Everything you need to know to pursue an MS degree in the US

The United States is the world’s premier destination for students keen on gaining an MS degree. However, as a prospective international student, navigating the application process can seem daunting. Based on our years of experience, the Ubergrad team has created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the steps you need to undertake to successfully apply for an MS program in a US university.

Researching Universities and MS Programs

There are thousands of universities and colleges you could apply to, making the task of choosing the right ones critical. Based on our experience, we’ve listed below a few things to keep in mind when researching universities in the US.

MS in US University Rankings

There are several surveys that are updated annually that rank universities on the basis of education quality and career prospects. National and global ranking indexes such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges update their rankings periodically and are a great place for you to start. If you would like something more personalised, Ubergrad offers you universities ranked on the basis of your scores & interests. Keep in mind though that rankings are the first place to start your search and your final decision of which colleges to apply to must be based on other relevant criteria such as your finances, your preferences, your field of study, and your future plans.

Your US College Location

Are you a warm-weather person or can you manage the cold? Do you want to eventually work in the same city as the university or are you open to moving after graduation? Choosing the right location is important as it allows you to not just study in a hassle-free environment, but also create a life. Understand the cost of living and carefully plan your budget to make the most of your new home.

Your Master’s Curriculum

It is important that you look through the curriculum offered by the universities and the kind of research and learning opportunities you can access. In this changing world, learning from a curriculum that is relevant will have an immediate impact on your career prospects. Researching the faculty can also help you get a better picture of what your learning environment could look like.

Tuition and Living Expenses

The US is not the most affordable country to live in. It is critical that you understand the costs involved in attending college in the US and what your funding options are. The cost varies dramatically based on the city you live in and the college you choose so you must budget as accurately as possible. You can research accommodation costs on Zillow, Craigslist, and Apartment Guide among others. To estimate grocery and other items, you can check Instacart. This will help you get a better understanding of what your spending could look like month to month.

International Student Support

Nearly all universities in the US offer support services to international students. These services can offer guidance about visas, accommodation, cultural integration, and other queries you may have. Sometimes, universities organise orientations for international students which can also help make your transition to life in the US easier. Visit the websites of the universities you have shortlisted to learn more about this.

Understanding MS in US Admission Requirements

Each university has its admission requirements, but some common prerequisites for MS programs include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree: Typically, universities look for a 4-year bachelor’s degree but in some cases, having a 3-year degree with another additional year spent earning a Diploma can also work.
• GPA: Universities tend to have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement that varies based on the course you are applying for. Different universities use different GPA scales so do your research for the universities you are applying to.
• Standardized Tests: Most universities in the US require you to share your GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores in order to measure your aptitude. Ubergrad can help you prepare for your exams with our online coaching classes. Sign up for a free class to test out our offering.
• English Language Proficiency: The US is an English-speaking country and students from non-native English-speaking countries must prove their proficiency by taking the  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or any other approved English language test. Ubergrad also offers coaching for English language proficiency exams. You can view our courses here.

Applying for Financial Aid

Pursuing an MS in the US can cost thousands of dollars but the resulting career prospects make this a very lucrative educational option. You can fund your education with options such as:

• Education Loans: Education loans are the most popular means of funding your Masters education in the US. Typically, education loans in India start at 9.5% (source) and can vary based on multiple factors. It is important to fully understand the loan and all terms before proceeding. Ubergrad’s education loan experts can help you better understand your options and the loans you could opt for.

• University Scholarships and Grants: Several universities offer scholarships and grants to students based on merit or need. These can be fully-funded or partly-funded scholarships but in both options, your financial burden is greatly reduced. Once you have shortlisted the universities you want to apply to, you can explore their scholarship options and check your eligibility. Alternatively, you can speak to a study abroad counsellor who can guide you to the right scholarships.
• Teaching assistantships and part-time jobs: Students can access paid on-campus teaching or research assistantships that are tied to their course of study. Students can also access off-campus activities depending on the rules laid out by the university. Typically students can work for 20 hours a week subject to US laws. While these part-time roles are not something you can mention in your admissions package, it is a useful way for students to be able to earn some income to offset their costs.

Preparing your University Admission Application Package

Your admissions application package will require several documents that include:

• Transcripts: Transcripts are backing documents for your degrees and academic credentials that present a complete record of your education. Typically, transcripts are mark sheets that include your subjects and scores over the years you have studied. You must collect your transcripts from the institution you received your degree and present them to the academic committee of the university you are applying to.
• Resume or CV: Your resume contains your academic and work experience. As a student you may not have much work experience so it is important to present your projects, internships and other activities you have undertaken that are relevant to your field of study.
• Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose or SOP is an essay that presents you in the best light possible. With the SOP, you get a chance to present your character, background, motivations and goals to make a case for your admission. Since you are applying for a Masters course, it can also help to present how you will utilise the education you will receive from your university to create a positive impact in the world. Keep the language of your SOP engaging and compelling. It can help to get your SOP edited by a professional to build cohesiveness.
• Letters of recommendation: Universities rely on Letters of recommendation or LORs from people you know to vouch for you on a personal or professional level. You will need to get 2-3 letters from your faculty, employers or others to add to your MS admissions application package.
• Standardised Test Scores: You will need to present your GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, or other standardised test scores to the university as part of your admissions package. You can have these scores directly sent from your testing authority to the universities you are applying to for a small fee.

Getting your Student Visa

Once you receive your admission acceptance and funding, you will need to begin your student visa formalities. The steps for doing so are:

• Obtain an I-20 Form: You will need to request an I-20 form from your university to prove that you have received an admission. This is a critical document and you cannot proceed without this.
• Pay the SEVIS fee: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is a mandatory charge for international students. Pay this fee online and keep the receipt for your visa appointment.
• Apply for an F-1 visa: Schedule a visa appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, and submit the necessary documents, including the I-20 form, SEVIS fee receipt, passport, and financial support documents.
• Prepare for the visa interview: Practice answering common interview questions and gathering supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies.
• Purchase health insurance: International students are typically required to have health insurance coverage while studying in the U.S. Research various plans and choose one that meets your needs and the university’s requirements.
• Plan your travel and housing: Book your flights, coordinate with your university’s international student office for temporary housing if needed, and secure long-term accommodation near your campus.

Pursuing an MS program in the United States can be a life-changing event. An education in the US will open doors to new opportunities provided you have laid the right foundations. By following this guide, you can get better organized and be prepared with all the necessary documents and credentials to make your move to the US easier.