How to go to America for higher / graduate studies?

Are you an international student wishing to study for a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in an American University?  Here are some tips that will put you on the right track for your educational success.

Click here to read the FAQ for International Students for M.S. in U.S.A.

Academic Performance to Apply for a M. S. Program

Graduate schools and the Department of your intended field of study consider your undergraduate academic performance, among others, for your admission.  So, perform well in your undergraduate studies and maintain a high GPA / aggregate percentage.

Most graduate schools in America also require that you write an essay stating your educational objectives and professional goals in pursuing a M.S. degree.  So, take time and put thought to write the essay, as Graduate Schools give weight to your essay while reviewing your application.

GRE and TOEFL

Take the GRE and TOEFL in your final year of study, if not earlier.  Score as high as possible on these tests, particularly the GRE.  Enroll for GRE coaching, if you feel that it will help you get top scores.

With a high GRE score and a strong academic performance in your undergraduate studies, you have a bright chance for admission and financial aid.

GRE TOEFL.

How do you select an American University for your Graduate Studies?

Select just a few universities to apply for a M.S. degree.  Keep in mind for each university you apply, you have to pay an application fee.  It could run into several hundred dollars.  And, not to forget the time and effort you have to put in to complete the application process.

The quality of education is almost the same in all American universities.  So, how do you select a university?  First you should know that there are two types of universities in the U.S.: private and state (public).  Taxpayers’ money funds the latter.  Private universities are expensive, whereas public universities are relatively less costly.

Unless you are very rich, you should apply for admission to a M.S. program in a state university.  Why?  Because you will pay less tuition and fee in a state educational institution than its private counterpart.  Of course, if you receive full financial aid from a private and a state university, you should perhaps choose the former.  Better research and other educational facilities and teacher-to-student ratio would balance your scale in favor of a private institution.

Some universities are difficult to get admission, because of their higher academic, test score, and other needs, while some others are easy to get in.  Choose a university that matches with your undergraduate GPA, test scores, and your budget for graduate education.

Select a state and city in the U.S. where cost of living is less.  This reduces your overall cost of education for a M.S. degree.  Examples of states with a relatively less cost of living include Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

How to Apply for a Graduate School?

Start your preparation to apply for a M.S. program at least six months before your desired semester of enrollment.  Most graduate schools in America admit students in fall, winter, and summer terms.

Find out the cost of graduate studies from the website of the university to which you wish to apply.  You will need to send proof that you have the funds, estimated by the university, for your graduate studies.  It will usually be an Affidavit of Financial Support and a financial statement.  It will be a certificate endorsed by your Bank that you have sufficient funds for your M.S. program.  Check with the graduate school whether you need to send the financial documents with your application or after you receive notification of admission.

If the university awards you full financial aid, you are not required to send the financial documents.  If you receive partial aid, then you need to send the proof of availability of funds for the balance amount.

If your university facilitates it, you can apply online and pay the application fee through a credit card.  Follow the instructions on the university website and upload the copies of your academic transcripts and GRE and TOEFL scores and the personal essay.

Ask your professors to recommend you for admission to the M.S. program.  Again, your teachers can make their recommendation online or by snail mail.

If your Department admits you to the M.S. program, the Graduate School requires that you send to it the official copies of your transcripts and the GRE and TOEFL scores.  It also requires the financial proof.  After the Graduate School receives and reviews all your official documents, it will send you the papers necessary to apply for the visa.

Once you receive the admission letter and I-20 document from your university, make an appointment with an American Consulate in your country to get a F1 / student visa.

Click here to read the FAQ for International Students for M.S. in U.S.A.