Initial Steps: April 2018 to September 2018

• Short list the list of universities that you wish to apply for based on the eligibility, application requirements, websites and brochures.
• Be aware of the application deadlines for each college/university
• Also be updated with the bank loan options and scholarships that you might be eligible for
• Initial research on various accommodation options might also be useful

Test Preparing and Exam: June 2018 to December 2018

• Start preparing for the standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, TOEFL or IELTS – depending on the course and university.
• GRE/GMAT requires around three months of time for preparation
• Give at least a month’s time for IELTS/TOEFL study
• Take the tests when you are confident and plan some buffer time for retakes in case if needed

Application Time: August 2018 to October 2018

• Begin drafting the statement of purpose (SOP) and CV, give at least a month’s time for proper structuring. Think hard for what makes you unique and highlight on your strengths.
• Talk to the potential referees/professors for recommendation letters (LORs)
• Start collecting the required documents for application – Transcripts, Certificates and LOR
• Begin drafting your SOP and essays. Give a month’s time to structure these documents properly
• Once all the documents are ready, start applying to the universities

Next Step: November 2018 to April 2019

• Start replying to the universities as you receive the emails from universities.
• Appear for the Skype interviews wherever necessary (LORs)
• Once you receive acceptance, don’t delay any further for your decision
• Pay the non-refundable deposit to confirm the admission

Visa Processing: May 2019 to July 2019

• Apply for the necessary scholarships if applicable
• Start applying for the student loan after the acceptance
• Gather all the necessary financial and required documents/paperwork for the Visa
• Apply for the visa on time and keep in mind the processing times as well
• Search for and begin applying for external scholarships (if applicable)
• Apply for student loan, after you get your acceptance letter

Start Preparing for your Journey to Canada: July 2019 to August 2019

• Once you receive the visa start booking for airline ticket
• Arrange for the International forex card/ credit/ debit cards
• Collect all the documents and keep photocopies for everything to take along
• Make a pre departure checklist and start shopping