scams.

Demystifying Scholarship Myths

In this section, USEF clarifies some points that Nepali students are frequently misled on.

• Many Nepali students think that they can obtain a scholarship after their first year or semester of study at a U.S. college, but this is generally not possible. You should secure the scholarship while entering as a freshman into the school.
• Furthermore, it is difficult to transfer to a different college with scholarship because freshmen get more preference for scholarship.
• TOEFL scores are used in admission, but generally not used in awarding scholarships. USEF recommends that undergraduate students applying for scholarships take SAT or ACT.
• Some U.S. colleges award tuition reductions with names like “International Student Scholarship” or “Diversity Scholarship” to almost all international students; hence they are not really scholarships.
• Working off campus is illegal for international students in the U.S. and can sometimes be very dangerous. Thus, this option should not be considered as a way of making extra money in the U.S.

Where to go for Information

• USEF Library (International Student Handbook, International Undergrad Financial Aid 2009)
• American Library
• Join USEF e-group
• Websites of Colleges and Universities
• Other websites
  • www.fundingusstudy.org
  • www.finaid.org

Bibliography

• Applying to Colleges and Universities in the U.S., 20th Edition.
• Funding for United States Study (2007-2008).
• Getting Financial Aid (2010).
• International Student Handbook (2010).
• Open Doors (2007).
• Peterson’s Four-Year Colleges (2009).
• Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants and Prizes (2009).
• U.S. News Ultimate College Guide (2009).

Graduate (Master’s/ Ph.D) Level

Basics

Financial Aid/Assistance is monetary assistance to eligible students. It may be known by different names like scholarships, out-of-state tuition waiver, grants, assistantships and fellowships. There are strict criteria for ensuring continued financial aid like maintaining a specific GPA and taking certain credit hours. Broadly speaking, anything that lessens cost of attendance (COA) is scholarship (COA includes tuition, living cost, books, health insurance, etc.)

Scholarship at the graduate level is almost always based on merit. Merit is determined by factors like standardized test scores, essays, recommendation letters, and mastery of a student’s chosen field.

Summer is a good time to search for scholarships for the fall of next year because 65% of deadlines fall between November to March.

Trends in Scholarship

In the U.S. education system, the higher up you go, the more funding is generally available. For instance, 47% of the graduate students receive primary funding from the college in comparison to 10% of undergraduate students. Less than 9% receive funding from other sources (e.g. Fulbright, ADB, private sponsors, organizations). In science, engineering, computer science and math, 82% of PhD candidates and 55% of master’s candidates are awarded funding. In the humanities and social sciences, 56% of PhD candidates and 41% of master’s candidates are awarded funding. Scholarship is rare for MBA, Law, and Health. External grants (even smaller amounts) give you an edge over other applicants. Private institutions have more funding available for international students whereas public institutions may have more teaching assistantships because of their larger undergraduate class sizes. Also, there are higher chances of assistantship for master’s candidates at institutions that offer a PhD degree as well.

Types of Scholarship

There are generally three types of scholarship for graduate level students in the U.S.:

1. Fellowships
2. Assistantships
3. Grants

Fellowships

Fellowships are granted on the basis of merit and offered at the beginning of the graduate program. There is no work obligation. Fellowships are generally offered to students taking advanced courses, doing research, or working on a project. Fellowships usually cover living expenses and some may include tuition and fees. They generally range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year. Receiving more than $25,000 as a fellowship is rare

Assistantships

An assistantship involves work obligation, where a student is assigned to work for a professor. Assistantships are not merely employment relationships, but rather, an integral and important part of graduate education. Assistantships range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year and usually involve 10-20 hours of work per week. There are two different types of assistantships:

Teaching Assistantship (TA)

17. Usually provides salary with full or partial tuition remission
17. May or may not include health benefits
17. Involves teaching undergraduate classes, grading papers, and monitoring labs
17. May involve attending undergraduate class and carrying lighter course loads

Research Assistantship (RA)

17. Similar to Teaching Assistantship in terms of pay
17. Involves research assignment in your discipline
17. Generally, the RA will support your thesis dissertation

Grants

The third form of scholarship at the graduate level is grants. Mostly, only advanced level graduate students can apply for grants. U.S. universities provide grants to pursue special projects. They consist of a small amount of funding, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. It is rare to receive a grant greater than $10,000. Grants do not cover living costs. Grants are awarded based on a project’s originality and importance, and a student’s ability to carry out the research successfully.

Tips on Winning Graduate Assistantships

In trying to secure assistantships, you should remember that the professors control most assistantship funding. Therefore, it is in your best interest to study the department’s webpage and communicate with professors from whom you are interested in securing funding. Assure the professors of the ways you plan to contribute to their programs. Present a polish and professional application, and try to secure an interview via phone or over the Internet.

Ways to Increase your Financial Aid Offer

• Request colleges to match your current aid offer
• Apply to colleges in clusters; most competitive schools compete for the same students
• Beat the priority deadline
• Ask politely to speak with the Director of Financial Aid
• Research outside sources

Ways to Reduce Cost of Attendance

• Take more courses and graduate early
• Live with a relative, friend or host parents
• Apply for Resident Adviser position
• Apply for on campus employment
• Try for out-of-state tuition waiver

Watch out for Scholarship Scams

There are always individuals out there who try to take advantage of gullible students. You must beware of scholarship scams. One out of ten students is victimized. A scholarship scam may have a significant processing charge, an official sounding name, and high pressure telemarketers. Such programs will tell you that scholarships are “guaranteed,” that you have been selected without even applying, and that you will not find this information anywhere else. Scam programs may inform applicants only by phone. Their addresses may have post office box numbers, but no street addresses. Generally, if something sounds too good to be true, it generally is! Attend USEF’s ‘Scholarship 101’ session to learn more about scholarship scams.

Demystifying Scholarship Myths

In this section, USEF clarifies some points that Nepali students are frequently misled on.

• Many Nepali students think that they can obtain a scholarship after their first year or semester of study at a U.S. college, but this is generally not possible. You should secure the scholarship while entering as a freshman into the school.
• TOEFL scores are used in admission, but generally not used in awarding scholarships. USEF recommends that graduate students applying for scholarships take the GRE or GMAT.
• Some U.S. colleges award tuition reductions with names like “International Student Scholarship” or “Diversity Scholarship” to almost all international students; hence they are not really scholarships.
• Working off campus is illegal for international students in the U.S. and can sometimes be very dangerous. Thus, this option should not be considered as a way of making extra money in the U.S.

Where to go for Information

• USEF Library (Peterson’s Six Volumes of Graduate Program Handbooks)
• Websites of Colleges and Universities
• American Library
• Join USEF e-group
• Other websites
  • www.fundingusstudy.org
  • www.finaid.org
  • http://scholar.google.com

Bibliography

• Funding for United States Study (2007-2008).
• Open Doors (2007).
• Peterson’s Graduate Program Handbook (2009).
• Peterson’s Grants for Graduate and Postdoctoral Study, 5th Edition.
• Peterson’s Scholarships, Grants and Prizes (2009).
• U.S. News Ultimate College Guide (2009).

Why You Should “Do It Yourself”

At USEF, we strongly encourage students to “do it yourself” instead of using private agents and private educational consultancies. As you may know, some consultancies indulge in unscrupulous practices and mislead and misinform students about studying in the U.S. Why use the services of such companies when information and guidance is available free of cost at USEF as well as on the Internet?

When you start your studies in the United States, you will find that you must be independent in order to succeed. So, start practicing independence now: take charge of your own application process to U.S. colleges and “do it yourself”! USEF is here to support and guide you through the application process. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries or concerns.

Please note that USEF does not support or endorse the services of private agents and educational consultancies. You may read EducationUSA guidelines relating to this published by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs here.

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