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Application Timeline

Ideally, the process of applying for undergraduate study in the US will begin 1-1½ years before enrolment. For most students, this is during the spring/summer at the end of Year 12.

Do not panic you if are entering Year 13 and just now are getting started in this process. You will simply need to work at a faster pace!

Please note there is a separate timeline and steps for pursuing sports scholarships through the athletic recruiting process. For more information, please see the Fulbright handout on Sports Scholarships and the Athletic Recruitment Process or the EducationUSA handout on Athletic Scholarships.

1½ Years Before Enrolment (Spring/Summer at the End of Year 12)

• Begin by reading the Undergraduate Study in the US section of this website.
  
• Check out the Why Study in the US section and make sure that study in the US is right for you. 
• Investigate the degrees on offer in the US and confirm whether you want to complete a two-year Associates or four-year Bachelor's degree.
• Start researching and choosing the 4-6 universities which you will apply to in the autumn.
• Learn about options to fund your studies, as well as the application process for US universities - Many students will choose universities based on availability of scholarships, cost of attendance and application components.
  
• Attend an Undergraduate Study Seminar, where Fulbright advisors will cover everything you need to know to apply for US universities - the application process, admissions exams, choosing the right institution and funding opportunities.
• 25 May 2010 - Registration opens for the SAT dates during the 2010-11 academic year
• Early July 2010 - Registration opes for the ACT dates during the 2010-11 academic year
• For those planning for 2012-13 entry and beyond:
  
  • 9 April 2011 (deadline 4 March 2011) - ACT testing date
  • 7 May 2011 (registration deadline 8 April 2011) - SAT testing date
  • 4 June 2011 (registration deadline 6 May 2011) - SAT testing date
  • 11 June 2011 (deadline 6 May 2011) - ACT testing date

10-12 Months Before Enrolment:

• If you have not already, register for and sit an admissions exam, such as the SAT or ACT.
• Attend USA College Day – Saturday, 25 September 2010 (Central London, Kensington Town Hall): Have the unique opportunity to meet with representatives from US universities in London, speak with educational service providers and attend information sessions. Pre-register on our website for free entry. Visitor registration will open in July 2010.
• Attend an Undergraduate Study Seminar if you have not already.
• 9 October 2010 (registration deadline 10 September 2010) - SAT testing date
• 23 October 2010 (registration deadline 17 September 2010) - ACT testing date
• Narrow your choices to the 4-6 universities which you will apply to in the autumn.
• Request a transcript from your school and 2-3 reference letters.
• Begin drafting your essays.
• If you require additional or one-to-one support, consider meeting with a test tutor or educational consultant.
  
• Alongside your admissions applications, apply for funding from US universities and external funding bodies, alongside the application process.
  
• Mid-October/early November - Application deadlines for Early Decision (legally binding) and Early Action deadlines
  
• 6 November 2010 (registration deadline 8 October 2010) - SAT testing date
• 4 December 2010 (registration deadline 5 November 2010) - SAT testing date
• 11 December 2010 (deadline 5 November 2010) - ACT testing date
• December/January - Regular application deadlines.

Lead up to Enrolment (Spring/Summer of Year 13)

• From March: Receive admissions and university funding decisions by post or e-mail.
• Spring: Gather paperwork for you I-20 (F-1 Student visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 Exchange Visitor visa), showing you have access to funding for the cost of attendance for the first year of your degree.
• Read the pre-departure section of our webiste to prepare for your arrival in the US.
  
• Typically by 1 May: Notify the universities of your decision and pay a non-refundable deposit to hold your place.
• After accepting your place, submit your paperwork for the I-20 or DS-2019 and apply for your visa
• Summer: Complete your visa interview at the US Embassy in London or if applicable your home country.
• Summer: Complete our pre-departure survey to win great prizes.
• Mid-August/early September: Attend new student and international student orientations before classes begin.
  
• Begin study in the US!

If you do not choose the US for your full undergraduate studies, you may wish to consider completing an internship, a short-term study abroad programme, such as the Summer Institutes, or your postgraduate studies in the US.