When applying to US universities, students need to submit several documents, like academic transcripts, English language test scores, and financial proof. These documents show that you are academically ready, can understand English, and can afford the education and stay in the US.
Below is a complete list of important documents required to apply to US universities:
- Academic Transcripts
- Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate
- Marksheets (10th & 12th)
- Application Confirmation Copy
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- Valid Passport
- Passport-size Photographs
- Bank Statements
- Affidavit of Support
- Income Tax Returns
- Loan Approval Letter (if applicable)
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo Score Report
- Entrance Exam Scorecards
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation (LORs)
- Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
- Writing Samples / Portfolio (for Arts or Journalism)
- Work Experience Certificate (for MBA or Master’s)
- Essay
- Extracurricular / Achievement Certificates
Academic Transcripts
One of the most crucial documents needed for an MS at a university in the United States is a transcript from a previous school/college. An academic transcript is a document that an organization issues. It includes the concerned student's scores in addition to comprehensive, succinct information on the undergraduate courses you took. Students submitting applications in their senior year must have all of their results from the 10th standard.
For instance, the transcript for engineering students should include information from semesters one through six. The transcript should include the grades from each year of the bachelor's program for applicants planning to pursue further education.
In the US, how many transcripts are required for MS? For one university, a student must provide a minimum of two copies of their transcript. Every one of them ought to get an attestation from the relevant institution.
Degree Certificate / Provisional Certificate
Students applying for a master’s or PhD in the USA need to submit a copy of their final degree or provisional certificate. This document confirms that you've completed your bachelor's programme. Provisional certificates are accepted if the final degree hasn’t been issued yet.
Mark Sheets (10th & 12th for UG applicants)
Copies of the necessary grade reports and pass certificates are also required from the students. For instance, Indian applicants for master's degrees in the USA require their 10th and 12th-grade transcripts, as well as all semester grades and passing certificates. Every application needs a minimum of one set of copies, frequently two. Every single copy should be attested.
Application Confirmation Copy
You will be directed to a confirmation page and will receive a confirmation email as soon as you submit your application and pay the university's online fee. One of the two copies needs to be sent.
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
Some universities may ask for a Medium of Instruction certificate if your previous education was in English. This certificate should be issued by your institution and confirm that English was the main language of instruction. It's especially useful if you're not submitting TOEFL/IELTS scores.
Valid Passport
The most crucial document needed to study overseas is this one. Please apply for a passport well in advance if you don't already have one. Before scheduling your admission examinations, have it ready. Additionally, copies of the passport's initial and last pages must be kept handy. Ensure that your passport will still be valid six months after the date you intend to return.
Passport-size Photographs
Many universities ask for a recent passport-size photograph during application or for student ID creation. The photo should follow standard size guidelines, be recent, and have a plain background. Keep soft and printed copies ready.
Bank Statements
To evaluate your capacity to pay for your education and establish your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships, universities require proof of funds. Some universities request a declaration from the bank statement for this reason. Your bank will issue this statement, and the copies must be certified by the same bank.
Sending a loan letter with this is not necessary. You do not need to disclose your application for an education loan to the colleges.
Affidavit of Support
This is a notarised document signed by your sponsor (often parents) stating they will fund your studies. It proves your financial backing and is mandatory in many university and visa applications. Include the sponsor’s name, relationship, and estimated funding amount.
Income Tax Returns (ITR)
Some universities may ask for your sponsor’s ITR for the last 2-3 years. This document helps verify income consistency and supports your sponsor's financial stability. It’s also useful during the student visa interview in the USA.
Loan Approval Letter (if applicable)
If you're using an education loan, submit the official loan sanction letter from the bank. This letter should mention the loan amount, interest rate, and disbursement terms. It adds credibility to your financial documents.
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo Score Report
Students coming from non-native English-speaking countries are also required to produce scores on an English language proficiency test. This is important because you will study in the US in English, and universities need to ensure that language won’t be a barrier in your studies. The most popular among these tests are TOEFL and IELTS.
GRE/GMAT/SAT and TOEFL/IELTS scores have to be sent online to universities through the ETS website. Apart from that, one can keep a few copies of the scores for safekeeping.
Entrance Exam Scorecards
There are various exams required to study in the USA, mainly in highly ranked universities. Check for the program you are applying for, and keep your score ready before applying to the universities of your choice. Some important entrance exams are:
- SAT: Almost all universities in the USA accept SAT scores for applying to undergraduate programs.
- ACT: It is another important exam while applying for undergraduate programs in the USA.
- GRE: It is mandatory for most of the MS-level programs in the USA, including Business Management programs.
- GMAT: It is required for admission to B-Schools in the USA.
- MCAT: This exam is to be taken by students interested in pursuing medical studies in the US.
- LSAT: It is necessary to apply for admission to Law schools in the USA
Similar to standardized scores, universities abroad also require international students to submit English proficiency test scores.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
The submission of an online Statement of Purpose by applicants is optional. If it needs to be sent by courier, please make sure it is printed on high-quality paper and has your name, user ID, and the application program you want to apply for in the header. The university website will specify the recommended font size and spacing.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
A letter of recommendation (LOR) that describes your abilities, accomplishments, and experience at the collegiate or professional level must come from your professors or managers. Usually, there should be three or more recommenders. It is among the most crucial documents needed when applying to undergraduate and graduate programs at US colleges.
Most colleges require hard copies of letters of recommendation, especially for Master's program applications; however, some prefer recommenders to email the letters online directly to the graduate admissions department.
The LOR's contents must be printed on the organization's header paper, sealed within the formal envelope, and signed on the seal using stamps. This demonstrates that the letters are confidential and were not revealed to the applicant.
Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
For crafting a stunning resume, you need to include your goal, educational background, internships (if applicable), previous employment history, milestone scores (yearly totals and final aggregates for the 10th and 12th grades), projects completed during your undergraduate studies (as well as during your internships and full-time jobs), and any mention of co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
Research Proposal (for PhD applicants)
If you’re applying for a research-based programme, you must submit a research proposal. This document outlines your research topic, problem statement, objectives, and methodology. It helps the university assess your preparedness and research interests.
Writing Samples / Portfolio (for Arts or Journalism)
Courses in creative fields like writing, design, or journalism may ask for writing samples or portfolios. These show your work quality and creativity. Follow the university's guidelines carefully on format and length.
Work Experience Certificate (for MBA or master’s)
For professional programmes, a work experience certificate adds weight to your profile. Submit letters from your employers stating your job role, responsibilities, and duration. These letters must be printed on company letterhead and signed.
Essay
In the US, you could be requested to write a college application essay. The essay may be on a subject of the candidate's choosing or one that highlights their interest in the program or field. The majority of colleges require one to three of these essays.
Extracurricular / Achievement Certificates
If you are doing very well in extracurricular activities, be sure to include the appropriate certifications to back up your statements. Copies of the awards, participation, volunteer work, technical papers, certifications, and published papers must also be submitted. This can enhance the overall attractiveness of your application to the foreign university of your choice.
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