Best Time to Apply for Masters Degree in the US

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Subhashri Roy
Updated on Nov 09, 2021 03:50 PM IST

Figuring out when to start your Masters application process to study in the US? Given the different intakes in the US, let us help you out with the timeline you must follow for your graduate application. 

Best Time to Apply for Masters Degree in the US

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If you've decided to pursue your Masters in the US or are at least planning to do so, you better get started with your application. Starting as early as possible will increase your chances of getting admission in your desired university.

Among a hundred other crucial factors in Mastersadmissions in the US, knowing when to submit your application is the first step in the right direction. Typically, almost all US universities invite international applications for their Fall and Spring semesters, with a limited number of universities also open to international studentsin the Summer semester. Unlike Bachelordegree programs in the US, which usually have the same application deadlines, international application deadlines for graduate programsvary depending on the field of study.

Identify the Best Graduate Course to Study in the US Based on Your Interest and Profile!

Also Read:How to Increase Your Chances of Admission to Popular US Universities

Timeline to Start Your MastersApplication to Study in the US

The best or right time to begin your US masters application process is at least a year before the application window opens. In the US, universities usually have three admission intakes, the primary one being Fall, followed by Spring and Summer, which not as many universities offer. Depending on when the application window opens, as set by the university, you can plan your application process as per the following timeline:

  • 12 months before applying: Identify grad schools, check if they offer the course of your choice, go through their deadlines, curriculum, rankings, employment rate, reputation, eligibility criteria, tuition fees, scholarships and so on.

  • 10 months before applying: Book slots for all the tests required.

  • 8-9 months before applying: Prepare for the tests you need to take to get into a grad school in the US.

  • 6-7 months before applying: Take the tests and have your scores sent directly to the university.

  • 5 months before applying: Start preparing your Statement of Purpose (SOPs).

  • 4 months before applying: Ask appropriate referees to write you Letters of Recommendation (LORs).

  • 3 months before applying:

    • Request academic transcriptsfrom the past academic institutions you have attended (Bachelors, high school).

    • Start working on your application forms.

    • Keep working on your essays.

    • Re-attempt GRE again (if required or you are satisfied with your current scores)

  • 2 months before applying: Make sure everything including your recommendation letters, transcripts are on track, finish your essays and your application form.

  • 1 month before applying: Wrap up your application, review the entire application one last time and submit it.

This will give you enough time to prepare your finances, look for scholarships, apply for education loans/scholarships and prepare for your travel. Another thing to be considered here is that US universities have two major deadlines: one is the early decision deadline and the second is the regular decision deadline. Always try to apply by the early decision deadline, when universities often offer a wider range of scholarships.

We Can Help You Move Your Application From a Maybe to a Yes.

Also Read:Application Deadlines 2022-2023 for Popular US Universities

Think strategically because when applying to foreign universities, gathering important documents such as SOPs, LOR, academic transcripts, taking the required tests and even getting your US visa may undergo delays. In case you need help with creatinga personalised application timeline for you, get in touch with our US admissions experts at abroad@collegedekho.com who can guide you through the entire process.

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