Timeline for Studying Abroad: When to Start Applications

Planning to study abroad can be daunting at first due to the numerous choices and options to explore. Studying for college while still in high school can take a toll on you, which is why it becomes essential to know when to start planning for it. 

Ideally, a school student should start researching universities, destinations, examinations, and scholarships at least one year in advance of the year they plan to apply. Getting yourself equipped with the requirements of your university can help you get way ahead in the application process, providing you with little to no confusion in the rest of the process.

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Make sure the sources you use to research are credible, and try to use the official college/university websites to gather maximum information about the entry exams, scholarships, fees, and many other areas. 

Planning Phase: 12-15 months before admission

• Start researching the colleges and universities you are interested in. Search for your desired courses in countries where you want to apply. Check the entry examination, tests, and scholarships required for college admission. 

• Check the estimated college fee and start exploring ways to secure funding. 

• Begin preparing for major entry-level exams, such as the SAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL. 

Exam and Documentation Preparation: 10-12 months before admission

• Keep the documents and proofs handy to ensure a smooth application process without delays and any hassles. 

• If you are a school student, some universities ask you to apply the ‘predicted score sheet’ before your final examination marks are released. 

• If you want to apply for a post-graduation program, you will be asked to submit a Letter of Recommendation and other necessary documents. 

• Begin drafting essays and other written pieces to start seeking feedback on your writing style and other techniques. 

Application Window: 8-9 months before intake

• Universities open their application windows during this timeline, for example, October for September admissions. 

• Apply for colleges as early as possible to gain a competitive edge, especially for highly competitive courses. 

Final Steps: 4-5 months before admission 

• Start applying for your visa as soon as you receive the offer letter. 

• Arrange housing and make travel plans after confirming admission. 

Once you decide on the destination of your college/university, start looking for entry examinations and tests to gear up and get ahead in the highly competitive college world. 

Conclusion

To summarize, we can say that applying for colleges can be daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it and start analyzing the process, things get easier and start to fall in place. We understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we're here to support you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.

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