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The US hosts over 400,000 international graduate students. But have you ever wondered why so many Indian students choose the USA for their Master's? The answer is simple - consistently ranked in the top 100 QS universities, an investment in R&D for STEM with over INR 55 crores, and funding opportunities, and industry collaborations, the US is the best place you can be.

Let’s explore what makes the USA a top choice for pursuing a Master’s degree abroad.

QS-ranked Universities

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard consistently rank among the best, offering the best education.

Funding

The USA leads global research and development, investing over USD 679 billion (INR 56.3 lakh crores) in R&D. Students in STEM fields benefit from state-of-the-art labs, funding opportunities, and industry collaborations.

Higher Salaries

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for MS graduates in the USA is around INR 70 lakh - INR 91 lakh (USD 85,000/110,000) per year, whereas in India, it ranges from INR 10-15 lakhs per annum (USD 12,000 - USD 18,000).

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The OPT program allows STEM graduates to work in the USA for up to 3 years, increasing their chances of securing an H-1B visa. In 2023, over 60% of H-1B visa holders were Indians, highlighting strong employment prospects for Indian students.

To apply for a Master's degree in the USA, start with research, shortlisting universities, taking your required standardised tests, and gathering your transcripts. In 2025, more than 7 lakh students are studying abroad - so even if the process may seem overwhelming at first, you’re not alone! 

Let’s break down every step holistically so that by the end of this blog, you know exactly how to apply for a master’s degree in the USA!

Step 1: Research 

• Understand Program Requirements: Begin by researching various universities and programs. Look at the admission criteria, application deadlines, and funding options for international students.
• Identify Areas of Interest: What subjects or fields resonate with your academic and career goals? Research faculty and curriculum structure to ensure the program aligns with your interests.
• Additional Advice: Before shortlisting a university, you should also check the yearly ranking data, alumni success stories, and career placement statistics

Step 2: Shortlist Universities 

• Criteria-Based Selection: Narrow down your university choices based on QS rankings, location, and placement opportunities. 
• Personal Fit: Consider campus culture (check student clubs), available student support services, and potential for networking within your field.

Step 3: Take Your Standardised Tests 

While the standardised tests may be different, depending on your program and university requirements, make sure you spend at least 4-5 months in intensive preparation to ace the test. You can take help from tutors, books and platforms like , that offers 1-on-1 personalised guidance on GMAT and GRE. 

1 GRE

The GRE is used as a filtering tool by many universities, especially those that receive thousands of applications. A low GRE score might prevent your application from even being reviewed.

• Aim for an overall score of 315 - 330.
• Typically, this translates to a verbal score of 155 - 160 and a quantitative score of 160 - 165.
• If your GRE isn’t that good, compensate with a strong academic record and relevant work experience.

The GRE evaluates your skills across three main sections:

• Analytical Writing: Assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Verbal Reasoning: Tests your understanding of written material, critical reasoning, and vocabulary usage.
• Quantitative Reasoning: Measures your mathematical skills and your ability to reason quantitatively.

2. GMAT

• Syllabus: For GMAT, you need to cover quantitative reasoning (including algebra, arithmetic, geometry and more), verbal reasoning and data insights.
• Good Score: For a top B-school, you will need around 720+ 
• Advantage of taking GMAT: It sets you apart from the crowd and gives you leverage over the admission pool

3. TOEFL/IELTS:

• English Proficiency: It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English at the university, and in professional settings. Meeting the minimum score is essential.
• Good Score: For TOEFL, target a score of 90 - 100+ (iBT), or for IELTS, aim for a band score of 7.0 or higher.

Step 4: Prepare Your SOP and LORs

• Statement of Purpose (SoP): Your SoP should be more than just a list of achievements; Narrate your journey, academic interests and reasons for choosing a specific program. Link your past experiences to your future goals, and explain why the chosen program is the right fit.
• Letters of Recommendation (LoRs): Aim for letters that provide specific examples of your skills and accomplishments rather than generic praise. Secure recommendations from professors or professionals who truly understand your capabilities and can speak to your potential in your chosen field.

Step 5: Research Projects (if necessary)

If you’re applying for a research-intensive program, provide evidence of any research you’ve been part of in your undergraduate studies. This could include published papers, conference presentations, or significant projects. 

You can contact your potential advisors ahead of time to discuss your research interests. This can strengthen your application and provide a clearer direction for your statement of purpose.

Step 6: Work Experience 

Most top universities need 2-3 years of relevant work experience. If not, make sure you at least have some internships or industry projects. Highlight any leadership roles, innovative projects, or challenges you overcame in your work experience to illustrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to your field.

To do an MS in the USA, you need a 4-year bachelor's degree (some accept 3 years, like CMU and NYU), GRE/GMAT scores, TOEFL/IELTS scores, an SOP, 2 or more LORs, transcripts from all educational institutions you’ve attended, and financial proof. 

Let’s discuss some crucial requirements for your Master's in the USA in detail:

Academic Requirements

To pursue a master’s program in the USA, you need a good GPA (differs by universities), a competitive GMAT/ GRE score depending on your program, English proficiency scores, transcripts, and other documents like:

• Resume: A resume/CV showcasing your academic achievements, work experience, and skills may be required.
• SOP: You need to write a Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing the program.
• LORs: You’ll need 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs) from professors or employers to strengthen your application.
• UG degree: Most universities prefer a 4-year bachelor's degree, but some accept 3-year degrees (eligibility varies).
• GPA: You typically need a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), though requirements differ by university.
• Standardised tests: If you're applying for a business-related MS program, you’ll need to take the GMAT. Check if the university accepts GRE scores.
• Transcripts: You must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Language Proficiency

As an international student, you need to submit valid English proficiency test scores (check with your target universities for the tests they accept). TOEFL is the most widely accepted and is valid for 2 years. You can also take IELTS, Duolingo, and PTE, depending on the university’s requirements. 

• TOEFL (90+) /IELTS (7.0+) is mandatory for non-native English speakers.
• Minimum English proficiency test score requirements vary across universities and programs.

Visa Requirements

Every year, around 500,000 students apply for an F1 visa, while hardly 150,000 students receive it. This means that out of all the applicants, only 42-43% of students are successful in receiving their US F1 visa. Now the question arises - what are the 350,000 students doing wrong? And what can you do to avoid such mistakes? Read below our visa requirements checklist.

• Valid Passport (Must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay)
• Form I-20 (Issued by the university after admission)
• DS-160 Confirmation Page (Online visa application form)
• Visa Fee Payment Receipt (Proof of SEVIS and visa fee payment)
• Passport-size Photographs (As per U.S. visa specifications)
• University Admission Letter (Official acceptance from the university)
• Financial Proof (Bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarship documents showing funds for tuition and living expenses)
• Standardized Test Scores (GRE/GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS, if required)
• Academic Documents (Degree certificates, transcripts, and mark sheets)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) (Explaining study plans and future goals)
• Work Experience Documents (If applicable, including offer letters and payslips)
• Ties to Home Country (Evidence showing intent to return after studies, such as family assets or job offers)

Ensure that you have all academic certificates and exam proofs in clear scanned PDF formats, with certified translations for non-English documents. Prepare notarized copies if required, and include your complete Bachelor’s program curriculum along with secondary and high school certificates. 

Below is the checklist of documents you should prepare.

• 10th Grade Marks Card (Secondary School Certificate)
• 12th Grade Marks Card (High School Certificate)
• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (or Provisional Degree Certificate if pending)
• Entrance Exam Proofs, like GRE or GMAT (if applicable)
• Semester Marks Cards (if requested)
• Certified Translations for non-English documents
• Bachelor’s Program Curriculum (if required)
• Statement of Purpose 
• Letters of Recommendation 2-3
• All official transcripts 

Standardised tests can make or break your applications. Imagine this scenario: you have an identical profile with someone, competing for the same spot at a top university. Similar GPA, extracurriculars, etc. But when there’s a tie, the one who has a good GMAT/ GRE score, will make the cut. Would you want to give up on your dream university for one test score? No, right?   

Check out these top exams required to study a Master's in the USA:

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)

The GRE is a general test taken by students applying to a wide range of graduate programs, including STEM fields. It assesses your analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills, key abilities for success in rigorous graduate studies. We focus on services for STEM applicants, so our guidance is designed with your needs in mind.

The GRE test is divided into the following sections, each designed to evaluate a specific skill set:

GMAT Focus Edition (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT Focus Edition is required for business programs such as accounting, management, and HR. The test evaluates quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights and includes features like question review & edit, flexible section order selection, and customizable score sending.

The GMAT exam is structured into the following sections, each assessing a different skill area:

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

If you're planning to attend law school, the LSAT is the way to go. It evaluates your analytical writing, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning, testing your ability to think critically and argue effectively.

The Law School Admission Test has several sections, each meant to check a key skill you'll need in law school.

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

If you're applying to medical school in the US, you need to take the MCAT. It evaluates your understanding of biological and biochemical systems, chemistry and physics, critical reasoning, and psychological and social sciences.

The below given sections together form the MCAT exam:

While this timeline provides a solid framework, it’s always a good idea to verify specific deadlines with the universities you’re targeting and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Here's a general application timeline for Fall 2026 Master's programs in the USA.

Planning to apply for a Master's in the USA?

Fair! Indian students have often gravitated to the US, and it hosts over 66% of the total overseas student population. Be it for state-of-the-art education, research facilities, good funding and scholarship options, and a high ROI, schedule a free consultation call with СÓÅÊÓƵ experts to understand how to make a stellar application for US universities.