What Are The Documents Required To Apply For Universities In USA?

With more than 4500 universities offering a wide array of courses to choose from, USA has been a winner in terms of being a student magnet. Every 8 students among 10 will opt for USA over other nations.

Despite the fact the students are careful about their application procedure, they might at times leave out certain vital things which may toss the whole thing over.

Here is a list of documents the universities will require you to send via courier to the university's official address. If you have already uploaded them while applying, then there is no need to send unless asked explicitly.

In either cases these are what you require...

1) SoP - Statement of Purpose:
This should explain why you chose the course, what makes you better than others for the university to pick you and what do you aim to do with the degree you get.

2) LoR - Letter of Recommendation:
A minimum of 3 LoRs are required to be sent to the universities. It can be from HODs/ Professors/ Bosses. Make sure at least one of the LoR is from your college if you have a work experience.

3) Transcripts:
These should be taken from the University your undergrad college was affiliated to.

4) Attested photocopies of all semesters' marks cards:
At times some universities will not accept transcripts. They will require attested photocopies of all semesters' (undergraduate) marks cards.

5) Official GRE/GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS scores:
These have to be sent directly from ETS. So you must select the universities before you decide to take these tests, then you will be able to select the universities at the end of the test and avoid paying extra to send scores separately to the universities you intent to go.

Explore more on GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IETLS here

6) Bank statement:
This must show that you have enough money to afford your studies. Some universities halt processing your application, until they receive the bank statement.

7) DD of the application payment if you haven't paid online.

8) Photocopies of 1st and last pages of your passport (not all universities require this)

9) Bachelor's degree (If asked)

10) 10th and/ or 12th marks cards (If asked)

11) Study or job certificate (If asked)

12) Photocopies of your other achievements like paper presentation, books, journals etc. (If asked)

These are the general documents required. Each university has its own list of documents which they emphasize on. The best way to be sure is to check the FAQ section in the university's official website. Additionally, once you receive a mail from the university stating that they have received an application for admission, you can mail them back asking what all you are required to send.

Most universities now have an "online upload document" option. Where you will know what documents are required. For the rest of the universities, you can contact the admissions department either by calling or mailing them. They will give you a list specific to their university.

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