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What Parameters do U.S. Universities consider to Award Assistantship for International Students?

I want to do MS in Electrical Engineering in the U.S.  I did my B.E. in Electronics with 3.24 GPA (according to the university %-GPA conversion method).  I completed my B.E. in July 2009, and got selected in a software company.  But due to recession, the company was not giving the call letter.  So, I made up my mind to do MBA, prepared for the exams and scored moderate marks.  I now wish to pursue MS in the U.S.  I haven’t taken GRE and TOEFL yet, but honestly feel that I would be able to do pretty well.  So, I want these questions to be answered:

When does the academic year start in American universities?
What are the parameters to be able to get scholarship?
What is the fee range?
Will the one year gap be an issue (after July 2009, I was waiting for the call letter and preparing for the MBA exams)?

Academic Year in U.S. Universities

The start of the academic year in most universities is the fall term (September – October).  The fall term is when most scholarship and assistantship are awarded to international (and American) students.

However, the majority of U.S. universities admit international students in the winter (Jan) and summer terms (May-June) also.

What are the Parameters that U.S. Universities consider to Grant Assistantship?

The parameters include:
  • Above average academic record
  • GRE and TOEFL scores
  • Project and academic accomplishments
  • Work experience (if any)
  • Recommendation letters
  • Personal essay / statement of purpose (SOP)
  • Research / academic potential
What is the Range of Fees in American Universities?

It varies widely from university-to-university.  Private institutions are far more expensive than public / state universities.  Consider Rs. 15,00,000 as the minimum amount you need (without assistantship) for graduate education in the U.S.  The websites of U.S. universities give details of the tuition and fee.

Will the One Year Gap after Undergraduate Education matter to U.S. Universities?

It will not.  However, you’ve to explain to the U.S. Consular Officer during the visa interview about your one year gap.
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