The suggested times when steps should be completed are based on September enrollment. If you are planning to enroll at a different time of the year, time schedule should be adjusted appropriately.

1. Decide whether you should study in the U.S. by evaluating the following:
   a- your English Language ability
   b- your educational qualifications
   c- your academic and employment objectives
   d- academic and training programs available in your country
   e- your chances for employment upon return to your country
   f- the estimated time required for study in the U.S.
   g- the estimated expenses required for study in the U.S.
   h- your health
   i- other personal concerns
   Approximate Time: 12 or more months before you wish to begin to study.



2. Visit or correspond with an office that provides accurate information and advice about study in the U.S.
   Approximate Time: Aug.- Sept. (prior year).
   
3. Begin selecting U.S. schools in the basis of:
   a- your anticipated level of study (e.g. junior college, college, graduate school, vocational school)
   b- the kind of program desired (i.e. field of study)
   c- the location and general characteristics of the school
   d- the estimated cost
   e- your personal needs and preferences (consult reference books and
   college bulletins at the PPIA and similar libraries)
   Approximate Time: Aug.- Sept. (prior year).
   
4. Obtain the application forms for the U.S. admissions tests that are needed
   (e.g. TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT) from PPIA and similar agencies (free)
   Approximate Time: Aug.- Sept.(TOEFL in July)(prior year)
   Tiempo estimado: agosto - septiembre (año previo).



5. Begin sending applications and fees for test
   Approximate Time: Sept.- Oct.
   
6. Take only U.S. admissions tests that are specifically requested (such as TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT)
   Approximate Time: Sept., Oct., Nov, Dec.
   
7. Complete application material sent to you by U.S. institutions and return by air mail
   BE SURE TO SEND ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
   Approximate Time: Nov., Dec.
   
8. Preséntese a rendir solo los exámenes de admisión que sean específicamente requeridos
   (tales como TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT).
   Tiempo estimado: septiembre - diciembre (año previo).



9. Wait for acceptance letters. If two or more acceptance letters are received, choose which school you wish to attend. Write to the person at this school who notified you of your admission and inform him or her of your plans to enroll there. Send a copy of this letter to the foreign student adviser of this school. Also write immediately to the school at which you do not plan to enroll, explaining that you will attend another school. OPTIONAL: inform PPIA of choice, date of departure
   Approximate Time: Dec. to April.
   
10. OPTIONAL: Begin selecting intensive English programs or other orientation programs, and request application forms
    Approximate Time: Feb.
    
11. Participate in pre- departure orientation
    Approximate Time: May
    
12. Begin passport and visa application procedures as soon as you receive the I-20 form from the school which you plan to enroll
    Approximate Time: June
    
13. Make travel arrangements with an airline or a reputable travel agency which regularly arranges for travel to the U.S.
    Approximate Time: June
    
14. Complete all necessary financial arrangements
    Approximate Time: June, July
    
15. Arrive at the U.S. school at least one full week before you will begin your studies (follow arrival instructions if you have received some from the school)
    Approximate Time: Aug.- Sept.
    
    Adapted from the form of the Educational Counseling Service, U.S. Educational Commission in Japan.