Applying to US Universities

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If you do not get admitted to a University of your choice, there is still hope. You can try to get into a better University after a semester or two. If you attend two Universities in course of getting your MS or PhD, you are awarded the degree from the later one (and hopefully the better one) - that is all what counts in the long run. Transfer for MBA students is less common.

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Even if not mentioned in the application requirements, it is a good idea to include a resume. The resume must be limited to one page, no matter how many achievements you have.

Here are some guidelines to improve your resume.

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The deadlines for applying to US Universities are very close now. Most applications are submitted online, but one still needs to send a lot of materials offline including transcripts.

It is tempting to wait until last date to submit the online application because you may think it is instantaneous. Well, it is not always the case. The servers of online applications experience very heavy traffic in the last few days and are likely to be down.

Here are other good reasons why we recommend that you not only submit your online application early, but do it BEFORE you mail your offline materials.

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For MS and PhD Applicants targeting fall 2008 admissions, this is the time for last minute application activities, including sending out the packets. As you may have found out by now that even if most applications are online, you do need to send one (and sometimes two) physical packets to your target Universities.

Complete your online application. Prepare to send the offline materials at least 10 days before the deadline, even if you are going to use a reliable service like DHL. Courier packets get delayed during the peal holiday season. Make sure your online and offline materials reach before the deadline. The deadlines for top Universities are in December to January. If you are still not ready, do not target one of the early deadline ones. If the deadlines for your target Universities are in February or March, this is a good time to improve your SOP and compile all your letters of recommendation.

Make sure to include a photocopy of your GRE and TOEFL score in your offline packet, even if not specifically asked. Track through ETS whether or not your official scores were actually reported to your target Universities. You can even make a phone call to ETS; it should be affordable with the falling phone charges.

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Applicants from many countries including England, India, Pakistan, Srilanka, Bangladesh, South Africa are used to the British style of English. There are many words and usage in American English which are very different as compared to the British English. We list some of the most common words which are very frequently used in the University application process. Feel free to suggest more by adding your comments.

BRITISH - AMERICAN
graduate - undergraduate
post-graduate - graduate
course - program
subject - course
guide - advisor
first year - freshman
second year - sophomore
third year - junior
fourth year - senior
hostel - dorm
passing out - graduation
head (of department) - chair

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MBA programs have 2 or 3 rounds of deadlines and they consider all applications submitted for a particular round at the same time.

For MS and PhD programs, it is advisable to apply early. Some Universities consider all applications after the deadline, while some other have a rolling application process and thus the application completed earlier has a better chance of favorable outcome.

The application is considered complete only after all components including official GRE and TOEFL scores are received by the department. Applying too early does not help. Applying 30 to 60 days before the deadline is a good range for applying early.

It is better to submit a good application with well written essays just before the deadline, rather than making an early application with poorly written essays.

A portfolio of architectural coursework and other creative projects is required for M. Arch. Admissions. The portfolio should include creative work which may include coursework, and from other projects. A typical portfolio of creative work includes twenty-twentyfive images of architectural design work and art. There is a trend of submitting URLs of web based portfolios.
A portfolio may include papers, photographs, slides or CD-ROM. Students should continually compile their best coursework so that there is no last minute rush to somehow make the portfolio.
You should only submit your own work in a portfolio. In case of group assignments, it should be indicated that the project was not entirely yours. If you are planning to submit a CD or DVD, make sure your files do not contain any virus. Write your name on each page of your portfolio.
Requirements for the portfolio may vary and be sure to check the websites of the Architecture departments. For more information about Applying to US Universities, please visit www.app2us.com

Most MBA programs in US offer admission to full-time MBA only in fall. However a few Business schools offer spring admissions. The deadlines for spring intake is during August to October. Here is a list of MBA programs that offer admissions in spring semester: 

• Simon Graduate School of Business, University of Rochester 
• Illinois State University  
• Eastern Kentucky University 

Illinois State University and Eastern Kentucky University also offer summer admissions. Visit www.app2us.com for more information on admission process of US Universities.

GRE General Test score is required for most MS programs at US Universities. For many international students, GRE is a cause of anxiety. If you have got a low GRE score, there is no need to worry and there is a lot of hope for those with low GRE scores.GRE is one of many requirements. Most Universities do not have a minimum cut off. Strong academic background and evidence of research and publication are more important factors for admission. Well written essays and statement of purpose can also make up for a poor GRE score. If your undergraduate degree is from a very reputable University or college, the GRE scores become less relevant.A very high GRE score can help you only if your academic record and other aspects of application are very strong. Similarly a very low GRE score will hurt if all other factors are weak.
We suggest you do not waste time in reapplying for the GRE general test, it is better to improve the other aspects of applications. The best thing you can do is try and improve your academic grades/ marks and publish a research paper, in any conference or publication.please checkout www.app2us.com