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• The SAT I (+/-) - It is the most important criterion for admission, and is compulsory for almost all undergraduate programs.
  SAT I & II
  • The SAT I consists of 3 sections (Reading, Writing and Math) of 800 points each, totaling up to 2400 points.
  • The SAT II subject tests are of 800 points each. You are typically required to give 3 of these tests.
  • You can register for both SAT tests on www.collegeboard.com
• The SAT II Subject Test (+/-) - Is required for most of the top universities and programs and recommended for most others.
  SAT I & II
  • The SAT I consists of 3 sections (Reading, Writing and Math) of 800 points each, totaling up to 2400 points.
  • The SAT II subject tests are of 800 points each. You are typically required to give 3 of these tests.
  • You can register for both SAT tests on www.collegeboard.com
• School Results - Most universities require you to send them an attested copy of your transcripts from grade 9 to 12. The Class 10 Board Exams tend to be quite important in this regard, as they are the only external exam you have given in the absence of your Class 12 result.
• Essays (+/-) - A typical college applications will require you to write 1-3 single page essays. These are important as they are the only subjective criterion, which allow the admission team to get a feel of who you are as a person.
  There are two aspects to your college application essay.
  • Personality - The most important function of the college essay is to give the admission committee a feel of you as a person. Pick your topic carefully and try to be as truthful as possible. It certainly helps if you write on something you are passionate about.
  • Writing Skills - It is also important that you are able to express what you feel in the best possible way. Your essay must be well constructed and must have a logical flow to it. In this regard, it is always a good idea to get your essay edited by a few people.
• Extra-curricular Activities/Resume (+/-) - A strong resume highlighting your extra-curricular activities greatly increases your chances of getting into your dream college.
  • In your resume try to concentrate on a limited number of activities/groups/interests with which you have been consistently involved.
  • Don't just list out a large number of activities.
  • Definitely try to list all social service activities you have participated, as these are highly appreciated.
  • Try to supplement the activities listed by you on the resume by writing short answers (these are required on most applications) and explain how they have impacted you as a person or how you have been able to influence your community through these activities.

• There are several criterions while choosing an appropriate college. Some of these are listed below. Try not to concentrate on only one or two as all these contribute to the complete college experience.
  • Rankings - The ranking of a particular college are important to gauge the quality of a university. These ratings are published by research schools such as US News and World Report. But try not to pay too much attention to these ratings as there doesn't tend to be much difference between schools rated close together.
  • Location - The location of a university defined what sort of surroundings you will live in for the next 4 years of your life. For example don't try to force yourself into a rural college if you don't think you will be able to survive away from a city.
  • Community - Larger universities or urban universities tend to have a more diverse student body then smaller schools and rural schools. For example there will tend to be a higher percentage of more Indian students at New York University than University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
  • Environment - The environment at universities in the US tends to vary greatly with its geographical location. In general southern schools tend to be more conservative, while west coast schools are the most liberal.
  • Weather - Although this is not a big factor, it may be considered in extreme conditions. For example, you may want to choose a university in California over a similar university in Michigan.
  • Fees and Financial Aid - State universities such as University of Texas at Austin tend to be cost less than Private schools such as NYU. An average US university costs $30,000 per annum.

• The application forms for all colleges are available online on the university website. Most can be downloaded and printed or submitted online.
• You should typically apply to 8-10 universities, which should include a couple of your dream schools, universities you expect to get into and universities you would definitely get into.
• Most universities accept a Common Application with a supplementary form. A list of universities that accept the common application is available on http://www.commonapp.org/

• An F-1 visa is required to study in the US.
• To acquire an F-1 visa, you will need an I-20 form that will be sent to you by your university, once you accept their admission offer.
• Once you receive this document, you will need to schedule an appointment for a visa with the US Embassy. You can apply for an appointment on http://www.ttsvisas.com/
• For your visa document be sure to take your I-20 form, your financial documents (Bank Statement and Income Tax Returns) or Scholarship papers.

Still confused about US admissions process or have some specific questions?