When can we start applying and TOEFL exemption

[varunkh70]

Hi All,

I would like to know that -

1) If a bschool has round based application process then what would be the earliest that I could apply to this school.

For example -

Harvard has the R1 app deadline of Oct 1. That means that we should finish our app by Oct 1. But I would like to know that when is the earliest that I can start my application process?

2) My university had english as the only medium of education. How do I prove this to adcoms? Are there any docs needed for this? This one comes as an exception to TOEFL in many schools.

It would be great if anyone from India could take up this point. I did my grad from Visveswaraya Tech Univ, Bangalore.

Regards,
Varun

[Jessica@VeritasPrep]

Hi Varun,

Most schools love it if you can submit your application prior to the final "submit by" deadline. However, many schools may not start reviewing the applications in earnest until that deadline. And, they will wait until the recommendations and scores have all arrived. Usually, as soon as the application is available online you are able to submit it. This will differ for different schools but I think mid-late summer. And, if you miss a R1 deadline, you are still encouraged to submit as early as possible for R2 (for instance, if a R1 deadline is October 1st, you can submit October 2nd for R2 and this is still better than waiting until January 1st, etc.). Basically, as soon as the new applications (and essay questions) are available, you are able to submit. Keep in mind that you probably don't want to do this too early because you might want to draw on more recent work experiences and community work, etc. But, I would think that submittting in late August or early September would be great.

I am not sure how to answer your English instruction question. I don't think you need to "prove" this to an Admissions Committee. If it was an English instruction school then the Adcom would be able to verify this themselves if they felt the need to do so (I'd guess they have a list, etc.). But, schools might have different policies. This is a perfect opportunity for you to begin to make yourself known to the admissions committee. Simply call and ask them if they would like any further documentation or if they would still prefer to get a TOEFL score (can't hurt to ask and to seem flexible!). I would assume that you would score very well on a TOEFL if your undergraduate education was conducted in English.

Hope this helps!

[Bryant@VeritasPrep]

For question one, you can submit as soon as they release the current application package. Sometimes they change requirements from year to year, so make sure you are downloading the current app. You can check with the school's admissions office or check their website for their targeted application release dates. As for TOEFL exemption, that too would be something you'd want to run by someone in admissions. Don't be afraid to make friends in the Admissions office--it can actually help them become familiar with you in the process which could help you stand out (as long as your inquiries are professional and intelligent, which these most certainly are). Hope this helps.