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Application Timeline

Ideally, the process of applying for postgraduate study in the US will begin 1-1½ years before enrolment. For most current university students on a three-year course, this is during the spring at the end of the second year of university. For students on a four-year course, this is at the end of the third year of university.

Do not panic if you are late getting started in this process. If it is the autumn before you anticipate enrolling in a US university, there is still plenty of time to put together your applications. You will simply need to work at a faster pace!

1-1½ Years Before Enrolment:

• Begin by reading the postgraduate study in the US section of this website.
• Read over the Why Study in the US section and decide if US is right for you. 
• You should investigate the degrees on offer and begin researching and choosing the 4-6 universities to which you will apply.
• At this time, you may also wish to read more about financing your studies, as well as the application process for US universities.
• Attend USA Grad School Day – 2 March 2010 (London), 10 March 2010 (Cardiff): Have the unique opportunity to attend information sessions on a variety of topics related to postgraduate study in the US, including the Fulbright Awards.
• Consider applying for a Fulbright Award for postgraduate study and research in 2011-12. The deadline for applications for several categories of Awards will be late Spring 2010: the Fulbright International Science & Technology PhD Awards, UK Fulbright Alistair Cooke Journalism Award, Fulbright-UK Film Council Award and Traditional Postgraduate Awards. Applications will be available from early Spring 2010.
• Attend a postgraduate study seminar. Topics include the application process, admissions exams, choosing the right institution and funding opportunities, including the Fulbright Awards. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with our team of advisors afterward.

10-12 Months Before Enrolment:

• Register for an admissions exam, such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT.
• Attend a postgraduate study seminar if you haven’t already.

8-10 Months Before Enrolment:

• Apply for funding from US universities and external funding bodies.
• Complete and submit your admissions applications. Most Master’s and Doctoral application deadlines will fall between late November and early February. However, deadlines will vary from programme to programme and may include an early and regular admission deadline or rounds. If you have the option, we recommend applying by the early deadlines particularly if it is necessary to be considered for university funding. Please note applications for MBA programmes tend to occur in three rounds (Round One: October-November; Round Two: December-February; Round Three: March-April).

Lead up to Enrolment:

• Spring: Receive admissions decisions by post or e-mail.
• Spring: If you have been admitted to Harvard Business School, apply for the Fulbright British Friends of HBS MBA Award by 19 April 2010.
• Summer: Notify the universities of your decision, pay a non-refundable deposit and apply for your visa.
• Summer: Attend one of our pre-departure seminars to prepare for your arrival in the US
• August/early September: Begin study in the US!