Check the validity of your passport.  Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you obtain the visa.

Make the Passport Verification Fee in the exact amount asked by the American consulate..

You must carry all original documents. Unless indicated otherwise by the Consulate.

Update all your bank passbooks approximately 5 days prior to the date of your visa. 

Ensure that the balance in your savings bank is equivalent to your first year fees.

Dress code. You need to look like a student.  Hence, wear the clothes that a student would be expected to wear ~ T-Shirt and Jeans OR similar casual clothes.  If you wear formal trousers and clothes or a salwar kameez you will look older and more like a candidate for a job or a spouse rather than a student who wants to go abroad to study! 

Speak with confidence.  Your manner and speech must exude confidence. This will enable you to come across as a focused individual.  After all you have nothing to hide.  So do not panic or worry, as this will make you sound flustered. 

Speak clearly, slowly and loudly.  Remember there is a glass partition between you and the visa officer. 

Read the brochures of the college that you plan to attend.  Pick out some of the key characteristics that make this college the best choice for you.  This will enable to speak with more confidence about your college.  Madhavi Desai recommends that you carry the brochure of your college along with you.

Be alert.  If you do not understand the question, politely ask the visa officer to repeat the question.

Place all your papers in a file.  Preferably use a file that has no clips.  You will have less than 30 seconds to locate and push across the documents required.  Practice removing your papers at home. 

Students prepare your file yourself.  You need to know what papers you are carrying and where they are located.