Meta Description: Do you wish to pursue an MS in the USA? Yocket provides you with all the information regarding MS programs in the US and the requirements you must meet to get admitted to a top-tier US university.
With over 3,200 universities, USA is a top study destination for international students across the globe. It is worth mentioning that 202 universities in the USA have ranked in the QS World University Ranking 2023, with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology occupying the first place. Out of all the programs, MS in the USA witnesses the highest number of students each year because of their global recognition for the quality of education and research opportunities.
In addition to providing a plethora of specialisations, the MS courses in the US also exhibit substantial assistance to foreign learners, a diverse selection of learning resources, and versatile curricula that enable students to complete their master’s degrees with considerable practical experience.
In this blog, we will discuss the requirements a student needs to fulfil when applying for master’s courses at the best universities in the USA.
Academic Requirements to Study MS in US
International applicants aspiring to pursue MS in USA must fulfil a list of eligibility criteria, including standardised test results, supporting documents, prior educational qualifications, etc.
Let us dive deeper into them one by one:
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Academic Transcripts
Transcripts serve as proof of your prior academic qualification. Be it high school, college, or any other institute of learning you have attended as a student, you’ll have to provide academic transcripts of everything you have achieved academically till the undergraduate level.
A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or 87% is required for the top MS colleges in the USA. You must complete about 15-16 years of formal education before applying for a master’s degree in the USA.
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English Language Proficiency Tests
For students from non-English speaking countries, an English Language Proficiency test is a must. The two most common tests for English proficiency are the IELTS and TOEFL, which all universities in the USA accept. The scores as per the tests are:
- TOEFL- 90-100
- IELTS- 6.5+
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GRE/ GMAT
Both these standardised tests are for specific MS courses in USA. For instance, GMAT is required for courses like MBA or business-related courses. Whereas GRE is for other masters courses that measure your reasoning, quantitative and critical thinking capacities.
The scores as per the tests are:
- GRE-330+
- GMAT-680+
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LSAT
Law School Admission Test or LSAT is a law entrance exam required for admission to all American Bar Association-approved Law Schools in the USA. Hence, if you wish to pursue master’s courses in the USA pertaining to law and order, quality LSAT is a must. The minimum score for the same is 160 and above.
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Statement of Purpose
SOP, or the statement of purpose for the United States, is a crucial document to assess an applicant’s individuality and potential. This is a form of essay that applicants must write, outlining why they want to enrol in that particular program, their goals, and the work they intend to pursue once they have earned their degree.
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Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation or LOR is another vital requirement for MS in the USA. They are issued by your Professor, Project Guide, or a Reporting Manager with whom you have previously worked. A letter of recommendation is drafted by someone credible, testifying for your experience, skills, expertise, and achievements.
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Internships/ Work Experience
One way to stand out in your application process is to have considerable work experience in the relevant fields. This can be through a full-time job or different internships. Any prior professional experience showcases your deep understanding and practical knowledge of a specific field.
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Resume/CV
A resume includes all the information the institution’s admissions committee would need to get in touch with you. A CV is mostly two pages long and functions as a condensed résumé. It briefly summarise your accomplishments and presents them to the admissions committee.
Student Visa and Other Financial Requirements for MS in USA
Along with the academic requirements, a student visa is a must to study any MS course in the USA. Enrolling in a full-time master’s program requires an F-1 student visa. But as easy as it may sound, acquiring a US student visa is a long process that needs a list of documents. Some of them include:
- Valid passport
- Bank statements
- Salary slips and letter of employment
- Sponsorship letter (if available)
- Tax returns from the past three years
- Loan approval letter (if required)
- Statement from CA
- Scholarship letter (if available)
- I-20 form (given by your university/college)
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Visa fee payment confirmation slip
So, this was in brief about MS in USA requirements. The USA is one of the most sought-after destinations by international students, and is also the most competitive. Hence, starting your preparation to study MS in the USA in advance is advisable. Get in touch with one of the best overseas educational consultants for a smooth admission and study abroad journey.
