A 5-page Guide for Graduate Studies in the US (from an Indian perspective)
Written By: Rajat Ahuja (rajat@ahuja.name)
Last Updated: June 20, 2004
Introduction
This article provides a high-level overview of the entire process of test-taking to obtaining Visa, for students planning to pursue graduate studies in the US. The article is not intended to be a comprehensive, in-depth source of information – rather, a starting point with pointers to where to look for the information one would need. The article is customized for students from India, although some information is common.
Websites
The most comprehensive and updated sources of information are the various websites:
GRE* - http://www.gre.org
TOEFL* - http://www.toefl.org
TSE* - http://www.ets.org/tse
IPEM** - http://www.ipem.org
Kaplan** – http://www.kaplan.com
USNews** - http://www.usnews.com
Statement of Purpose – http://www.statementofpurpose.com
Infozee** - http://www.infozee.com
ReadyToGo** - http://www.iamreadytogo.com
Jamboree** - http://www.jamboreeindia.com
SBI** - http://www.statebankofindia.com
PNB** - http://www.pnbindia.com
Yahoo! Groups** - http://www.yahoogroups.com
TTS Visa Services** - http://www.ttsvisas.com
US Embassy – http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov
The Tests
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test is a mandatory exam to pursue graduate studies in the USA, and helps institutions evaluate the candidate's ability to pursue graduate studies, by testing their verbal, quantitative and analytical skills. This 3-4-hour exam is computer-based and is administered year-round, except holidays, at authorized centers in various cities, including the four metros, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Allahabad. Any convenient date/time/venue can be chosen from the available slots. Registration is done via postal mail, fax or phone (fax/phone for payment by credit card only) by contacting the RRC (Regional Registration Center) for the country. Test fee varies from year to year, but is of the order $150.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is mandatory for all international students who want to pursue college/graduate studies in the USA, except for native English speakers (from US, UK, Australia, New Zealand etc.) and candidates who hold a previous degree(s) from US institution(s). The objective of this test is to enable institutions to evaluate a candidate's ability to read, write and understand English, by means of tests on reading comprehension, grammar structure, English writing and English listening/understanding. This 2-3-hour exam is also computer-based and administered year-round (like GRE). Registration process is same and fee is also of the same order.
GRE Subject Tests are available for various disciplines including Comp. Sc., and are required for pursuing graduate studies in some fields at some institutions. These tests examine a candidate's proficiency in the field in which she plans to pursue higher studies. Subject tests for engineering fields have, however, been discontinued, and hence, graduate programs in Engineering do not ask for scores for these tests.
TSE (Test of Spoken English) is an optional test, required only for candidates seeking a teaching-assistantship award, and tests a candidateÕs ability to converse in English. This test is not computer-based, and is not administered year-long. The test is conducted using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology and phones, and is administered at a limited no. of centers on pre-notified dates (Fridays and Saturdays only), and hence, there are deadlines for registration. Registration in India is done by contacting IPEM, Allahabad. Registration fee is ~ $100-$150.
Information bulletins for all these tests can be downloaded from the respective websites, or can be ordered, free of cost, from IPEM, Allahabad via their website.
GRE, TOEFL and TSE are all brands of the Educational Testing Services Inc. (ETS), and the tests are conducted by authorized testing agencies.
Test Preparation
GRE, TOEFL and TSE test skills earned over a period of years, and no form of preparation can make a candidate master those skills in a few months. However, the right form of preparation can help the candidate hone her skills. Test-preparation should, in-fact, be viewed as a brilliant chance to sharpen those skills, such as expanding oneÕs vocabulary. Various books and/or study packages, by both Indian and international publishers/agencies are available.
BarronÕs Guide to the GRE is the de-facto place-to-start for GRE preparation, and provides a comprehensive word-list.
KaplanÕs ÒHigher Score on the GREÓ** (Book+CD package) comes with superb printed material and excellent preparation software for GRE and is highly recommended for both fast-track and long-term preparation. For less than a thousand rupees itÕs a steal and is available in all leading bookstores.
TOEFL and TSE really do not require as much preparation as GRE, although study packages are available from the same publishers. Best way to prepare for TOEFL and TSE is by watching English movies and programs, and by speaking/interacting in English with others. Most Indian students are proficient-enough in English to take on these tests without much sweat.
Another popular name in GRE/TOEFL preparation includes The Princeton Review**. ÒOfficialÓ material is also available from ETS (Educational Testing Services Inc.), some of which is freely available on the test websites and/or bulletins, and the rest can be ordered.
For the GRE, ETS provides the POWERPREP* software on CD to all registered candidates. The same can also be downloaded from the official GRE website free-of-cost.
For TOEFL, the official tutorial available online is one of the best preparation material available.
Finally, agencies like Jamboree and Infozee provide end-to-end training and solutions, from test-preparation, to guidance on choosing the universities, to Visa interview counseling.
Test Scores
Test scores are the first, albeit only one, step towards a successful application. Scores for computer-evaluated sections of the GRE and the TOEFL (excluding the essays) are reported to candidate immediately after the test. Official scores are reported to the candidate as well as to designated institutions after a few weeks.
Application Process
Another important step towards a successful application is choosing the right program in the right universities. Annual rankings of participating universities are available in the USNews publication ÒAmericaÕs Best Graduate SchoolsÓ**. Some of this content is available free online, while premium online/print content can be ordered for about $15-$30.
Most universities accept online applications, while some still accept paper-based applications. Payment is made via drafts, while credit card can be used for online applications. Even if one does not hold a valid card, the application can still be filled online, and payment sent separately.
Almost all graduate programs require the applicant to write a statement of purpose clearly describing her career objectives and how the intended program of study would help her achieve those objectives. This is a very important step and should be crisp and precise. Help on writing good personal essays is available at websites like StatementOfPurpose.com.
Also, all universities require official transcripts for all undergraduate/post-graduate programs attended, as well as letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional experts (mostly professors) who are able to judge the candidateÕs ability on the basis of their academic/professional acquaintance with the candidate.
Courier services like DHL** provide attractive rates for candidates sending applications to US universities and ensure that your package is delivered on time.
Financing Graduate Studies
Financing graduate studies in the US is usually the most difficult part for students from third-world-nations. Help is available in the form of Research and Teaching Assistantships, fellowships, tuition waivers etc., but is limited and hence, receiving a financial award is highly competitive. On-campus jobs at cafŽs and administrative offices are another means of partly financing oneÕs expenses.
Educational loans are available from nationalized banks at attractive interest rates and with sufficient repayment period of 5-7 years after graduation. Also, tax rebates are available on education loan repayment once the candidate starts earning.
Providing proof of sufficient funds - from personal savings, parentsÕ savings, financial aid from university or other agencies, loans etc. - is necessary to get an I-20 form from the university, which is a prerequisite for a student visa.
Take your pick!
After months of preparation, and the even more grueling process of application, the lucky would get some offers – may be more than one. The final decision on choosing one should depend on various factors, such as field of research, ranking of the institution, availability of financial aid, not necessarily in that order.
Visa
All students normally travel on an F-1 visa. The prerequisite for obtaining an F-1 visa is an I-20 form provided by the International Admissions Center of the university. This form specifies the details of the program the candidate is being admitted to, the expected expenses and how the candidate expects to meet the same, and is issued after the candidate provides proof of sufficient funds.
Visa dates can be scheduled online via the TTS Visa Services website. Once this is done, the candidate should download, fill and print all necessary forms (DS-156, DS-157, DS-158), organize all required documents (including I-20), photographs, Visa application fee draft etc. and carry the same to the consulate office on the appointment date/time. Details are available from the US Embassy website.
Also, it is advisable to carry all related documents, such as proof of sufficient funds, copy of test scores etc., for the Visa interview. It is highly recommended to be true and sincere in your intentions when questioned about your objectives, details of your family, details about your relatives in the US etc.
Packing up Stuff
Magazines like ÒReady to GoÓ carry excellent articles from time to time on what to carry to the US, apart from general information on education abroad.
Above all, personal contacts in the university, and the hundred of Yahoo! Groups form an excellent forum to raise your doubts and questions, whether related to travel, living, or to the previous tasks of applying, visas etc.
Godspeed!
Hope this gave the broad picture, and helps you look in the right places. Good Luck and Bon Voyage!
Copyright Notice and Disclaimer
© This compilation of information is copyright 2004 by Rajat Ahuja. It may be distributed for free, personal, non-commercial purposes as long as the matter in its entirety is intact and this copyright notice and the disclaimers below are preserved.
*GRE, TOEFL, TSE and ETS are trademarks/registered trademarks of the Educational Testing Services Inc.
**All brands are properties of their respective owners.
Disclaimer: Please refer official websites/bulletins for accurate, up-to-date information. The author assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information collected and provided by means of this compilation. This article is not endorsed by any of the companies/brands mentioned in the article.