How long Does it usually take to get an I20 from a School?

Finished applying for Schools and now desperately waiting to hear about your admission results? Chill... You have worked hard enough filling up forms, applying online for schools and sending those packets with countless items to schools. There is nothing much you can do at this point of time. So the best thing to do is to relax and just forget that you applied to these universities.

Typically, good universities take at least 2-3 weeks post the deadline for last day to receive packets. The top universities open packets only after the deadline date and then scrutinize applicants. You can expect to hear from such universities in early to mid March or even April. Do not bother just because you friend already has an I20 in hand from a university, which he/she got the very next day ! Surprisingly, there are universities which give an admit within 24 hours of online form submission. We suggest you think twice before going to such schools. (What to think?... What made them give you an admission in 24 hours?!)

Another reason why there might be a delay in receiving your I20 could be that they might have already found you good for the university but trying to finalize if you are eligible for that big fat scholarship or GA or RA.

The worst reason for the delay could be that something terribly might have gone wrong with your application process. You might have messed up things and not sent your packets to the right address etc. Do not panic, Keep checking your mails, emails and school online application account. University officials are really helpful and would update your account with any information which they feel is missing.

For now, you can relax and just do not bother about your friends admits until April !

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