Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam should I take - GRE or GMAT?
As a general rule, for admission into technical MS/PhD programs you need to take the GRE. For admissions to an MBA program you are required to take the GMAT. For MS and PhD programs in the business disciplines like MS/PhD in Marketing, Accounting, Finance etc you might have to take the GMAT (depending on the university you apply).

Do I need to take the TOEFL?

If you plan to pursue your further education in US or Canada and your undergraduate degree is from India (or any country whose native language is not English), then you will have to take the TOEFL.

How long are my scores valid?

Your GRE and GMAT scores are valid for 5 years while your TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years.

What prior educational qualifications do I require for admissions to higher education in the USA?

In order to pursue an MS, PhD or MBA degree in USA, you need to have at least 16 (10+2+4 OR 10+2+3+2) years of education in India. So all students with BE, BTech, BArch, MCA, MSc, MA, MCom equivalents are eligible for higher education abroad.

Some universities however offer 'Bridge Programs' for students with a 3 year bachelor's degree from India (BCom, BA, BSc etc.) wherein the student is required to take an additional semester or two of coursework before starting the master's program.

I do not have an engineering degree. Can I still do my MS or PhD or MBA?

Yes - As long as you have completed 16 years of education from any accredited university in India, you can pursue your MS, PhD or MBA abroad.

If I have very good academic records and excellent test scores, will I definitely get admission abroad?

The admissions process for higher education in universities abroad is relatively subjective. Universities definitely look at your past academic record and test scores, and thus having a good academic record and a high test score is definitely a plus. However universities also look at your written statement of purpose, your application essays, your recommendation letters, your work experience, your extra curricular interests and your performance in the interview.

How many universities can I apply to?

There is no limit on the number of universities you can apply to. However each university charges an application fee ranging anywhere between $50 to $400 depending on the university and the program you are applying for. Plus it also costs extra money to send your test scores to each university.

Do I need to have work experience to do my MBA abroad?

Most reputed MBA programs require that you have at least 2 years of full time work experience before you join the MBA program. However some programs do admit students with lesser or no work experience.

I plan to do my Bachelor's degree (BS) from the USA. When should I take my SAT?

We recommend that you start preparing for your SAT-I during your 11th class and take the exam either during the end of your 11th class or early in your 12th class. You can take your SAT-II during the mid of your 12th class. This would depend on the career you want to pursue and the universities you plan to apply. Most top universities require that you take the SAT-II too.

What courses can I apply to after giving the SAT?

You can apply to any undergraduate course except medical and law.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us via email or phone and we will be glad to answer your questions.