What is the application procedure for masters courses in the USA?
Send enquiries at least 15 to 18 months before the proposed date of admission.
There are two ways to get application forms.
1. Requesting Application Forms via email: You can request application
forms from the universities website. Most universities have a form on their
website which can be completed online to request application material.
2. Requesting Application Forms via Air Mail: The other way is to send a
request by airmail for application material. The request should contain a brief
description of your educational background, academic objectives, source of
financial support, English proficiency and standardized test scores.
3. Downloading from the university website: Many universities have a
downloadable and ready to print versions of their application forms on the
net. These can be used for applying just as regular forms.
What is the eligibility criterion to be able to study in the USA?
Most schools require qualifications comparable to a U.S. Bachelor's (Honours) degree
(Four Year Degree Program). That means a minimum of 16 years of formal
education. In the Indian context, it implies qualifying in a professional four-year
degree like engineering or other such courses.
If you have completed a three-year degree program in India, the advisable plan of
action to maximize eligibility for U.S. graduate schools is to apply for a Post
Graduate degree here in India. A one-year university affiliated program will make up
for the fourth year of a U.S. Undergraduate degree.
No standardized policy exists regarding the acceptance of such programs. Some
universities may accept the three-year Indian Graduation Degree for a few
programs. Confirmation can only be obtained by either writing directly or formally
applying to the universities concerned.
Work experience is valuable when applying for a postgraduate course so give full employment details along with the skills and training that you may have developed on the job. Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of the application form and you should think about it very carefully. Mention your motivations for the course, experience and interests but be specific and honest
What are the application requirements for the USA?
Academic Records Your past academic record is one of the most important deciding factors in securing
admission to a college abroad. Most schools require you to have a reasonably good
academic record especially for programs and courses offering a master's or doctoral
degree. Each university has its own minimum requirement for its programs, which
are flexible depending on the candidate's profile. Universities in USA have their own marking and evaluation systems, which are considerably different from the Indian system. They follow the GPA (Grade Point Average) system which is based on the 5 points scheme A, B, C, D & F.
It is advisable not to convert your marks in the Indian system of grading to the
American Grade Point Average system or any other system since the conversion may
not be accurate. You may attach an explanatory note from your college to indicate
your rank in your class and/or university. The letter may also indicate your relative
place in the class and the university average, along with the number of students in
the class and the number of colleges and students in the university. You may also
provide any other information or documents that you feel may help you in the
admission process.
Students applying for Graduate courses (MBA, MS etc) are required to submit an
official transcript (mark-sheets) from each college or university that they have
attended after secondary school with complete details of the subjects/credits
involved (for each year) and other details like correspondence courses, diplomas etc.
Most universities ask for the transcript (mark-sheets) to be sealed in an envelope
and signed and attested across the seal by the registrar. This procedure is to be
done for each and every college that you have attended. Some universities may ask
for more than one copy of the transcript.
If the transcripts are in a language other than English, they must be translated into
English only by the issuing authority or university.
What are some of the Standardised tests for study in the USA?
Many Courses and Universities in US require you to take one of the standardized
tests like GRE, GMAT along with English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, TWE and TSE.
English Proficiency Tests
TOEFL: This test is mandatory for International students applying to a Graduate
course or University in US. The minimum score required by most universities for
admission is 570 (Paper-based test) and 230 (Computer-based test).
TSE: This test is important if you intend to apply for a Teaching Assistantship.
Though many universities don t mention it, but it is advisable to take this test if you
are looking for a Teaching Assistantship.
Other Tests
Different programs require you to take certain standardized tests for admission and
there is a certain minimum that you have to score in those tests to get admitted to
those universities:
The various tests are:
GMAT: For Graduate Courses in Management.
GRE: For Graduate Courses in fields other than Management.
LSAT: For Admissions to Law Schools.
USMLE: For Admission to Medical Colleges.
How important are my work experience details?
A number of professional and vocational courses require relevant work experience.
For instance, many MBAs or master's courses in information studies require at least
a couple of years work experience. Most Australian universities are pretty strict
about this.
A detailed R sum is an important part of your application. It should include all
information of professional work experience along with the details like positions held,
achievements and range of work.
What is a recommendation letter and what should it have?
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your
admission especially in courses that earn you a master's or doctoral degree. A
recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well
professionally or has taught you in a subject that is related to the course you are
applying to. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other
such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the
applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance
and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Authors are usually
asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission
officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should
obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the
institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You
may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your
qualities and help your case. Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate's chances of selection. Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
What is an application essay or a Statement of Purpose?
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the
process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid
because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant
impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your
application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself.
A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course,
the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal
interests and career goals. Some courses like Business school courses will have their own essay questions and format. Others may ask for a r sum or reasons for applying to that particular course.
What kind of financial aid can I get and what documentation is required?
You must submit a financial aid application if you desire financial help for your
graduate studies in a US university. Financial assistance for non-US citizens is very
limited. The evidence of financial support is required by universities to issue the documents needed for visa application. Although it is a requirement for application, it is usually not taken into consideration into factors that determine admission. Most universities make their admission decisions without regard for the source and amount of financial support.
You would be required to submit documentation of your family's financial resources
to help schools assess your need. Most of the universities have their own financial
aid form, which you would have to complete. You would also be required to submit a bank statement demonstrating your financial capacity to support your education in US. Some US state institutions offer tuition waivers to international students in return for some type of educational contribution.
As a prospective candidate will I have an Interview with the University I am applying to?
Interviewing prospective candidates is getting common in the US admission
structure. A few universities may take your interview to know you better. The
interview could be with a college representative or "third party" representatives,
staff, faculty or alumni of the college or simply a telephonic interview. These
interviews are usually informal and more of an opportunity to exchange information.
The interviewer will try to judge your abilities and interests.
What is an assistance ship in a US college?
Many graduate departments at universities offer teaching assistantships or research
assistantships to their graduate students (students pursuing a master's or doctoral
degree particularly in engineering). Assistantships usually involve a tuition award and
some sort of salary in returns for teaching or research duties. Every school has a
limited number of openings for assistantships based on the amount of funding
allocated. As a result, such scholarships are merit-based, meaning they are
competitive, based on your academic performance to date.
Individual departments at the university generally control funds. It always helps to
write directly to the department to inquire about available funding. Students who
are research oriented or have published papers in a particular field should contact
professors interested in that field. By contacting professors in advance and building
a relationship, you can greatly enhance your chance of getting aid.
Unfortunately, there are many deserving students who do not get aid along with the
admission. If you are one of them and plan on joining anyway, we strongly
recommend you arrive a few days prior to the registration time. This will give you
an opportunity to personally talk with the professors and sell your skills. Professors
usually have funding available for various projects and you may be able to find
something that matches your skill set. We also strongly recommend that you don t
restrict yourself to your particular department. There are several opportunities in
other departments particularly for students with strong computer skills. You have to
be aggressive and persistent in your approach. Although there is no guarantee that
you will get financial aid, it is well worth the try. Always remember, if you don t ask,
you don t get. We have met a number of students who have received assistantships
in several U.S. universities after joining the school.
The story is very different for MBA programs. There are very few MBA schools that
provide any assistantship to international students. There is no assistantship
available in private schools. Some state schools receive funding for projects and
provide some opportunity to receive aid. However, if you have skills that you can
sell, we would recommend you try to find aid from other departments (engineering)
even if you are applying for MBA. It's a long shot, but you have nothing to lose.
What is the prerequisites for applying for a USA Student Visa?
STUDENT VISA (F-1)
To enter the United States as a student, you must apply at a US Embassy or Consulate
for a student visa. You are required to make an appointment in India to apply for a visa.
You can apply for a visa only after you receive the requisite I-20 or IAP-66 form from the institution you have been accepted to. The information outlined below is designed to help you understand the visa process.
What are the types of USA student visas available?
There are mainly two types of student visas:
F-1 (Student Visa). The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or
language program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full length of their academic
program plus 60 days. F-1 students must maintain a full-time course load and complete
their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.
J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa). The J-1 visa is issued for students needing practical training
that is not available in their home country to complete their academic program. The
training must be directly related to the academic program. The J-1 visa obligates the
student to return to their home country for a minimum of two years after the end of
their studies in the US before being eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent
residence) visa.
What is the application procedure for the USA student Visa?
The rules and regulations governing the entrance of all international students into the
United States are complicated and should be properly looked into before applying for a
visa.
Applicants should apply at the consular section of the American Embassy any working
day, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 and 10:00 AM.
Documents required are :
Valid Passport
One Passport size photograph (Black and White or Colour)
A Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form 156) available from the Consular section.
Form I-20 executed by the authorizing official of institution concerned, signed by the applicant.
Evidence of financial ability to cover the costs of the education and maintenance involved.
Visa fee to be paid in Indian Rupees by Bank Draft.
When is the right time to apply for a student visa for the USA?
An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the registration date specified on the FORM I-20.
If the registration date is already passed or the applicant cannot reasonably expect to arrive at the school by the registration date,
The applicant should obtain an amended I-20 or a letter of extension from the issuing institution stating by what date the applicant may arrive.
After the Completed application forms along with the documents are submitted;
In most cases, the visa will be issued within a few hours or days of the submission of the application. In some instances, the process may take longer depending on the time of year, consular caseload or other factors.
If your application is denied, you should ask the Consular Officer for a "written denial decision." This will provide you with the official reason for your visa denial
