How to do MS in USA | The ultimate 10-step guide for you

When it comes to studying abroad, everyone wants the best of the best. The US is home to some of the leading universities in the world and offers amazing career and growth opportunities to international students. But, it’s not easy to figure out how to do your MS in the USA. It’s a lengthy and time-consuming process, and it can go wrong if you’re not being careful. To nail your application process to study MS in USA, follow all the points in this blog step-by-step. It will take you a long way ahead.

Before moving towards how to do MS in USA, know why students want to study MS in USA. 

Why do students choose to study MS in the USA? 

 

Valued International Universities

The USA is known for having some of the top-ranking universities in the world. Some of the top universities in USA for MS include:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University, etc. 

These universities offer a range of education programs to choose from. Their renowned education system is one of the main attractions for international students. 

Campus life

Campus life in the USA is much more than just academia. You will be a part of a lot of amazing opportunities beyond studies. You might also get some opportunities to visit neighboring states and explore their culture. 

 

Work Opportunities

You can get some of the best post-work opportunities for pursuing an MS from the USA. Qualified students do not face issues while looking for work in some reputed companies. Besides this, you might get some research opportunities and get your work published. 

Now that you know why the USA is considered a holy grail for pursuing MS, let’s look at the step-by-step process of applying for the course.

 

How to do MS in USA: A step-by-step process

 

1) Choosing Universities

First of all, see which university is best for the program you’re interested in. Then, prepare a list of universities accordingly, choosing universities you will be able to afford and want to go to. 

Divide this list into three categories-

Two ‘Dream schools’ – These should be schools with a rank higher than what you might expect to get into. This might include some top universities in USA for MS. You never know – if luck is on your side or if you underestimated your worth, you might actually get accepted!

Two ‘Within Reach’ schools – These are the schools where you might have a fair chance of getting in. Pay extra attention to detail on your applications to these schools. Thoroughly research and pick these ones.

Two ‘Guaranteed Accept’ schools – This can be a lower-tier school that you have almost a 90-95% chance of getting in. This option is for students who are desperate to start a school year when they apply. We recommend that if you don’t get through your dream school or ‘within reach’ school, you might actually benefit from waiting another year.

I suggest you do this at least 12 months before you want to take admission. The majority of the programs start in the fall season, but many start in spring and summer too. So keep that in mind.

2) MS in the USA: Eligibility

Now, this is a very important step. Before beginning with the application process for a university, search for MS in USA-eligibility criteria. Universities usually ask for 16 years of education and for you to pass their standardized test commonly. You can choose to take any of the following exams for MS in USA,  depending on your convenience and your wish to do an MS or an MBA.

• GRE
• GMAT
• TOEFL
• IELTS

Other eligibility criteria may include your academic scores on a 4.0 GPA scale and that you finish a few courses related to the program beforehand.

3) Keep Track of Deadlines

While you’re researching and shortlisting colleges, make sure to check the admission deadlines of all the universities you choose. Deadlines vary from program to program and university to university.

With these dates in hand, you can easily draw yourself a timeline and start working accordingly.

4) List of Exams and Scores

Decide which exams you want to give to qualify for admission to your desired university. There might be a compulsion to give any of the tests mentioned above to qualify for admission to the university you are applying for. Know the scores you are expected to have in order to apply.

Start preparing for the test and book your exam date for at least 9 months before you have to fly.

5) Strengthen Your Portfolio

Looking to build your profile? Set up a free consultation with our experts and get help!

You need to ensure that you have a very strong application. Your academic transcripts are not enough. You have to provide proof that you participated in extracurricular activities and/or volunteered for some social or community work. Always get a 3rd person opinion on your portfolio to receive some constructive feedback.

6) Statement Of Purpose

Start by understanding what an SOP is and learn how to write a powerful Statement of Purpose. Come up with a good reason as to why you want to take admission to a particular university for a particular program. Mention it in your statement of purpose, while also highlighting your goals and ambitions. Your SOP should be clear, concise, and convincing.

7) Letter Of Recommendation

The LOR supports your application and makes it stronger by shedding light on your personality from a third person’s point of view. Universities usually ask for 2 to 3 letters of recommendation. You may ask your professors or employers to write a LOR for you.

8) Essays and Resume

Make sure you take a look at the essays you need to submit and also update your resume if the university has asked for it. The more well-drafted essays you submit, the better are your chances of being noticed by the evaluators.

9) Apply

Go to the school’s website and start your application process. Fill in all your basic profile information, submit your admission test scores, etc. Look for any additional information requested by the school in your application.

There is a chance that they might inform you of a possible scholarship opportunity or even suggest any new programs that might be of interest.

10) Wait for an admit

This can get tedious at times. Schools do not follow standard practice in responding to your applications. Sometimes they might respond within a week and sometimes it could take up to 2 months.

You need to be patient and check the status of your application regularly. Schools close admission decisions in waves. It might help to know which wave of admissions you fall in.

Next steps

Now that you have prepared everything you need for your application and know how to do MS in USA, start applying and then wait for the offer letters that are sure to roll in.

Once you have those, you can pick and choose the university you want to go to, get your I20, and start your US student visa application process.

From there, you’ll be only 3 months away from flying to the US!

And in case you feel like we have missed out on anything about how to do MS in USA, feel free to drop a comment or reach out to us. We would be very happy to help!