Application Procedures for the University Studies in the United States

Educational Advising
U.S. Consulate General, Krakow

1. SELECT A NUMBER OF COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES

Start gathering information on U.S. Universities and appropriate study programs 12-16 months before you want to begin your studies in the U.S. The American academic year begins in August/September and students generally should request admission for the fall term.

Obtain information on the application requirements and application deadlines and keep in mind that the application deadlines for financial aid are usually set at earlier dates than those for admission.

Since admission is never automatic, it is best to select 5-6 schools. You may write to more institutions if you want to. Selection criteria may be any of the following:
 course offered
 relative selectivity - how hard it is to get in
 cost and availability of financial aid
 size
 residential facilities
 geographic area

2. REQUEST OFFICIAL APPLICATION FORM FROM THE SCHOOL

One year before the departure and earlier, if you intend to apply for financial aid

Universities prefer that for your first contact you use the enclosed preliminary form - "Request for Application Materials". Fill out this form, make copies and complete with the names of the universities you are writing to.

You should request forms for Admission and Financial Aid if you are going to ask the university for financial support any time. Financial aid is rarely granted to undergraduates and newcomers. Graduate students have a better chance. Allow 5-7 weeks for reply.

Undergraduates should write to the director of Admissions; graduate students to the Dean of the appropriate school or department.

3. REGISTER FOR AND TAKE NECESSARY ADMISSION TESTS

One year to 9 months before the expected admission

Admission tests are administered world wide a few times per year. All test information booklets and application forms are at:
American Consulate Educational Advising Office
ul. Stolarska
31-034 Krakow
tel : +48 12 424 51 40

Polish-American Fulbright Commission
00-497 Warsaw, ul. Nowy Swiat 4

You should register for any of the tests at least 6 weeks before the tests dates. Results are made available and sent to the universities you have selected 6-8 weeks after the test dates. Usually, the tests should be taken by January at the latest for September admissions.

TOEFL - Test of English as a foreign Language

Is required of all foreign students whose native language is not English. The test uses a multiple choice format and is given in a single session of about 3 hours.

Registration forms are available from
Sylvan Learning systems B.V> Cito
Ph : 0031 26 352 1577
Fax : 0031 26 352 12 78
P.O. Box 1109
6801 BE Arnhem
the Netherlands

4. UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Undergraduate status applies to secondary school students.

For undergraduate admission the following tests are recommended:
 SAT I - Scholastic Aptitude Test
 SAT II - Standard Achievement Test
They test verbal and mathematical skills to succeed in college or university studies.

Forms are available from:
SAT I, II
BOX 592-R
Princeton, New Jersey 08541
USA

American School of Warsaw
Bielawa
ul. Warszawska 202
05-520 Konstancin-Jeziorna
Poland
tel. 702-8500, fax 702-8599

5. GRADUATE STUDIES:

Graduate status is determined by the university where the student is seeking admission. In general, six semesters at the home university are required.

GRE - Graduate Record Examination

It is often required by the universities for graduate study. The GRE aptitude test is designed to measure verbal, analytical and quantitative ability.

Some universities may also require a GRE Advanced Test, available in 16 fields of study. The advanced tests are designed to measure knowledge and understanding of subjects basic to graduate study in specific fields. Registration forms are also available from:
GRE/ CITO
Ph : 0031 26 352 1577
Fax : 0031 26 352 12 78
P.O. Box 1109
6801 BE Arnhem
the Netherlands

Students applying to graduate programs are strongly advised to take the GRE Aptitude Test. To determine whether you should take a GRE Advanced Test, you should contact the university directly.

GMAT - Graduate Management Admission Test

It required by most universities for graduate studies in business administration. It measures abilities necessary to study management at the graduate level. No business knowledge is necessary. Registration forms are available at:
GMAT
Educational Testing Service
BOX 6103
Princeton, New Jersey 08541
USA

LSAT - Law School Admission Test

Is sometimes required of foreign students wishing to study law in the U.S. It measures the abilities to study law. The test covers a wide range of academic disciplines and gives no advantage to students with particular academic background.

Registration forms are available from:
Law School Admission Services
BOX 2000
Newton, Pennsylvania 18940
USA

6. COLLECTING NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

Transcripts: List all the courses you have taken, with the grades you received. Include English translation for all information given (you may prepare this yourself). Both the transcript and the translation must include the seal of you school.

Make photocopies of all the documents and have them signed by the director of the school. Keep the originals for future use.

Letters of Recommendation: request letters of reference as required by U.S. institution. They should generally be written by the professors with whom you have studied.

Financial Support Statement: submit verification of scholarship or other financial support.

7. COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORMS AND RETURN THEM TO THE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Once you have received application forms from the universities, complete and return them immediately, enclosing the application fee and the required documents.

Follow carefully the instructions given on the forms. Your application will be judged on its completeness and appearance.

If you have only registered, but not taken the tests, do not wait for the results to send in your application forms.

A complete application includes the following documents:
 application form
 copies of certificated and diplomas with English translations
 "transcript of credits" - a complete list of courses taken in secondary school and university, showing hours per week, results at the end of each year, certified by the school
 letters of reference
 statement certifying proficiency in English (TOEFL) or other tests results as required by the university
 health certificate (if required)
 evidence of financial support showing enough funds to cover the first academic year

8. VISAS

To obtain a student visa to the U.S. you have to get the "Certificate of Eligibility" (I-20 or IAP - 66) from U.S. college/university you have been admitted to.

The form cannot be issued until you have your TOEFL results and availability of funding confirmed and you have formally been admitted.

The Certificate of Eligibility is only valid for study at the issuing institution

REMEMBER: The deadline for the application is given in the information you receive from the university. It differs from school to school. Allow time for mail delays, application consideration, obtaining passport and visa. Allow 6-8 weeks after your application is complete to receive the decision. Many schools, however, send admission offers only in March and April. If you receive admission offers from more than one university, send letters of regret to the institutions you have not chosen. They will be able to admit other students then.