13 Easy Steps for Applying to Grad Schools in USA

 

USA is one of the most iconic global destinations and home to a spectacular quality of life. Studying in the United States opens a wide array of opportunities and also allows you to leverage the benefits of a strong alumni network. Grabbing the admit to an American grad school makes it easier for you to achieve whatever it is that you have set your sights on, be it evolving into a seasoned professional or a world-renowned researcher. Let's not forget that you also get to enjoy delicious hamburgers while tripping across the states.

Here's an easy step-by-step guide that can help you apply to a graduate program in USA:

 

1. Start early

It is advised to begin the admission process at least one year before the application deadline.

 

2. Select the appropriate session

There are two popular intake sessions in the USA namely the Fall session and Spring session. Opting for the fall session is a better option because it offers an internship opportunity that is highly beneficial for your career.

 

 

3. Find the right program

 

 

Invest time both in self-introspection and research to discover potential universities offering the program that aligns with your interests. Remember that the decision you make at this point will have an irreversible impact on your career. 

 

4. Check eligibility criteria

Upon choosing the perfect program the next crucial step is to work on university shortlisting. Select about 8-12 universities and assess your chances to get into them based on your profile.

Note: Always try to shortlist universities that provide scholarships. Checking the duration of the program is also important while shortlisting.

 

 

5. Look out for deadlines

 

 

 

Keep an eye for application deadlines while shortlisting universities. All your efforts can turn to dust if the deadlines have passed. This is why point number 1 is of supreme importance as it saves you from losing the chance to apply to all the prospective universities.

 

 

6. Prove your proficiency in English

Admission to colleges in the USA requires you to take standardized language tests like TOEFL or IELTS. The best part about these tests is that you can give them as many times as you want and send your best scores to the universities. Both TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the day you took the test.

Note: You can send your TOEFL test score reports for free to four universities before taking the test. IELTS test centers send your test results to five institutions free of charge. 

 

 

 

7. Prepare for Aptitude Tests

 

 

The admissions committee also assesses your verbal, quantitative and analytical aptitude through GRE or GMAT. GRE can be given five times in a year, once in every 21 days. The GMAT exam can also be taken five times a year but once in every 16 days. Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years after the test date.

Note: You can send upto four free GRE score reports and five in the case of GMAT to the respective institutions of your choice. 

 

 

 

8. Revise shortlisted universities

You must re-shortlist universities based on your test scores or consider re-taking tests based on the university requirements. Make the best out of the opportunity to re-take tests by reporting your best scores to the admissions committee.

 

9. Don't even dare to leave SOPs for the last minute

The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important deciding factors for the admissions committee to accept your application. A well-written SOP significantly increases your chances of grabbing the admit. 

Note: Universities also ask for essays and personal history statements to assess a candidate's potential. 

 

 

10. Find the best recommenders for your LORs

Graduate schools equally value the letter of recommendation like the SOP. The LOR helps the admissions committee to peek into the aspects of your personality that distinguishes you from other applicants.

 

11. Upload supporting documents

Sign in to the online application portal and submit all the required documents, namely:

• Official Transcripts & Records

• SOP

• LORs

• Personal History Statement

• Resume

• Proof of Funds

 

12. Avail the benefits of FAFSA & Scholarship Statements

Domestic students can avail financial aid through a FAFSA application while international students can draft effective scholarship statements for various scholarship programs to get a fee-waiver.

 

 

13. Submit documents on time

The application deadlines for different universities may vary on the basis of the regular decision, early action, early decision, or rolling admissions. You can choose from these options based on your needs and submit all the required materials as per the deadlines.

Still have doubts? Hang on! we also have a comprehensive video that explains the application procedure. Watch this video to learn more about the online application process for applying to grad schools in USA.