Purdue University – I2T2 Initiative

1HOW TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE AT PURDUE

This manual provides an outline on how to apply for admission tothe graduate school of your choice at Purdue University. For specific graduate programs please visit the Graduate School webpage( of the School yor are applying for admission. Application deadline dates may vary from School to School. Note: although the website information of the School of interest to you may indicate that the application deadline for admission has expired, proceed with completing the application, but you mustnotify your prospective research advisor as well as Professor Ernesto E. Marinero and Dr Hazel Marinero (, ) when you have completed your application. Please provide an application ID. Failure to do this, may result in your application for admisssion to Purdue University not being successful.

Complete and Submit your Application As Soon As Possible.

The following steps need your immediate action as gathering and processing the necessary documents is very time consuming. The first steps outlined below are the ones that require more time to accomplish. Remember, the sooner you gather all the necessary documents the most likely it will be that you will succeed in being admitted to the Graduate School of your choice.

Note: Steps 1-5 can be started simultaneously.

1.Original Diploma and legal translation.If your diploma is in spanish ask for a Diploma legal translation. Scan the original legal translation and the spanish diploma, and send them by e-mail to the graduate office of the School you are applying for admission. The Original Diplomas need also to be mailed to the graduate admission office.

2.Original Transcripts and English legal translation required. Ask for original transcripts, you need to have the transcripts translated into english. Scan the originals and send them to the graduate office of the School you are applying to be admitted.Original transcripts need also to be mailed to the graduate office.

3.Create an account at ETS TOEFL, and set an appointment to take the TOEFL iBT test. Toefl iBT is the only TOEFL accepted by the Purdue University for admission to the PhD and Master Programs. For more information regarding the TOEFL iBT minimum score and how to register, seesubsection 2. English Proficiency.

4. Create an account at ETS GRE, and set an appointment to take the GRE test. For information on minimun score requirements regarding the GRE please review the Graduate School Webpage requirements of the School you are applying to be admitted. For more information regarding the GRE and how to register, consult subsection 3. GRE (Graduate Record Examination).

5.Create an account at Purdue to start the application process. Click on create an account. After you are finished creating an account you will be returned to the Login webpage.

6.Login to your account. And start your application. You do not have to submit the application on the same day that you start filling it. You can save the form at various stages of completion and submit at a later date when all required information has been entered.

7.All requirements are listed on the left side of the webpage. You will be asked for Applicant information, Campus and Program, Education Background, Transcripts uploads, Test Scores, Empoyment and other History, Resume. In some cases Statement of Purpose and Diversity Essay are needed. The number of recommendation letters can also vary. Check your school graduate program requirements. To submit recommendation letters you will be asked to provide the reference’s email whom will be contacted to provide information on your behalf.

8.Pay the nonrefundable application fee, for international applicants the fee is $75 (U.S. dollars).

9.After submitting the application. Wait to be contacted by the admission office of the School you applied to. You will be contacted by e-mail. Login to you account and check frequently. If you have been admitted to the program, continue with the next steps. You can check the status of your application by logging into your account. For any question regarding your application, please contact the graduate office of the School you applied to be admitted.

10.You must respond to the offer of admission. A link will be provided in your admission letter. The Admission Letter can be verified in you application by logging into your account.

11.The admission letter has important information such as your PUID (Purdue University ID).

12.Activate your Purdue Career Account at Purdue University Identify and Access Management. You will be asked for personal information and your PUID number provided to you in the Admission Letter.

13.When you activate your Purdue Career Accountcreate your personal email account ().Other information and/or requirements are provided through your email such as appointments to attend the ISS (International Students and Scholars)Office or the Health Center. Some of the appointments need to be made before you arrive at Purdue. Make sure you check your Purdue email account frequently for important information.

14.To access your Purdue Mail: seach forPurdue MyMail on Google and Login or enter the following link in your web browser.

15.To Issue you an US immigration Document – From I-20 - you must complete the online NOTIFICATION OF INTENT (NOI)via the following link: You will be asked for your PUID. You will also be asked for financial proof. You need to provide the CONACYT-I2T2 letter stating that you have been granted a scholarship with the amount covered by CONACYT . This provides the required financial proof. Ask I2T2 for this Letter.

16.Complete all the requirements and wait for the I-20 to be sent. If possible ask the person named for contact information for a copy of your I-20 so you may start the Visa Process early. Be aware that you need to have your completed I-20 on hand for the personal interview.

17.Initiate the VISA Application Process.

18.For more information regarding the Visa Process see the appendix named Visa application.

19.Begin looking for Housing. You can live On-Campus or Off-campus. Buses are free for students presenting their Purdue ID. More information regarding housing can be fond through the following link: A financial deposit is needed to secure your accomodation in most cases, be prepared.

20.Bus information can be found in the next link. rides cover both Lafeyette and West Lafayette. They are free. Checking if a bus route runs near where you intend to rent is strongly advised. You basically do not need a car to get around Purdue University.

2.English Proficiency

TOEFL-iBT is the English proficiency for Purdue Graduate Schools.

The Minimum Internet-Based Test (IBT) Overall score required is: 77 pts

With the following minimum section requirements:

  • Reading: 19 pts
  • Listening: 14 pts
  • Speaking: 18 pts
  • Writing: 18 pts

Alternative tests to TOEFL:

- IELTS (Academic Module): Minimum score 6.5

- Pearson Test of English (PTE) (Academic Module): Minimum score 58

How to register online for TOEFL iBT test:

  1. Enter to the following link in your browser:
  2. Click on “Register for the test”
  3. Click on “Register Online”; take into account that: Registration closes seven days before your test date, so anticipate the date; You will be asked for a credit/debit card.
  4. Finish the registration
  5. Select the time, date and location to take the exam.
  6. Select the Institutions to receive your score reports it may be more than one. So you may choose Purdue and your undergraduate school as well.
  7. Please take into account:
  8. Scores are available online 2 weeks after your test date; and scores are received by the university 1-3 months after the test is taken.
  9. Be sure to read the identity formsthat you will complete while registering for the test. You will be asked for them at the time of your test
  10. You can check test dates, locations and times in the next link and then select Mexico. ; The dates and times displayed in this webpage does not mean there is AVAILABILITY. Available dates can only be checked once you sign in.

3. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a requirement for admission to most of Purdue Graduate Schools.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) –scores required:

  • Target GRE verbal is 550 or higher; for Revised GRE: 156 or higher.
  • Target GRE quantitative is 750 or higher; for Revised GRE: 159 or higher.

How to apply for the GRE:

  1. Visit the following link:
  2. Click on “Register for the test”
  3. Click on “Register Online Now”
  4. Register as soon as possible
  5. Availability varies depending on location
  6. You will be asked for a credit/debit card.
  7. Finish the registration
  8. Make sure you Select the Institutions to receive your score reports. You are allowed up to 4 choices. Thus you may choose Purdue and your undergraduate school as well.
  9. Select the time, date and location to take the exam.
  10. Checking Scores online: go to:
  11. Scores are available online 10-15 days after your test date; the scores are received by the university approximately 6 weeks after the test is taken.
  1. Be sure to read the identity forms that will be asked at the time of your test.

Use the following link to check: test dates, locations, times and availability. Enter Mexico for the question “Where do you plan to take the GRE revised General Test”.

4. APPLYING FOR YOUR STUDENT VISA

STEP ONE: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT EARLY. In many states within Mexico you will be asked to make two appointments. In the first they will take a picture of you. In the second one, you will have the interview. For both appointments you must have your I-20 on hand.

Before applying to a student VISA you must have your I-20 on hand.

Instructions to schedule a VISA appointment:

Enter the U.S Embassy Government link:

  1. Select the Country of your choice.
  2. Then choose the State of preference. Where you want the interview to be taken in.
  3. In the Upper Panel, select the “Visas” option, then select the “Visa Application Steps”
  4. Follow carefully the instructions of the VISA application steps.
  5. Note: You will be applying for the F-1 non-immigrant VISA.
  6. USUALLY THERE ARE 7 STEPS:
  7. STEP 1: SELECT THE VISA TYPE (F-1 “GRADUATE STUDENT’S VISA”)
  8. STEP 2: COMPLETE THE DS-160 ON-LINE APPLICATION
  9. STEP 3: PAY THE APPLICATION FEE
  10. STEP 4: SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT THROUGH THE APPOINTMENT CENTER SERVICE
  11. STEP 5: ATTEND YOUR APPOINTMENT FOR SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION, FINGERPRINTS AND PHOTOS (2)
  12. STEP 6: ATTEND APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR VISA INTERVIEW. BE ON TIME
  13. STEP 7: PICK UP YOUR VISA FROM DHL (IF APPROVED) Note: In case it is an emergency because semester is about to begin. You may ask the interviewer if you can pick up the VISA in the Consulate, so you can skip VISA travel days by DHL shipping. You may also ask for an emergency interview after an appointment has been scheduled. For more information about emergency VISAS appointments, please contact the consulate of your state; under the “VISAS” label and then click on “Location and contact information”
  14. Please apply as soon as possible. Interviews appointments usually takes 2-5 weeks.

STEP TWO: PAY SEVIS FEE

F-1 and and J-1 visa applicants entering the U.S. for the first time must complete the SEVIS form I-901 and pay the SEVIS feebefore their visa appointment.

  • Fill in your name exactly as it appears on your I-20 or DS-2019.
  • For F-1 applicants, Purdue’s “School Code” is: CHI 214F10460 000. For J-1 applicants, Purdue’s “Program Number” is: P 1 00622.
  • After paying, print a copy of the online receipt.

STEP THREE: GATHER DOCUMENTS FOR VISA INTERVIEW

  • A passport valid for at least six months into the future
  • I-20 or DS-2019 (Be sure to sign the bottom of the form)
  • Purdue admission letter
  • SEVIS fee receipt
  • Visa application fee receipt
  • Confirmation page from your DS-160 visa application
  • Two 2”x 2” photographs in the prescribed format on website
  • Original bank statements or Purdue funding letter showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses as listed on I-20 or DS-2019
  • Documents that prove you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S.

These may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.

  • Any additional documents that might be requested, such as transcripts or test scores

Please Note:the previous documents may or may not be asked. Please confirm with appropriate U.S. Embassy/Consulatethat you have prepared all required documents.

STEP FOUR: PREPARE FOR VISA INTERVIEW

  • Interview generally lasts only 2-3 minutes.
  • Under U.S. law, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are viewed as intending immigrants unless they convince the Consular Officer otherwise. You must show your reasons for returning to your home country following your studies.
  • Be prepared to use English and speak for yourself.
  • Answer all of the Officer’s questions concisely and honestly.
  • Be able to explain how studying in the U.S. relates to your future career plans.
  • Know that lengthy supplemental documents cannot be quickly read or evaluated.
  • People from certain countries and those studying certain technology majors may Experience processing delays due to security background checks.
  • Remember that the purpose of a student visa is to study and return home, not to work in the U.S.
  • Be prepared to address how your dependents, if any, will support themselves in your absence.
  • Keep a positive attitude. If denied, understand the reason why and what to do the next time

STEP SEVEN: ATTEND VISA INTERVIEW

Arrive early, remain calm!

Information taken from “Purdue University plan for applying for your student Visa: A step by step guide.”

For more information about the original guide and/or support you may contact:

Purdue University, Office of International Students and Scholars.

Schleman Hall, Room 136.

475 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana, 47907-2050, USA

Phone: 765-494-5770

Fax:765-494-6859

E-mail:

Website:

  1. Send an e-mail to specifying the Research Project (from the list provided to you) and the Schoolat Purdue that you wish to apply. Call Mtra. Ilsa Elia Torres Gonzalez (2033 1110) if you require assistance.
  2. After receiving a confirmation e-mail, I2T2 will schedule aninterview for you with your potential faculty advisor or with Professor Ernesto Marinero. The interviewswill either be conducted at I2T2offices in Monterrey or via Skype from your office or home.
  3. I2T2 is located at: Pablo González N. 888 Colinas de San Jerónimo, NL México, 64630
  4. If you are selected to apply for admission to Purdue University, go the following website to initiate the scholarship application process:
  5. The websiteprovides information on the “Programa de Becas al Extranjero CONACYT I2T2 ”.
  6. Page down and click on ver convocatoria 2014and familiarize yourself with the program and its requisites.
  7. An update for the 2015 Convocatoria will be available online at the end of February.
  8. By the end of June you will be asked to submit all the required documents. You are welcome to submit the documents prior to this deadline.
  9. If you are granted a scholarship by CONACYT-I2T2, you will need to collect your award in person. Usually the date is during the first two weeks of August. More information will be provided to you by mail if you are granted a scholarship.

Health Insurance:

  • All students at Purdue University are required to obtain their Health Insurance through the Purdue University Student Health Center (PUSH). For information go to:
  • PUSH provides medical services to all national and international students enrolled at Purdue.
  • Medical insurance from Mexico or any other institution is not accepted. Do not purchasemedical insurance except the one offered through PUSH.
  • Medical Insurance can be purchasedon a semester or yearly basis. The total cost is the same. However, it is recommended that you purchase yearly medical insurance to be covered over the entire. If you purchase medicalinsurance on a semester basis you will not be covered between semesters.
  • Before buying medical insurance through Purdue, make sure you attend, orientation week before the Fall semester begins as very important information is provide. Your attendance to orientation week is a requirement.
  • After orientation week, you can proceed to buy medical insurance. The following link directs you to the webpage for international students that wish to buy medical insurance.
  • Select the appropriate category. Since CONACYT-I2T2 scholarship does not fully cover the tuition to buy the Purdue medical insurance. You should select the category “Graduate student – My home government/organization is not fully sponsoring my program at Purdue”
  • A late fee is imposed if the medical insurance is paid late. Deadline for the fall semester is during the first week of September. Deadline for the spring semester is during the last week of January.

Tuition and Stipend:

  • School Tuition: The maximum amount for school tuition paid by CONACYT are $300,000 pesos. Since, the school tuition for international students is higher than the amount provided by CONACYT you will be provided a ¼ time appointment by your School either as a research assistant or as a teaching assistant. Details of the appointment vary from School to School.
  • School tuition is made directly by CONACYT to the school. No further action is needed from the student regarding this point.
  • Student Stipend: CONACYT provides a monthly tuition $1,100 dollars for single or $1,375 for married students.
  • Unless special arrangements are made, the first month, August, is not covered by CONACYT. Since, classes start the 21 of August.
  • The monthly stipend is deposited by a Mexican bank into an electronic card provided by CONACYT.
  • If you do not receive the monthly stipend at the beginning of the month. Please, call CONACYT and ask your call to be directed to international scholarships.
  • Be sure to send a scan of your IMMIGRATION VISA to CONACYT right after you are granted it. This is required to complete the scholarship process.