Question of the Week
What is the procedure to apply for US Universities
for pursuing Master's?
|
|
(a) Writing GRE, TOEFL
The first step is writing GRE and
TOEFL exams. In order to register for these exams, you need to have the passport
number. So, if you are planning to write GRE or TOEFL it is wise to apply for the
passport beforehand.
When to write GRE/TOEFL
If you are currently doing B-Tech or B.E,
Apply for the passport in 2nd year of B-Tech.
Write GRE in 3rd year second semester and TOEFL in 4th year first semester.
|
GRE
Study Barrons book for GRE and do lot of practice exams including the one you get
from ETS. The exams can be registered by phone or online. For registering online
you have to pay by credit card.
We suggest online registering, because it is easy
and consumes less time.
This is the link to register for GRE General Test:
http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.c988ba0e5dd572
bada20bc47c3921509/?vgnextoid=2e9eaf5e44df4010VgnV
CM10000022f95190RCRD&vgnextchannel=41c5e3b5f64f4010VgnVCM 10000022f95190RCRD
TOEFL
Any book like Barrons is fine to study for Toefl. Better to get used to the American
accent by watching movies, conversations and news. Do lot of practice exams. The
following is the link to register for TOEFl:
http://www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=toefl
(b) Applying for Universities
There will be two regular semesters called Spring and Fall in US colleges. Spring
semester starts in January and Fall semester starts in August ending or September
first week.
Generally students apply for 4 to 5 Universities.
When to apply for Universities
Generally international students apply for Fall semester and the deadline to send
applications for international students will be generally before Janaury. So, you
have to send application almost ahead of a full semester.
It is better to apply as early as possible in order to have more chances to get
Campus jobs or Graduate Assistantships.
Documents needed
You need to send lot of documents
like
(a) Statement of purpose: Stating why you are applying to that universiy and our
goals
(b) Recommendation Letters: Atlelast 3 Recommendation letters from your academic
professors
(c) Bank Statement: Showing that your sponsor (Probably your father) has sufficient
funds to sponsor your education in USA. The amount should be atleast sufficient
for 2 complete regular semesters.
(d) Financial statement: By your sponsor that he is going to sponsor for your studies.
This should be done on stamp paper.
(e) Consolidated marks memo: This is a single sheet containing all the marks you
got in each semester in your B-Tech in tabular formats.
(f) Academic transcripts attested and sealed by registrar of your University.
(g) Tenth and Intermediate Marks list attested and sealed by corresponding principals.
(h) Your latest Resume.
(i) Compelted Application: This can be downloaded from the website of that University.
Should be filled out and signed.
(j) Application Fee: This should be in the form of check. The amount can be known
by checking the University's Website.
(k) Checklist: Stating what are the documents you are sending along with the application.
All these documents should be mailed at once aligning neatly.
Sending TOEFL/GRE score reports
If you have planned which Universities you are applying at the time of GRE/TOEFL,
then you can set the option of sending score reports directly upto 4 Universities
at the end of exam.
Otherwise later you can order for additional score reports by filling out the forms.
These forms can be downloaded at official websites of TOEFL and GRE.
You have to fill the TOEFL/GRE code of the University while filling these forms.
These codes can be obtained by checking the Unviersity's website.
WES Evaluation
Generally most US Universities ask you to evaluate your academic credentials
by WES. You can order for these reports and send them to the Universities along
with the application.
(c) Applying for F-1 Visa
If you are approved to any of the Universities you have applied, then they will
send you an I-20 form. After you get I-20, you can now apply for the F-1 Visa.
Again for attending visa interview, you need to take lot of documents like bank
documents GRE/TOEFL score reports, financial statements, Passport, I-20 etc. with
you.
(d) Fly to USA
Congratulations! For getting visa. So, now you are ready to fly and get your Master's. Wow!! How cool that is...
Ok, now its time to book the flight ticket and leave home to become graduate. Feeling
homesick already!! Sorry but don't worry you are not alone. So many international
students are studying right now in US and they will help you when you are in need.
And
also don't forget USA always welcomes you and takes care about you.
[If you have any questions or if you need any help in preparing
documents you can ask us at queries@techstudentsworld.com]
Good Luck for your future.
|
