Apply to Graduate school in the U.S.
I have received several emails asking for advices on how to apply to U.S graduate schools. Since each university operates differently and has its own policy, it is important that students should check with them. Most schools have their own website with detailed information on how to apply as well as the application date. However, the common rule is you must apply early and to several schools - at least five or more because graduate school admission is very competitive.
There are many universities in the U.S., so you need to consider a variety of factors to determine which ones are important to you. The type of school and program you choose should meet your needs academically, financially and provide you with the best career possible. You must research carefully about the school that you want to apply to. There are many “Bogus” schools operate solely to get your money so do NOT believe in what they advertised but you must do your own research. There are many sources of information that you must check such as the U.S News and World Reports or Forbes etc.
http://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools
I believe that English language competency is strongly correlated to academic and professional success. Most graduate schools have a minimum English competency score requirement. A successful applicant will normally have a total TOEFL iBT score of 100 or an IELTS score of 7.5. to be considered favorably. Some schools require a minimum GRE or GPA requirement. I believe academic performance (GPA) is the strongest predictor of success in graduate program.
Most schools require applicants to write an essay on why do you want to pursue a career in that field and why do you want to apply to their school. The essay is very important and a key factor to determine applicant's admittance so it is important to spend time to do some research about the field and the school before writing. You must explain your education goals, your experience, your role in the research and the result of the research (If any) whether it has been published or you have submitted for publication. You may also describe your involvement in school project, and the impact of the project. It is important to write the essay yourself. You may get some help but it should be substantially your own words.
Most graduate schools also require letters of recommendations. The best letters come from your advisors, professors and managers who know your work and who write favorably about your work. A letter from a professor who taught you in a class is fine but he must know you well to recommend you. Recommendation letters from your relatives, girl friend or boy friend should NOT be used, even though they know you well.
Some schools may ask for research publications (Especially for the Ph.D program) as they are the best evidence that you can do high quality research. Most MS program may not require publications however a publication in a conference still counts for something. Most graduate schools do not require work experience. However, if you have worked in the field relates to the degree program, you should list them in your resume. Admission people always value some work experience highly, particularly if the experience is close to the type of work our graduates perform.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
