How to Apply for Masters | MS in US MBA in USA | Fall 2024
May 11, 2023
Are you considering applying for a Masters degree in the USA? In this blog, I'm going to show you how to apply to study abroad programs and what you need to do to increase your chances multifold of getting accepted into the program of your choice. And read this blog till the end as I have discussed everything that you need to know about admission to the US.
Hey, my name is Shirish, and if you are new to my blog, I am a TEDx speaker and an Entrepreneur with 3 successful companies. I have done my MS in Computer Science from the USA and worked with the top investment bank UBS Financial and then started my company to help students with career and college admission. Over the last decade with my company, we have delivered top results, with students getting admission to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Oxford, and all top universities across the world. I have been featured on National tv shows on Zee News, and my articles have been published in top international magazines. I have met with almost all admission officers myself and have done a College Admission program from Upenn on how to guide students for college admissions. In short, on my blog (and Youtube Channel), you will find strategies and tools that work, and I have been using these strategies with thousands of students for over a decade with huge success.
And I understand applying to a US university can be daunting, but don't worry, I'm going to show you everything you need to know so that your application stands out from the rest.
Thinking of Study Abroad, whether it's the right thing to do or not?
Let me start by talking about the benefits of higher education in the USA. There are a lot of great reasons to study abroad, and in fact, these are some things that I have experienced through my education in the USA. Here are a few things to consider:
1. It's a great way to meet new people.
When you study abroad, you'll be spending a lot of time with people from different cultures and backgrounds. You'll learn about new customs and ways of life, and you might even make some lifelong friends.
2. It will help you learn more about yourself.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. You'll learn more about your strengths and weaknesses, and you might even surprise yourself with what you're capable of. This is a big one and actually, a lot of parents tell me that their kids are not mature enough to handle themselves, it's because they haven't got the exposure. Most students transform in just 6 months from starting their education in a foreign country like the USA.
3. It's an investment in your future as you will gain practical knowledge.
A US education can help you stand out from the competition when it comes time to apply for jobs or graduate school. Employers and admissions committees will be impressed by your willingness to take risks and embrace new challenges.
Of course, there are a lot of reasons, but these are the top 3 for this blog. Now just talk about:
What you can study - Different Types of Master's degrees (MS courses, MBAs, etc.)
There are many different types of master's degrees available to study in the United States. The most popular type of master's degree is the MS in the USA, which stands for Master of Science. This type of degree is typically awarded after completing a four-year bachelor's degree program. Other types of master's degrees include the MBA, which is a Master of Business Administration, and the MD, which is a Master of Medicine. There are also many specialized master's degrees available, such as the MS in Marketing, MS in Health Sciences, or MS in Data Science. No matter what type of master's degree you're interested in, there are plenty of options available to help you reach your goals.
Now one thing a lot of students are not sure about is how to study MS or how to apply to US universities and for this, let's understand US College Admission System.
Understanding US College Admission System
The United States college admission system can be a confusing and daunting task for students from around the world. With over 4,000 colleges and universities to choose from, it's no wonder that many students feel overwhelmed.
Generally, the USA has 3 main intakes:
- Fall Semester, which is Aug-Sep entry and this is the biggest admission cycle, and then there is
- Spring Semester, which is the January intake, which is almost 50% of fall, and then comes the
- Summer Semester, which is very less maybe 20% of universities offering summer start.
So the main admission cycle is Fall. Now to apply for Fall intake, you must apply a year before your start date. So for Fall 2024, most universities' applications start from Sep of 2023 and will go on till Jan 2024, and for some others, till about March.
To apply for these deadlines, you must have at least 3-6 months of application prep time. This is because you might have to take GRE or GMAT, and you will need 2-3 months of prep time and about 2-3 months of application time. Now, if you are planning to apply to top universities like Ivy League, you must give yourself more time.
When it comes to applications, again, there is a lot of confusion and a lot of requirements. But I generally advise four main factors that you need for admissions:
The 4 factors are:
- Academic Grades - Your school and college grades
- Test Scores - That is GRE, GMAT, IELTS, and TOEFL scores
- Profile - Everything that you have done outside of your curriculum
- Applications - That is SOP, LOR, etc.
Let me take these factors one by one, let's start with
What Academic Grades are required for admission
Academic GPA requirements for admission to American universities can vary depending on the school and program you're applying to. For example, most universities have a minimum of 3 GPA requirements out of 4, and if you are not sure about your GPA, you can use a service called WES to evaluate that. 3 is the minimum required; for most top universities, your average GPA must be as close to 4. In general, it's about 70% and above or 7 CGPA in other conversion scales for Indian students.
College admission is a competitive process, so a strong academic record is important, but so are other factors such as your test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. Ultimately, the best way to improve your chances of admission is to put together a well-rounded application which I am gonna talk about in detail later. Make sure to check with individual colleges and universities to get their specific requirements.
That was factor 1 of academic grade, the next one is
Understanding the exams required for admission
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each university has different requirements for admission to its master's programs. However, there are a few tests that are commonly required for study abroad in the USA, such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). While some universities may only require one of these tests, others may require multiple. So if you're hoping to study at a US university for your master's, it's best to research the specific requirements of the schools you're interested in. That way, you can be sure to submit all the necessary tests and materials for your college application. My advice is if you are applying for an MS program, GRE is preferred, whereas, for an MBA program, the GMAT is preferred. You need to take anyone exam between IELTS and TOEFL, I prefer taking TOEFL.
So, now let's move to Factor number 3, your profile, and this is so important:
Understanding what a profile is for college admission
Profile building is one of the most important things you can do while applying to colleges in the United States. Many students think that only their grades and test scores matter for admission, but that's not the whole story. Colleges want to see a well-rounded student, and that's where profile building comes in. Profile building can include things like taking challenging classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and volunteering in your community. It's important to demonstrate to colleges that you're more than just a good student; you're also a well-rounded individual who will contribute to the campus community. So don't neglect profile building as you're preparing your college applications – it could make all the difference in whether or not you're admitted to your dream school!
Your profile is a gateway for universities to understand who you are as a person, why you do what you do, and how you have grown in the last 4 years. All these can be shown through a good profile. If you are unsure, you can use a profile evaluation tool that I have created to get a detailed overview of your profile. It's one of the most comprehensive tools in the market, and it is absolutely FREE to use for now. Make sure to evaluate your profile after this blog. You can also sign up for my very special course on Profile Building, a step-by-step guide here.
The next factor is Applying, and I know this, too, is a big one.
Understanding the Applications
There are effectively 2 parts to applying process.
- One is the Application part, like University shortlisting, filing online applications, and submitting the documents required for admission.
- The second part is all about your Content like SOP, LOR, Resume, and Portfolio.
Let me help you with each part. Let's start with the Application part and
How to shortlist universities
When it comes to deciding where to study for your Masters's degree, there are a lot of factors to consider. But if you're looking to study abroad, the process of choosing a university can be even more daunting. After all, there are hundreds of schools to choose from. So how do you go about narrowing down your options?
First of all, it's important to decide what type of program you're looking for, and this is something I talked about at the beginning of this blog. Are you interested in a specific field of study? If so, that should be your first criterion for choosing a school.
Once you've narrowed down your options based on the subject matter, you can begin looking at other factors like location, cost, and school size.
Another important consideration is whether or not you want to study in a big city or a more rural area. Each has its own pros and cons, so it's important to think about what sort of environment you thrive in before making a decision.
Finally, once you've got a list of potential schools, it's time to start doing your research. Read up on the programs each school offers, their admission requirements, and what life is like on campus. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find the perfect school for you!
If you're looking to study abroad for your Master's degree, there are a few things you'll need to take into account. These are the things we do in my company to help our students. First, you'll need to make sure that the university you're applying to is accredited in both the country it's located in and in your home country. This can be a bit of research, but it's worth it to make sure your degree will be recognized. Second, you'll need to take into consideration the cost of living and tuition in the country you're looking at. Make sure you have a realistic idea of what your budget will be so that you don't find yourself struggling financially. Finally, you'll need to make sure that you meet the requirements for admission into the college or university of your choice. Each school has different requirements, so make sure to do your research before you apply. By taking these steps into consideration, you'll be well on your way to successfully completing your Master's degree abroad.
Let me talk a little bit about the Cost of Education and Scholarships as well.
Cost of Education & Scholarships
The cost varies whether you are applying to a private university or a public one. Private is more expensive than public universities. For many students, the cost of tuition, room, and board, and other associated expenses can total upwards of $50,000 per year. Now, don't worry about the cost, as many colleges offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid packages that can help offset the cost of attendance. For students who are willing to hustle, there are plenty of ways to make getting a Master's in the US more affordable.
Scholarships can help cover the cost of tuition, living expenses, travel, and other educational expenses. There are scholarships available for students from all countries and at all levels of study. In addition to scholarships, many schools offer financial aid packages to international students. Financial aid can include grants, loans, and work-study programs. If you are an international student interested in studying in the United States, be sure to research all of the scholarships and financial aid options that are available to you. I have done many admissions with 100% scholarships, and it is possible with good research and guidance.
Ok, now let me talk about,
SOP (Statement of Purpose)
A statement of purpose (SOP), in the context of applying for graduate school, is an essay that's one of the most important parts of your application because it tells the admission committee who you are, why you're applying, why their program is right for you, and what you're going to do with your degree.
The statement of purpose is usually one to two pages long and will include specific information about your academic achievements, research interests, future plans, and why you're a good fit for the program. When writing your statement of purpose, it's important to be clear and concise- focus on showcasing your strengths and how they align with the program you're applying to. It should also be well-written and free of grammatical errors. You can also check out my video, which is entirely dedicated to writing the ultimate SOP here; make sure to watch it after this blog, as I have packed the best strategies and pointers to create an ultimate SOP that works every time.
If you're applying to study in the US, your statement of purpose will be very different from what's expected in other countries. In the US, admissions committees place a lot of weight on research experience and publications- so if you have any relevant experience or publications, make sure to highlight them in your statement of purpose. Also, be sure to explain how pursuing an MS in the US will help you achieve your long-term goals.
Overall, your statement of purpose should give the admissions committee a good sense of who you are as a person and student, as well as what your future plans are. By following these tips, you can write a strong statement of purpose that will improve your chances of getting admitted to the graduate program of your choice. And again, watch my video on SOP for more details.
After SOP, let's look into LORs.
LOR (Letter of Recommendation)
A letter of recommendation is a letter written by someone who can attest to your character and abilities. Colleges often require letters of recommendation as part of the admissions process, so it's important to know how to write one. Keep in mind that a letter of recommendation is NOT the same as a letter of reference. A letter of reference is written by an employer or another academic institution and simply summarizes your skills and experience. A letter of recommendation, on the other hand, is a more personal letter that describes your character and why you would be a good fit for the school. If you're applying to graduate school, you may also need to provide letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic abilities. When asking for a letter of recommendation, always give the person plenty of time to write it, and make sure to send a thank-you note afterward. Letters of recommendation can be powerful tools, but only if they're well-written.
Once you have all the content work ready, next is Applying
Applying
The entire process of application will vary depending on the university, but generally, you will need to submit an application form, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay. You may also be required to take an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL or IELTS. After you have submitted your application, all that's left is to wait for a decision from the admissions committee. If you are offered a place at a US college or university, congratulations! You are on your way to an amazing experience.
Interview or Portfolio Requirements
Some schools have interview or portfolio requirements, so make sure to check that as well. If your program requires an interview, you must prepare in advance. Most MBA programs will ask for an interview, and in fact, most management-related programs look for interviews. Most course-based MS programs do not require an interview, whereas if you are applying for a research-based MS, then interviews are required.
Offer Letter
And after you completed the entire application process next is to wait for your offer letters. It generally takes 2 months or more to get a decision on your applications. This time can be less or more, depending on the university you have applied for.
Post Admission Process
And once you get an offer letter, you need to work on the post-admission process of accepting the offer letter with a small deposit fee, followed by your financial documentation to get an I20 certificate which is an immigration document for your visa purposes. If you are a domestic student, then you don't need any such document.
To get an I20 document, you must show one year of tuition and living expenses in your bank or through a loan. Once you submit the official financial document to the university, you will get I20, and then you need to apply for a student or F1 visa.
And once you get your student visa (F1 visa), you are all set to fly and start an amazing chapter in your life for the study abroad program of your choice.
So this was the whole process of US college admission, I am sure you must have enjoyed this blog. Make sure to comment below if you have any questions. I am with you on this beautiful journey of college admission, and I will be back soon.
Take care and Happy Applying!!
Author: Shirish Gupta
Shirish is a TEDx Speaker, Entrepreneur & Youth Mentor. Shirish runs a highly successful Youtube Channel (shirishgee). He has been featured on National television multiple times and has won the prestigious Philip Kotler Award. Shirish is on a mission to mentor today’s Youth and create a ripple effect of positive impact across the planet. He believes that the Youth have a unique opportunity to Build an 'Xtraordinary Life' for themselves and make a positive global change.
We are the new school of change-makers looking to build a great life and great a positive impact through our work and life. Join the tribe and build your Best Life today! Shirish calls it your Xtraordinary Life :)