Contents
Step 1- Deciding course
Factors you should consider while selecting a course
1. The education system abroad is very flexible there are wide range of master’s courses that you can apply. If you are a computer Science student who love to work with ES then you need not apply for masters in CS, Instead there are multidisciplinary courses that incorporate both. For example Masters in Innovation Technology is a course offered at University of Washington that is suitable for students interested in Embedded systems and Computer Science. Think smart find courses that suits you and have least competition. Once you get admitted in a good university you can do additional courses and dual degrees.
2. There are two type of master’s program, Thesis Oriented and Project Oriented.
In Thesis oriented you will have to submit a thesis by the end of your course. This is more suitable for students who like to learn more and would like to have a research oriented career.
Project oriented – Here you will do a real-world project in coordination with a company most probably during your internship this will help you earn work experience and will help you get a job faster.
3. Finance: Well, its worth taking the risk. Because once you get job in US, you will be paid around half a crore per year. And over time income climbs upwards. Convince your parents take students loan (interest is more than 12.5%), or if you have a property take mortgage loan (interest is less than student loan). Ask your cousins and generous neighbours for financial support. With all the risks and hardships once you get a job its worth it.
Step 2 - Preparing For Exams
Most of the American Universities require you to submit GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores for masters application. GRE (Graduate Records Examination) tests your knowledge in Mathematics and English. All students native to non english speaking countries has to submit the scores of either TOEFL or IELTS proving english proficiency.
Step 3 - Selecting Universities
Classify Universities into three groups :
DREAM: These are universities you have very less chance of getting accepted. These Universities have acceptance rate in the range 4% – 40%.
ACHIEVABLE: These are universities you have good chance of getting accepted. These Universities have acceptance rate in the range 40% – 70%.
SAFE: Very high chance of getting into these Universities. Acceptance rate between 70% – 85%.
How to list universities into these groups? Before going into that let us inform you that in US universities the admission depends on the overall profile of the candidate, acceptance ratio of particular department, and average profile strength of other candidates. For research it also depends on the funds available. Admission into a University is based on your overall profile and that includes your Statement of Purpose, Recommendation Letters, gpa, work experience, research work, leadership experiences.
Generally students classify universities into DREAM, ACHIEVABLE and SAFE based on their GRE score and acceptance ratio of the university. Again GRE score is only a part of the application process. High scores in GRE doesn’t mean assured admission. Click below to view list of universities under a score.
Suppose your score is 318 then typically universities in the range of 320- 340 are your DREAM universities, 310- 320 ACHIEVABLE and 300-310 are your SAFE universities.
Step 4- Applying for masters
Following are some basic documents you should be ready with.
1. University Transcript: This is not mark list or grade card you have to request for a Transcript from University. Now Scan the transcript and make a pdf copy. Usually for admission application you can upload the scanned copy. And once you receive admission you should send the official transcript in a sealed envelope signed by the Controller of examination at your university.
2. Resume/CV: Enter 2/3 pages of details in the reverse chronological order. Some universities may specifically ask you to keep the page limit. Make sure your resume have all these details.
- Education – feel free to include relevant awards, scholarships, professional societies
- Work Experience – include projects completed, thesis papers published, company you have worked, title, results-oriented bullets that demonstrate your skill set, and dates.
- Leadership Experiences- Positions held in groups, events organised, list details that emphasise your leadership quality.
- Additional information – languages, extracurricular activities/community service, technical skills/certifications, special skills/interests (if appropriate)
3. Statement of Purpose/ Personal Statement: Academic Statement of Purpose is a concise, well-written statement about an applicant’s academic and research background, career goals, and how the particular graduate program will help meet career and educational objectives. This is a very crucial element of masters application – Click here to learn how to build a great academic profile.
4. Recommendation letter: It will be good if you could get a letter from your project guide. You would need maximum of 3 LOR (Letter of Recommendation)
5. Scanned Copy of Passport both front and back.
6. Scanned Copy of Research paper, certification courses and membership details.
Some universities may ask some additional details like personal statement or a self introductory video. Universities will usually respond within 6 weeks after application deadline.
Feel free to contact and all the best for your masters application.