How to Apply for MS in USA from India in 2024?

When it comes to higher studies abroad, the USA is the first choice of multiple students. And why wouldn't it be? The booming economy, the diversity - all make up the American Dream. If you try hard enough, you can achieve everything!

This is what makes MS programs in the USA top-rank worldwide. Pursuing an MS in the USA comes with multiple perks and benefits. MS universities boast an innovative educational curriculum with top-class facilities based on the latest technologies.

Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in the United States offers students an opportunity to specialize in various fields, including engineering, computer science, business, and more. Renowned for its world-class universities and research facilities, the U.S. provides a diverse and innovative academic environment. 

The program typically spans 1-2 years, combining coursework and research and fostering critical thinking and specialization. International students often choose the U.S. for its academic excellence and the potential for networking and career opportunities in a globalized job market.

For further information, insights and updates about MS in the USA, explore Yocket Premium. Yocket Premium can be your companion through all the complexity you might face while applying for an MS degree in the USA. With experts in almost every field, Yocket Premium now offers you the opportunity to book your very own 1:1 counseling session to clear all your doubts. 

If you have made up your mind to apply for an MS in the USA and study your higher education at the top-ranked universities, the first question that comes to mind is, “How do I apply for an MS in the USA? What are its requirements?” To help you with this, this blog will guide you through the entire application process for MS at US universities, right from the start of your research until the end of your submission of the MS application form.

How to Apply for MS in USA?

Once you have decided to study for an MS in the USA, you need to plan for at least 15 months before applying to MS universities  in the USA. You must have a bachelor's degree to start your application process. You can take the following steps to move forward with the MS USA admission procedure:

1. Shortlist Universities

The first step out of various steps to apply to different US universities is to shortlist your interested universities based on your choice of MS specialization in the USA. This must be done during the months of fall intakes, usually one year before admission. While the majority of US universities offer admissions in three different cycles, i.e., fall, summer and spring, the majority of programs are offered in the fall semester.

2. Check Deadlines

Once you have shortlisted your choice of university, the next step is to check out the application deadlines for the particular courses you are applying for. Mostly, the deadlines for the courses vary with the university. So you need to go through individual departments to know about the dates for the application.

Generally, the application for fall intake begins in September and ends in January. Also, some universities provide flexibility that assists students in applying for the course in plans such as early admission, regular admission and rolling admission.

Suggested: How to choose MS Specialization?

3. Eligibility Criteria

Before going ahead with the process to apply for MS in the USA, it is important to check out the eligibility criteria for MS courses in the USA. While different courses have different types of requirements, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• You must have completed your bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
• Standardized test scores, i.e., IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT or GRE.

Suggested: What is the Cost of MS in USA for Indian Students?

4. Appear in Standardized Tests

As mentioned earlier, to get into MS in the USA, you need to have standardized test scores. You need to first register for the tests between July and August to get enough time for your test scores. Most US universities require an average score for admission. You can apply for the following tests to get entry into MS in the USA.

• TOEFL, or IELTS: It is an English language proficiency test for students who are from non-native English-speaking countries. The average IELTS score ranges from 6.5-7.5, and for TOEFL it is 88-100.
• GRE: The GRE test is mandatory for various MS programs in the USA. However, some of the universities have currently waived the criteria. Ideally, the GMAT score for master's programs in the USA ranges from 600 to 740, and for GRE it is 318 to 329.

5. Arrange Application Process

The application documents are one of the most important parts for students looking to know how to apply for masters in the USA from India. The university committee puts a heavy weight on a student's application. While some universities also require students to introduce themselves with some intent and references,. An ideal application package may have the following documents:

• SOP: A statement of purpose is the key part of the application process of MS degree in the USA. It shows your interest in your program choice and your goals in life. Make sure to draft a strong SOP that reflects your clarity towards the program.
  
  
• LOR: Unlike SOP, a recommendation letter talks about your potential in your previous work or academics. The university mostly asks for a minimum of two or three letters of recommendation.
  
  
• CV or Resume: Some universities require you to submit your resume with your application. This may contain your basic information, such as date of birth, extracurricular activities and qualifications.
  
  
• Academic Transcripts: Your academic transcripts include all your previous qualifications from the last attended institutions. It should be translated into English.

Suggested: How to Shortlist Universities for MS?

6. Apply

After completing all the above-mentioned steps, the next step in applying for an MS in the USA from India is to visit the shortlisted university's official website and start the application process. Here we have discussed the admission process for MS in the USA for you to have a better idea:

• Finalize the course you want to pursue and look for the best university offering that course.
  
• Visit the official university websites and gather information about requirements, eligibility criteria, admission process and fee.
  
• Start the application process and fill in all the requested information. Upload the required documents in order for your application to be reviewed. This may include your video essay, academic transcripts, IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE test scores, CV, LOR, SOP, etc.
  
• Once you have completed filling out your application and uploading all documents, you may then pay the fee.

Suggested: Low Tuition Fee Universities in USA for MS

7. Wait for Confirmation Letter

This can be a very tedious step of the admissions process for MS in the US. Colleges do not strictly follow any standard practice to send a response to an application form. Sometimes you get an answer within a week, while sometimes you could have to wait for up to two months. You may also check the application status on the university website.

8. Apply for Visa

The last step in applying for a master's degree in the USA is to apply for a visa. This must be done once you get confirmation from the university stating that you have been selected. To apply for a US student visa you need some specific documents, such as a copy of your passport, English language scores, proof of funding, etc.

Suggested: Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USA