Please note that this is a general guide of what is required for most college/university applications. This gives the information in detail and an application documents checklist is also included at the end.
- COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY APPLICATION FORM
A duly filled and signed application where in some cases; the student may have to submit more than one application form. For example, if a student needs scholarship/assistantship then they have to submit a general application as well as the scholarship/assistantship application and a department application. - ACADEMIC REPORTS/TRANSCRIPTS
1. For Undergraduate Programs: The students are required to submit a secondary school report and report cards of their final exams. These should be filled by a school official and should provide ranking in the class. These reports should give the information about the student's accomplishments and provide a prediction of ones chances for success in the university level studies. If possible, it is always better that a school includes a guide to the grading standards used in the educational system. If a school ranks their students by their level of academic achievement, make sure that the ranking is included with the other details. Also send the school/junior college leaving certificates as and when it is available. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated to English only by the issuing authority otherwise the application may not be acceptable or may get rejected.
2. For Graduate Level Programs: Students are required to submit an official transcript from each college/university that they have attended after their secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits involved in each year. Most universities ask for the transcripts to be sealed in an envelope signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This process should be done for each and every college that the student has attended. Some universities may ask for more than one copy of the transcript. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, they must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university. - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This is usually a one-page statement in which the student has an opportunity to introduce himself to the admissions committee and tell them about the goals personally and professionally and what would make that student a valuable addition to their campus community. The statement should contain information about the student's educational objectives, career goals and the reasons for wanting to study in USA and in particular college/university to which the student is submitting the application. This is a good time to show evidence of the student's desire to attend a specific course and the student should take this opportunity to specifically mentioning what it is about the program (for example – specific courses, faculty members, opportunities for research) that is appealing to apply to that particular college/university. - RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
At least two or three recommendation letters from their respective lecturers/professors who knows the student academically. If a student applying for any MBA or management program, these programs often prefer recommendation letters from former supervisors who can speak about their (student's) professional accomplishments. These recommendations must be written in English on letterhead paper and must be signed and sealed in an envelope and should be sent directly to the colleges/universities. It is always recommended for a student to prepare their recommenders by giving them some information about the specific programs to which the student is applying and the reasons for wanting to attend so that they may get an idea and they may write a stronger supporting letter for that student. - BANK STATEMENT
A financial statement or a bank statement is required, which indicates the availability of funds that a student (or student's sponsor) has available to pay as a tuition fees and for living expenses while studying abroad. These funds must be accessible for the purpose of a student's further education.
An official letter should come from a bank employee on the bank's letterhead with a seal and should clearly indicate the amount of funds available both in the student's native currency and in USA dollars.
To each and every university that a student applies, they need to enclose an original bank statement showing adequate funds to cover at least a year's tuition fees and living expenses. Instead of getting multiple originals, which may not be practically possible, the student may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the banker) and then signed and sealed by the bank manager individually. Some universities need the financial statement filled in the application itself. If it is indicated as mandatory, the student needs to get that form appropriately filled by the bank official. Ideally, one should indicate availability of funds for the entire duration of the program, but if this is not possible, then the student should show evidence of funding for at least one year covering tuition fees, living expenses and other fees.
Hence, before requesting a statement, it is a good idea to calculate what would be the maximum annual budget from among the universities that a student is willing to apply and to take the highest amount and arrange for bank statements accordingly. This will eliminate the need to request a new statement for every application. - AFFADAVIT OF SUPPORT – (AOS)
Some colleges/universities may also require an AOS in addition to the bank statement. An AOS is a statement to be given by the sponsor (the person who sponsors the student education.)
This has to be given on a Rs.100/- non-judicial stamp paper, in a prescribed format. Sometimes, the universities have their own forms and in this case, the form would need to be signed by the sponsor, properly witnesses and attested by a notary public. To each and every university that a student applies, they need to enclose an original AOS. Instead of getting multiple stamp papers and doing an AOS, they may get the first statement photocopied (before signatures are made by the sponsor) and then signed by the sponsor and notarized individually. - APPLICATION FEES
This can be submitted online by credit card, or by bank check in $ USD in the amount specified or required by the university. - STANDARDIZED TEST SCORE REPORT(S)
If a student has already taken TOEFL/IELTS AND/OR SAT/GRE/GMAT and is having the scores reported directly to the colleges/universities, then the student needs to enclose a copy of the score report for a quick reference. - RESUME
Some programs, for example MBA or management programs may also require by a student to submit a Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) to outline the student's professional experience and skills. - COVER LETTER
Although this is not required, this is a good place to include any additional information about the student's application. For example, when a student plans to take the required standardized exams if already not taken, then this is also a good place to explain any deficiencies. Also, if a student is applying for a college/university that is not familiar with the Indian educational system, this can be a good place to explain about the specific undergraduate program and the grading system which is different than the USA educational system.
