How to find out about my undergraduate GPA?It is critical to know the U.S. university-equivalent of your GPA / aggregate percentage for your own assessment of your chances of admission and financial aid.
If an American university website doesn’t specify the percentage-GPA conversion formula, you would have to send an e-mail to the graduate school and request info about the same. You may also want to send a CC to your Department and the International Students Office. Don’t forget to mention your aggregate percentage and the average percentage in the last two years of your studies in your query.
Organizations like WES (wes.org) offer services like converting your aggregate percentage into GPA for a fee.
What are the job prospects after MS? Is there any compulsory training post-MS?Your employment prospects entirely depend on your approach to finding a job, field of study, aptitude, GPA, projects and the job scenario in the U.S. Of course, you need a bit of luck too.
There is no compulsory training after MS. However as an international student on an F-1 visa, you can work in the U.S.—in your field of study—for about 18 months through the optional practical training (OPT) route.
Remember, you’ve to maintain legal status throughout your graduate program to avail OPT. Further, you should find a job on your own.
Is there campus recruitment in U.S. universities?Most U.S. universities do have campus recruitment, but companies would mainly hire U.S. citizens / permanent residents.
What are the prospects of employment after MS in India?Excellent. Some of the top-notch companies that hire electrical engineers are Intel, Motorola and Texas Instruments. They all have a base in India.
I hear that students from India and China score higher grades than local students. Is it because Indians and Chinese work harder?Most students from India and China do score top grades. Are they relatively higher? It depends on the U.S. University, whether the American student works full-time and studies part-time and other. Keep in mind that all students have to work hard and smart in their graduate program and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Can I take courses beyond that required for an MS degree and complete graduate studies in one-and-a-half years?Yes, you can. Most American universities require that international students enroll for a minimum of nine credits / three courses (one course = three credits (usually)) each semester. The maximum number of courses you can take would be either 12 or 15 credits per semester.
In the summer semester, most universities give you the flexibility to register only for six credits.
Be aware that if you take maximum number of courses it would affect your health and grades. Further, if you’re an RA / TA, managing work and studies can be challenging.
Also, note that it will cost you more money for each additional course you enroll.
When do U.S. universities close for holidays?U.S. universities close for spring and Christmas break and national holidays like Thanksgiving Day. In the summer semester, only a few courses are offered and some courses may be available for registration only in the summer.
Where do international students usually eat?Most international students cook their own food, as it works out cheaper.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Powerful E-Mail Cover Letter Writing Tips to apply for jobs in the U.S. / Abroad / India
How to Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose (SOP) / Personal Essay for Graduate School?
How to Select U.S. Universities to Pursue M.S. / Ph.D.
Steps to Apply for an M.S. Program in a U.S. University
How to Prepare a Resume to Apply for M.S. / Ph.D. in U.S. universities?
Credit Hours ExplainedIn-State and Out-of-State Tuition in U.S. Universities for Pursuing an M.S. ProgramOut-of-State Tuition Waiver for International StudentsNine Tips to Complete M.S. on a Fast Track in a U.S. University----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have a question about pursuing M.S. / Ph.D. in the U.S.? If yes, click the Comments link at the end of a post and ask your question.
