Application Guides
What goes into a U.S. master's application?
What do you need to apply to a U.S. master's program? And what's the timeline?
Timeline
Most top U.S. programs have early deadlines, usually from November to early January for the fall term of the following year.
September
Contact your recommenders. Request your transcripts and any certificates for your activities
October
Finish any standardized tests
October-November
Finalize your school shortlist
November
Finish your resume and personal statement
December
Submit your applications *
* Some schools have deadlines in early December, so if your application is ready, apply earlier.
Numbers to know
- At least 3 letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV: ideally 1-2 pages
- Application fees: $50-100 per application
- Transcripts on a 4.0 GPA scale
- A strong personal statement makes your application stand out
What's in a U.S. master's application?
Click a row to read it
You may have to request an official transcript sent directly from your college. The transcript on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
The GRE and GMAT are the standardized exams for graduate school, similar to the SAT for undergrad. The GRE is mainly for STEM fields, while the GMAT leans toward MBA programs.
Many universities no longer require these test scores, unless you want to boost your competitiveness or go after scholarships.
When do you actually need one? Subscribe to the newsletter for the details.
For international students
Coming from a non-English-speaking country? You'll also need to show your English efficiency, usually with TOEFL or IELTS. U.S. schools tend to favor TOEFL, but IELTS is accepted at most of them. Typical scores are IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 80-100, depending on the school's ranking.
Most programs ask for at least 3 letters. A few ask for 2 but recommend 3. That's harder than it sounds, because most people applying for a master's have been working for a while and are no longer in touch with their old professors.
For MBA programs, you can ask your manager or a business partner. But get at least one letter from a professor.
Nothing is worse than a rushed recommendation letter.
What actually helps
Reach out to your recommenders early, and keep checking in so you stay on schedule.
It's much like the resume you'd use to apply for a job, ideally 1-2 pages. For PhD applicants, a CV can run longer than 2 pages to fit important publications.
Research experience matters more for PhD applications. Extracurricular activities generally aren't a big factor, unless they're directly relevant to the program you're applying to.
Simply put, it's a short essay about who you are, why you want this program, and where you want to go next. Unlike a college application essay, it's more about your professional plan than your personality.
A strong statement of purpose is one of the must-haves for getting into a top U.S. university.
Most programs charge $50-100 per application, payable by debit or credit card.
Not sure a master's is worth it yet? Read Is a U.S. master's degree still worth it?
Shortlisting which schools and programs to apply to is an art - and it can improve your chances of admission and scholarships.
A mentor by your side saves you the time and effort of figuring it all out on your own.
