I am answering this question considering that you want to apply for Schengen visa for tourist purposes.Well, Iu2019ve always thought of writing a post about this as I spent quite some time researching on this topic, but never really made it. But thank you for the question, Iu2019ve got a chance to help folks out.As an Indian in the US, one of the most important things is to have a proper itinerary with you. So letu2019s say you have a Europe trip planned, you need to identify which is the country where you will have the maximum stay, thatu2019s the consulate where you need to apply for the Schengen visa. For example: If your trip comprises 3 days in Germany, 2 days in Italy, 1 day in France, then you need to apply at the German Consulate. Other factor is based on first country that you enter.I hope that I got the basics covered as of right now.Now let me quickly walk you through the steps for the same:Fill in the Schengen Visa Application: The application forms contains information about your current stay, nationality, which country you will enter first, details of stay, etc.If you do your trip with a tours and travel then you come under the category of prepaid accommodation and transport.Download Schengen Visa Application Form - Schengen VISA InformationGet Medical Insurance:For your period of stay, you need to get medical insurance which covers 30,000 euros. It is recommended to get it from MAWISTA,thatu2019s where I got it from.Health Insurance for Schengen Visa and Foreign VisitorsVisa Appointment: Book a visa appointment at Consulate based on your country of maximum stay or the country where you first enter. For me this was the French Consulate and I managed to get an appointment within a couple of days. One also has to remember that appointments are based on your residence so you will have to book an appointment at a Consulate-General closest to you which was Houston in my case ( I was residing in Texas at that time)Put together the Document Set: You need to get all documents arranged in a proper manner which include Passport copy, latest photographs, proof of accommodation, flight details, financial account information ( show amount which justify your period of stay considering 50 euros per day if you have prepaid accommodation and transport)Attend the Visa Interview: They will ask you a basic set of questions including your reason to visit Europe, length of your stay, your current status in US and will ask you for financial documents, visa copy and so on. Once they are happy with financials as well as your reason, you will be good to go. Make sure you carry a prepaid envelope with your address to be given to Consulate if you want the visa to be shipped back or else if you do stay in the same city you can go in-person and collect the same.Enjoy your Europe trip!Let me know if you still have any questions!