One of the most common questions students ask when planning for a Master’s degree abroad is, “Which country is the best?” However, this question doesn’t have a simple answer because the “best” country for your higher education depends on many factors. It’s not just about the country itself but also the university you choose, your career goals, and your personal preferences. Let’s break down why.
1. It’s Not Just the Country, It’s the University
Many students focus heavily on choosing the right country, but the university you attend can have a bigger impact on your experience, education quality, and job prospects. For example, studying at a top-tier university in a country that may not be as popular for Indian students can often provide better opportunities than attending a lower-ranked university in a well-known country.
Example: Let’s say you’re interested in computer science and you’re considering two options—one is the University of Edinburgh in the UK (ranked among the top 20 for CS globally), and the other is a lesser-known university in Australia. While Australia may be attractive due to its immigration policies, your degree from a highly regarded university like Edinburgh will likely carry more weight globally in terms of job placements, research opportunities, and reputation.
2. Comparing Apples and Oranges: Rankings Matter
When making decisions, many students and parents think about the overall perception of a country—such as the US or Canada—but it’s equally important to think about where the university itself stands. The reputation and resources of a university will often determine the quality of education, research exposure, and connections you can build.
Example: Imagine choosing between Stanford University in the US and a university ranked lower in Canada. Although Canada may be preferred for its friendly visa policies, Stanford’s resources, faculty, and global reputation may offer a much higher return on investment in terms of job opportunities and alumni networks. So, comparing Stanford with an average university in Canada is like comparing apples and oranges.
3. Career Goals: Think Beyond Borders
Different countries may offer different advantages depending on your career aspirations. If your focus is on research, certain universities in countries like Germany or the Netherlands may provide excellent facilities and a strong research culture. On the other hand, if you’re looking to gain work experience after your studies, countries like the US, Canada, and Australia might be more appealing due to their post-study work options.
Example: A student looking to get into renewable energy engineering may find that universities in countries like Germany (e.g., RWTH Aachen University) provide top-notch research facilities, even though the US might be considered a more popular destination overall. For that student, Germany could be the better fit, even if the US offers more jobs in other sectors like tech.
4. Cost and Funding Opportunities
Another key factor that students should consider is the cost of living and availability of scholarships or assistantships. While countries like the US and the UK might be more expensive, they may also offer more generous financial aid packages, research assistantships, and part-time job opportunities.
Example: A student might have the choice between a fully funded program at a top university in the US like MIT or a self-funded program at a mid-tier university in another country like New Zealand. The opportunity to receive funding from a top university can significantly reduce the financial burden and give you access to the best resources and research.
5. Personal Preferences Matter Too
Sometimes, the right country comes down to where you feel most comfortable living for the next two or more years. Cultural fit, language, and lifestyle are critical. Some students thrive in a fast-paced environment like the US or the UK, while others may prefer the work-life balance of Scandinavian countries or the multiculturalism of Canada.
Example: For a student who values diversity and work-life balance, studying at a university in the Netherlands may feel more comfortable than studying in the US, even if the latter has more well-known institutions.
Conclusion: There’s No “One-Size-Fits-All” Answer
In the end, the question of “Which country is the best for a Master’s?” doesn’t have a universal answer. It depends on your academic field, career goals, finances, and personal preferences. Rather than focusing solely on the country, focus on finding the right university and program that aligns with your ambitions. Whether it’s the US, UK, Germany, or even a lesser-known destination, the key is finding a balance between university reputation, country benefits, and your personal needs.
Remember, your success isn’t defined by where you go, but by what you make of the opportunities available to you. So, focus on finding the right fit for you, not just the best country.
Getting into a top MBA program is highly competitive, but there are several steps you can take to improve your chances:
Prepare Early:
Start preparing for the MBA application process well in advance, ideally a year or more before you plan to apply. This gives you time to strengthen your profile.
Academic Excellence:
Maintain a strong academic record, both in your undergraduate studies and any post-graduate coursework. High GMAT or GRE scores can also help.
Work Experience:
Gain relevant and meaningful work experience before applying. Aim for 3-5 years of experience, ideally with some leadership roles or achievements.
Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
Actively seek leadership opportunities in your workplace, and participate in extracurricular activities or volunteer work that aligns with your interests and showcases your leadership skills.
Recommendations:
Cultivate relationships with mentors and supervisors who can write strong, detailed letters of recommendation.
Networking:
Attend MBA fairs, information sessions, and networking events hosted by the programs you’re interested in. Building connections with admissions representatives and alumni can be beneficial.
Clear Career Goals:
Be clear about your post-MBA career goals and how the specific program will help you achieve them. Admissions committees want to see that you’ve thought through your plans.
Essays and Interviews:
Craft compelling application essays that convey your unique story, experiences, and reasons for pursuing an MBA. Practice for interviews to ensure you can articulate your goals and fit with the program.
Diversity and Unique Experiences:
Highlight any unique experiences, perspectives, or backgrounds that can contribute to the diversity of the MBA class.
GMAT/GRE Preparation:
Prepare thoroughly for the GMAT or GRE exams. Consider taking prep courses or using study materials to maximize your scores.
Visit Campuses:
If possible, visit the campuses of your target MBA programs to get a sense of the culture, environment, and community. Mention these visits in your essays to demonstrate your genuine interest.
Apply to a Range of Programs:
While it’s good to aim for top-tier programs, it’s also wise to apply to a mix of schools, including some that may be a bit less competitive but still align with your goals.
Get Feedback:
Seek feedback on your application materials from mentors, peers, or professional consultants. Constructive criticism can help you improve your application.
Interview Preparation:
Prepare thoroughly for interviews. Practice answering common MBA interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences, goals, and why you want to attend that particular program.
Stay Persistent and Adaptable:
Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Many successful applicants apply to multiple schools before gaining admission. If you’re not accepted, seek feedback and consider reapplying in the future.
Remember that each MBA program has its own unique culture and criteria for admission, so tailor your application to each school. Ultimately, a well-rounded and authentic application that showcases your achievements, potential, and passion for business and leadership can significantly improve your chances of getting into a top MBA program.
Top MBA programs typically have competitive admission processes and look for candidates who demonstrate a combination of academic excellence, professional experience, leadership potential, and a strong fit with their program’s culture and values. Here are some key factors that top MBA programs often consider when evaluating candidates:
Academic Credentials:
A strong undergraduate academic record, including GPA and the reputation of the institution attended.
Work Experience:
Most top MBA programs prefer candidates with several years of post-graduate work experience (usually around 3-5 years), although some programs may admit candidates with less experience.
The quality and relevance of your work experience are important. Demonstrated career progression, leadership roles, and accomplishments can set you apart.
GMAT/GRE Scores:
High GMAT or GRE scores are often required or strongly recommended. These standardized tests assess your quantitative, verbal, and analytical abilities.
Recommendations:
Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, colleagues, or others who can speak to your abilities, character, and potential.
Essays and Interviews:
Your application essays and interviews are opportunities to showcase your personality, goals, and fit with the program. Be authentic and compelling in your storytelling.
Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
Involvement in leadership roles, both professionally and in extracurricular activities, can demonstrate your leadership potential and ability to contribute to the MBA community.
Diversity and Background:
MBA programs value diversity in their student body, so factors such as your background, nationality, ethnicity, and unique experiences can be assets.
Career Goals:
Clear and realistic career goals that align with the program’s strengths and resources can make your application more compelling.
Interpersonal Skills:
Your ability to work collaboratively and effectively in teams is highly regarded, as teamwork is a critical part of MBA education.
Fit with the Program:
Demonstrating that you have thoroughly researched the program and can articulate why you believe it’s a good fit for your goals is crucial.
Networking and Interactions:
Attending MBA fairs, info sessions, and networking events can help you establish connections with the admissions committee and current students, which can be beneficial during the application process.
International Experience:
Some MBA programs place a premium on international experience, especially if they have a global focus.
Character and Ethics:
Demonstrating strong ethical principles and integrity in your application and interviews is essential.
Keep in mind that the specific criteria and weight given to each factor can vary from one MBA program to another. It’s essential to thoroughly research the programs you are interested in and tailor your application accordingly. Additionally, a strong application often reflects a coherent and well-thought-out narrative that ties together your past experiences, present goals, and future aspirations.
Here is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions by MS in USA applicants. If you have any questions that are not covered in these FAQs, please free to post them in the comments and I will try by best to answer them
Questions About One’s Profile
Q: How do universities evaluate applicants?
Universities consider the applicant’s
Academic profile (GPA/CGPA, undergraduate university and degree, scores in relevant subjects etc.)
GRE/GMAT scores
TOEFL/IELTS scores
Work experience
Research/publications
Internships
Extracurricular involvements and more.
While each university/program gives different levels of importance to different parameters (for some programs the GPA would be the most important factor, while some would prefer applicants with high GRE/GMAT scores and work experience), most universities consider the overall GPA/CGPA and the test scores (GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS) as the most important factors.
Q: I have a low GPA, but good GRE score, strong extracurricular, good internships, papers etc. Can I get into a top university?
While it depends on the program you apply to, but often research-based MS programs consider the GPA as the most important factor while evaluating an applicant. Thus, a low GPA, reduces your chances of admission at a top university.
Q: What can I do to strengthen my profile?
If you are still in college, ensure that you improve on your academic performance. A good GPA always helps. Additionally, try to achieve a high score on your GRE/GMAT. If your GRE/GMAT scores are low, but you believe that you have the potential to perform better in the test, then definitely put in the efforts and retake the GRE/GMAT.
Additionally, research papers/publications in reputed journals can help, especially when applying to research-oriented MS programs. Working on internships or gaining any relevant work experience can also to a certain extent strengthen your profile.
Q: Do final year grades matter more than initial year grades?
Yes. Most universities give more relevance to your grades during the last two years of college, than to your grades during the initial years. So yes, grades in your later years matter more than your grades during your initial year grades. Some universities also check your grades in ‘relevant’ subjects (subjects that are relevant to the master’s program you are applying to).
Q: How much importance do extracurricular activities have in the admissions process?
Contrary to popular belief, in a MS application, extracurricular involvements do add too much value to your profile.
Q: How much does industry work experience matter during graduate admissions?
It depends on the program you apply to. Programs offered by business schools (MS in MIS/IS, MBA, MA in Business Analytics etc) prefer students with relevant work experience. Traditional research-based MS programs do not give a lot of importance to industry work experience.
Q: I have several backlogs in my first and second year, does it affect my admission chances?
Yes, it does. Any weakness in your academic profile will affect your admission chances.
Q: I have a gap of one year after completion of bachelors. Will it affect my visa or admission?
Any weakness in your academic profile will affect your admission chances. If you have a gap, you should address the reasons for it in your SOP if possible. A gap will not affect your visa chances.
Q: Will publishing a research paper help me get into a better university?
It totally depends on the quality of your paper and the journal it gets accepted at. Again, mere publishing a paper will not help you get into a top university, if the rest of your profile is not competitive enough.
Questions About Applying
Q: What is the difference between applying for the Fall vs the Spring intake? What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying for the Spring intake?
Fall (August/September) marks the start of the academic year at all universities and hence all universities accept students in the Fall intake. Many universities also allow students to join in Spring (Jan), but not all universities do. So overall the options of universities for Spring admissions are fewer than those in Fall.
Another key difference, for an international student, between joining a university in Spring v/s Fall is that students who join in Spring are not allowed to pursue an off-campus internship during the summer term (from June to August). To pursue an off-campus internship during the summer, the college has to issue a CPT (Curricular Practical Training) certificate, and a CPT is issued only after completion of 2 full semesters of coursework (9 months of coursework – which includes a Fall and a Spring semester). Hence students who join in Spring (Jan), are all NOT eligible for a CPT during summer (June) of that year. They thus cannot pursue off-campus internships in the summer of that year.
Q: Is it easier to get admitted in Spring as less students apply?
This can be said to be true in some cases, but not in all. Since the number of applicants in Spring are comparatively lesser than Fall, admissions are slightly less competitive in Spring than in Fall. But one should also note that the intake during Spring is lower too than that in Fall. So, although the number of applicants is lesser, the number of students admitted is lower too.
Q: How many colleges should I apply to?
While this depends on your profile and your aspirations, applying to 6-8 universities is recommended.
Q: How do I decide which would be my ambitious, moderate or safe universities?
If you are applying to 8 universities, then consider a mix of 3-4 ambitious universities, 2-3 moderate ones, and 1-2 safe.
Q: What factors should I consider while finalizing my universities? I find most of the universities good enough.
University selection can be a daunting process. Ideally, these are the factors that you should consider while selecting the university
Reputation and Ranking
Program and course offerings
Cost (Program cost + Cost of Living)
Career opportunities post MS
On campus job opportunities
Faculty reviews
Location
While some of the information such as cost, program details, are available on the university’s website, other information can often be hard to find. Connecting with current/past students from the universities is a great way of getting this information.
For more inputs on University Selection refer these BLOGS
If you are very certain that you can commit to a PhD program (that would take about 4 to 5 years to complete), have a fair idea of the field you want to pursue your research in, and have a fairly strong profile, only then apply for a PhD program. If your profile is not strong enough to get into a PhD program or you are not very sure if PhD is a right fit for you, then apply for MS, build your profile during the MS, and convert/apply to a PhD student while pursuing your masters.
Q: Is it okay to mail professors regarding admissions or funding?
Yes, it is okay to email professors, but since professors often get bombarded with many such emails, they may not reply. Your chances of getting a reply are higher if your email is short and it talks about your past work/projects which aligns with the faculty’s research interest.
Your chances of receiving a reply are even higher once you have been admitted to the program.
Q: is it true that I should look for universities in good location rather than the well ranked for getting jobs easily?
To a certain extent, yes this is true. If you are applying to a top 30 university, the location doesn’t matter much. As you start going down the list, location plays a key role in your job search process. Having said this, it is not advisable to compromise a lot on the university’s ranking and reputation, just to be in a good location. But if you have to choose between universities that are comparable in rankings and costs, prefer the ones that are at a ‘better’ locations, rather than the higher ranked one.
Q: When is the right time to start working on my applications?
For Fall (Aug) applicants, the right time to start working on applications is around August/Sep of the prior year. Some top universities have deadlines around the 15 Nov -15 Dec time-frame. Thus, if possible, submit your applications by November. Many universities have deadlines around 15 Jan – 1 March, while few accept applications as late as April/May. So, based on your profile and the universities that you intend to target, plan your application timelines accordingly.
Some universities have Rolling Admissions, wherein the universities evaluate applications as and when they receive them, without waiting for the deadlines. In such cases, applying early improves your chances of admission.
Deadlines for the Spring (Jan) intake are around the July – Sep time-frame.
Q: What are the things I need to get ready before I begin my online applications?
Test Scores (GRE/GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL – which ever the program requires)
Q: Do I need to show universities any proof of funding/financial documents while applying?
Most universities, require proof of funds AFTER the admissions decision has been made i.e. after the department had offered you an admission offer. Very few universities however, require the proof of funds to be submitted while applying.
Q: What financial documents do I have to provide to the university?
All US universities require proof of funds which demonstrate that the applicant or the applicant’s sponsor(s) have funds to cover at least 1 year of the cost of education – which includes tuition & fees to be paid to the university for 1 year (generally 2 semesters) PLUS the estimated costs for living, books, and other expenses for a year.
To demonstrate proof of funds, students have to get a letter(s) from their or their sponsors’ banks which state that they have the required balance in their account or fixed deposits. Alternative an education loan sanction letter is also accepted by most universities.
Q: Do I need to get my school or junior college transcripts?
NO. US universities do not ask for details of your 10/12th grades. Universities only require details of your post-secondary education (which means education after 12th grade). If, however, you pursued a 3-year diploma program after your 10th or 12th grade, followed by a degree, you will be required to submit transcripts/marksheets of all years of your diploma as well.
Q: Are there universities in the US which accept by three-year Bachelor’s degree from India?
Yes, there are a few universities in the US that accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree from India. Some US universities will accept a 3-year degree only if it is awarded by an Indian university that has a NAAC rating of A or higher. Some US universities may require students with a 3-year degree to do a WES (or equivalent) transcript evaluation, and would consider the application based on the evaluation reports.
Q: What are rolling admissions?
Rolling Admissions is when a university evaluates applications as and when they receive them, without waiting for the application deadline.
Some universities, especially the ones that have early deadlines, start the review of applications only after the application deadline. If, a university however follows a rolling application process, then it would evaluate applications as and when they receive an application. Generally, universities that have rolling admissions, have late deadlines. For instance, for Fall admissions, most universities that have admission deadlines of 15 Jan or earlier may not follow a rolling admission process. Universities that have Fall admission deadlines of March or later, often follow a rolling admission process.
It is always beneficial to apply early to universities that follow a rolling admission process.
Q: Are admissions granted on first come first serve basis?
Admissions are not granted on a first come first serve basis. Admissions are offered on the basis of merit and after a thorough evaluation of the applicant’s profile. However, in case of universities that follow a rolling admission process, applying early can at times be advantageous. For instance, if a university has a 1 April deadline for its Fall admissions, and follows a rolling admission process, it is possible that by Feb they have rolled out enough admits that they may no longer want to offer more admits, or might accept only few select candidates. So, a student who applies in November or December might get accepted, whereas a student with a similar profile who applied in March may get rejected.
Q: Are my chances of admit better if I apply early?
Yes, especially at universities that follow a rolling admission process.
Getting into the best possible university
Q: Can I change my major/degree during my masters? Can I shift my major from say an electrical or mechanical degree to computer science?
YES you can (but it may not always be possible).
For instance, if you are admitted to the MS in Electrical Engineering program, but want to transfer to the MS in Computer Science (CS), after joining the university, you will have to apply internally to the MS in CS program. It is then up to the CS department to decide if you should be admitted as a MS in CS student or not. The CS department may ask you take some courses in Computer Science during the semester, might conduct additional tests/interviews, and on the basis of your performance eventually decide on whether you should be admitted or not.
Q: Can I take courses from other departments during the MS?
YES, most programs may allow you to take 6 to 9 credits (2-3 courses) from outside the department, which will be counted towards your MS degree requirement. For instance, if you are a student of MS in Electrical Engineering, and your MS degree is 30 credits, the Electrical Engineering department may allow to you take 6 credits as electives from other engineering departments and have them counted towards your MS. Out of department credits are often subject to approval by your department, and the policy varies from program to program. Most universities, however, will allow you to take courses from outside your department, but they may not count towards your MS requirements. So, these would be additional credits that you would have to take, which may not count towards your degree requirement but will definitely be reflected on your transcripts.
Q: If I get admitted in the spring semester, is there an option to defer to fall semester?
Decisions on deferment are made on a case-to-case basis. Some universities and programs may allow deferment while some may ask the applicant to reapply.
Q: Does getting into an Ivy League university make a difference?
At a master’s level, the Ivy League tag does not matter much when it comes to immediate career opportunities after graduation. These are the list of the 8 Ivy League Universities: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Yale University. Masters’ students from other top ranked universities get equally good, or at times even better, opportunities than those from Ivy League universities.
Q: What are some hacks to get into a top ranked university?
Here are some hacks to get into a top ranked university
Here are some hacks to get into a top ranked university
The Statement of Purpose, popularly known as the SOP, is an avenue for you to present a brief snapshot of your profile to the admission committee. It is an essay written by you to
Highlight your key achievements and accomplishments
Talk about your specific interests in the domain
Describe skills/knowledge that you have acquired by virtue of your past education, internships, and/or full-time work experience
Address any weaknesses or drawbacks in your profile if any
Discuss your specific interest in that particular course at the university
How to write a SOP?
The objective of the SOP is to discuss your future career and/or research goals, and highlight the important educational and work experiences that you believe have prepared you for graduate studies; and your reasons for applying to that particular university.
For a detailed write up on how to write a SOP, refer:
Q: Should I write a different SOP for each university?
If you are applying to similar programs at multiple universities, most of the contents of the SOP can be same, except the ‘why that particular program/university’ part, where you write about your specific interest in that particular program at the university.
If you are applying to different programs at different universities, say for instance a MS in CS program at a university and a MS in Engineering Management or Business Analytics at another university, then the framework and contents of the SOP would chance.
Q: I haven’t done anything outside my curriculum. Would my SOP and resume look bad?
No. Universities do not expect MS applicants to have worked on any out of curriculum projects, internships. If you have worked on some of these, its good, but even if you have not, it’s absolutely fine. Focus on your academic projects and learning in the SOP.
Question about Letters of Recommendation
Q: How does the process of providing recommendation letters work?
As part of the university’s online application, you will be asked to provide the names and email ids of your recommenders. Each recommender would then receive an automated email containing a link to a secure web-form (often with a unique login id and password). Your recommenders would have to login to the web-form to submit a recommendation letter. The link would provide the recommender the option to either upload a document or type the recommendation letter. It would also, in many cases, ask the recommender to rate you on a few parameters.
Q: Do recommendations have to be on official letterheads?
For online recommendations, if you are using the recommender’s official email id, the recommender can directly upload the recommendation as a word or pdf document in the links that the universities send them. The draft of the letter need not be on a letterhead. The recommender’s signature is not required either. It is recommended that you provide the recommenders’ official email ids only.
In case your college doesn’t provide official email ids to teachers, you can use the personal ids. Only, in that case, ask the recommenders to upload a scanned copy a letter – which is printed on the college letterhead, dated, and signed by the recommender.
In very few cases, universities provide students the option of uploading the letters directly (rather than asking for details of the recommender and sending links to the recommenders for uploading the recommendation). In that case the letters have to be on the college or company’s official letterhead with a signature of the recommender. The letters should also have a date on them.
Q: Can I send paper recommendations as my recommenders are not tech-savvy?
Most universities do not accept paper recommendations anymore. Recommendations have to be submitted online by the recommenders.
Q: What makes a strong recommendation letter?
A strong letter of recommendation highlights the applicant’s key strengths by providing suitable examples. While most recommendation letters talk about the applicant’s strengths, they fail to provide examples or instances to back them up. A strong recommendation would also provide examples of challenges or adversities faced by the application, and how the applicant overcame them. It could also talk of improvements that have occurred in the individual over a period of time.
Q: Whom should you take a recommendation from?
A recommendation should be taken from either a faculty or supervisor at work (manager, team leader). If getting a recommendation from a faculty, it is preferred that the faculty has taught you for at least for a semester. Similarly, if getting a recommendation from your work place, the person recommending you should have supervised you for at least 6 months.
Engineering and Science programs, prefer academic recommendations, while business Masters’ programs prefer a mix of both academic and professional recommendation. MBA programs prefer only professional recommendation letters.
IMP: Get recommendations from those whom you have good professional relationships with AND who will submit your online recommendations on time. If a recommender does not submit the recommendation before the application deadline, it is likely that your application may not be considered.
Q: My HOD/Principal didn’t teach me. Should I get a recommendation from him/her?
It is not recommended to get a recommendation from a faculty who has not taught you. So, getting a recommendation from your HOD or Principal who has not taught you, will not add any value to your application. If the HOD/Principal has not taught you but has directly supervised your academic assignments/projects, you can get a recommendation from them.
Q: My teacher who taught me most subjects doesn’t have a PhD. Should I get a recommendation from him/her?
Yes, you should. While a recommender holding a PhD does add value, getting a recommendation from a faculty who has had a prolonged interaction with you is equally important.
Q: What details should the recommender mention in the recommendation?
A recommendation letter should talk about those aspects of your profile that the recommender has had a chance to supervise. For instance, a professor can talk about your performance and behavior in class, your progression over the years (in case the professor has taught you or worked with you on projects for more than a year), and your contributions during the academic and non-academic projects and activities that the professor supervised. The recommendation letter can also address your overall qualities as a student, your temperament, and key strengths and areas of improvement. A recommender from your work place can talk about the assignments that you have worked on, your individual contributions and achievements, and your career progression. They may also talk about your skills as a team-member or leader.
You need to understand that the recommendation is NOT a validation of all your academic, extracurricular activities, or work details. So, the recommender need NOT mention about every activity/event that you have participated in college or at your work place. For instance, a professor, should not talk about an extracurricular or an internship that you did at a company, in which the professor was not involved in any capacity.
Q: Should I take recommendations from professors in whose courses I scored well?
Yes, it makes sense to do that. Getting a recommendation from a faculty in whose courses/subjects you scored well is always a good idea.
Q: Is it okay to NOT take a recommendation from my project guide?
Yes, it is absolutely okay to not get a recommendation from your project guide in case you are really not on great working terms with your guide, or you think he/she is too busy to submit the recommendation on time or for whatever other reasons.
Q: Can I get a recommendation letter from my internship guide where I interned for a month or two?
Ideally, it is recommended that the person recommending you should have supervised you for at least 6 months.
Questions about the GRE, TOEFL, IELTS exams
Q: What is a good GRE score to get into top universities?
While there are no set cutoffs, here are some guidelines that can help
University Rank
GRE scores that would your application strong
Top 20
325+ (with 165+ on Quant), 4+ on AWA
Rank 20-40
320+ (with 165+ on Quant), 3.5+ on AWA
Rank 40-60
310+ (with 160+ on Quant), 3+ on AWA
Rank 60-90
305+ (with 158+ on Quant), 3+ on AWA
Again, admissions are not based on GRE scores alone, but rather an assessment of your entire profile, with GPA being the most important factor.
Q: What is the minimum GRE score required for admission?
Where there are no minimum requirements, a score below 300 is considered to be a low score. Most universities, that require a GRE, prefer a minimum score of 290.
Q: My GRE score is good but my academic grades are bad. Can I still get admits from top universities?
While it depends on the program you apply to, but often research-based MS programs consider the GPA as the most important factor while evaluating an applicant. Thus, with a low GPA, getting admission to a top university becomes difficult, even if manage to get a high GRE score.
Business school programs, however, give more importance to GRE/GMAT scores and may consider you for admission even if you have a low GPA, but the rest of your profile is strong.
Q: My GRE score is bad but my academic grades are good. Can I still apply to top universities?
In some cases, yes. Some top universities do not give much importance to the GRE. For some it’s just a formality, and some have even made GRE optional. While a good GRE score along with a good GPA is required by most top universities, some top universities might overlook a slightly low GRE score, if the GPA and rest of the profile is strong.
Q: Are there any universities which don’t require GRE?
Yes, there are a few universities that don’t require the GRE for some of their programs. While the list keeps changing often, it is recommended to check on the program’s website before applying, for their latest admission requirements.
Q: How much time does it take to prepare for the GRE or GMAT?
While this may vary from student to student, it is recommended that you devote at least 3 months of preparations, with over 20 hours/week of preparation time.
Q: I gave GRE twice. Which score would the universities consider?
If you give the GRE multiple times, most universities will consider the highest of your scores. For instance, if you scored a 310 (Q+V) in your first attempt and 315 (Q+V) in your next attempt and decide to report both scores to the university, they would consider your 315 score.
You have the option of reporting all your scores to the university or reporting the individual attempt scores.
Some universities also consider sectional highest scores. For instance, if you scored a 160Q, 155V, 3.5 AWA in your first attempt and a 165Q, 150V, 4.0 AWA on your next attempt, the universities would consider your score as 165Q, 155V, 4.0 AWA, provided you report both your scores to the university.
Q: Do TOEFL or IELTS score matter much in admissions?
Most universities have a minimum requirement for TOEFL/IELTS, and as long as your scores meet the minimum score requirement, your application will be reviewed.
Q: I got 98 in TOEFL. One of the universities that I am considering applying to requires 100 on the TOEFL. Will the university consider my application if I apply with a 98?
If you TOEFL scores are lower than the universities requirement by even a single point, it is recommended that you write to the university asking about the same before you apply. Some universities are strict about their TOEFL/IELTS cutoffs and will not consider any applicant who does not meet those requirements. Some universities may offer a conditional admission if the TOEFL/IELTS scores are slightly below the cutoff, but the rest of the profile is strong enough. It is however, highly recommended that you check with the university before applying.
Q: Should I give IELTS or TOEFL?
Almost all US universities now accept either the TOEFL or the IELTS. So, either of the exams is fine.
Q: How much time does it take to prepare for TOEFL/IELTS?
On an average 2 to 3 weeks of preparations (with 15-20 hours of week) are sufficient enough for TOEFL/IELTS. These exams test your basic English skills. The key to scoring well on these exams is thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and questions.
Q: What is the minimum I should score on the TOEFL/IELTS?
Most universities have a minimum TOEFL score requirement of 79 or 80. Some programs/universities have a higher requirement of 91, while some have a score requirement of 100 or above with sectional cut offs too.
Most universities have a minimum IELTS score requirement of 6.5, preferably with a 6 in each section. Some programs/universities have a higher requirement of 7, while some have a score requirement of 7.5 or above with sectional cut offs too.
Questions about Funding and Financing
Q: How much will it cost to study MS in the US?
The tuition cost of most MS program ranges from about US $40,000 to US$ 55,000. There are a few universities where the tuition could be as high as US $75,000, while there few universities where the tuition would be less than US $40,000
Q: What is the average cost of living in the US?
While cost of living varies from city to city, most India students spend a total of around $600-1000 per month on food, rent, utilities etc. Living costs are higher (around $1200-1500) in cities like New York or around San Francisco, Los Angeles.
Q: Do I need to show funds to the university while applying?
Most universities do not require any proof of funds while applying; they would require proof of funds only after being admitted to the program.
Few universities, however, require proof of funds along with the initial application.
Q: How much funds do I need to show?
On admission, universities would require you to show funds for 9 months of tuition (2 semesters or 18 credits of tuition), plus estimated living costs for 9 months which include cost of room, boarding, books, insurance, etc (all as estimated by the university).
Only on showing proof of funds, which can be in the form of personal funds, funds from sponsor (parents), or sanctioned education loans, universities will issue you an I-20 which is required for applying for a visa.
Q: What types of funding/scholarships opportunities can I apply to?
There are few scholarships that are offered by universities, but they are competitive. In most cases there is no separate application for scholarship, and your overall application is evaluated for admissions as well as scholarship.
Additionally, master’s students can apply for Graduate Assistantship positions. These are mostly Research Assistantship (RA) or a Teaching Assistantship (TA) position. These positions require students to work for up to 20 hrs/week. In return, students get a stipend, and sometimes these positions come with a partial or full tuition waivers. In few cases, universities RA/TA positions to students along with the admission. In most cases, however, students can apply for these positions after being admitted and also after reaching the university.
Apart from scholarships and graduate assistantships, students can apply for on-campus student jobs as well. Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week and these jobs pay enough to cover one’s cost of living. They do not come with any tuition waivers.
Q: When is the best time to apply for funding/scholarships at the university?
The best time to start applying for funding is after you have been admitted to the university. You could check on your university’s website for any possible scholarships. You could also write to your graduate coordinator and/or your faculty advisor enquiring about RA/TA opportunities.
Q: Are there any scholarships we can apply for in India?
Yes, there are a few study-abroad scholarships that one can apply in India. The most popular ones are
Here are some of the scholarships that you may consider applying.
Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship
J. N. Tata Endowment – loan scholarship
Inlaks Foundation Scholarship
https://www.inlaksfoundation.org/scholarships/
KC Mahindra Scholarship
Aga Khan Foundation
These scholarships are competitive and are generally awarded to those with high GPA and GRE/GMAT scores.
Q: Can I apply for FAFSA aid?
International students cannot apply for FAFSA aid.
Q: Where should I get a loan from?
There are various options for Education Loans that one can apply to. Broadly speaking these would be:
Collateral based loans – Generally offered by banks, where you are expected to keep some collateral (for e.g. property) as security with the banks
Non-Collateral Loans – Mostly offered by NBFCs, these loans are offered without any collateral security, but they often require a guarantor (preferably parents) with sound financial/credit history.
Non-Collateral loans are offered by some companies in USD while some offer them in INR.
Questions about internships, post MS OPT
Q: How long can I work in the USA after my MS?
All Masters students are eligible for 1 year of OPT (Optional Practical Training) after completion of their Masters. The OPT is authorization that allows a student to work in the US.
Students whose degrees fall under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) category are eligible to apply for a 24 month OPT extension after completion of their 1 year OPT, provided that they have an ongoing job at the end of the 12th month. So effectively STEM Master’s degree holders get 3 years of OPT. OPT extension is not possible for non-STEM degree holders.
To continue working in the USA after the expiration of your OPT, your employer should file and obtain your H1B visa (work visa)
Q: What is CPT?
CPT stands for Curricular Practical Training. It’s an authorization given to you by the university to work as an intern at a company (off-campus) while studying, mostly during the summer break.
Q: What does Co-Op mean?
Co-Op is an option provided by few universities that allows you to extend your internship beyond the summer term. For instance, most students do an internship during the summer term (June-August) on a CPT. If the university allows a co-op, they would extend your CPT which would allow you to continue your internship beyond summer term. You could then continue working full time in Fall (Sep-Dec) and perhaps even the Spring term (Jan-May) too, and take part-time or evening or online classes during these terms to complete your Masters.
Q: How long can I work on a CPT? Will this reduce my OPT time?
There is no limit on the duration of the CPT. Most universities may however issue a CPT only for a single term, but if a university allows co-op, they may issue a CPT for a longer duration as well. If you, however, work full-time on CPT for 12 months or more, you will not be eligible to apply for OPT. Hence it is recommended that you keep your total CPT term to 11 months or less. If your CPT term is 11 months or less, you get the full 12 months OPT (plus the 24 months extension if you are a STEM graduate)
Q: How long do I have to find a job after graduation?
Once your OPT begins, you have up to 90 days to find a job. If you cannot find a job within 90 days of the start of your OPT, then you must make plans to leave the country.
And a few other questions
Q: I got rejected from XYZ university. Can I reapply to it with a better SOP/GRE score?
Few universities would accept your application for the same term again, as by the time the decision is out, it may be way past the application deadline. You can however, apply for a future intake with a revised SOP, updated profile, and improved GRE/TOEFL test scores.
Q: I already have a master’s degree. Can I still apply to a master’s program?
Yes. If your first Master’s degree is from India (or any country other than the USA), you can apply for a second masters in the USA. For example, if you have completed your MSc or a MTech from India, you are allowed to apply for a MS in the USA.
If, however, you already have a Master’s degree from a US university, and you wish to apply for another Master’s program in the same discipline as your first Master’s degree, then your application may not be considered. For instance, if you have completed your MS in CS from a US university, you may not be allowed to apply for a MS in CS program at another university. You can however apply to a different Masters (MS in Analytics, MBA etc) at the same or any other university.
Q: How do I convert my marks to GPA out of 4?
There is no standard procedure to convert Indian grading system (% or out of 10 GPA) to a GPA out of 4. Each university follows its own conversion standards. Some universities ask students to submit a report by an academic credential evaluator such as WES.
There are some free GPA convertors by WES or Scholaro that one can use to get a fair estimate of their GPA on a scale of 4.
The Statement of Purpose, popularly known as the SOP, is an avenue for applicants to present a brief snapshot of their profile to the admission committee. It is an opportunity to
Highlight one’s key achievements and accomplishments
Talk about one’s specific interests in the domain
Describe skills/knowledge that one has acquired by virtue of her/his past education, internships, and/or full-time work experience
Address any weaknesses or drawbacks in the profile if any
Discuss the applicant’s interest in that particular course at the university
In short, the objective of the SOP is to discuss your future career and/or research goals, and highlight the important educational and work experiences that you believe have prepared you for graduate studies; and your reasons for applying to that particular university.
Ideal length of the SOP: 700-800 words
NOTE: Some universities have word limits on the SOP. Many universities ask you to limit the SOP to 500 words or around 1 page. When a university gives a word limit for the SOP, up to 10% over the limit is fine. If a university has a 1-page limit for the SOP, please keep the SOP around 600 words (DO not increase margins, decrease fonts, and try to fit 1000+ words in a single page)
HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR SOP
While most universities do not prescribe any predefined structure for the SOP, you may follow the following structure:
1: INTRODUCTION (about 100-150 words)
The first paragraph of your SOP can be a brief introduction. In the introduction you may discuss your career goals, future aspirations, and/or research interests. You may talk about how these interests developed, and what skills & knowledge do you intend to acquire during your Masters to achieve your goals.
NOTES:
NO Quotes Please – Avoid starting your SOP with random quotes or philosophical sayings (unless you can actually demonstrate how you have imbibed the philosophy in every aspect of your education/work)
NO Generic Statements – Most Students make the classic mistake of writing several generic statements in the SOP. For examples, most Computer Science applicants talk of the advancements in the field of Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning over the past decade and the possibilities that it presents for the future. Environmental engineers write about the impact of the climate change and so on.
You need to understand that the SOP is not a magazine or newspaper article where you have a broad audience. The readers of your SOP are experts in the field. You don’t need to tell them about the wonders Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning or Bioengineering can do. They know it, and far better than you do. Rather you should talk about what have been your experiences in the domain and what aspects of the domain would you like to further develop your knowledge in.
NO World Change please
Keep your career goals realistic. Don’t say that you want to pursue a Masters because your goal is to of save the world or bring about a global/national revolution by implementing advancement in a certain technology. Your career goals should be realistic. It could be as simple as detailing the kind of job/career opportunities you aspire for after completing your Masters. If possible, articulate your short term and long term career goals; short term being plans immediately after your Masters, and long term being about 5 years post Masters.
2. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND (2-3 paras of 100-150 words each)
Briefly describe the KEY projects and Internships that you worked on during your academic term. Do not focus a lot on the description of the project (try to summarize the overall concept in a sentence or two). Rather try to highlight some of these aspects of your projects:
What was the outcome of the project? Was it a success? What was the impact/success factor of the project? (If possible, quantify your impact)
What was your specific contribution to it (in case of a group project)?
What were the key challenges/hurdles you faced and how did you go about solving them?
Did you do something innovative in the project?
Did you adopt a novel approach?
Did you go beyond the scope of the project to improve its efficiency?
What was your learning by working on the project? What skills did you develop?
Be it a project or internship, try not just to write only about ‘What you did’, but rather try to highlight ‘How effective were you at doing it’.
NOTES
NO Subjects/Courses please – Do not list down courses/subjects that you have studied during your bachelors. Almost everybody who does a similar degree takes more or less the same courses, so no point in mentioning about them. Plus, your transcripts reflect the courses you have studied.
You can however, mention about a course you took, if you really went out of your way to take it, and do explain your rationale behind it.
Extracurricular involvements don’t matter in most cases – Extracurricular involvements, especially those that don’t directly relate to your field of study, don’t really matter. So don’t waste space writing about them. Your resume is a good place to mention them. If you however believe that your extracurricular activities are important and are relevant to the program that you are applying to, then you can write about them. But don’t just mention the activities. Also mention the skills and traits you developed by participating in them and how they would help you during your Master’s program.
Not every project, paper, activity etc needs a mention – Mention only relevant stuff in your SOP. Do not mention everything that you have done as a student.
3. WORK EXPERIENCE(1 -3 paras of 100-150 words each) – If applicable
If you have relevant work experience, then write a para or two about it. Again, do not mention a lot of what you do/did or get into details of your day-to-day activities at work. Also avoid using jargons and terms that someone outside of your company/industry may not understand. Instead, highlight on these aspects about your work
What was/has been your contribution at work?
What were the challenges/hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
Did you do something innovative at work?
How did your contribution add value to your organisation? Quantify it.
Did you adopt a novel approach at solving a problem?
Did you bring about any improvements in processes?
Did you go beyond the scope of your assigned work and if yes what was the impact?
What was your learning at work? What skills did you develop?
NOTES
If it’s not relevant, don’t talk about it- If your work experience is not relevant to the field you want to pursue your Masters in, then do not write a lot about it. A short para (or even 2-3 lines) describing your work experience and the skills that you developed, by virtue of your job, is good.
4. WHY MASTERS (and WHY NOW?) (1-2 paras of 100-150 words each)
Mention the reasons you wish to pursue the proposed Masters, what topics, courses would you like to study during your masters, what skills would you like to acquire, and how and why are they relevant to your future aspirations. If you are applying for a research-based program, you could also talk of the kind of research you wish to pursue during your Masters. For students who are applying after gaining some work experience, if possible, also highlight why you believe this this it the right time for you to pursue a Masters.
5: WHY THIS UNIVERSITY (1 paras of 100-150 words)
In this para write about your reasons for applying to that particular university. You could highlight some of the courses that interest you, some research labs/projects that you would like to be part of, some professors whose work you like, and so on. If you are applying for a professional/non-research programs, you could talk about the industry/capstone projects, internships, and other initiatives that the program offers.
PS: If you do not have a lot to write about ‘why this university’, you may club this para with the earlier para on WHY Masters.
OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER
1: The SOP is NOT your life story
Remember that the SOP is not your life story. AVOID talking about your childhood, family background, or giving explanations on how and why you chose your undergraduate field of study. No one is interested in knowing it, and it doesn’t really matter. For instance, if you have completed your degree in Mechanical Engineering, it really doesn’t matter why you chose this field. What matters to the admissions committee is how good are you at it now, and what knowledge have you garnered over the years.
2: NOT every project, activity, work detail goes in the SOP
The SOP should ONLY focus ONLY on the relevant and important educational and work details that you believe have prepared you for graduate studies. Do not mention every project/experience that you have in the SOP. All those can be in your resume.
3: The SOP need not be in chronological order
The contents of the SOP may or may not be written in a chronological order. Based on your profile, you could write details in chronological order or you could mention events in your SOP in the order of importance – talking about your most important projects/assignments first and then going on to the lesser important but still relevant ones. The choice is yours.
