This is the first step in any Application Process.

Type of Student Application (like International Student Application).

Whether you require a Paper Application. Obviously, U need one, otherwise Y the heck R U doing all this. However, what some univs do is that they send you something saying that they have a website which has the application form online and U can apply through that and if U need a paper app form, then re-request them, still they prefer you app via web and blah blah). Basically, if U want a paper application, mention something like (Need a Paper Application: No access to Web…) and things like that.

Note: In general, what I feel is that while Applying through the web certainly makes processing easier & faster for the Univ (which is good for you), it lacks some significant advantages. U can control the contents of the paper application, the sequence, the formatting etc. U can also check & recheck the application, contents etc. U can add covering letters, enclosures. To sum it all, dealing with papers is simpler. And anyway, U will need to send some paper contents to the univ, say the resume, financial statement and things like that. However, in the electronic application, U can take some time & easily make changes, in the paper application, U simply can’t make mistakes. Still, U can have the paper application, still app via web… Nothing to lose & everything to gain… U can keep the filled-up paper application sample by your side & use it to fill up the web form… So, ask for the paper application form.

Fields to be included in pre-application form:

Keep tabs on the Universities, whether they respond to your request. If they don’t after some time (say 1-1/2 months(for email), 2-1/2 months(for surface mail), re-send them the request).

Some universities send you a slightly detailed paper pre-application form. Fill it up and send it as soon as you get it. The response from this form is usually a good prospect on you admission prospects.

Write to professors in interested univs, telling to U R interested in working with them. Be sincere. Write only to those profs U R genuinely interested, who R doing research in some field U like. If the prof responds, keep in touch with them. Surface mail/Phone Calls might help. In the application(see the next step), mention that you contacted such a prof & that he responded. When U get a concrete offer, either accept or reject it. Decide then & there. Don’t accept it & reject later & pain profs.

Decide the univs carefully, taking into consideration a variety of factors like rankings, funds, branch of interest etc. Ask your seniors etc.

Choose the field of interest carefully. Remember, U R making a career decision, so do it carefully. Don’t chumma choose a field which U R not interested in just for the heck of it.

Remember to include names of profs who responded to you.

All Univs (in US) have an agreement that they will not force a student to accept before April 15^th. Hence, if U get a number of offers before April 15^th, choose the best offer.

However, if a prof offers U, U will need to make the decision then & there. U can try asking him for some time to decide but if you had requested him for aid before, it won’t look nice.

After April 15^th, if U’ve already accepted an offer and U R receive another one which U want to accept, U first accept, then U need to request a release from the univ which U first accepted. Unless & otherwise U R terribly unlucky or verrry late, this is unlikely to be a problem.

a) Hostel

b) Department

c) Central Library

d) Computer Center

e) Hospital

f) Lab (Get sign & give to Dept.)

g) Ad Block (fill up 2 forms)

h) Surrender ID card.

Submit a copy of 1)a, 1)b, 1)c (show originals).

Surrender your ID card at the 4th floor of AD Block & fill the appropriate form.

Submit a copy of 1)a, 1)b, 1)c.

Give a letter asking for refund.

Stick & sign on a 20p Revenue stamp (on the appropriate form) at the 1st floor of AD Block.

(Hostel office, department, Post Office, AD Block, friends ...)

Following materials must be presented to the Consular office by you at the time you apply for VISA

1. Form I-20 or IAP-66 (obtained directly from the University you

will attend)

2. VISA application form (available at the consulate)

3. Two passport size photographs

4. A valid passport

5. Evidence of financial support

6. Visa fee

If Financial assistance has been awarded by the University, please enclose letter from the University to that effect.

If your sponsor is in India you will need the following documents:

a) RBI Clearance (for Indian Students).

b) Sponsor's bank account statement showing funds for the 1st year

of study covering expenses shown on the I20

c) Affidavit of support on stamped paper and notorized from your

sponsor for the entire duration of stay in the US

d) Verification of financial resources by Certified Chartered

Accountant

If the sponsor is in the US the following documents must be

provided:

a) I-134 (available at INS offices in the US)

b) Bank account statement of your sponsor

c) Salary statement

If the sponsor is outside India & US the following documents have

to be submitted:

a) Affidavit of support of your sponsor

b) Bank account statement of your sponsor showing funds for the

entire period of study

c) Salary statement

You may apply for the visa within 90 days prior to the reporting date mentioned on the I-20. Thus if the reporting date shown on the form I-20 is September 5, you may apply for your visa between June 5 and September 5.

The Visa office is open from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday. (Check timings). U may have to go there before 6:00 AM.

No prior appointment is necessary to apply for a visa. If you need additional information please call the Visa section at 473040 between 2 and 4 pm on weekdays.

o Send your acceptance letter by modes - FAX, phone, letter, email.

o If you feel you wanna change Univs after you get there, renew your applications to other Univs. (However, I recommend that U stick to the univ which brings U there, because the Univ takes hajaar pains to bring U there in the first place).

o Bump any jobs you may have got

Travel Booking & Tips

The next thing to do is blocking tickets (this implies no financial commitment). This can be done via travel agents. Make sure the Travel Agent is good (examples of dependable travel agents(in India) are – Diana Travels, All India Travel Agency (AITA) - Parsn Complex, Travel Corporation of India (TCI), Parrys Travels). Usually, in the case of Travel Agents, there is a trade-off between reliability and cost of ticket. Block as early as possible. If U block sufficiently early and keep pressurizing the guy, there’ll usually be no probs.

Block flights with many airlines/agencies. Put pressure on the agencies and get as much info as possible. Much before the flight call the airlines themselves and confirm your ticket.

Indicate whether you want Asian Vegetarian Meal (AVM), non-smoking section, etc

o Cross-check everything the travel agent says

o Some airlines offer Frequent Flier programs (e.g. Air France, TWA) [i.e. after a certain # of miles of flying with that airline you get a free ticket]. However, in the present stage, I feel it is not necessary, since being classified as a frequent flier need some conditions which will be difficult to satisfy. Enroll in such programs.{Delta, British Airways }?

o Avoid change of airline. A direct flight is the best. If change of airline can't be avoided, leave at least 4-6 hrs gap between the scheduled arrival of one flight and the scheduled departure of the connecting flight.

o Baggage is usually safe with a single airline - change of airline sometimes leads to misplaced luggage. Some airlines don't take care of baggage transfer - you may have to personally carry it (check this while booking)

o Do not trust an Indian Airlines connecting flight (in case you

use IA allow atleast a day)

Getting the Visa :

For students with full financial aid this is no problem at all.

Even then these tips will make it all the more peaceful.

o When you go for the visa dress decently. Avoid any Americanisms.

A touch of Indianism helps a lot (e.g. a streak of "Vibuthi" on the forehead). Speak slowly and clearly. Don't appear tense and don't look desperate. Showing self-confidence helps.

o Go along with a friend having a vehicle (just in case you have to go & get something)

o They should never feel that you will have any sort of difficulty - language, finance, racial, religious, etc.

o You should be able to convince them that you will come back to India. If they ask you, points in favor are :

a) only child,

b) immovable property in India (can take a proof document),

c) orthodox family,

d) brought up in rural atmosphere,

e) lots of relatives in India; none abroad,

f) mom, dad won't come to USA,

g) field of interest not available in India,

h) change of field not possible in India,

i) interest in teaching - get Ph.D. fast.

Actually all this won't be required - just in case they decide to have an interview with you these tips will come in handy. (esp. nowadays, it seems that everything has become more streamlined).

o Suggested ideal timings for getting the visa :

to apply - 9:45 to 10:00 A.M.

to collect - 4:45 to 5:00 P.M.

o Do not go at 5:00 A.M. in the morning & wait

o Avoid Mondays and Fridays, Wednesdays are preferable

o Go sometime before and get the form for this (you can take the filled form)

o Things to be taken with you when you go for the visa

a) signed I-20 form

b) filled visa application form

c) two passport size photos (take some glue)

d) passport

e) admission & aid letters

f) TOEFL & GRE scores (original + photocopy)

g) Xerox copy of grade cards

Emigration Clearance

o Get this after the visa

o You can get this from a venue other than the place of issue of the passport - by showing that your place of residence falls in the jurisdiction of that passport office (It might take some time, and pain)

Anything to do with the Passport Office can & usually will involve a LOT of time & pain

o In Madras, the passport office is located on the II Floor,

Shastri Bhavan, Haddows Rd

o Take the following things with you -

a) Passport

b) ECNR (Emigration Clearance Not Required) form - get it

from your travel agent, avoid queue at passport office

c) Original of the Provisional Certificate (PC) - to show

d) Xerox copy of the PC

o Procedure in brief :

At one counter show the filled form & get a slip; go inside

and show your documents at the checking counter; pay Rs.20

at the cash counter; collect passport next day with ECNR stamp.

o Suggested timings :

I day 11:00 to 11:15 A.M. (submit)

II day 4:50 to 5:00 P.M. (collect)

* Getting permit for $750

This can be got from any bank authorized to do so (need not

go to RBI for this). You can get this within a month of the

date of the flight.

The following documents have to be taken along to get the

permit :

Passport + copy, air ticket, I-20 student copy + copy, grade

cards + copies, PC + copy, XII std pass/mark sheet + copy,

aid & admission letters + copies, bank advance/ any other

form of payment.

You may take part of the $750 in currency notes - upto $50

is okay (legally upto $100 allowed)

Things to be done in advance

Certain things have to be done in advance, i.e., as soon as you get your aid - much before the flight.

o Learn typing

o Learn driving

o Learn to cook

o apply for bank loan (if necessary)

o make your passport valid for 6 months more than your stay indicated in your I-20

make sure your passport is valid for 6 months atleast.

All other changes are best made in the U.S.

o make outstation purchases (sweater, thermal underwear, cassettes, etc. - available/cheap in Delhi, Bombay ...) It seems all thermal stuff is cheap in US. So, no need to buy.

o get medical checkup done

a) dental

b) fresh checkup, especially if you have a major ailment

Get prescriptions & medicines for all common ailments (the technical name of the medicine along with Indian/US brand name).

See Appendix I.

c) get your eye-sight checked - get a new prescription. Buy atleast one extra pair of glasses.

d) get tested for TB if possible (chest X-ray) - else they will do it at the Univ

e) get requisite immunization done (especially MMR)

o get cassettes recorded which you may like to take with you

o write to the India club/OIPS giving your flight #, time & date

of arrival; they may pick you up & give temporary accommodation if necessary

o if you are very interested in any Indian magazine (Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam etc.) subscribe to them - you can subscribe to them after going to the US also.

o note your/parent's bank A/c #

Packing

o Start your packing well in advance

o Buy two good boxes - they should be able to withstand a lot of mishandling. They should be as large as possible within the size limitations (however most airlines are not very strict about baggage size). Put identification marks and labels both inside & outside the boxes (apart from this the airlines will also provide you with adhesive labels). Boxes with independent top & bottom are preferable.

o Box specifications

As an example the Air India economy class baggage specifications to the USA are given below. Note the specs. may be different for other countries/airlines.

2 pieces of baggage with total linear dimension (l+b+h) not exceeding 270cm (106"). Moreover the total linear dimension of each piece should not be over 158cm (62"). The weight of each bag should not exceed 32kg (70lb) [note: they are not particular about this]

Carry on baggage : In addition you can carry a bag with linear dimension not exceeding 115cm (45") onboard (fits beneath the seat).

For most other airlines the baggage spec.s are similar (confirm)

If you are taking a break outside USA/Canada contact your travel agent or airlines for details.

Things to be kept in the boxes

o Copy of all certificates/documents (originals in hand baggage)

o Important apping materials (SOP, reco etc)

o necessary books/notebooks (some suggested books are - Clark's

Tables, a good dictionary/thesaurus, a booklet for units conversion)

o Copy of address book/telephone book/diary

o Some stationery and related items suggested (not absolutely necessary - just for the first few weeks) are :

common items + rubber stamp with house address + airmail covers + few Indian razor blades for cutting work + screw driver

o Indian postal stamps - for sending letters through someone coming to India

o Medical history files

o Gifts (suggested: rollable pictures, handicrafts, etc)

o Non-technical books (fiction/religious). [note: second-hand story books are cheap in the US]

o 1 pair leather chappals, 2 hawai chappals (+ extra straps)

o soap (bath), toothbrushes (slightly costly in the US - 1 or

2 bucks) etc

o Cassettes

* Clothes

Usually clothes are machine washed once a week (laundramat) -

hence one week supply of clothes (+ one week backup) is needed.

Get all clothes little loose - clothes may shrink in machine

wash & you will probably grow fatter.

o 14-15 sets of undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs

Latest Info: Not necessary ! Good stuff available here & pretty cheap

o 5 sets of good shirts, pants

o a good swimming trunk + few shorts

o a tie + 1-2 belts

o 3-6 ordinary towels (Turkish ones start stinking)

o a bedsheet

o lungies/dhotis/pajamas

o thermal underwear (2-4)

o extra woolen sweaters

Note:

o sleeveless woolen sweaters are enough for warm places

o woolen socks not recommended if not going to a cold place

o second hand alarm clocks are cheap in US

o don't take Indian files (empty) or punching machines - filing

system is different in the US (3 holes, A4)

o don't take paper

o don't take raincoats

o don't buy purse (wallet for carrying cards can be bought in US)

o wear your shoes to save space in the box. If needed buy only

leather shoes (other types of shoes are cheap in US). For some

weather conditions Indian leather shoes may crack.

Latest Note: don't worry yourself if you can't bring any of the stuff listed above - most of them are available pretty cheap in the US (made in China). Exceptions are leather goods, formal wear. In a month or two you will be in a position to get anything you want (unless you are not on aid)

* Food stuffs

Below are some South Indian food stuffs that may be taken :

o 1 - 2.5 kg packets of "Sambar Podi"

o 1 packet of "Rasam podi"

o 0.5 box of "Masala podi"

o 1 box of "Paruppu podi", "Upma podi", "Vatha-kozhambu podi",

"tamarind rice podi"

o Appalam/Vadam/pickles

o mustard packet

o tamarind paste

o different dhals in small quantity for initial phase

o asafoetida powder

o Indian instant coffee + Indian tea (takes some time to get used to American stuff)

o Elaichi, clove, cinnamon

Note: most of these items are available in the Indian stores in the major cities. However you need to carry them for use in the first few days.

o actually pickles are not allowed - but you can take them in solder-sealed tins. [students are usually not checked for these]

o take all dry food stuff in sealed plastic packets

// 92 - Most Indian foodstuffs are available even in small cities. Don't come loaded with foodstuffs as you may have (small) problems with the customs. Try to get "instant" stuff as people generally don't have much time for cooking in the US.

* Vessels

 o big pressure pan (with spare handle, 3 safety valves, 2 weights,

1 base plate, 3 gaskets) [note: big pressure cooker may not be

needed as rice cooker can be bought in the US]

o idli plates

o dosai turner, charani (server with holes), rice server & other

servers

o tongs

o small bowls ("kinnum")

o rolling pin

o knife

o kadaie (optional)

o cook book - e.g. "Cook & See" by Meenakshi Ammal

Note: no other vessels needed. No tumblers needed. Try to share & bring the vessels with others coming to your Univ. Non-stick kitchenware is cheap in the US. and you can buy a full set.

* Things to be kept in Hand Baggage

o some medicines (including for air-sickness)

o novel/mags/books for inflight reading

o sweater

o original important documents (I-20, visa, tickets ...)

o enough money (little cash, travellers' checks)

o address book/phone book (Indian & US)

o copies of your photo (passport size)

o enlisted steps to be followed in case of emergency (accident,

theft, etc)

o things to survive for a week in case luggage gets misplaced

(two sets of clothes, valuables like calci, addresses etc)

* Things to be kept on person

---------------------------

o shorter extract of contact addresses - especially of people

coming to pick you up.

o receipt got along with travellers' checks - in case you lose the TC's

* Things to be left at home

o List of addresses/phone numbers at which info about you can be obtained

o one copy of all your important documents

o a copy of all relevant parts of Medical History files

o Arrange to collect/redirect mail from your room/hostel

o Arrange to apply/collect/mail your transcripts (about 20 in number preferable)

o Your tailoring measurements

o a few blank signed papers - so that your parents can be

authorized to look after anything on your behalf

* Things to be done in the last week before the flight

o call up & find if there is any delay or change of schedule of the plane (inform the people coming to pick you up of any such change)

o rest well - ready to face the long journey/jet lag

o bid bye to all concerned (This may involve writing hajaar letters).

* On the day of the flight * in-flight + later

o since it is going to be a long flight wear something comfortable

(cotton dress + full hand shirt). Wear your shoes - inflight you can remove them (some airlines give inflight shoes - else relax in socks)

o be at the airport 3-4 hours before flight departure

o collect $20 at the airport (part of it in $1)

o relax during flight, sleep as much as possible

o for vegetarians - watch out before you eat - you may get non-veg even if you had asked for veg. Veg. food is generally bland - fruits/juice are good choices. (Before ordering anything on board check if you have to pay for it separately for it). Don't hesitate to ask questions.

o once out of India be very careful (from sheer experience of seniors). Don't trust anyone. Don't hire a taxi (unless emergency) till you reach your destination. If required don't hesitate to spend money.

Latest Note - Don't hesitate to talk to people to ask questions -

usually they will answer all your queries properly.

* Port of entry procedures

o sometime before landing the flight attendant will distribute customs declaration forms & immigration forms as mentioned below. Fill these out on the plane (you will submit them to the appropriate authorities when you land). Do not hesitate to take the flight attendant's help.

Latest Note - You can indicate that you have nothing to declare & total value of all your things is less than $100 on the customs form

Form I-94 - fill in the plane. After seeing your documents immigration officer will indicate length of stay, Univ, etc.

This will be attached to your passport. Important: note the expiry date and D/S (duration of status).

Form I-20 ID copy - all transactions regarding your non- immigrant status will be recorded in this form. This should be retained at all times (not surrendered when you temporarily leave the US). Your admission number will be given - memorize it & note it elsewhere.

o just before you land the correct local time will be announced - set your watch [dual time watch will come in handy here]

o once you are out of the plane go straight to the immigration counter - rush for them to beat the queue. It might take 0.5-1 hour here. Keep your I-20, passport, admission & aid letters ready. They might ask a few questions like - is this your first time in the US ? Student ? F-1 visa ? Which Univ ?

They will attach an I-64 card to your visa.

You are now in the USA !

o then go to the baggage are to fetch your luggage. Pick up a

cart (you get this at a machine for $1) to carry the bags.

Then pick up your bags as they come out on the conveyor

(suitable eye-catching labels help here). If you don't get

your baggage inform the enquiry section - you may have to

wait 0.5-1 hour here.

o cart your baggage to nearby Customs. If asked tell them that

you are a student, F-1 visa, school, dept., coming to US for

the first time

If asked to open the baggage do so slowly - do not mess up

the place.

If asked about the "podi"s tell them that they are "dried

Indian spices" to make traditional Indian food like curry.

Rarely they might ask you to go to the agris. dept. nearby -

that is a pain.

If asked about "vibuthi" tell them that it is holy Hindu

powder used for prayer.

Note : In most cases you will NOT be asked to open your boxes

at all & will be simply waved through.

o now go & wait at the nearest exit for the guys who are supposed

to pick you up. If nobody turns up after some time (say 0.5 hour)

make a collect call (at the public phone dial a '0', get the

operator & ask for a collect call).

Else call i) your Prof ii) dept. iii)International Students'

Office iv) admissions office v) any Indian guy in the directory

Go & ask for an announcement to be made over the PA system.

Get a card, write your name & hold it up.

o Never leave your baggage unattended. Don't go out of the airport

until somebody comes & picks you up. If you have doubts about

the guy who comes to pick you up, don't hesitate to ask for

his ID. [All this is of course being a little extra cautious]

o Once you reach your friend's house (or other destination) call

home & inform them of reaching safely. Keep a readymade card -

add a few lines - go to the nearest post office, get stamps &

mail the card immediately.

* A few things of importance in after(arrival)life

o Your first work is to meet the Foreign Students' Advisor in

the International Student Office (ISO). They keep a record of

you (passport, visa details etc). When you leave the US

(temporarily or permanently) you have to go there again.

Then do the things which you did when you entered IITM -

- get your Univ ID card

- get your Driver's License

- tax forms, etc some paperwork in the dept.

- meet the HOD/grad. student advisor/advisor

- register for classes

* List of medicines recommended by a Doc.

o Crocin tablets - 3 strips

For fever, bodyaches, headache

One tablet three times a day as necessary

o Erythrocin 500mg tablets - 2 strips

One tablet twice a day when necessary, as advised

o Sporadix 500mg capsules - 2 strips

One capsule twice a day when necessary, as advised

o Actified tablets - 3 strips

Cosovil tablets - 2 strips

For common cold & cough.

One tablet three times a day.

o Avomin tablets - 1 strip

For air sickness.

One tablet as necessary.

o Lomotil tablets - 20

Digene tablets - 30

For diarrhoea & stomach discomfort.

One tablet of each three times a day.

o Baralgam tablets - 2 strips

For abdominal colic pain, backache, etc

One tablet every six hours as necessary.

o Dorstal (?) tablets - 10

For nausea & vomiting.

One tablet three times a day.

o Electral powder - 2 packets

One teaspoonful mixed with drinks to make up loss of

electrolytes after vomiting or diarrhoea.

o Novalgin tablets - 2 strips

For headache & bodyaches.

One tablet as necessary.

o Stomatil tablets - 1 strip

For vertigo (giddiness)

One tablet three times a day as necessary till relieved.

o Isogel (Glaxo) - 1 box

For constipation.

One teaspoonful in a little of water at bedtime.

o Brufen 600mg tablets - 2 strips

For arthritic joint pains.

One tablet three times a day after food.

o Avil tablets - 1 strip

For allergy.

One tablet as necessary.

o Sepmax tablets - 1 strip

For sore-throat.

One tablet twice a day after food, till relieved. NOT TO BE TAKEN WHEN ONE IS ALLERGIC TO SULFA DRUGS.

o Relaxyl ointment - 1 tube

To be applied as a pain balm.

o Band Aids assorted - 12

o Soframycin skin ointment - 1 tube

Opinion: the above list seems to have been made out for a guy who

is a proper hypochondriac !

True that medicines are relatively very expensive in the US,

but you will also tend to fall ill less frequently (clean

drinking water, etc).

Get all the medicines prescribed above if you must, but atleast

get them in much smaller quantities.

(Provided by Auburn University / April, 1990)

Beat up : worn out, shabby (said of a thing)

Beat around the bush : avoid an issue

Been had : to have been taken advantage of

Big shot : a supposedly important person or someone who thinks

he/she is

Big deal : anything important, exciting

Break the ice : make a beginning

Buck : dollar bill

Bombed : see "high"

Booze : alcoholic beverage

Bummer : a term to designate that something undesirable has

happened

Cash : paying someone with currency rather than a check

Check out : look over a situation

Cool or neat : slang term denoting approval for something or

someone

Cool it : calm down

Cop : slang for policeman

Cut it out : stop it

Crack up : to lose emotional control in laughter

Date : to go out with someone; also the person with whom you go

Down : to feel depressed, sad

Down to earth : practical, straightforward, (person)

Drop : to withdraw from a course on or before the set date

Drive one up the wall : drive one nuts; to make one very nervous, or upset

Fall for : take a strong liking for

Fed up : disgusted with, or tired of

Frak out : to lose control of oneself, go crazy

Give a ring : to call on the telephone

Go to pot : to deteriorate

Grass : slang term for marijuana

Gripe : to complain

Hang on : in reference to the telephone it means do not hang up the

receiver

Hang in there : keep trying; do not be discouraged

Hassled : troubled by

Have a lot on the ball : to be capable, talented, or efficient

High : intoxicated ("loaded") from liquor or drugs

Hit the sack : go to bed

Hung up : to be in conflict over a problem

I.D. : identification

In a nutshell : very briefly and concisely

Jock : an athlete

Keep your shirt on : be clam, be patient

Know the ropes : be familiar with the details of an undertaking

Lemon : bad buy or purchase

Loaded : to get intoxicated

Make ends meet : budget within one's income

Make up : (1) to apologize after a fight or disagreement

(2) to do an assignment after it was due

(3) cosmetics a woman uses

Mid term : test given during the middle of the quarter

On the house : free, no cost

Old man : slang term for father

Once in a blue moon : seldom, infrequently

Out of it : (1) somebody whose mind is Far away or preoccupied, or

(2) somebody not fitting into a certain group

Out of the question : unthinkable, impossible

Over my dead body : not if I can stop it !

Out of sight : term of approval denoting something exciting or very good

Play it by ear : to respond to circumstances as they arise

Phony : someone who is insincere, also fake

Play second fiddle : be second in importance

Pop-Quiz : a test given with no prior warning

Pot : a term used for marijuana

Psyched up : to mentally prepare yourself for something; excited about something

Pull one's leg : to tease someone

Pull strings : use influence

Pull the wool over someone's eyes : deceive or mislead someone

Put someone on : to tease or try to fool. "Are you putting me on ?"

Put your foot in your mouth : say something you regret having said

Rip off : to steal; charge an exorbitant price for some item

Redneck : hillbilly

Run around with : be friends with

Screwed up : confused

Shook up : upset

Show : movie or film, cinema

Skip or cut : not go to class

Stoned : to get high on grass

Straight : one who goes along with the norms of society,

conservative

Take a raincheck : to postpone an invitation, accepting it for a

later date

Take for granted : to assume

Through the grapevine : through gossip

To the max : to the maximum or greatest degree

Uptight : worried, tense

Under the weather : sick, not feeling well

With flying colors : with victory or success

Wasted : an extreme lack of energy. Also can mean "high"

Ya'll : You all

Zero in on : focus or concentrate on

However, it is recommended that the improvements be made by yourself by:

• Using the Save As command in the File Menu and save it as a html file.
• Editing the Html file by some software like FrontPage Express or directly altering the Html script. MS-Word can also be used to open and edit the Html file.

This page is for the sole purpose of easing & making known the complex process of applying abroad and for quelling doubts that may arise during the process.

REMEMBER, any information given will be of utmost use to someone else viewing this website, as this info was to U. Don't be lazy and think of others also.