Master's degree in the USA

The United States is the most popular destination for higher education around the world, with about 800,000 international students choosing this country every year. Although this is an attractive destination for study in all fields and at different levels of study, most students are interested in the question: how to enroll in a master's program in the USA? So, why do students, in search of a suitable master's program, prefer the United States to most countries? One of the main reasons is that universities in the USA established a strong learning base that emphasizes research and practical experience.

One of the biggest questions facing applicants interested in a master's degree in the United States is how to apply, how to start, and what are the admission requirements? With a lot of questions and requirements, a master's degree in the US and filing may seem scary at first, but the process becomes easy if it is followed by proper planning and understanding of the required sequence of actions.

There are several ways to enroll in a master's degree in the United States: directly to the university or through training programs. Let's look at each of them step by step.

1. University selection

The first step when applying for a master's degree in the United States is to create a list of universities offering study programs that interest you. This should be done around May or June of the previous year. Ideally, you should start the admission process at least 15 months before admission. Despite the fact that the document acceptance cycle in the United States includes three stages - autumn, spring and summer - most programs begin in the fall, that is, around September.

2. Check the deadlines for submitting documents

After the student has compiled a list of universities of his choice, the next step should be to check the deadlines for submitting specific programs for which the applicant is applying. Typically, universities in the United States do not have a common term for all programs. Therefore, it is necessary to check individual university faculties; master's degrees in the United States have clear start and end dates for applications. Typically, applications for the fall begin to be accepted around September and close from December to January, although some universities accept applications until February.

3. Compliance with all requirements

Before you begin the application process, it is important to check the admission requirements of an American master's degree for applicants. Although different programs have different lists of requirements, the main and mandatory one is to have a bachelor's degree.

4. Exams and tests

Master's degree in America requires admission to have standardized tests set by the university. Ideally, you should register for tests between July and August so that their results are ready by the time you apply to universities. This leaves extra time for re-tests if your score does not meet the minimum. But many take tests until the end of winter. Here are some of the standard standardized tests required for admission to a master's degree in the United States.

GRE/GMAT: required for almost all master's programs in the United States.
TOEFL/IELTS: these English proficiency tests are for students from non-English speaking countries.
MCAT: test for those interested in continuing medical education in the United States.
LSAT: for students interested in legal education.

5. Preparation of a list of documents

This is one of the most important parts when applying. A master's degree in the United States has clear requirements and a list of required documents, which should include

Motivational letter - is one of the most important elements to enroll in a master's program in the United States. It details the student's intentions, his choice of specialty and his goals in life. Different universities have different essay requirements.

Some universities may offer a random topic to write. Others may ask for the topic of the student's interests to be revealed. In addition, the number of essays required is also different. As a rule, universities ask for 2-3 essays.

Letters of recommendation - are an independent assessment of the student's potential. Most universities require at least two to three letters of recommendation. Preferably from professors or employers.

Summary - should contain basic information, academic qualifications, work experience and achievements.

Academic performance – all qualifications and diplomas with grades must be provided.

Test results – should also be provided along with the main document package.

6. Submitting an application

A master's degree in America has specific deadlines for submitting documents, and this factor must be taken into account. Most application dates close by January. Therefore, it is recommended to submit an application in advance, and not wait for the last day.

7. Letter of enrolment

Universities usually take several weeks to review applications. Top universities review documents for up to six months. Most potential students get results from February to April.

If this process seems difficult to you, then we recommend that you consider enrolling in a master's program in the United States in a simpler way.

Master's degree in America also available to international students through preparatory programs called Pre-Master's or Pathway.

If you are an international student planning to pursue a master's degree, you can enroll in one of the master's degree programs in the United States. These programs are designed to help you achieve the required level of English and academic performance required for your master's degree, and help you prepare for your GRE and GMAT exams if required.

There are two types of master's degree program:

Pre-Masters. Pre-Master programs are designed for students who want to know how to enroll in a master's program in the United States, but have not yet reached the required level of English proficiency and are designed not only to improve their knowledge of the English language, but also preparation for the required tests for admission, for example, GRE/GMAT. In addition, they help future students get acquainted with American culture for academic, business and social purposes. The duration of the Pre-Masters program depends on the level of your English language and usually goes in addition to master's studies. After such a program, you can enroll in any American university.

Pathway program. Unlike the previous one, the Pathway program takes place at a specific university and leads to a specific master's program in a specific specialty. The Pathway program allows you to take English courses, as well as specialty subjects that go towards your master's degree rather than in addition to it, allowing you to save significantly. These programs last about a year and usually offer «conditional enrollment» at the university with which they are associated. Students who complete the program and score passing marks are automatically accepted into a specific university for the selected one
specialty.

Need help choosing a path for admission or university? We can help you.