About MS in US
Why study in US?
MS in USA (Master of Science in USA) degree is the most popular word among international students. There are around 3000 Universities in USA to study Masters Degree or PhD. A master's degree is a degree obtained from a graduate program in which people specialize in a particular subject. Whether people pursue master's degrees to advance their careers, boost their educational knowledge on a certain subject or increase their salaries, enrolling in a master's degree program has a wealth of benefits. It also introduces its students to a world of new opportunities.
Education in the United States is a combination of public and private entities.
Public education is the responsibility of state and local governments, rather than the federal government.
Public universities receive part of their funding from the state governments. Alumni donations and other sources also contribute large amounts of funding to both public and private universities,
Tuition at USA private universities is generally much higher than at public universities.
The United States has 168 universities in the world's top 500, 17 of which are in the top 20.
One of the most impressive facts is the large number of presidents, prime ministers and leaders from other countries who have experienced the American education system and graduated from a university or school in the USA.
Graduating from an accredited American school and being exposed to the rigors of the American education system is an investment in your future.
Types of Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees :-
Most bachelor’s degree programs can be completed in four years of full-time study. Each year, over one million bachelor degrees are granted at almost 3,500 colleges and universities across the United States, in many different fields of study.
Master's degrees :-
A master’s degree can be completed in two years of study following the bachelor’s degree. Master's programs often require a major research paper in addition to coursework.
Doctoral degrees :-
Doctoral programs require an additional three to five years of study beyond the master’s degree. They are the highest degrees awarded and require coursework as well as original research and a dissertation.
MS in US after work experience :-
As there are many people who are asking whether work experience adds to their profile while applying to US universities for MS, we have decided to write this article that describes the benefits and concerns
Work experience is given importance for MBA but for MS, it is the academic scores and GRE scores that matter. But still, there are some advantages for those who have work experience
work experience itself does not help much in admissions. However relevant experience, or experience in a research based job can help. Also experience at a world famous (read US based) company like Google or Microsoft can set your application apart from the crowd. As you work and gain experience, you can also invest some time in publishing a paper, and find more time to study for GRE.
- Work experience in top notch US based companies related to your domain will make you unique and your profile would be treated in a different way while applying for MS
- You need not hurry to apply or take GRE and TOELF exams. You have ample of time and you are already on a safe path. So, you can prepare and apply when you get time
Admission Process
Application Deadlines for US Universities - spring, Fall, Summer, Winter
Application Deadlines for US Universities varies by university. Not all universities have same deadline. Top Universities will have deadlines by 8-12 months before the starting date of the classes. Average universities will end admissions by 6-10 months before.
In the US, most of the colleges / universities follow either semester or quarter system. The application deadlines are different for each college / university and are different for each system.
There are two major education systems in USA.
1) Semester System
2) Quarter System.
Each university follows one of these systems.
Fall :
If you want to apply to top universities (A, A+) apply by Nov/Dec of the previous year. A-, B, B+ or C+ Grade Universities deadlines will be around in Feb/March of the same year.
Some C- , D Grade universities will have deadlines of June / July for Fall admissions.
Spring :
If you want to apply to top universities (A, A+) apply by March/April of the same year. A-, B, B+ or C+ Grade Universities deadlines will be around in July/August of the same year.
Some C- , D Grade universities will have deadlines of Oct / Nov for Spring admissions.
Summer :
Usually deadlines are by March of the year.
GRE
what is GRE?
The GRE or Graduate Record Exam is required for admission to most U.S., Canadian, and UK graduate schools. Most students attend graduate business school for pursuing a Master degree. In addition, GRE can also be used for admission to PhD program.
what does GRE test?
The GRE general test does not test specific knowledge in any subject. It measures the ability to respond to questions in limited time. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a multiple-choice exam designed to measure verbal, analytical, and quantitative skills. The GRE General Test, required by most graduate schools, many vet schools, and various other allied health professional schools, is considered to be a good predictor of your success in a graduate program. GRE Subject Tests (in 17 specific areas, e.g. Psychology, Biology, Chemistry) are often required for graduate school (Ph.D.) admission, but not generally for health fields.
Your preparation for the GRE General Test should be similar to that described above for the MCAT no last minute cramming, etc. There are many good self-help books at local bookstores with sample exams. You should at least review such a publication before you take the GRE.
There are seven sections to the GRE General Test :
ANALYTICAL WRITTING(two sections) : This is the section with two separately timed tasks.
No of questions: you are supposed to answer two tasks:
1. Analyze an issue
2. Analyze an argument
30 minutes of time are allotted per each task.
VERBAL REASONING(two sections) : 20 questions per section.The time allotted is 30minutes per section.
QUANTITATIVE REASONING(two sections):20 questions per section. 35 minutes of time are allotted per section.
UNSCORED: unscored questions vary.
The Experimental section is not scored, nor is it identified in the exam booklet. It may be of a verbal, quantitative, or analytical nature.
TOEFL
Why TOEFL?
Taking the TOEFL test is a very important part of your journey to studying in an English-speaking country or program. Here's a basic overview to help you learn more about the test.
What you need to know about TOEFL test?
The basics of the TOEFL test :
The TOEFL test measures your ability to use and understand the English language as it’s read, written, heard and spoken in the university classroom. As the most accepted English-language test in the world, more than 8,500 universities, agencies, and other institutions in more than 130 countries accept the TOEFL test as part of their admissions criteria — including nearly every college and university in Australia and the UK. Watch our new TOEFL Passport video to learn how the TOEFL test can help you reach your study abroad destination.
The test, often referred to as the TOEFL iBT® test, is administered at more than 4,500 test sites around the world. A paper-based version of the test is available in areas where TOEFL iBT testing is not possible.
In order for the TOEFL IBT to measure how well you read, listen, speak and write in English, and how well you use these skills together, you’ll be asked to integrate these skills for the test. For example, you may read a passage or listen to a lecture, and then write or speak about what you learned.
The TOEFL test measures your ability to integrate the four English skills you need in an academic setting, making it the most comprehensive academic English test available.
Funding Options
Assistantships, Funding for MS in US Universities
1) Tuition Waiver
This means that the student does not have to pay the amount waived on tuition part at the university. However, general fees (for the use of university facilities like the library, computers, and sports and health services) usually have to be paid by the student. A tuition waiver is frequently awarded in conjunction with a scholarship or teaching/research assistantship. You may get Full tuition waiver or Partial tuition waiver. Most of the Universities will give you 2/3 tuition waiver if you are offered a waiver. In rare cases you will be given Full fee waiver.
2) Scholarships
Scholarships are awards given to students based on academic excellence and/or talent. Additionally, students may receive scholarships based on other factors, such as ethnic background, field of study, or financial need. Scholarships vary in their amounts and the number of years given aid. For example, they can be awarded a onetime payment or receive aid annually for a certain number of years (Ex/ $1000 scholarship vs. $5000 per year for four years). Like a grant, students do not need to pay back the money awarded in a scholarship.
Scholarships can be awarded through your school or through private sources. Institutions offer various scholarships based on merit, talent, and/or need. Contact your school for a list of scholarships being offered to students.
3) Assistantship
Most students who receive assistance usually do so in the form of an assistantship, i.e. a cash stipend sufficient for their living expenses, and/or tuition waiver. To get this, they have to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. This work normally consists of teaching and research activities.
4) Other On campus Jobs
Apart from the above funding opportunities you can earn money while you are in university by the on campus jobs. On campus jobs won't have tuition waiver.