You must be aware that the timeline for study abroad begins a full year in advance. That implies if you are aspiring to study abroad in Fall 2022, then you must kick-start your preparations from Fall 2021. The application timeline is a must-have for anybody interested in study abroad. Here are all of the essentials to keep your study abroad plans on track!
(1). July 2021- Prepare for standardized tests:
Drop everything else and get stuff done! Begin preparing for standardized tests such as the GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS. You should check out lots of free study materials available online to prepare for your standardized tests.
(2). September 2021 to August of 2021- Craft your application:
It’s a perfect time to start working on your documents like your statement of purpose (SOP) and letter of recommendation (LORs). Having a stellar SOP and brilliant LORs significantly boosts your chances of getting into a good university abroad. So, it’s crucial to make sure they are flawless!
(3). October 2021 to November of 2021- Shortlist universities:
Based on your overall profile, you should shortlist universities that are more suited to your career goals. You should make use of the various free shortlisting tools available online.
(4). November 2021 to January 2022- Applying to universities:
Once done with the shortlisting, start sending your applications to universities directly through their official website. The application typically costs around 75-100 USD, depending upon the university. If you have trouble paying, try reaching out to the university, they usually hand out free coupons to needy candidates.
(5). December 2021- Sort out your finances:
Most Indian students have to take study loans to make their study abroad dreams a reality, and the loan process can take time. So, it’s better to sort out your finances in advance.
(6). February 2022 to April 2022- Wait for acceptance letters:
Universities mostly start sending out their acceptance letters between February to April. Hope you got yours too!
(7). May 2022 to July 2022- Sort out your visa:
Once you got your acceptance letter, it’s crucial to apply for the F-1 student visa as the visa process might take time. Once you got your visa, check if the university requires you to deposit an enrollment fee to secure your seat.
(8). August 2022- Book tickets & celebrate:
As soon as you get your joining dates, it’s better to book your tickets in advance to avoid surge prices and then celebrate!
