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Application Procedures for University Studies in the United States

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 FROM 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.

4. 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 your 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.

5. 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 certificates 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

6. VISAS

To obtain a student visa to the U.S. you have to get the "Certificate of Eligibility" (I-20) 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.

US Admissions Tests & Professional Licensing Exams

Undergraduate Admissions Tests

Most US universities will require or recommend that undergraduate applicants take either
American College Testing Program (ACT) or
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) I & II

Postgraduate Admissions Tests

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) - the examination often required for humanities, arts or sciences programs

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) - the examination required by business or management-related programs

Law Schools Admission Test (LSAT) - the examination required as part of the application process to the Jurisdoctor Degree (JD), the professional American law degree

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) - medical schools require that applicants take the MCAT as part of the application process to the MD program, the professional American medical degree

English Language Test

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - non-native English speakers are required to take the TOEFL as part of the application process into any undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional degree

Professional Licensure Exams

Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) - CGFNS exam is a part of the licensing requirements to work as a registered nurse in the US, so registered general nurses who were educated outside the US will usually have to take it

Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (USMLE) - USMLE exam is a part of the licensing requirements to conduct medical residency or fellowship in the US. Medical doctors or students who were educated outside the US will have to take it

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - The TOEFL is required of all medical doctors/students who were educated outside the U.S. It is also required of all registered general nurses who were educated outside English-speaking countries.

Test Preparation

It is recommended that you should spend some time familiarizing yourself with the tests. Computer-based test materials are available on CD at the Information Resource Center of the U.S. Consulate General in Krakow. For more information, please see www.usinfo.pl/krakow/airc.htm or call 12 424 51 40.

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