<p>I don’t know if many international students go through this, but I might miss my orientation and the first few weeks of classes. I’m a student from UAE, and I applied for a scholarship in mid july. Problem was, the interview board took a 3 week vacation, and I got no interview date. Once they were back in the first week of august, the scheduled an interview. Meanwhile, my college is still waiting for my DCF(Declaration Of Finances) form. I’m done with my interview now, but its 26th august and the scholarship office still needs time in releasing decisions. This obviously means that I’m going to miss orientation and classes for the first few weeks of college. Im quite worried by this! </p>
<p>I do really need a scholarship to go to college, as I cannot afford it on my own. Unless i submit my DCF form, they won’t process my I-20.</p>
<p>Did this happen to any other student? If yes, what did you feel like when you went late?</p>
<p>You need to contact your school - because it may not even ALLOW you to start the semester a few weeks late. They may insist you begin in the second semester. And if somehow you’re allowed to start late – you’re still taking a very big risk of not being able to catch up and doing poorly, possilby even losing your scholarship. The disadvantage of matriculating in the 2nd semester is schedule: not as many introductory courses would be available in the 2nd semester. But I think that’s the preferable option than missing so much class time.</p>
<p>Starting late does not just have implications for your academic performance. You run the risk of not being admitted into the country at all because F-1 students are legally required to enter the country within a short time period (one week?) after the first day of classes (the “reporting date” on your I-20). </p>
<p>I suggest you contact your school and explain your situation. Chances are you are not going to make it there by the start of classes. I second katliamom that deferring your enrollment for a term might be the best option.</p>