On our various recruiting expeditions we get a unique opportunity to interact with prospective students with different circumstances. In so doing, we find certain commonalities that are nonetheless inhibiting their aspirations.
At the very least, these observed phenomena complicate their quest.
The simplest axiom we can use is the proverbial “putting the cart before the horse.”
Almost universally, students are obsessed with the student visa process from the get-go. That is flawed for several reasons.
Although we recognized that there is severe trepidation about embarking on the visa process, it is totally impractical to make it the initial focus.
Still, understanding that it is the penultimate point in the process, the antecedent procedures are just as critical and may well lessen the visa process anxiety once they are put in proper perspective.
Step 1
Our advice to students then is to focus FIRST and foremost on a family discussion about your quest to study. Be sure to discern that the financial means are available.
We would love to send out a universal message to all those wonderful and brilliant students in the developing world in particular who believe that a full scholarship in an American university is available for the asking.
That is a profound myth. An email to an administrator will NOT get you a scholarship regardless of how well you explain your unfortunate family circumstances.
If such a scholarship exists, and they are few and far between, they will be available on merit–objective factors such as a perfect SAT score. So step one, get the finances in order, see what the family can afford and then go to step two.
Step 2
Look into universities that you can afford that offer the programs you seek and wield the best possible reputations. In other words, try to get the best that your family can afford.
A partial scholarship, tuition reduction program, a relative living close by who can accommodate you, will all enhance your spending power.
Make sure that you meet the admission requirements and even better, make sure you stand attractively enough to gain whatever award that university may offer.
Step 3
Go through the application process and financial qualification process.
Once you have an admission—and once you are assured of getting an I-20, then and only then does the visa process become relevant.
In effect, the process that most student put first, is really the penultimate process next to actually traveling to the university.
Follow the correct sequence
Many students ask about obtaining a student visa. Well this is something you cannot do on your own. That requires the following:
- The school accepts you
- The school accepts that the financial statement you provide honestly reflects your reality
- The school issues you an I-20
- You pay your SEVIS Fee and make an embassy appointment for the student visa interview
Only after the above sequence of events will the US government decide whether or not you are eligible for a waiver.
Stop Worrying
In short, the anxiety about the visa process is somewhat warranted, especially if your finances are marginal, your intent is dishonorable, and your study plans are not clear. However, worrying never helps it is prudent to get help with this process from competent sources. Hopefully My American Degree site qualifies as a trusted source to you.
But you also can’t have a mindset of “beating” the embassy. Rather, it should be on communicating your truthful intent more intelligently.
Good luck with the process! But first build the foundation, put things in the proper order and perspective, and the rest will fall in line.
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