How to Apply for a Masters Degree in the USA

When should I apply for a Masters in the USA?

You should try to begin your application to study in the USA early – ideally before the end of the second year of your undergraduate programme.

In most cases, application deadlines end by the end of March in the academic year before you wish to start. Some institutions will also accept applications in the previous December. Meeting this earlier deadline may be advantageous if you wish to be considered for some scholarships and other funding arrangements.

How should I apply for a Masters in the USA?

Applications for US Masters programmes are made directly to institutions. There is no limit on the number of courses you can apply to simultaneously. But bear in mind that US graduate schools will often ask for a lot of supplementary material with your application. Most will also charge an administrative fee.

What will I need to apply for a Masters in the USA?

Admission to a US graduate programme will require an appropriate undergraduate degree. This should be in a similar field to your Masters, but it may not need to be in exactly the same subject.

If you're an international student, you'll normally need to convert your degree score into a GPA before it can be used for your Masters application. You can find more information on how the GPA system works on our GPA and other grading systems guide.

You’ll also be required to submit some supporting documents such as full academic transcripts, academic references and personal statements.

There are some tests you might need to take before applying for a Masters in the USA. If English is not your first language, you may be asked for an English language test score. Sometimes selective graduate programmes require scores from graduate admissions tests.

• If English is not your first language you may need to submit a score from a recognised English academic language test. Both the TOEFL and IELTS are commonly accepted by American graduate schools. Your prospective university will be able to tell you which test it prefers (many will accept more than one), and the minimum score, or scores, it requires.
• Graduate admission tests are a more common requirement in the US education system than they are in other countries. They allow your university to assess general skills such as abstract reasoning, problem solving and critical thinking. A number of tests are in use, but the two most common are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). You must check with your university to know which test it requires.

Document checklist for a Masters application in the USA

Here's a full list of documents you'll need to apply for a Masters in the USA. Sometimes universities may ask for additional supporting material in which case they'll let you know what they need from you.

• Completed application form
• Transcripts from your previous degree
• Academic references
• Personal statement
• Resume/CV
• Graduate admission test results, if needed
• English language test results, if needed

Sometimes, for more specialist programmes like MBA, you may even be called for an interview. Interviews are slightly more common for admission to very competitive courses but can be used to assess candidates for other kinds of Masters degrees. Don’t be intimidated at being asked to attend an interview. It’s always a good sign, and will be a great opportunity for you to discuss other aspects of your application.

If you’re applying for a professional Masters, you might be asked to submit a research statement as well. This is particularly likely if you’re applying to a graduate programme with the opportunity to continue onto PhD work. A research statement is different from a research proposal (required if you’re applying for a PhD) and you won’t be expected to decide the topic of your Masters dissertation at this stage, or to ‘sell’ it to your prospective tutors. It is simply an opportunity for you to express your academic interests and motivations.

Ready to apply for a Masters in the USA? Read our comprehensive guides on fees, funding and life as a student in America.

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