In our discussion so far regarding Step Three (Complete your Application) of the EducationUSA Five Steps to applying for master’s programs in the United States, we learned that the application package includes an online application form and fee, standardised test and English proficiency scores (if required), transcripts from the bachelor’s program, personal statement (also called SOP), and 2-3 letters of recommendation.
The master’s degree applications to the US institutions in addition require a resume, financial documents, application for funding support, and other program-specific application components.
Along with the statement of purpose (SOP), a resume allows students to share their accomplishments including educational qualifications, certifications, internships/projects, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, workshops and conferences, awards and honors, languages known, and skills and talents. Admissions committees want to review a concise, well-structured resume, avoiding overlaps with the contents of the personal statement and clearly mentioning the information in the form of bullets.
As also discussed while talking about Step Two (Finance your studies), the application package to the US institutions for master’s programs includes an application for financial support if the student wants to be considered for funding. Students may have to request application forms for funding support from the relevant department of the shortlisted university. Generally that involves either the Graduate School, the department where the student is submitting application, or the Bursar office of the university. The financial aid application process can be rather complicated, so students should carefully read all related documents while preparing their application.
Students may also be required to submit documents for proof of finances specified by the institution along with their application. Generally, students are required to complete a Declaration and Certification of Finances or Affidavit of Financial Support and submit it along with their application. This declaration is to be signed/certified by applicant’s guardians or sponsor (e.g. bank or lawyer).
In addition to the above documents, the institution may request interviews, writing samples, video essays, diversity statement, portfolio, etc. from students. It is important that students carefully review all application requirements for the specific program for which they are applying before submitting their application packet.
Today’s column wraps up our discussion related to Step Three (Complete your Application). Next week, we will continue our discussion on the next step of the applications to the US institutions.
Monika Setia (Regional Officer and EducationUSA Adviser at the U.S. – India Educational Foundation based at the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad)
Q&A:
Q. I am interested to study the field of Education in the United States. What are different options of study and work in this area?
– Raghurama Rao
Ans. Education is a highly interdisciplinary field that includes options for multiple specialisations and concentrations. Besides learning to become a teacher, a degree in education allows students to pursue many different careers in the field of education. For example, possible professional roles that education graduates may take up include education administrator (at either a school or college/university), curriculum specialist, counselor, educational writer, special educator, education policy maker or analyst, researcher, etc. Graduates of this discipline may find jobs at schools and university settings, with education departments or other policy-making bodies, education media houses, hospital settings (counseling or health education), or career counseling centers. Students may also start their own education enterprise with private practice or through the establishment of an education institution.
In the United States, at the undergraduate (bachelor’s) level, students may pursue a BA or BS degree in Education or a related discipline. Special Education, Counseling, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, etc. are some options for majors at the undergraduate level. At the graduate level, the program options are master’s and doctoral programs. An M.Ed./Ed.M. or Master’s in Education program is a professional master’s degree that is typically of two year’s duration. In a master’s program, students have options to choose from various specialisations including teacher education, special education, education leadership, higher education, education policy, school psychology, counseling psychology, etc.
Q. My daughter is starting her 12th standard now and we plan to send her to the United States for her bachelor’s degree. We have heard from someone about recent changes in SAT test. Can you please elaborate on these changes?
– Ishaq
Ans. As part of its ongoing effort to simplify work and reduce demands on students, the College Board will stop administering SAT Subject Tests internationally after the June 2021 test administration. Students who are registered for Subject Tests in May 2021 or June 2021 internationally will have the option to take the test as planned for May or June or cancel for a full refund.
In addition, the College Board will be discontinuing the Essay portion of the SAT after the May 2021 SAT test administration internationally and after the June 2021 SAT test administration in the United States. Students who are registered for the SAT with Essay in Spring 2021 can cancel the Essay portion at any time, free of charge. For more information on these updates, please visit https://allaccess.collegeboard.org/update-reducing-and-simplifying-demands-students
Source: Telangana Today