Entire Application and Admission Process for Master’s in the USA

I would like to explain the entire procedure of doing a master’s in the USA. It’s from the perspective of an Indian student. (Wrote on Jan 2019)

1. PLANNING

The entire process takes one year. It’s a matter of enormous money and time. Be sure about doing this. I would like to give rough figures for the amount you spend.

COACHING (GRE + TOEFL) = 30,000

CONSULTANCY (Optional) = 25,000

GRE= 13,000 ($205)

TOEFL / ILTES = 11,500 ($180)

APPLYING FOR UNIVERSITY = 30,000 (6,000 rs X 5 universities)

TOTAL SPENT BEFORE ADMISSION = 87,000

DEPOSITION FEES = 1,00,000 (varies)

VISA + SEVIS CHARGES = 25,000

FLIGHT CHARGES = 60,000–80,000

TOTAL AMOUNT SPENT BEFORE FLYING ~ 2,70,000 (approx)

2. EXAM PREPARATION

The exams to be taken are,

GRE and ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

GRE is Graduate Record Examinations. Its pattern is,

GRE Pattern

• Test score

➝ Analytical Writing 0–6 Scale

➝ Quantitative Reasoning 130–170 Scale

➝ Verbal Reasoning 130–170 Scale

• Test requirement — Passport

HOW TO REGISTER FOR TEST?

1. Visit https://www.ets.org/gre
2. Create an ETS account

3.

4. Fill the details and Payment (Credit card)

• Results — On the spot (Essay results will be updated after a week)

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TEST

• TOEFL / IELTS
• The primary difference between the two exams are,

Difference between the two exams

TOEFL is a Test of English as a Foreign Language. Its pattern is,

TOEFL Pattern

TOEFL Score range

TOEFL Score range

• Test requirement — Passport
• Results — Two weeks

Points to remember,

➝ You can send your scores to 4 universities with no fee

➝ Don’t postpone or reschedule the venue

➝ Take lots of practice tests and prepare yourself to sit for 4 hours.

➝ See the progress in your practice tests and take the exam when you feel completely confident.

3. AFTER EXAMS

Collecting the documents :

1. Transcripts
2. Semester wise Mark Sheets
3. 3 Recommendation letters
4. TOEFL Score Sheet Copy
5. GRE score sheet Copy
6. Statement of Purpose
7. Resume / C V
8. Bank Statement with original seal and signature of a bank manager– Minimum amount should be equal to the college fees.
9. Notarized Affidavit of Support from your sponsor (original)

After collecting the documents :

1. Shortlist the universities based on your scores (safe, mod, ambitious)
2. Study about the climatic condition, place and job opportunities in the university
3. Note the deadlines for applying
4. Study about Fees structure, Campus facilities, Accommodation

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE UNIVERSITY :

1. Create an account on the university website
2. Fill all the details (It will be 7–10 pages)
3. Upload the documents
4. Make the payment (Credit card)
5. For any query, send a mail to the university
6. After the payment keep checking the profile for notifications

AFTER ADMISSION :

1. Getting an I20 letter. (official admission letter)
2. Search for Scholarship opportunities and assistantship.
3. Fee waiver chances.
4. Applying for loan and visa.

HOW TO APPLY FOR STUDENT VISA :

1. Payment of SEVIS fee I-901

Open the below link and go through the I-901 Fee payment tutorial — by U.S. Immigration and customs enforcement. It is self-explanatory.

I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Tutorial 2.0

Fee payment link — Form I-901

2. DS-160 Visa application filling

Open — Apply for a U.S. Visa

3. Payment of visa fees

Open the below link and create a new profile.

https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=India

4. Booking VISA slots

Open the same link again to login to book your slots.

https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=India