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.
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 six 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.
Travel arrangements: Once your acceptance has been confirmed, you should start thinking about organising your travel to the US. Late August and early September are peak times for travel to and within the US so the earlier you organise your tickets the better.
June-August
Obtain a student visa: There are two main types of visas that are issued to students wishing to study at US universities – a Student (F) Visa and an Exchange Visitor (J) Visa. The first step for acquiring a Student Visa is being accepted for enrolment an accredited university. The university will provide you with a form called the I-20, and once you receive this form you may apply for a student visa. The process for acquiring an Exchange Visitor Visa is similar – once you are accepted into an accredited exchange programme they will provide you with a DS-2019 form which allows you to apply for an exchange visitor visa.
In New Zealand, visas for the US are issued by the US Consulate General in Auckland, and require an in-person interview. The process for applying for a visa is outlined on the US Embassy website.