If you are considering applying to American universities, you are probably feeling a bit overwhelmed by the many dates and deadlines on your mental calendar. How can you keep everything straight? We’ve developed this timeline to help keep you on track. Please note that this timeline applies only to JC2 students hoping to enroll in September. If you are an ‘O’ level student, or if you hope to enroll in January, please talk to an advisor about your particular timeline:
| July/August | - Do research about American universities: talk to your old school mates who are back in Singapore for their summer holidays, visit websites, drop by the USEIC library, schedule an appointment with an advisor, write to universities asking to be put on their mailing list. |
| August | - If you aren’t scoring over a 1400 on the SAT, enroll in a prep course.
- Download applications from universities you are considering. - Narrow your choices to five to seven universities. |
| August/September | - Attend talks in your junior college by visiting university representatives. |
| September | - Register for the SAT. Determine if you will need to take the SAT: Subject Tests, and register if necessary. |
| October | - Ask your teachers if they would be willing to write letters of recommendation for you. Give them the forms with envelopes addressed to you or directly to the university admissions office. If sent to you, do not open the envelopes! |
| Early November | - Early Decision deadlines for many universities. |
| November | - Application window for all University of California schools (UC-Berkeley, UCLA, UC-San Diego, etc.). |
| December | - Finish your application essays. Make copies of everything, and post your applications. |
| January | - Regular Decision deadlines. |
| February | - Apply for financial aid, if necessary. |
| March | - ‘A’ level results released. Fax them immediately to the universities and send certified copy via post. |
| Late March | - Admission notification from the universities. |
| April | - Universities may hold receptions for admitted students and their parents in Singapore. |
| May | - Reply date. You may commit to only one university. Write to the others to decline their offer of admission. |
| May/June | - Your university will send you an I-20 form, a legal document with which you can apply for your student visa. |
