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A timetable will not only help you stay organised, but
it will make the applicaton process seem less confusing. The following
timetable is for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.
The process of applying to university in the US takes far longer to organise
than the application process for study in New Zealand. We suggest that
you start 12 to 18 months before you plan to begin studying in
the US.
The following timetable is based on starting your studies in late August/early
September. Mid-year admission (starting in late January/early February)
may be possible, but you'll need to check directly with the universities
concerned.
April-June
Research 10 to 15 universities
Assess whether or not these universities meet the criteria you have identified
as important to you. This research phase of the application process is
perhaps the most important and shouldn't be left to the last minute. For
advice, see Selecting a university.
Seek financial assistance
Begin to investigate possible sources of financial assistance. This should
include possible funding from the university as well as funding from other
private sources.
 July-August
Contact 4 to 6 universities
Choose from the universities you researched and contact the admissions
office to request application forms, financial aid forms and any other
forms for international students. Each university has a non-refundable
application fee, so applying to more than 6 may be expensive.
Register for tests
Determine which standardised admissions tests you'll be required to take
and register to sit them.
Seek non-university sources of funding
Contact non-university sources of funding and request application forms.
August-October
Fill out application forms
Begin the process of filling out application forms and collecting all
required material like transcripts and references. Start writing your
application essay/personal statement.
Make sure you identify the application deadlines. These can occur anytime
from November to February for those planning to start studying in August/September.
October-February
Submit applications
Complete your applications and submit all required items before the deadline.
Apply early if you possibly can.
March-May
Notification of acceptance
Universities will notify you whether or not you have been accepted. They
should give you an indication of how much, if any, financial aid they
are prepared to offer you.
Write to the university you decide to attend to let them know you accept.
Also write to the other universities that accept you to let them know
you will not take-up their offer of admission.
June-August
Obtain a student visa
The university will send you the appropriate forms for obtaining a visa.
For information on how to prepare for your trip to the US, see Visas
and predeparture.
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Selecting
a university
