For international students, the process of applying to graduate school in the United States may seem a bit perplexing and daunting. Beyond the standard considerations faced by U.S. citizens, such as GRE scores, the application itself, application essays, and resumes, there are additional factors to take into account. These include assessing the compatibility of your degree, determining GRE test availability in specific locations (as it is not universally offered), and devising a plan for financing your graduate studies, among various other considerations.
This guide is designed to furnish you with the foundational knowledge necessary to embark on the graduate school application journey. It not only provides a broad overview of the application process but also delves into key aspects that are particularly relevant to international students.
In our discussion, we will introduce some acronyms along with their explanations:
TOEFL
Stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. This test is often mandatory for international students to showcase their proficiency in the English language. Scores range from 200 to 800. Further details about the TOEFL can be found here.
GRE
Short for Graduate Record Examination, commonly known as “GRE” or “GRE General Test.” Most applicants to U.S. grad schools are required to take this test. The GRE enables schools to assess applicants' mathematical and verbal skills, crucial for academic success. It consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Scores for Verbal and Quantitative sections range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, while the Writing section is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. More information about the GRE is available here.
ETS
Stands for Educational Testing Services. ETS is responsible for creating and administering exams such as the GRE and TOEFL, among others. Their website can be accessed here.
M.A.
An abbreviation for Master of Arts, a commonly awarded post-graduate degree. It represents the fundamental academic post-graduate degree, typically requiring 1-2 years of study. This degree is commonly conferred in the humanities or liberal arts.
M.S. (or M. Sci., M.Sc.)
Abbreviation for Master of Science, another prevalent post-graduate degree. Similar to the M.A., it is a fundamental academic post-graduate degree, typically requiring 1-2 years of study. It is often awarded in the sciences.
Ph.D.
Represents Philosophiae Doctor, translated as Doctor of Philosophy. It is the highest academic degree in the U.S. education system. There is no fixed timeframe for obtaining a Ph.D., and it may take several years. Notably, the Ph.D. is primarily a research degree, necessitating original research for attainment. The degree is awarded following a successful presentation and defense of the research report or dissertation in which it culminates.
Applying to Graduate School in the United States requires a comprehensive understanding of the application process and the necessary steps for success.
The graduate school application process can be outlined in four key steps:
First Step: Taking the GRE
Choose a test date suitable for you. For the computer-based GRE, you can schedule an appointment throughout the year at the nearest test center. However, if you opt for the paper-based GRE, flexibility is limited, as it is administered no more than three times annually. Additional information on GRE registration and available test formats in your area can be found here. It is advisable to schedule the test at least a year in advance of your grad school application deadlines, allowing ample time for preparation.
After selecting a test date, decide on your preferred method of study—whether through a class or self-study, utilizing GRE preparation books and available resources.
Thorough and diligent preparation for the GRE is crucial. Your GRE score holds significant weight in your application, standing alongside factors such as undergraduate performance, essays, letters of recommendation, and your résumé. Grad schools view the GRE score as an indicator of your academic potential in a U.S. institution, emphasizing the importance of achieving a competitive score for program success.
Second Step: Selecting Graduate Schools
Careful consideration of why you want to pursue graduate studies and which schools align with your goals is crucial for two primary reasons:
Defining Priorities:
Reflection on what you find essential in a grad school and a graduate program and understanding the GRE score range sought by different schools.
Ensuring Academic Fulfillment:
Constructing a list of institutions based on thorough research that meets your academic requirements and promises a satisfying experience.
Take a proactive approach to the selection process, dedicating significant time to choose schools as they will invest in selecting you. This process is particularly vital for international students, navigating not only a new academic institution but also a foreign country. Seek institutions that align with your academic goals and provide the necessary guidance and support as you adapt to a new culture. Devote time to identifying your preferences to ensure overall satisfaction with your choices.
Beyond perusing school websites, actively engage in self-evaluation and consider your academic priorities, post-graduation career aspirations, preferred learning environment, and personal values:
Visualize your future career and identify your interests, ensuring they can be continued during grad school.
Assess your preferred learning environment, whether laid-back, competitive, or somewhere in between.
Reflect on the importance of school rankings and the social aspect in your decision-making.
Determine your geographical and climate preferences, considering urban, suburban, or rural settings.
Clarify your career goals and whether you intend to work in your home country or the United States.
Answering these questions will provide clarity on your professional trajectory and the aspects crucial to your graduate school experience.
Creating a Preliminary List:
Utilize your answers to create an initial "long list" of schools, considering factors such as academic program, degree level, geographic preferences, school size, academic and social environment, career preferences, and personal goals. This comprehensive list helps align your choices with your essential criteria.
Detailed Investigation:
Narrow down your choices by delving into specifics. Consider learning environments, preferred work locations post-graduation, and ensure that your selected schools serve as a launchpad for your future career aspirations.
Final Decision-Making:
With information gathered, finalize your decisions. Most applicants apply to 4-6 programs, focusing on:
A few "definite" schools with strong admission prospects based on credentials and selectivity.
A majority of "likely" schools where you align with median GRE scores and GPA, feeling confident about acceptance.
Some "maybe" schools, where your credentials may not be as competitive, but applying opens potential opportunities.
This structured approach ensures that your final list reflects a balance of strong possibilities and potential opportunities across your chosen programs.
Third Step: Crafting Your Applications
Graduate school applications are usually made available in the late summer or early fall. While some schools offer the option of a paper application sent by mail, the majority prefer or require electronic submission over the internet. Many schools specify preferred application programs, accessible through the school's website.
Initiate the application process after finalizing your school selections. Even if the current year's applications are not yet open, you can start preparing as most applications consistently request the same components year after year:
The Basic Application Form:
Completed by you, it covers typical application questions related to biographical, academic, extracurricular, and conduct information.
Application Essay:
Required by most grad schools, the essay's topic varies but commonly explores reasons for pursuing grad school, focus on a specific program, and why a particular school/program aligns with your goals. Some schools may provide specific topics beyond these, outlined in the application instructions.
Letters of Recommendation:
Most schools request multiple letters, obtained from professors or employers. Recommenders usually send these directly to schools via mail or upload them to the school's application website. Ensure compliance with application instructions regarding the submission protocol.
Transcript(s):
Requested from all attended undergraduate and graduate institutions, transcripts are submitted directly to the applied grad school(s). While some schools accept unofficial transcripts, official transcripts are often required for the official application review or admission offer.
GRE Score(s):
From the ETS/GRE website: “Your test fee entitles you to request that scores be sent to as many as four graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors. For the computer-based GRE® revised General Test, you will be asked to designate your score recipients at the test center. For the paper-based GRE revised General Test, you will be asked to designate your score recipients during registration or on your admission ticket correction stub. You will be required to pay US$23 per recipient to have scores sent at a later date. ETS sends official score reports directly to all authorized score recipients you designate.”
Résumé/CV:
Crafted by you, the résumé or curriculum vitae is either uploaded online or mailed with other application materials.
Additional Optional Essays and Addenda (if applicable):
Some schools request extra essays beyond the application essay or explanations for past issues (academic or professional). Follow each school's requirements and submit these alongside the main application.
Additional Materials:
Some schools may ask for the submission of theses, research papers, published articles, or books. These materials are typically mailed to each school and become part of your application upon receipt.
Thoroughly follow the application instructions provided by each school to ensure a complete and accurate submission of all required materials.
Fourth Step: Submitting Your Graduate School Applications
Once all components of your application have been prepared, requested, and assembled, it's time to submit them to the graduate schools of your choice. You can accomplish this either by electronically submitting your applications or by sending them via mail.
It is advisable to dispatch your applications at the earliest opportunity. Many grad schools adhere to a practice known as rolling admissions, wherein applications are evaluated as they arrive, rather than in a batch after the application deadline. What does this mean for you? Submitting your applications well in advance of the deadline puts you in competition with a smaller pool of applicants for a larger number of available seats. While this may not dramatically enhance your admission prospects, it could provide a slight advantage.
Following the submission of your materials, you'll enter a waiting period for response letters from your chosen schools. Once you receive all the responses, carefully weigh your options, decide on the school you wish to attend, remit your seat deposit to secure your spot in the class, and prepare for your journey into graduate school!
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