• Information on over 3,500 accredited institutions of higher education in the U.S  - guides to graduate and undergraduate studies.
• Test registration and practice tests for TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT.
• Computer workstations for Internet searches on U.S. study
• Guides to Funding Sources for U.S. study
• Guides to Essay Writing

Admissions

What are the requirements for admission to U.S. colleges and universities?
Each institution has its own requirements for admission, so it is very important to carefully read information available on the school’s website or the directions on the application form before you begin. Most schools will require some or all of the following documents: an application form that includes important information about you, certified copies of all academic records (diplomas, transcripts, etc.) in both the original language and translated into English, standardized test reports (for example, the TOEFL and/or the SAT, GMAT, or GRE), a personal essay or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and evidence of financial resources to pay for the education or a financial aid application. In addition, most schools charge an application fee.
Below is the recommended timetable for applying to universities in the United States. It is sometimes possible to complete the process more quickly, but you may have a much more limited choice of schools. Planning well ahead gives you sufficient time to make successful applications to the colleges of your choice.
12 TO 18 MONTHS PRIOR to the academic year in which you hope to enroll, begin to consider, research, and do the following:

• What are your reasons for wanting to study in the United States?
• Which universities will meet your needs?
• Will you need financial assistance?
• Find out application and financial aid deadlines. This will affect when you take the standardized tests required for admission since test results must reach admissions offices no later than these deadlines. The tests should be taken in advance of submitting university application forms.
• Register to take standardized tests if required by the universities to which you are applying.
• Begin narrowing down your choices of schools to approximately 10 to 20 institutions.

12 MONTHS PRIOR to enrollment, complete the following (months indicated are estimates, based on fall enrollment):
AUGUST

• Contact universities for application and financial aid forms and catalogs.
• Obtain test registration forms to take the TOEFL and SAT I and SAT II, if necessary.

SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER

• Continue narrowing down your choice of schools.  While some students apply to more, 5 to 10 well-researched choices are sufficient.
• Request an official transcript from your school.
• Request letters of recommendation from your teachers.
• Submit completed application forms (for admission as well as financial aid).
• Double check that transcripts and references have been sent.
• Take the necessary admissions tests.

JANUARY – APRIL

• University application deadlines must be met; note that these are for regular admission — early admission deadlines will be sooner.

APRIL – JUNE

• Letters of acceptance or rejection arrive. Decide which university to attend, notify the admissions office of your decision, complete and return any forms they require.
• Send letters of regret to those universities you turn down.
• Organize finances: arrange to transfer funds to a U.S. bank; make sure you have funds for travel and expenses on arrival.
• Finalize arrangements for housing and medical insurance with your university.

JUNE – AUGUST

• Use information from your Form I-20 or DS-2019 to fill out the SEVIS Form I-901 and pay the $100 required SEVIS fee at the nearest western union branch.
• Upon receipt of your I-20 and SEVIS I-901 payment receipt, apply to your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a visa. This should be as far in advance of your departure date as possible.
• Make travel arrangements.
• Contact the International Student Office at your university with details of your arrival plans, and confirm details of any orientation for new students held by the university.

Getting Ready to Go
Once you know that you are going to study in the United States, you will probably have many questions about visas, accommodation, health insurance, banking, how to study, and other "pre-departure" information.
Please visit the US embassy educational advising center, located within the US embassy building on plot 1577 Ggaba road. The educational advisor is available to guide you through the application process.  You can also visit: http://kampala.usembassy.gov/educational_exchange.html

USEFUL WEBSITES:
http://www.educationusa.state.gov
Comprehensive website for international students on all aspects of applying to the US including search engine for location appropriate schools by students' criteria and with section on international financial aid opportunities.

http://www.collegeboard.org
Students and educators can establish free accounts on this site which offers lots of valuable information on test preparation and the college application process. Also includes undergraduate search engine, but without international financial aid offerings. Students with credit card access can register for the SAT exams online and all students can check their SAT results and find test preparation materials through the site.

http://www.commonapp.org
The common application is used by over 400 highly selective colleges and universities. Students can type in their application, save it with a user name and password and print it whenever they need a copy. Teachers can also prepare their letters of recommendation and print.  This site also includes links to all member schools, many of which have generous financial aid offerings for international students. Each school has its supplements on this form as well.

http://www.ncaa.org
All students applying for sports scholarships in the US must be cleared by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA); international students clearance forms and procedures are found on this website as well as information on college teams in each division.

http://www.chea.org
This website allows you to check on the accreditation status of any US college or university.

http://www.travel.state.gov
Designed by the US Department of State, this website provides comprehensive information on applying for US visas including procedures and requirements for applying for an F-1 student visa.

http://www.cgsnet.org
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) is the national voice for the graduate dean community. CGS is the only national organization in the United States that is dedicated solely to the advancement of graduate education and research.