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When and how to apply for an MS program in U.S. Universities?

I want to apply for the MS program in fall 2011 in Industrial Engineering in U.S. Universities. Is it too late for applying and how should I go about that task?

In general, you should apply at least six months before your intended semester of enrollment in American universities. That means, you’ve time to apply for the fall 2011 term. Make sure you file your application before December 2010.

Many universities in the U.S. have Rolling Admission policy, which means you can apply, for example, in January, February or even later. However, with such universities you should first check the prospects for financial aid.

Steps to Apply for an MS Program in U.S. Universities

1. Select four American universities, initially, to apply for an MS program. When you register for the GRE, you can designate the four universities to receive official GRE scores at no extra cost.

To select U.S. universities, identify one or two areas of your aptitude and interest to pursue the graduate program in. Then, list universities that offer the main program or strong electives that match your needs and your academic profile.

The resources you can use to select universities include:
  • Your own research to identify universities through search engines like Google and Bing. Include your intended field of specialization in your keywords and or key phrases.
  • Refer to the print and online journals in your field of aptitude. Review the bio of the authors and see if they are professors in American universities. Write down the names of the author(s) and of the universities.
  • The above info helps you checkout the websites of the universities for details on the graduate program, quality of faculty, areas of research, financial aid potential, on-campus employment chances and other. Of course, if you find a university that meets your educational objectives, you would want to list that university to receive official GRE scores when you register for the test.
  • Check with your friends and relatives who are studying or have studied in U.S. Universities for their recommendation
  • Your professors or colleagues, if you’re working, may also help with you university selection
  • websites like gradschools.com to get more info on universities in the U.S., which offer an MS program you want to pursue
2. Prepare for GRE and TOEFL for at least two to three months and aim to score as high as possible. Take the test in November or before for the following fall semester.

3. Prepare your statement of purpose (SOP) and resume.

4. Register with those U.S. Universities you wish to apply for MS programs in through their websites.

5. Login to a U.S. University website you’ve registered with, using your login ID and password and apply online for the MS program.

6. Depending on the university, you may also have to obtain a letter from your bank, certifying that you’ve the necessary amount in your account to fund your graduate studies. Note while some universities require the financial proof document with your application, other institutions require it only if you’re admitted to their MS program.

7. Request your professors to send the letters of recommendation (LOR) to the universities you wish to apply.

Complete the entire application process before December for the following fall semester.

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