When to Start

It is best to commence the admissions and scholarship process at least 12-18 months ahead of your proposed departure date. The process seems complicated because it is. Therefore, an early start will take you to a flourishing finish with all your bases covered in between. Start early so that you qualify for scholarships as well and are able to devote maximum time to preparing for the various standardized tests you will be taking such as the SAT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS and others.

Deadlines and Application Schedules

Alphabet Education recommends that you not only study smart but also be smart by applying either to Early Decision (ED) or the First Round (R1) application deadlines.

What is Early Decision?

Many universities invite undergraduate applicants to apply as early as October or November in the year PRIOR to the year in which they are planning to attend under their Early Decision programs. The two most significant advantages of applying to Early Decision are as follows:

Why Apply to ED?

• The number of applications received in ED are relatively low which means reduced competition. You have a better chance of attending the school of your dreams and snagging a scholarship at the same time. The possibility of receiving a scholarship along with admission are significantly higher in ED as a general rule of thumb.
• If you are unable to apply for Early Decision for one reason or another, there is always ED 2 and Early Action (EA). An Alphabet mentor will explain this to you in considerable detail post enrollment.

Preparing for Standardized Tests

Target a high score on the SAT, GRE or GMAT by dedicating at least 3-6 months of rigorous training and practice in order to prepare for the tests. Alphabet Education provides a wide range of online training programs managed by our trainers who possess about 10 years of training experience on an average.

Letters of Recommendation

Supervisors, faculty members, school teachers, counselors and others qualified to write your letters of recommendation, can take up to two months to write a letter of recommendation for you. A minimum of 1-3 letters of recommendation are required depending on your degree level and area of concentration. Alphabet Education will work closely with your referees to ensure that the letters of recommendation are filed in a timely manner while at the same time favorably reflecting your capabilities and potential.
7 Factors that may delay your Applications for Admission and Scholarships:

• Starting late
• Inactivity
• Delay in taking the standardized tests
• Delays caused by recommenders
• Inability to complete the two Alphabet Education questionnaires in a timely manner post enrollment
• Institutional delays in submitting your mark sheets to the universities to which you are applying
• Circumstances well beyond your control
• Invalid passport or no passport