MS in USA mostly refers to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Management) courses that are offered at the best US universities. It includes courses like MS in Engineering, MS in Computer Science, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Health Administration, and so on.
As promising as the MS courses in USA may sound, getting admission into them can be an exhaustive process. A long list of document requirements for masters in USA is mandatory for all universities. Hence, to give you a comprehensive idea about eligibility for ms in USA for Indian students we have curated this blog to clear all your possible queries. Here we have discussed everything about eligibility for MS in USA including academic and other requirements.
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Overview of Eligibility for MS in USA
USA continues to be the top choice of international students who wish to pursue masters degree abroad. From the top universities of the world, varied opportunities to the diverse experience offered by this country, the reasons to study in USA are plenty. Compared to other countries, the requirements for masters in USA have been seen to be more exhaustive and competitive, especially for its top universities.
It is to be noted that admission into US universities is not only based on merit. While your academic performance plays a vital role, there are other factors as well that are important and carry (if not more) but equal weight. Your GMAT or GRE Score, prior professional experience, etc. are some of them. Apart from them, your admission essays (LOR, SOP, Resume, etc.) also significantly impact your overall application process to study in USA.
Eligibility Criteria for MS in USA
To earn admission to the top and high-ranking MS universities USA you must fulfil certain criteria. In a nutshell, in terms of eligibility for MS in USA for Indian students, one should have decent grades, adequate financial support (either by achieving scholarships or merit-based financial aid), completed challenging coursework, and good command of the English language. There may be other requirements too as per your course. The basic list of requirements for MS in USA are as follows:
- Undergraduate Degree
- English Proficiency Test
- GMAT/ GRE Scorecards
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Resume
- Work Experience Certificate
- Proof of Funds
- Passport and Student Visa
Now let us dive deeper into all the MS in USA for Indian students requirements one by one:
Undergraduate Degree
The first eligibility to study MS in USA is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the relevant subject. Although the scores vary across universities, the minimum GPA required for MS in USA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Do check for the minimum GPA required for ms in usa on the respective university websites to know the exact information.
English Language Proficiency Test
There are English language proficiency exams required for MS in USA if you belong from a non-English speaking country. The scores again are different for different universities, but on a border level their score range are mentioned below:
GMAT/ GRE Scorecards
GMAT and GRE are two exams required for MS in USA if you wish to pursue programs like MS in Finance, MS in Management, etc. While for some courses it is a must to have a decent GMAT score, for others it is not compulsory. Ideally, the GMAT score for MS courses in USA ranges from 600 to 740, and for GRE it is 318 to 329.
Statement of Purpose
A well-drafted Statement of Purpose or SOP is an important eligibility to do MS in USA. SOP is a letter of intent where you write about your aspirations and intentions behind opting for any program in USA. The admission committee closely evaluates your SOP to determine your admission.
Letter of Recommendation
A Letter of Recommendation or LOR is a document issued by your Professor, Project Guide, or Reporting Manager with whom you have been closely associated in the past. It can help your application stand out among other applicants, as it provides a holistic view of your persona, academic and professional performance.
Resume
Another requirement to pursue MS in USA is a resume. Make sure that your resume is up-to-date and contains all your academic and professional data. You may also mention any significant achievements that may help to attract the attention of the admission committee.
Work Experience Certificate
A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience is required for doing MS in USA. However, some courses do not ask for work experience as a mandatory requirement.
Proof of Funds
After having your admission letter from a particular US college the next step is to sort your finances. The visa officers ask for I-20 proof of funds for your F-1 visa to ensure that you have sufficient funds to bear your expenses during the course of your stay in USA. Documents like personal or sponsor’s bank statements, provident funds, fixed deposit, scholarship proof, loan sanction letter, etc can be used for the same.
Passport and Student Visa
All international students require an F-1 student visa to pursue MS in USA. for that, must receive an I-20 form from the university they have applied to. Apart from that, your passport must have a validity of minimum of 6 months after the completion date of the course in the USA. Do apply for your visa atleast 3 months prior to your date of travel to avoid any last-minute rush.
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Document Required for MS in USA
Now that we have covered USA MS eligibility in USA, the documents required for the same can be summarized as below:
- Transcripts of all educational qualifications
- Scorecards of IELTS/ TOEFL/ GRE/ GMAT
- Work experience certificate (if applicable)
- CV or Resume
- LOR
- SOP
- Proof of funds
- Valid passport and student visa
Suggested: Low Tuition Fee Universities in USA for MS
So this was all about eligibility for MS in USA for Indian students and related aspects. The exact set of requirements depends on the course and university you choose. Hence, it is advisable to visit the official university websites to get all the information. For further guidance and assistance, do not hesitate to connect with our Yocket Professionals.