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Then you must have thought of attending Universities like MIT and others brimming with cutting edge research initiatives. Isn’t it?

But the eye wash happens only when you start checking the admission requisites or get in touch with your seniors who already crossed this stage some time back. Admission requirements in fact may seem similar to any other decently ranked University but admissions are still a far fetched dream.

Admissions at MIT are no easy. You need to have some credentials highlighting you as a strong candidate. Universities of such repute look for applicants with extraordinary credentials.

What MIT is looking at?

  1. Strong candidature in terms of academics
  2. Initiative taking abilities
  3. Leadership qualities
  4. High SAT/GRE/TOEFL scores
  5. Diversity in your profile in terms of your cultural and economic background
  6. Yes you need to be lucky!

Research exposure” is one such kick ass factor. This certainly brings your application in the required limelight, as this reflects your aptitude for research initiatives.

Other than this, research exposure may help you build a good rapport with the professors at the concerned department.

This is how I got admission in Stanford University provide a different perspective as well.

But what do all those students do who have not been fortunate enough to plunge into research initiatives so far?

The answer is straight. You need to be on the top of the charts for all other credentials which may play an important role.

Be it academics, community service, college projects, recommendations, your letter of intent etc. Mind it nothing guarantees your admission. You can just improve your admission chances.

For all those who aspire to be a part of MIT, need to start working hard on their profile early in their life. You need to nurture your interests and passion, be aggressive and competitive.

Next – How to get into Harvard University?

My profile is

  • GRE – 300 (148 verbal;152 Quant)
  • Toefl 97
  • Aggr 65% from MU with 5 backlogs
  • Scored 70% in sem 8

Questions And AnswersI had applied to 7 universities for MS in CS in Fall 2012

  • NYIT
  • SUNY-Buffalo
  • Drexel
  • CSU, Fullerton
  • CSU Long Beach
  • USC
University of Texas at San Antonia
I got admits from CSU, Fullerton, UTSA and NYIT.
I gave my Visa interview twice in Mumbai and once in Chennai where i was rejected.
I think they have an issue with my uni selection.
I want to apply for Spring 2013 so can u plz suggest me uni for my profile.
My dream university is USC. Is it possible to get into it with this profile?

F1 Visa

First you have to understand how Visa interview process works.

You shouldn’t asking if you can get visa or admission for your profile after attending visa interview 3 times.

Visa is given, just not because of your profile. Read the F1 Visa interview experience shared by other readers.

Understand the process. Prepare for interview based on others visa interview experience.

If you don’t know why your visa was rejected, there is no point in attending F1 visa interview multiple times.

Looks like you are still not sure why F1 was rejected 3 times.

strengthen  grad school applicationToday’s article, you will learn How to Strengthen Your Graduate School Application.

This post was inspired by a comment posted by a reader few days back. He wanted to know, how to create a strong profile to improve his chances of getting admission in USA.

Follow the instructions below that explain in detail on How to Strengthen Your Graduate School Application.

Remember – It will take time and determined effort to improve your profile.

Strengthen Your Graduate School Application

  1. Proper Planning
  2. Test Scores
  3. College GPA
  4. Statement of Purpose
  5. Letters of Recommendation
  6. Research / Work Experience
  7. Financial Need/Aid
  8. Bonus Tips

Before we look in detail about above steps, here is the actual question from the reader.

Question About Graduate School Application

I had been preparing since July 2011 for getting an admission in colleges of USA or Canada for MS in computer science for fall 2013. I am currently pursuing a B tech degree. I have entered in my final year of my bachelors program. For making my profile strong, I started taking courses and collecting knowledge and certificates in different fields of computer science.

Then I volunteered for various national and international events and participated in international conferences along with some social activities.

In three years of my b-tech, i have made several projects worth sharing in the sop. I have also submitted three research papers whose publication is still in waiting process. Maintaining a decent percentage of 80, i am pretty sure of getting admission in top grade universities.

I am yet to give GRE and TOEFL, but my mock test scores are pretty good. But a sort of tragedy happens in my last semester in which I got backlogs in four subjects due to lack of attendance.

Now, how will it hamper the strength in application package and my chances of getting a good admission. Please suggest me that which semester i am for applying – fall 2013, spring 2014 or fall 2014 and a corresponding timeline.

Proper Planning

The first step to strengthening your graduate school application is making sure that you are applying to universities that match your student profile. You want to find a university that not only has the program that you need but also has the kind of faculty with which you would want to work.

Ideally, you will be able to find at least three schools that will be a match with your future goals. This does not happen overnight. It takes several hours of research and a planned approach to find the right set of schools.

But first – an example of how not to do it. Check out this article at Universities for GRE Score 318. Here is a student who made a list of universities without doing any research, hoping that someone in the forum would be able to narrow down his choices for him. Again, this is not the way to go.

You should begin your research at least one and one-half to two years prior to your planned start time, taking note of any admission and financial aid deadlines.

Follow the steps listed in this article – Applying to Colleges in USA – Timeline.

Test Scores

The GRE is required for most graduate school programs. If you are planning on beginning grad school Fall 2013, consider taking the GRE no later than this October. Be aware that depending on the type of program you are applying for, certain areas of the GRE may be weighted more heavily than others.

Refer to this GRE Test Prep Guide for more helpful hints regarding the GRE.

For example, science and engineering programs will give more importance to the quantitative section of the GRE. However, you should still aim to do your best on all sections of the GRE. In some cases, high GRE scores can help to compensate for lower academic performance.

In addition to GRE or GMAT, international students have to take TOEFL (or IELTS). High score in TOEFL (or IELTS) can compensate for low verbal score in GRE (or GMAT).

College GPA

Along with your test scores, another important factor is your undergraduate GPA. Typically, graduate schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but some programs require that your GPA be even higher.

Do not be discouraged if your overall GPA isn’t particularly impressive.

As stated before, higher test scores can help to offset a low GPA. Also, showing a general trend of improvement in your grades can help to compensate for a low GPA. If this is the case, highlight the cause for your weaknesses and how you have worked to overcome these weaknesses in your statement of purpose.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is a crucially important document in the application package. This is your opportunity to express why you are motivated to participate in this graduate program.

It conveys your interests, intentions, and previous experiences. It should explain who you are, your academic background, your research interest, and how your previous academic experience relates to future research. Explain in detail your undergraduate experience and how it relates to your masters’ program.

It is also good to list a few professors and their research, and how you would want to work under them. Remember, while your intent is to highlight your academic strengths, you should present yourself as well-rounded individual. Talk about your social and community involvement.

Finally, if you have decided upon the problem you’re going to research, briefly discuss it in your statement of purpose or an attached sheet.

Letters of Recommendation

Your letters of recommendation are also important documents in the application package. If you do not have work experience, you need three letters of recommendation from your professors. If you have summer internship or work experience, then one of your letters should be from your manager or research coordinator.

The letter of recommendation should include your intellectual the following:

  • Grades (or GPA)
  • Intellectual characteristics
  • Knowledge of field of study
  • Communication Skills
  • Leadership and class participation
  • Ability to communicate
  • Industry and self-discipline
  • Personal effectiveness
  • Potential for graduate study

Be sure that when you are choosing professors to request a letter of recommendation, select those people that will paint you in the best light possible.

Whenever possible, request recommendations from professors whose work is in a comparable field of study as the graduate program for which you are applying.

Research / Work Experience

Showing interest in research, and working toward gaining research experience will greatly help to strengthen your graduate school application. Make every effort to get research experience as an undergraduate student.

Find professors or research labs that you can work with during the summer. If this is not possible, then read white papers on specific areas; make paper presentations in conferences. Anything you can do to gain perspective towards research will make you a more valuable candidate to the graduate program to which you are applying.

Financial Need/Aid

The biggest hurdle to overcome in terms of financial need is being sure to apply before deadlines. Often, financial aid applications/paperwork are due before other materials in the application package.

Second, if financial aid is a large priority, then apply to schools where the chances of aid are high.

Do not waste application money on schools that are out of reach, either in terms your student profile, or in their likelihood to give aid.

Additional Tips

Admission is not based on luck; here are some additional tips to ensure success in your graduate school applications:

  • Organize the application process; take meticulous notes or maintain a spreadsheet;
  • Understand the admission needs of a program, and find the best fit for you;
  • Be creative. Don’t follow the crowd;
  • Do not copy college admission essays;
  • Get all of your application documents reviewed; and
  • Include a checklist with your application documents.

By following these simple guidelines, you can be sure to present the best possible picture of yourself to the graduate programs of your choosing. Good luck!

Questions?

Do you have any questions about strengthening your graduate school application?

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I m from Maharashtra, studying in Pune University. I recently took BSc Comp sci exam [Final Yr] which is a 3 yr Course.

I’m trying to apply for Fall 2013 and booked a GRE on 23rd July.

As BSc is 3 year course. I will be takin admission for MSc Comp Sci..which is 2 yrs course n will be doin only 1st year (2 sems.) to complete 12 +4. I wanted to ask. that all BSC and only 1st sem Transcripts are sufficient or not.?

3 Year Degree from India

You can apply for admission to Universities in USA with 3 year BSc and 1 Year MSc.

Some schools even consider  3 year BSc degree from India.

To learn more read the following post – Ok to get Multiple I-20 from USA Universities?

I m currently doing BE in Electronics and wish to pursue MS in Electrical engineering. I will be giving GRE in this december and wish to apply for fall 2013. As I will be completing my BE in May 2013 and the result will be out after month and a half i.e in july.

I wish to apply for MS without having any gap in my BE and MS. But the admission process ask for all 4 years of transcript(results).

If I start to apply for MS in this December and the results will be upto 7th semester,whether it will be a problem for me for insufficient documents or is it bound for me to take a gap of 1 year and then apply for MS? How will I make all the transcript work without 8th semester result? Or how should I make an admission for fall 2013.

I don’t want to take any gap for my MS and wish to complete in continuation.

Fall 2013 Application and Transcripts

Yes, you can apply for Fall 2013 with upto 7th Semester Transcripts.

When you get visa and reach the university, you will be required to submit 8th semester transcript and Degree Completion certificate.

Here are some link that will help you prepare for Fall 2013 Admission

 

Please put this comment i have made as a separate post because many are wondering whether they have to go for masters in India or USA.

They think that one can easily get into Indian universities and spending for USA education is very difficult. But if one tries sincerely for USA Education and takes a loan one can easily get settled in life within a short span of time.

Also the bank loan will get re-paid within 4-5 years. After that one can get more salary and keep their parents happy.

Due to the high fee structure in US universities people avoid to think about USA education.

But the fact is this is like a one time payment, if we spend for Masters now then the future will be happy for all.

I just want students to understand that opportunities and future goals can be achieved through USA education than Indian university education system.

Regards,
Pranav.

****

Thanks to Pranav for sharing your views.

Who is this Pravan anyway?

Read the following comments posted by him at Graduate education is pathetic in India.

I am writing this Comment which follows the thread “Graduate education is pathetic in India”.
Yes it is !!! The education system is pathetic !!! :(

I am a guy who had a dream of studying in IITs from my childhood. From 12 th, I started my preparation for getting into IIT through IIT-JEE. After i got the results, i was shocked to see that i got 2 marks lower than the minimum individual cut-off marks in Physics. Qualifying in Maths and Chemistry does not matter at all. All my dreams were shattered !!! :’(

I don’t blame Indian edu system that I did not get a seat but I blame it for the reason that it will give seats to those BC, SC, ST who have a very very low cut-off marks !!! Leave about the quota allotted for them, atleast the cut-off should be the same !!! :O

Through AIEEE, I got into SASTRA University, the uni which is next to IITs, NITs in ranking. I had a great opportunity to carry on research work from my 2nd year in B.Tech. :)

I wrote GATE exam in Life Sciences to get into IITs. I got an All India Rank of 508 (95 %le). I was really happy for that. But that happiness lasted for only few months. I contacted many IIT Professors but only 1 replied saying that I should have a GATE Score in Biotechnology not in life sciences.

Next year i wrote GATE in Biotechnology and scored AIR of 1200 (92 %le).

Though it was less than the previous one, it was valid one and the qualifying rank went upto 3,000. So, I was sure that I can get into IITs. But that professor said he had no vacancy in his lab. If it was the case why the hell did he tell me that he wants GATE score in Biotechnology to enter his lab ??? ‘_’

Getting into IITs for Masters is very very difficult. NO ONE RECOGNISES OUR TALENT, ONLY SCORE MATTERS IN IITs. In my case, scores are there but luck is not there. :-/

Meanwhile I had done 2 projects and completed Internship at famous CSIR research organization. My worked is now published in Famous International Journals. I am very very happy that I can learn from my experiences.

I will suggest others that getting a seat in USA is very very easier than getting seat in IITs. Only its just a matter of money and learning. :P

Currently i am working in a top MNC. Planning to go for MS as soon as possible. Hope I will achieve my goals soon. :D

Share Your Views

Do you have similar or opposing thoughts about higher education in Foreign countries? Share with us, I will post your comments, experience as new blog post.

US Colleges and Universities published admission results. Several colleges are increasingly becoming more selective with admission.

  • Babson College: 29%
  • Brown University: 9.6%
  • Claremont McKenna: 12.4 %
  • Columbia University: 7.4 %
  • Cornell: 16.2 %
  • Dartmouth: 9.4 %
  • Duke University: 11.9 %
  • Elon University: 51 %
  • George Washington University: 32.7%
  • Harvard University: 5.9%
  • Johns Hopkins: 17.7%
  • Muhlenberg College: 45.5%
  • N.Y.U.: 35%
  • Northwestern University: 15.3%
  • Occidental College: 39%
  • Tufts University: 21.2%
  • University of Florida: 41%
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill: 25.7%
  • University of Pennsylvania: 12.3%
  • University of Richmond: 30%
  • University of Rochester: 34%
  • University of Southern California: 18%
  • University of Virginia: 27.4%
  • Williams College: 16.7%
  • Yale University: 6.8%

 

What happens if you get admission from US, UK and Germany?

You get all confused.

study in usa, uk or germany

Question from Dinesh -

I am confused to take a decision on which country to opt. I applied for US, UK and also for Germany. I got offer from Arizona State University(US), University of Glasgow(UK) and a Technical University in Germany.

I want to apply loan if I want to study for US and UK. I got full scholarship in Germany . My family members want me to pursue my master program in Germany. Since they providing scholarship. But I really couldn’t take the decision on this. My friend few are there in Germany saying that Germany is the good place to study and get the job.

Whether studies and job will be similar to US in Germany. Pls advice me on this.

USA, UK or Germany – Higher Education

You need to ask the following questions and answer them honestly.

  • Where do you want to settle down in future – USA, UK or Germany?
  • Livability – What is the living conditions in Germany?

You are thinking Short Term when you think of money that will be spent on Education in USA, UK or Germany.

You can save money by studying with scholarship in Germany, but what is your ultimate goal?

Where do you plan to settle down?

If you will be happy working in Germany after Education, then go for Germany.

If you plan to work in USA then come to Arizona State University.

When I compared USA with Canada yesterday, there was a comment posted by a reader

Yes, we would like to know, the pros and cons of Canada and US. Not, just about studying but getting a green card, buying a home, car and expenses, also health care, educational support by government etc.

When you are planning your future, you have to consider long-term.

USA is awesome place, but one and only problem right now is Visa process and Green Card Law.

People don’t realize, you could be stuck in same job without promotion for several years during green card process.

Friend of mine recently moved to Canada, after living in USA for several years and got tired of waiting for Green Card.

This is what he had to say about his move to Toronto

BTW, Toronto is nice. However the cost of living and taxes are high compared to US. You will have no pressure of VISA or residency, but everything here is expensive compared to US. For me, I am able to negotiate the job offers, and also in a good position to get promotions because of Canadian PR.

One cannot understand the above line You will have no pressure of VISA or residency unless you face the problem for real.

Here is a practical problem.

When you get married, your Wife could be in IT field from India. With H4 visa getting job is almost impossible.

Basically, one person’s career will be wasted.

Read about the experiences shared by H4 Visa holders at 6 Options for H4 Visa Holders.

Then, you cannot get promotion or get to do different job while you wait to get your green card. Recent report said wait times can be high as  70 years.

In-spite of that people come to USA because of other advantages available in this country and hoping Immigration law will change.

Germany Eases High Skilled Immigration Rules

Recent report shows Germany is relaxing the rules to attract High Skilled Workers.

Germany’s coalition parties agreed to lower the legal wage threshold for high-skilled immigrant workers in a bid to fill specialized job gaps in the labor market, Financial Times Deutschland reported, citing lawmakers it didn’t identify.

The threshold will be reduced from an annual income of 66,000 euros ($87,952) to 44,800 euros in general and 34,200 euros for jobs with high vacancies such as engineers, computer scientists or physicians, the newspaper said.

If you decide to study in Germany, these new Immigration rules should make it easier to find a job.

Why Not UK?

You can read the following post and decide if UK will be better fit for you.

From what I understand, if you cannot find a job who will pay over £20,000 [per year], then you have to pack your bags and leave the country.

USA, UK or Germany?

I cannot make a decision for you.

You have to answers above questions, think about long term plans.

Money spent on Education can be earned in few years.

I wouldn’t make a decision just based on how much I can save in 2 years, but how much I would be able to earn with the money I spent for next 2 years.

What kind of lifestyle I plan to have, where I would like to live and work.

I know it’s not easy to make such decision, but you are at a point in your life, where tough decisions have to me made.

Good Luck to you.

Darshan wants to know, higher education in USA or Job in India?

Higher Studies in USA or job in India

I’m applying for USA Fall 2012, but I was placed this year and if I do join the company, I will have to sign a bond for 15months. So, I was wondering if you could suggest me what to do. Please do help me. Eagerly waiting for your reply. – Darshan

Higher Studies in USA vs Job in India

You are not the first person to ask this question.

Lets look at options available for you and my thoughts.

  • Take this job and quit next August (still short of 15 months contract)
  • Return on investments for MS in US is much more than what you I would have gain 15 months work experience.
  • Value of Higher Education from USA is not comparable to working for IT consulting company (and for some  client).
  • If you don’t want to break the contract then apply for Spring 2014.
  • Find another job without  bond.

I don’t know about your family’s financial need. Also, you haven’t mentioned about your ability to pay for Higher Education in USA.

I know several families struggle to even pay for college expenses for BE in India. For such students, Rs15,000 monthly pay check is huge.

You have  had plans to apply for Fall 2012, then I assume you are financially capable of paying the expenses for education in USA.

At end of the day, you have to do what is best for you and once you make a decision, don’t feel bad about it.

I know, its late to apply for Fall 2012 (if you haven’t taken GRE by now).

Education will pay dividends in long run.

But, you have to ask some tough questions.

Will you have interest for higher studies in USA after working for 15 months?

If I were you, I would keep my  aim towards completing Graduate School in USA.

From my experience, knowledge gain in one semester from Grad school in USA is  equivalent 15 months of work experience.

Even then your problems solving and analytical skills gained  from Grad School will be way higher.

Read the following 2 articles.

Why International Students in USA are Unique

My Father Proudly Declared “My Son is Going to USA”

Experiences like  above shows the value of higher education from USA.

Try your best to study in USA. If it doesn’t work out, then take the job in India.

Next Post – Be a Badass Person and Don’t Talk Shit About Your Employer.

Personality and College Admission

Universities typically have track record for percentage of applicants admitted (Admission Selectivity).

Good Test scores doesn’t get you admission.

Your Application should express personality.

Top Universities have low selectivity.

Did you consider selectivity while selecting the universities?

For instance,  lets look at  Admission Selectivity for few universities

  • Harvard  University – 7.2%
  • Princeton University – 9%
  • Rice University – 21%
  • NYU – 38%
  • Virginia Tech – 67%
  • University of Wyoming – 95%

When you are applying for Graduate School as an International student, did you consider Admission Selectivity into account?

US Universities Strict About Admission

Here is a comment posted by Rahul Today.

Just for the information guys this is my personal experience and 3 of my friends experienced the same.

So I’m not sure of the conclusion i am making but

  • GRE – 319 (1330 1450 in old gre)
  • TOEFL -  105
  • BTech 71%
  • Decent LORS and SOPS.

Got rejects from 3 universities Purdue, UMASS, Amherst and PSU (it really hammered my confidence )

One of my friends got rejects from Syracuse with a similar looking profile.

So what I think is us universities has become a little strict in giving admission these days ..so chose your universities wisely.

Academic Profile vs Admission

There should be a march between Students profile and admission committee expectation from applicants profile.

Having Top GRE Scores, doesn’t guaranty your admission.

There could be 100′s of other applications with similar profile. That’s where your Statement of Purpose comes into play.

Remember – Applicants are not evaluated based on mere numbers like in India ( cutoff).

Lack of personality  + Application to Selective University  =  Likely Admission Rejection.

Have you expressed your personality through your application documents?

Bonus College Admission Tip -

Don’t copy your Statement of Purpose.

If you have started by searching in Google “Sample Statement of Purpose of Computer Science“, you already gave up an opportunity to express your unique personality.

Image Credit

University is asking for $500 to confirm admission. Reader is still waiting for admission results from other universities.

Question

My GRE score is 156 (Quant) and 149 (Verbal), my TOEFL score is 84.

I have applied to:

1) New York Institute of Technology
2) Michigan State University
3) University of Texas at Arlington
4) University of Texas at Dallas
5) Wayne State University
6) University of San Francisco

I got an accept from New York Institute of Technology yesterday. However, they say I have to pay $500 within two weeks to confirm my seat there.

Now what should I do?

Do I wait for the other universities to give their decisions? Or should I pay the fees and confirm my seat?

Also will I lose my accept from NYIT if I don’t pay the fees within the two weeks?

$500 for Admission

I’m not sure if they have already sent I-20.

I have seen few other universities ask for non-refundable deposit to send I-20 (or confirm the admission).

NYIT is not the best among the list of universities.

College Tuition fees are getting expensive year by year.  Number 1 reason for tuition fee increase is budget cuts.

Flickr - Celticsu

Following 14 Universities with Highest Tuition Fee Increase showed per college tuition fee increase.

New report in from CNN shows 5 States with Highest Tuition Increase.

As expected California tops the list with CSU at San Marcos reporting 31% jump in tuition fees.

California

  • Average in-state tuition for 2011-12: $9,022
  • Total increase: 21%
  • Average Increase CSU – 25%

Arizona

  • Average in-state tuition for 2011-12: $9,428
  • Total increase: 17%
  • University of Arizona : tuition increase of 82% since 2007

Georgia

  • Average in-state tuition for 2011-12: $6,808
  • Total increase: 16%

Washington

  • Average in-state tuition for 2011-12: $9,484
  • Total increase: 16%

Nevada

  • Average in-state tuition for 2011-12: $6,044
  • Total increase: 14%

Above listed fees are In-State Fees.

If there is increase in fees, it will be reflected in out of state fees too.

Question to You

Would you still consider above 5 states to apply for Masters program as International student?