Admission to a master's program in the usa

1. Find universities and programs in them, for which, theoretically, an international student can receive a scholarship (hereinafter referred to as a grant);
2. Translate and certify your diploma;
3. Pass Toefl and GRE;
4. Write a Statement of Purpose and other essays (if required);
5. Pay the registration fee and send the documents by registered mail.

And that's it!

Now about each step in more detail.

1. Find universities and programs

In the US, higher education is in demand, it is very expensive. But there are already noticeably fewer applicants for master's programs. This is where our chances come in. There is no free education in the USA, so someone needs to pay for us. Such a sponsor can be: your university, your state, a foreign state, a charitable foundation, a foreign university, a foreign faculty. Each of these options is realistic and requires more detailed study. I have used the latter. For many computer science programs, the faculty of a US university is willing to pay for tuition for promising students, because they help conduct research, increase the rating of the university and the faculty, and this will mean more funding for them. That is, this is not a gift from the faculty, it is their investment.

Your task is to find the maximum number of such programs for which someone is willing to pay for you. Of these, you can further choose the coolest according to the desired criteria. This stage is the most difficult (!). It requires a lot of time, googling, and is generally very routine. Since I had been to Baylor before, I had a link to this institution. There I began to search, found a program in computer science and did not spend more time, since everything suited me right away.

All other steps, in fact, are purely technical - everything is simple and clear, take it and do it.

2. Translate and certify your diploma

You need to translate a diploma in the international department of your university. It was easy for us, but options are possible. Typically, a US university does not require any notarization of such documents. I translated my own diploma, put down the grades myself and made a template for the Word. At the university, without looking, they put a seal. But deceiving, of course, is not worth it, so as not to make problems.

3. Pass Toefl and GRE

Toefl is an offset. That is, you need to score more than the minimum score, otherwise you cannot participate in the competition. Toefl itself is elementary. A trained monkey will also be able to score a passing ball, so if you have plans to study in the USA, then you don’t have to worry about this, only $ 300 is a pity.

GRE is a completely different matter. This is the main selection criterion. It's like the exam, only for university graduates. The most important feature is that everyone writes it: both Americans and foreigners - in order to enter a university. That is, you will fight in an unequal battle for places with the Americans, who, of course, have a better language. Yes, this test does not test knowledge of the language. It is assumed that you know him well. The ability to quickly analyze complex problems, find numerical solutions, as well as think logically, separate the thesis from assumptions, arguments and evidence is tested.

4. Write a Statement of Purpose

Statement - this is your essay on the topic "why I want to study right here and now and in this particular program at this university." It should be moderately personal, moderately reveal your talents. There is a lot of material on the Internet on this subject. The main thing is not to copy other people's, and write correctly. You can always find someone to help with editing.

5. Pay the registration fee and send the documents by registered mail

The most costly step. It is necessary in time, usually before the beginning of January or earlier, to send the entire set of documents to the desired universities. Moreover, you need to send the diploma by mail, upload the essay electronically, and in the tests you will be given the code of the university, where the results will go automatically. In this regard, it is useful to know these codes in advance before the exam.

For each application, you will need to pay $50-100. Thus, if you apply for 10 different programs, you can spend several thousand dollars (sending a diploma by registered mail costs 1,500 rubles on average).

Well, that's all. Next - wait for the results. Usually, by March, everyone will have answered you, several universities will refuse, some will offer to come. Choose the best one and go ahead. Since I only applied to one, I had fewer problems, but more risk.

I sincerely wish success to all applicants. Be honest and believe in yourself. And don’t forget about deadlines, it would be better to pass GRE by November.

UPD: we can see a page with all the necessary information on Baylor University, Computer Science. You can take a short test and find out what your chances are. Approximately the same pages should be found in all desired universities.

UPD2: For admission to a master's or PhD in the USA, you must pass the GRE. In the case of business schools, they often ask for the GMAT, but many also accept the GRE, that is, in my opinion, it is better to take it.

The exam itself lasts 4-5 hours, there are 2 sections in mathematics and two in speech.

In mathematics, you need to quickly solve large problems. They are not that difficult, but they need to be done quickly. Sometimes there are tricky ones, as in grades 5-8 in the problems "with an asterisk." I'm far from being a genius, and scored 162 points (130-170 scale) and got into the 91st quantile. That is, with Russian mat preparation, we have every chance.

In the speech part, you will meet a lot of unfamiliar words, even if you have been communicating fluently with American friends for 10 years. This is what is counted on. You need to be able to analyze the text, to understand on what premises it is built, where is the conclusion, where is the fact, and where is the hypothesis.

In general, the site has good examples. Preparing is easy - you just need to solve examples. By the way, this is very interesting. The texts are sometimes very informative. In general, the main thing in GRE is the focus and speed of the solution.

Tags: Add tags

Rating educational institution when choosing a master's degree in the USA is important, but should not become an end in itself. You don't have to go to an Ivy League college to get a good education. The School of Film, Drama and Television at UCLA ranks third in the ranking of American film universities (The Hollywood Reporter, 2017), but Steven Spielberg and George Lucas studied at California State University, which is not in this ranking at all.

Daria Yudintseva,
specialist in higher education in the USA IQ Consultancy

Start with what problem you want to solve with a master's degree in the USA. Choose 5-7 universities that match your interests and goals and compare terms of study, internships, career prospects - everything that will lead you to your dream profession. It is likely that in order to enter the chosen university, you will have to work hard: improve your language, pass training courses to pass additional exams.

You can go the other way and build on your existing education, work experience and the time you are willing to spend on training and education. In this case, you choose from those directions in which you can enter with a greater probability.

When choosing, it is worth considering that the US master's degree allows you to change your specialty. If you are a literary critic in your first Russian education, but want to study law, then preparatory courses at American universities will help you understand a new specialty before entering. Among universities with such programs:

The University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is ranked 53rd in the ranking of the best public universities in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2018). Of the 28,000 students, 4,200 are foreigners. Brian McClendon, Vice President of Engineering at Google Earth, studied here.

Along with Harvard University and Yale University, the university is a member of the Association of American Universities - 62 institutions of higher education that have produced 72% of US Nobel laureates.

The University of Dayton

Within six months after graduation from the University of Dayton, 95% of graduates find a job. The university stands out for its scientific base - in 2017 it entered the top 8 most sponsored universities in the United States, and GE Aviation and Emerson built their research centers on its campus.

The university ranks 99th in the list of the 1000 best private universities in the United States (Niche, 2018). 95% of students get a job within 6 months of graduation.

Auburn University

Auburn University trains NASA scientists and astronauts, as well as specialists in medicine, biochemistry, business, design, architecture and urban planning. The Princeton Review ranked the university 17th in its "Universities with the Happiest Students" ranking.

The university has produced three presidents of the Kennedy Space Center and Wiki creator Tim Cook. Auburn University is one of only three universities in the world with a degree in Wireless Engineering.

IQ Consultancy is the official representative of 12 leading US universities in Russia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. We arrange an interview with a university representative and help you write a motivation letter that will allow you to apply for a scholarship. Our admissions services for these universities are free.

Higher education in the United States has been the most prestigious in the world for many years, especially when it comes to master's programs. Russian students who want to get an American degree also have a chance.

How to apply for a master's degree? What do you need? Can foreigners study for free? How much does tuition cost?

Why do students go to American universities?

A master's degree in America is prestigious. Students go to the States for the following reasons:

• Want to get a master's degree and find a job in a foreign country;
• Get a diploma in the chosen specialty, return to your homeland, find a job here in senior positions - companies will be interested in such an applicant;
• Live a few years in America while you are studying, to understand if the country suits you.

Admission to the US master's program is difficult, not only in terms of implementation, but from a psychological point of view. We'll have to go to another country, get used to the new climate, lifestyle and mentality of the Americans.

Requirements for admission to the master's program and required documents

Each US state sets its own rules for applicants, which can be found directly on the websites of universities. However, as the personal experience of other undergraduates shows, most educational institutions put forward standard requirements:

• You must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university in Russia. And it doesn't matter what specialty, Americans like to change it: a lawyer goes to a master's program for a psychologist, an economist for a philologist. There is such a practice in our country, but for Russians in America it is still a priority to choose their own direction;
• You will need an extract with your grades and completed disciplines - an appendix to the diploma;
• Subject knowledge needed: Universities conduct entrance tests in the form of tests, checking how well the applicant has mastered the primary course of higher education;
• You need to know English well, have a TOEFL or IELTS certificate, if you are planning to study in the States, start with this part, especially when knowledge is limited to the school course;
• It is required to write an essay about yourself, where you indicate the reasons for admission, why the institution should accept you. Strong motivation and personal achievements are needed, for example, scientific publications, victories in competitions in the chosen specialty;
• Take letters of recommendation from academic supervisors or colleagues confirming that you are a professional in your field and worthy of admission. 3 letters will be enough, according to the rules, their contents should remain secret from you. In practice, most likely, you will have to compile them yourself, agreeing on the details.

Documents must be translated into English and notarized.

How is the submission of documents and deadlines

A master's program in the USA accepts students 2 times a year, but if you plan to enter here, keep in mind that on average it takes about a year to submit documents and pass all exams.

It is necessary to act according to the following plan:

1. Determine the list of educational institutions where you would like to enroll. Pay attention to the rating of the university, its location, type of program, reputation, availability. But remember that each institution will charge you about $ 80 for reviewing documents;
2. Decide on funding: you will pay for your studies, your country or educational institution;
3. Fill out the application form. Most universities offer to do this online;
4. Send all the documents - you can do this on the website, or by mail - to the address of the educational institution;
5. Pass the tests, having learned the schedule of their conduct. It is better to sign up a month or two in advance;
6. About a month later, answers for foreigners will begin to arrive. Universities inform about the decision made, letters contain information about scholarships and admission. The envelope contains special forms for students;
7. These forms must be filled out and sent to the university, you will also need to undergo a medical commission and vaccination;
8. Get a SEVIS certificate at an educational institution, fill out its form, pay the fee;
9. Get a student visa at the consulate, it will also take some time to review the documents;
10. Notify the university of your arrival.

The main rule is to perform all actions sequentially, not missing the little things.

Free or paid education

Studying in the States for a Russian student is quite an expensive pleasure. The price depends on the specialty, educational institution and its location. Law, marketing, psychology, architecture, computer technology are popular areas, the cost of education in which is over 30 thousand.

However, free magistracy is also provided, or students can count on help. There are several funding programs:

• Fellowships - all student expenses for education are covered, a worthy scholarship is paid, allowing you to live in America. Such a program is often provided only in the first year of study;
• Teaching Assistantship (TA) – This type of funding provides scholarships and covers education costs. The student, on the other hand, must conduct laboratory classes or junior courses for 20 hours a week;
• Research Assistantship (RA) - to be awarded such a scholarship, you need to demonstrate academic excellence, as well as help your supervisor with research;
• Tuition Scholarships and Tuition Waivers - the most frequently awarded, this type of funding will only cover education costs. Accommodation is at your own expense, or from other sources, the scholarship is not paid
• Administrative Assistantship - to obtain, you must work on campus for about 20 hours a week.

Also in our country, financial programs for education are provided, scholarships, grants from the government and private foundations are issued, other programs operate in the USA - at the state or state level.

If a prestigious education in a highly developed country is your dream, it is quite possible to realize it.

Special programs for foreigners, full funding, attractive conditions - the United States is a country with great opportunities for obtaining a master's degree.

Stock up on patience, pull up knowledge in English and specialized subjects, collect the necessary documents and money for moving and living for the first time. And surely your dream will come true, and the diploma will allow you to become a sought-after specialist! Reviews of other students testify that it is quite possible to act, the main thing is desire.

The USA is a country not only with very different cultures and geography, but also with a reputation for first-class higher education. It is in the United States that the most foreign students in the world come to study every year, including master's programs. More than 750,000 foreign students enter US universities every year.

A melting pot of ethnicities, nationalities, races, classes, opinions, the United States is a great place to get additional education. No matter what field you specialize in, in the USA you can find exactly the master's program that you need. In addition to full-time education, master's programs in the United States are represented by part-time format and even completely distance education.

US universities

A master's degree in the United States lasts one or (more often) two years and usually combines study with research work or a project.

The USA is famous for its heavyweight universities - Harvard, Stanford, MIT and others. However, across the country, the choice of excellent universities is by no means limited to those that are in the Ivy League. There are 1,700 public and 2,500 private universities, colleges, and community colleges in the United States. Master's programs exist only at universities, while colleges usually only offer bachelor's degrees.

An important advantage master's programs in the USA is of relatively narrow specialization and practical focus, while undergraduate studies are usually much less specialized and specific.

Applying for a Masters in the USA

As in many other countries, admission to a master's program in the United States can be very difficult or quite simple, depending on the university and the specific program. Sometimes it is enough for applicants to provide only a translation of the diploma of the first higher education, an application and a certificate of passing an English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL), and sometimes it is necessary to add a letter of recommendation to this and pass the GMAT test.

The cost of studying in the USA

Tuition fees for master's programs also vary depending on the university (private or public), the program of study, and even sometimes the student's nationality (more precisely, citizenship). If, for example, a resident of the state where the university is located pays an average of $12,000 per year, then a resident of another state or a foreign student has to pay $30,000. Typically, the cost of education for foreign students does not exceed $35,000 per year, but there are exceptions. Add to this the cost of living, which in some areas and cities of the United States can result in a round sum. In this regard, it is most profitable to live in small student cities, of which there are a lot in the USA.

Scholarships and grants for studying in the USA

Despite the rather high cost of studying in a master's program in the United States, there are many opportunities for scholarships, grants and educational loans.

The Fulbright International Educational Exchange Program is one of the largest scholarship programs for studying in the United States. Here, both university graduates and graduate students, as well as scientists, university professors and even artists can find funding. You can also get a grant for studying at a master's degree in US universities under the Edmund Muskie program.

Employment after a master's degree in the USA

A master's degree in the USA is highly valued by employers. Graduates of such programs rarely experience difficulties with work both in the US itself and in other countries.

Many graduates go to a master's program in the US for several reasons: for some, it provides career growth, for others, education opens up access to certain professions. When it comes to the United States, students choose prestigious and well-paid professions that require high qualifications, first of all, engineering, management and business administration, computer science and the natural sciences. American universities are extremely popular with international students, who account for 15% of the total number of students in postgraduate programs (graduate level) according to the Council of Graduate Schools.

Master's - admission to the USA

To enter a master's program in America, applicants must pass the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) exam, which consists of several parts: logical analysis, quantitative analysis, critical thinking, written analysis. There are also standardized tests for admission to a master's program in such specialties as medicine (the MCAT exam) or business (the GMAT exam or now, increasingly, the same GRE).

The duration of study in a master's program in the United States is a year or two. One of the most popular programs - MBA (Master in Business Administration) takes about two years, and journalism, for example, a year.

In addition to the results of exams for admission to the magistracy, the average score in the diploma, the level of English, work experience and participation in projects related to the future area of ​​​​specialization are also taken into account.

How to certify your English level for a master's degree in the USA

Applicants often ask which exam to take - IELTS or TOEFL. For a master's degree in the USA, we advise you to pay attention to the latter if there is a firm decision to enroll in American universities, for which this exam was developed. For those who are still deciding on the country, but are ready to start language training, we advise you to take IELTS - a universal exam that is accepted by most universities in the world.

Top US Universities for Masters Degrees

American universities are leading in world raters (QS, THE, Shanghai) both in terms of overall results and in terms of subjects. Master's programs at universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Boston University do not need any special introduction, providing the graduate with the most diverse career opportunities upon graduation.

Ranking of the best universities in America according to QS 2015/2016

University	world ranking	Location
Massachusetts University of Technology MIT	1	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard University	2	Cambridge, Massachusetts
Stanford University	3	Stanford, California
California Institute of Technology	5	Pasadena, California
University of Chicago	10	Chicago, Illinois
Princeton University	11	Princeton, New Jersey
Yale University	15	New Haven, Connecticut
John Hopkins University	16	Baltimore, Maryland
Cornell University	17	Ithaca, New York
University of Pennsylvania	18	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Where to study for a master's degree in the USA

The capital of the world, New York, is one of the most attractive destinations for both the adventure-seeking traveler and the aspiring student. It is home to the world famous Columbia University and New York University - both in the top 50.

Massachusetts, along with Cambridge and Boston, is home to leading research universities - Boston University, Harvard, MIT and other worthy educational institutions.

The West Coast of the States is the dream of romantics and future engineers of technological corporations. Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and the Bay Area combine the lifestyle of the coast with the innovation and cutting-edge technology that is so easy to discover during a master's degree. The California system of public universities is widely known throughout the world and is considered one of the strongest in the United States. Part of this system is the University of Berkeley, another well-known university in the state is Stanford.

In every US state, you can find a master's program that will be a great impetus for a future career. For more information about the difference in state educational systems, please contact your Allterra Education manager.

Cost of Studying in the USA: Master's Degree

Master's programs in the US are among the most expensive in the world. According to a TIME study, the most expensive program in America is taught at the MIT business school - its cost reaches almost $100,000, including accommodation, textbooks and other expenses.

As a rule, the cost of studying for a master's degree in public universities is lower than in private ones, but the price for Russian applicants varies slightly.

At the same time, professional master's programs in law (LLM), business administration (MBA) and medicine (MDs) will cost more than traditional master's and postgraduate programs (MA / MSc and PHD).

The cost of living in the United States largely depends on the state and city that the student chooses for himself. Living in the suburbs and small towns in the South and Midwest is the cheapest, but in large cities like New York, the extra cost can be up to $20,000 a year.

The cost of a master's degree in US universities

University	Price
Massachusetts University of Technology MIT, Master in Supply Chain Management	67938$
Harvard University	43296$
Princeton University	47220$
Colorado State University	25698$
Roosevelt University, Master in Biomedical Sciences	29810$
University of South Florida, Master in Engineering	29218$

Free education in America for foreigners

Many students are looking for opportunities for free education in US universities for master's programs. The education system that has developed in the country provides ample opportunities for students with outstanding abilities or those who need additional financial assistance. At the same time, education for the majority of students remains paid. Our agency has the opportunity to offer discounts and scholarships from partner universities for applicants to master's programs in the USA - your manager will definitely point them out during work.

Admission to a master's program in the USA with Allterra Education