Selecting universities is an important factor so
that you do not miss chance to attend a good graduate school. It
requires extensive Research and Development , however rewards
will last lifetime. The following factors should be considered
while determining the schools to apply for:
- University Rank
- Faculty and department reputation
- Field of study
- School tuition Fees
- Location & Climate
- Academic Requirements
- Financial Aid Offering
It is wise to classify your selection into three types:
Dream Universities
Average Universities
Safe Universities
Applying to a university is quite expensive, so
it is judicious to shortlist around 6-10 universities.To get
information regarding the graduate schools in US, you can visit
the following location:
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college
If you would like to have a more detailed list you need to subscribe to:
http://www.usnews.com/
This website provides an extensive list of all the graduate schools along with other details like tuition fees,website, academic requirement etc.
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/college
If you would like to have a more detailed list you need to subscribe to:
http://www.usnews.com/
This website provides an extensive list of all the graduate schools along with other details like tuition fees,website, academic requirement etc.
Application Checklist
Online Application Form
GRE & TOEFL Score
Official Transcript
Letter of Recommendation
Statement of Purpose
Resume
Financial Statement
Online Application Form Most of the universities require you to apply online. However some universities may also allow you to download and mail the form. It should be accompanied by application fees which may vary from 25$ to 60$.
Applying online may require additional documents to be send through regular post.
Letter of Recommendation Three letter of recommendations are required by most universities. Recommender may send them either online or on paper. Paper based recommendations should be sealed in an envelope, signed across the seal by the recommender. They should be included in the application packet as it is.
Note: Some universities have their own recommendation format, you will be required to download it and handover printout of the same to your recommender. Ask them to fill in and seal it properly.
Statement of Purpose Here is your chance to stand out from other applicants. It should be properly formatted with header & footer including following information:
- Your Name,
- Name of University,
- Program to which you are applying.
Refer Lesson on Writing
SOP for more details.
Official Transcripts:They must be submitted to the program you are applying to in a sealed envelope, signed across the seal by the appropriate university official. You may be required to send two copies of official transcripts, one for the graduate school and one for the department you are applying to.
If your official transcript does not state that a bachelor's degree has been conferred, you will also need to submit an official certification of degree(s) awarded.
Resume: It may not be asked but it is always good to send one highlighting your achievements,skills and projects you have worked upon.
GRE/TOEFL Scores: Request ETS to send scores to the institution. For details refer Lesson on Scoring and Reporting Scores.
Financial Statement: It is not a mandatory requirement at the time of applying to university but will be required before I-20 is issued. However some universities may ask it at the time of application.
It should ensure that your sponsor has sufficient funds for your education.
It may look like
****************************************************************************************************************************
To Whom It May
Concern
This is to certify that I am sponsoring the
higher study of my son/daughter[Name] in USA. For this purpose I
have kept sufficient funds in my saving/fixed accounts with [Bank
Name & Address]. Certificate from the Bank is enclosed
herewith.
(Sponsor's Name & Signature)
(Sponsor's Name & Signature)
*****************************************************************************
Important Points:
- Talk to your seniors and friends who are in the US, take their views and ask them for universities that are good for a person with your background.
- Explore the web, spend time doing research on universities, their programs, entry requirements and department's reputation.
- Review the Application Checklist available at the university website prior to submitting your application to ensure you have completed all sections.
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