The Ultimate Guide to the US Graduate College Application Process for International Student

This guide provides international students with a step-by-step process for applying to US graduate colleges, including taking standardized tests, writing a statement of purpose, gathering letters of recommendation, shortlisting colleges, financing education, applying for scholarships, and obtaining a student visa. The guide also includes information on costs, popular master's degrees, and scholarships.
Written by
Sid Dani
Published on
July 11, 2023
Table of Contents

Making the decision to pursue a graduate degree in the United States is a big step, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. If you are an international student, there are a few extra things you need to take into account when applying to colleges and universities in the US. In this guide, I will walk you through all the steps of the application process, as well as give you some information on popular master’s degrees, costs, and scholarships. I hope that this guide will make your journey easier and less overwhelming!

Getting Started!

The first step in the US graduate college application process is to take the GRE or GMAT. These are standardized tests that are required by most US colleges and universities. The GRE is a general test that measures your verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills. The GMAT is a specific test for business programs. If you are applying to a school for a different field, you may be able to take an alternate test that is accepted by the school.

Next, you will need to write a Statement of Purpose (SOP). This is a short essay (usually around two pages) in which you explain your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree and your future plans. Be sure to proofread your SOP carefully, as it will be one of the main factors that colleges use to decide whether or not to accept you.

In addition to the SOP, you will also need two or three letters of recommendation (LORs). These should be written by professors or employers who can speak to your academic and/or professional achievements. It is important to choose people who know you well and can write positive, detailed letters.

Once you have all of your materials together, it is time to start shortlisting colleges. US graduate programs are very competitive, so it is important to apply to a range of schools. I recommend applying to at least five schools, but you can apply to more if you want. When you are choosing schools, consider the locationcostprogram requirements, and your own interests and goals.

After you have submitted your applications, the waiting game begins. The average wait time for a decision from a US college or university is six to eight weeks, but it can vary depending on the school. Once you receive your decisions, it is time to make your final decision and commit to a school.

Financing your Education

There are a few different ways to finance your education in the United States. Many students take out loans, but you can also look into scholarships and grants. If you are an international student, you may be eligible for additional funding through your home country’s government or private organizations.

The average cost of a master’s degree in the United States is approximately $30,000 per year. This number will vary depending on the specific school and program you to choose, as well as whether or not you receive any scholarships or financial aid. In general, schools in large cities tend to be more expensive than schools in smaller towns.

The Indian government has been cracking down on these types of loans recently. In order to get an international education loan in India, you’ll need to have a good credit history and a co-signer who is a citizen of India. The average interest rate on Indian international education loans is 11.59%.

If you’re looking for a bank that offers international education loans, here are some of the most popular banks in India:

  • HDFC Bank
  • Axis Bank
  • ICICI Bank
  • SBI
  • Citibank India
  • Standard Chartered Bank India.

Applying for Scholarships!

The first step is to research what kinds of scholarships and grants are available to international students. The US government offers a few different grants for international students, so that is a great place to start. You can also look into private scholarships offered by companies and organizations. Once you have an idea of what is out there, you can start looking into specific schools.

Emailing schools and asking about scholarships is a great way to start the process. Many schools have specific scholarships for international students, so it is definitely worth reaching out and asking about what is available. You may also be able to get some information about grants from the school’s financial aid office. Keep in mind that you will likely need to provide some documentation, such as your transcripts and test scores, when you request information about scholarships.

Applying for scholarships can be a bit of a daunting task, but it is definitely worth it if you are able to get even just a few hundred dollars in funding. The best way to approach the process is to take it one step at a time and to start researching as early as possible. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find the money you need to finance your education in the United States.

Visa Application

After you have been accepted to a US graduate program, you will need to apply for a student visa. The most common type of visa for international students is the F-1 Visa, which allows you to study at any accredited US college or university. To apply for this visa, you will need to fill out an online application and submit it to the US consulate in your home country. You will also need to pay a SEVIS fee and schedule an interview at the consulate.

The average processing time for a student visa is about three months, but it can vary depending on the specific consulate. I recommend starting the visa application process as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from a school. That way, you will have plenty of time to gather the required documents and schedule your interview.

After you receive your student visa, you are finally ready to start your academic journey in the United States!

Final Steps and Suggestions

The next step is to book your flight tickets and finalize a place to stay, either in a hostel or an apartment near your University. The average one-way flight ticket from India to the USA costs around $900. The cost of living in the USA, including food and accommodation, is quite high. A single room in a hostel costs around $600 per month, while an apartment can cost anywhere from $800 to $2000 per month. However, many universities offer on-campus housing at a much cheaper rate. Make sure to do your research before finalizing anything! Be sure to arrive at your school with all of the necessary paperwork so that you can begin classes on time. If you have any questions or problems during the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s international student office for assistance.

The process of applying to graduate schools in the United States can be daunting, especially for international students. In addition to taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), you also need to gather letters of recommendation, write a personal statement and submit your transcripts. The whole process can take up to six months, so it’s important to start early!

Quick Recap

Applying to graduate school in the United States as an international student doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to earning your degree from a top university!

  1. GRE: The GRE is a general test that is accepted by most, if not all, US graduate schools. You can register for the GRE online and it is offered year-round at testing centers around the world. The GRE consists of three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
  2. GMAT: The GMAT is a test specifically for business school applicants. Similar to the GRE, you can register for the GMAT online, and it is offered year-round at testing centers around the world. The GMAT consists of four sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
  3. SOP: A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a written statement that is typically one to two pages long. In your SOP, you should explain your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree and your long-term career goals.
  4. LORs: Letters of recommendation are written by people who can speak to your academic abilities and personal character. These letters are typically written by professors, employers, or other individuals who have known you in a professional or academic capacity.
  5. Transcripts: Transcripts are official copies of your academic records. You will need to request transcripts from all the colleges and universities you have attended and have them sent directly to the graduate schools you are applying to.
  6. Shortlisting Universities: Now that you know what’s required, you can start shortlisting schools. When narrowing down your choices, there are a few factors to consider, such as location, cost of attendance, and program offerings. You can also shortlist schools based on scholarships and other financial aid opportunities. Many schools offer merit-based scholarships to international students, so be sure to research each school’s policies. You can also look for external scholarships through organizations like the Fulbright program.
  7. Financing: The loan application process for international students can be daunting, but there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, start the loan process early and give yourself plenty of time to gather all the necessary documentation. Secondly, research different loan options and compare interest rates and repayment terms before making a decision. Lastly, remember that you can always ask your school’s financial aid office for help if you have any questions.
  8. Visa Application: The first step in applying for a student visa is to fill out the online visa application form. For most international students, this will be a student visa (F-1B Visa) Once you have submitted the form, you will need to schedule an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate. At the interview, you will be asked questions about your academic and professional background, as well as your plans for studying in the United States. You will also be required to submit your passport, photos, and other documents. The visa application process can take several weeks or even months, so it’s important to start early.
  9. Travel & Accommodation: After you have submitted your visa application and received your student visa, it’s time to book your flight and make housing arrangements in the US. If you need help finding a place to live, reach out to students at the university you will be attending. They will be able to give you advice on the best places to live off campus.

Now that you know the steps in applying to graduate school as an international student, it’s time to get started! The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll be on your way to earning your degree from a top US university. In conclusion, applying to graduate school as an international student can be a daunting task, but if you start early and do your research, it doesn’t have to be. There are many resources available to help you through the process, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Good luck!