How to apply to U.S universities from Nepal ?

Applying to colleges in the U.S. is simple yet complex. Of course, there are many consultancies all over Putalisadak where you can go to whip up the process, however, they charge a hefty sum for something that doesn't cost much.

I, myself a high-school graduate of 2016, started my process as early as May of 2016. I took my SAT classes in a consultancy, later realizing all that could be done at home more meticulously.  

In this blog, I am going to generalize the steps for applying to most of the average U.S. universities.
Applying to top-notch universities is a little complex, I'll be writing a whole new series about that.

BACKGROUND:

There are mainly two intakes namely Fall and Spring.

The deadline for January intake, also called Spring intake, will be somewhere between Oct. 15 to Nov. 15. Check the college official website for the exact date.

The deadline for August intake, also called Fall intake, will be somewhere between March 15 to June 15.

However, for high-ranked universities, you need to gear up and start the process as early as November of the previous year for you need to take care of varieties of things.

TIMELINE:

Planning is the key. You certainly don't want to miss important deadlines. Also, I suggest you start as early as possible for it gives you a whole lot more of extra time to research universities later according to your scores.

I recommend doing the following (students applying for the Spring intake). Others who intend to apply for the Fall intake can plan relatively as per this timeline.

1. Start your TOEFL and SAT classes by June (Assuming you are done with high school in May). 
2. Familiarize yourself with Collegeboard.org, ETS.org, Khanacademy.org 
3. Take your TOEFL test somewhere in mid-august. TOEFL is comparatively an easy test. Somewhere between 100-110/120 will be a decent score to apply for good colleges, however, many colleges will accept 61 Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) score for admission.
4. Ace your SAT. Try to get 1400/1600, a score of that kind opens doors to elite schools.
5. Keeping in mind all other things you will need to take care of, take your SAT on Oct. 1. 
6. After that, you'll have one extra month that is till November to search for colleges and write your essay (if you have not decided on your college yet?).
7. Once you get your result for the SAT back, you should know exactly where you are standing.
8. If you score above 90 in TOEFL or 7 in IELTS, above 1300 in SAT or 28 in ACT, I recommend you aim for the Fall intake. This is because most universities offer better scholarships during this session of admission.
9. Anything below, don't bother. Start applying for the Spring. Your first summer is waiting (you will soon realize what I meant by this).

How to Apply:

 * Before applying to any college, open its official website and check for the English proficiency requirement.

I) Fill up the online application form often found at the college's official website under the International Students tab.

II) Next, go to the bank and pay the application fee. It should cost you between $50-$100. Some colleges are free to apply. Check the website.

III) All universities will have a designated organization for International students often called the Center of International Students. Find their e-mail on the college website.

IV) Interact with them for everything you need to know about the application process. Whether you ought to send your transcript and other documents through the mail (courier) or scanned copies will work? Write to them. In fact, it is a part of their job to help you so don't hesitate to reach out.

V) If hard copies of the documents are mandatory then you need to get them attested.

VI) Finally, send these through a courier service or email the scanned documents if this is acceptable. Again, check the college website.

VII) You are also required to provide a balance certificate indicating you have the financial resources to pay for your first year of college. Get it from your bank if you have sufficient funds.

VIII) You then need to send your English Proficiency Test scores and SAT scores (If required). Some colleges don't require the SAT for admission. Email them to be sure. Also, check the college website.

IX) At this point, wait for their email about the decision and scholarship you got.

X) Once you receive their email and you are accepted, you need to import your I20. It is an acceptance letter that enlists your personal information and the cost of attendance. This might cost you around NRS 6000. Some colleges can send you I20 free of cost.


Note:

There are many third-party sources that can get you a balance certificate for about NRS 1500. Look for them in Facebook groups (I won't mention which, but if you've come across this article then I'm sure you know what I'm talking about).

You can attest your documents at USEF Nepal located in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu.

Application fees can be paid through any bank where online payment is available. I went to NIBL bank.

     

 Documents that need to be attested are:

1.  S.L.C transcript
2.  +2 transcript
3.  +2 Provisional document.

  For attestation, you need to take the original and photocopy of each of the above documents.
  - The cost was Rs 50 per page at USEF Nepal in 2016.

Courier all your documents through Government of Nepal Express Mail Service (E.M.S), located in Sundhara, in-front of Nepal Telecom, for it is reliable, fast (takes around 5-7 days) and very cheap (was about NRS 1500 when I did it, which was half the price other private companies offered the same service in.)

If you're an aspiring student intending to study in the United States then you need to visit USEF once.

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/usef.nepal/

Some resources that I found useful:-

For SAT:-

• Khanacademy.org
• cracksat.net

For TOEFL:-

• ETS.ORG
• notefull.com
• www.testden.com/

Some books that might help you:-

• How to read better and faster - NORMAN LEWIS
• Cracking.the.New.SAT.Premium.Edition.2016.-.The.Princeton.Review
• Austen - Mansfieldpark
• Cracking the TOEFL IBT Book

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to reach me at my facebook page: Ashadharan-अशाधरण

Subscribe to my "youtube channel" for more information.