显微镜下看留学美国

　　
　　The entire application process, from obtaining initial information to applying for your student visa, should begin 12 to 18 months in advance of when you want to go the United States. It is possible to complete the process in less than 12 months but late applicants usually find they have a much more limited choice of colleges.
　　
　　The Application Process: A Timetable and Checklist
　　申请步骤：时间表和清单
　　
　　Below is the recommended timetable for applying to universities in the United States. It is sometimes possible to complete the process more quickly, but you may have a much more limited choice of schools. Planning well ahead gives you sufficient time to make successful applications to the colleges of your choice.
　　
　　12 TO 18 MONTHS PRIOR to the academic year, in which you hope to enroll, begin to consider, research, and do the following:
　　
　　l What are your reasons for wanting to study in the United States?
　　l Which universities will meet your needs?
　　l Will you need financial assistance?
　　l Find out application and financial aid deadlines. This will affect when you take the standardized tests required for admission since test results must reach admissions offices no later than these deadlines. The tests should be taken in advance of submitting university application forms.
　　l Register to take standardized tests if required by the universities to which you are applying.
　　l Begin narrowing down your choices of schools to approximately 10 to 20 institutions.
　　
　　12 MONTHS PRIOR to enrollment complete the following (months indicated are estimates, based on fall enrollment):
　　
　　AUGUST
　　l Contact universities for application and financial aid forms and catalogs.
　　l Obtain test registration forms to take the TOEFL and SAT I and SAT II, if necessary.
　　
　　SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER
　　l Request an official transcript from your school.
　　l Request letters of recommendation from your teachers.
　　l Submit completed application forms (for admission as well as financial aid).
　　l Double check that transcripts and references have been sent.
　　l Take the necessary admissions tests.
　　
　　JANUARY – APRIL
　　l University application deadlines must be met; note that these are for regular admission — early admission deadlines will be sooner.
　　
　　APRIL – JUNE
　　l Letters of acceptance or rejection arrive. Decide which university to attend, notify the admissions office of your decision, complete and return any forms they require.
　　l Send letters of regret to those universities you turn down.
　　l Organize finances: arrange to transfer funds to a U.S. bank; make sure you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival.
　　l Finalize arrangements for housing and medical insurance with your university.
　　
　　JUNE – AUGUST
　　l Use information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to fill out the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay the $100 required SEVIS fee (see SEVIS information for description of SEVIS form and fee).
　　l Upon receipt of your I-20 and SEVIS I-901 payment receipt, apply to your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a visa. This should be as far in advance of your departure date as possible (see "Visas").