All universities can be categorized and classified by an application type. As a first approach you should decide which application types you are - or would like to be - familiar the most. The list below will help you decide. You don't have to know exactly which country or university you would like to study in, since application types are supra-national categories.Let's see an example: American application type with its Common Application considered an easy and clear application form to fill and admission process to follow. Why we are telling this? For instance if you would be glad to study and - later on - life in Switzerland, but there is the tiny little difficulty that you neither speak German nor French, Italian or Romansh you still have a good chance to study in that beautiful country. A lot of American universities are in Switzerland . Of course they are offering admissions for international students that are following the American application type. So if you won't be admitted to Harvard for the first attempt you can still go to Switzerland .
These application types below form the basis of the training courses of EngAme Ltd. to which you can register using EA Board.
 EU - In this section you can read about the European Union policy concerning the rights and opportunities of EU citizens who would like to apply to a university in the European Union....More >>>
 American - The American university application system mainly consist of the elements of Common Application.The highlights of this are your educational background, a written personal statement, recommendation letters, standardized test . More >>>
 Canadian - As mentioned before in the Education Systems section, the Canadian admission process follows the same way as American do. It means that those who apply to college in the Unites States can apply to universities in Canada . More >>>
 English - The methods of applying to a university in the United Kingdom also bears the same requirements as the American type, which means there is no entrance examination. You submit your essay, educational background, recommendation letters etc. . More >>>
 Hungarian - The admission process has changed a lot due to the Bologna system. Some kind of a university entrance examination remained, but now it integrated into the two-level high school graduation. Most of your admission points come from... More >>>
 Scholarships - Maybe the demand for financial aid for national or international studies is more vital for students than their wish to apply to foreign universities. Participating in this course you will learn how to apply for scholarships... More >>>
 German- Courses in German university admission procedure will start soon
 French - Courses in French university admission procedure will start soon
 Italian - Courses in Italian university admission procedure will start soon
 Spanish - Courses in Spanish university admission procedure will start soon
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The Common Application Form
This standardized application form is available on the Web at http://www.commonapp.org , and is used by over 130 colleges and universities. These institutions guarantee that they will give equal consideration to the Common Application and to their own forms. One copy of the form can be downloaded from the Web and may be available at your EducationUSA information and advising center. You can make as many copies as you need and send them to as many participating institutions as you wish. It has been pointed out that although the Common Application Form simplifies the college application process, a standard form may not allow you to tailor your application to the particular features of the individual colleges. Each form lists participating colleges and universities with their addresses and admissions information.
Once you have received information from the colleges, read everything thoroughly. Most schools require similar information, but they may ask for it in different ways. You will usually be asked to provide the following items.
Application Form
Your application form should be neat and clear to create a good impression. Unless it specifically asks you to complete the forms by hand, use a typewriter or word processor. You should fit your information into the application form provided and only use additional pages where necessary. Keep your personal information consistent, and always spell your name the same way on all documents. This will help schools keep track of your application materials more easily. Remember that large U.S. universities handle thousands of student records annually. Do not worry about providing a Social Security Number - either leave the section blank or write "none," according to the instructions. Avoid abbreviations; it is better to write the names and addresses of your schools, employers, examinations, and awards in full. Always provide information about your education or employment experiences in a logical order that is either chronological or reverse chronological order, as required. You will be asked when you want to study, what level (usually "freshman" or "transfer"), and the degree you hope to receive. Remember that it is acceptable for you to write "undecided" on the section asking about proposed major.
Application Fee
Almost all universities charge a non-refundable application fee that covers the cost of processing your application. It must be paid in U.S. dollars either by a dollar check drawn on a U.S. bank or an international money order obtainable from banks or American Express offices. Check the school's application form, website, or catalog for the current cost. If you apply on time there is the possibility to receive a fee waiver in case of proven need based on your financial background.
Academic Credentials
Each college will specify the types of official records it requires to document past education. In American terms, these are called transcripts and include a list of classes that you have taken at secondary school, when they were taken, and the grades you received for each class.
The U.S. college may furnish special forms on which school authorities are asked to write your grades and your academic performance relative to other students in your secondary school. If such forms are not provided, your school still will be expected to submit official documents that provide this kind of information on letterhead paper with the school stamp. If the admissions officer requests an explanation of the grading and class ranking system or descriptions of classes taken or subjects you have studied, this information should be furnished by an official of your school, if possible. U.S. admissions officers prefer that transcripts of previous educational work be sent with your application in an envelope sealed by your school or sent directly from the school.
Test Score Reporting
When you apply to take the SAT I or SAT II, TOEFL, or other examinations, you should know which universities you wish to apply to. In this way, you will be able to specify at that time that you wish your scores sent to those universities. You will save time and money by sending the scores at test time rather than requesting separate scores at a later date. When you submit an application, also include a photocopy of your test score reports, if possible. The admissions office can more easily match the official scores with your application, and, in some instances, they may begin processing your application with only the photocopy in hand.
Personal Statement
Many schools ask applicants to submit a written personal statement or essay as part of the admissions process. When university admissions officers read this part of the application, they may look to see whether the student can contribute to the school and if the school can meet his or her needs. The personal statement gives universities a chance to get a personal glimpse of you, an insight that is not possible in the grades and numbers that make up the rest of your application. In general, essay questions either require a specific response or are open-ended. Colleges look for certain qualities for their student body and tailor their essay questions accordingly.
Application essays also allow admissions officers to assess your writing skills, academic ability, organizational skills, purpose in applying to a U.S. institution, and your reasons for your chosen field of study. Admissions officers look for strong writing skills, as well as a demonstration of intellectual curiosity and maturity. Write the essay far enough in advance so that you have time to put it aside for a week and then read it again to see if it still makes sense. This shows through in your essay, and tells admissions officers that you are a good writer, that you care about the essay, and that you are willing to take the time to prepare it well.
Recommendations
You will usually be asked for at least two recommendations. These may come from the head or principal of your school, your school counselor, your personal tutor, or any teachers who know you well. Your recommenders must be able to write about your work and be able to assess your potential to do well at college. If you know the subject in which you plan to major, have your teacher in that subject write a recommendation. Recommendations from American teachers are very positive and can be longer and more detailed than those written by teachers in other countries. Poorly written, negative, or late recommendations will reflect on your judgment in picking referees, so choose with care.
Financial Statement
Most universities include a form called a Declaration and Certification of Finances or Affidavit of Financial Support in their application packets. This must be signed by your parents or whoever is meeting your college expenses, and must be certified by a bank or lawyer. Keep a copy of this form since you will also need it to apply for your student visa. Schools usually need to know that you have at least the first year's expenses covered, although many may also ask you to indicate your source of income for the entire period of study. If you know when you apply that you will need some form of assistance from the college, indicate how much you plan to request from the university. Many U.S. universities operate a "needs-blind" admissions policy. This means that your financial position is not a consideration in the decision whether to grant you admission. Please note, however, that the university will issue the relevant certificate of eligibility for a student visa only if you are able to document fully your source(s) of income.
Deadlines and Submission
Each university sets its own deadline date, and it is usually firm about not accepting applications after that time, particularly if a college is very popular. Deadlines usually fall between January and March, although they can be as early as November or as late as June. If, however, a college indicates that it operates "rolling admissions," late applicants may still have a fair chance of acceptance. In this case, a university will admit and reject candidates until the freshman class is filled. It is nonetheless a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible.
More competitive universities have an "early decision" deadline. In this instance, you apply early, usually in November, and you can apply only to that institution. Because of your demonstrated commitment to the college, your application may be considered somewhat more favorably than those applying in the regular way. If you are accepted, you are expected to confirm that you will definitely attend this institution.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all your documents, application forms, references, and official score reports reach the universities safely and on time. Send your applications by registered mail or by courier if you are very close to deadline dates. It is worthwhile telephoning or sending an e-mail to colleges to make sure that they have received your application package and that they have everything they require. Keep copies of your application and documents just in case your material gets lost in the mail; you will be relieved to know that you can supply another set of information quickly, if this should happen. |
