10-step guide through the process of preparation for the study in the USA

Just as I announced, on this pages you will be able to inform yourself thoroughly about the study in the US. I'm going through this just like you, so I believe that it will be mutually beneficial to share our experiences and knowledge with each other, and thus help each other.

I'm beginning this subject simply with an introduction to the process of preparation.  I devided the whole process into 10 steps, which I'll be explaining in detail with a lot of valuable and important information.
So let's go.

10-step guide through the process of preparation for the study in the USA

1. Start preparing for the TOEFL and the SAT, unless you speak English fluently.
2. Define what field you want to study in.
3. Determine whether you meet admission requirements.
   
4. Evaluate your ability to finance US study. (Don't let this item discourage you, because there are countless possibilities.)
5. Arrange to take the TOEFL and the SAT examinations.
6. Select 10-15 appropriate institutions for enrollment.
7. Prepare your applications for universities.
8. Prepare your applications for financial aid - scholarship(s).
9. Send your applications. (Try not to eat your finger nails while waiting ;)
10. Other: student visa, ...

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  11.   (arbitrary) Consult an advising center. (That may be a good idea.)

Anyway, anyone who wants to study in the US next year, needs to start sorting this things out immediately. It's not neccessary to follow this order. Some things will have to be dealt with parallelly with the others. All in all, the most important thing is that you're dealing with them.

By the way, any comment, question or concern is wellcome.

Leo