The College Board has released a great college application timeline that will take you from start to finish in the entire process. You can download and print out the timeline here. Be sure to stick it on your wall and use it as a checklist!
Extra College Application Timeline Tips for International Students
As with many College Board guides, they aren’t geared towards international students. Don’t worry! Here are our tips to make this checklist more relevant and include all the information you need to know.
June to August
Summer is a great time to start preparing for the SAT so you’re ready to take it in October. Besides, it’s hot in Dubai so you’ve got plenty of time to inside to study. Going abroad for the summer? All you need to study it an SAT book and an exercise book. Both of these will travel well.
August
Register for the SAT by August if not earlier. Spaces fill up fast in Dubai, so if you wait until September to register, you won’t be taking the SAT in October!
October
Register for SAT (II) Subject Tests so you can take them in November and December.
January/February
You only need to complete a FAFSA if you are an American citizen.
April
Choose your university carefully but quickly. You have to let the university know you’re coming so that they can prepare an I-20 packet for you (it will be sent by mail or courier) so you can get your student visa.
May/June
If you’re lucky enough to have gotten your I-20 paperwork already, it’s time to schedule your visa interview with the American embassy and complete the financial verification process. Expect to get everything finished by mid to late July, just in time to go to uni!
