According to the Council of Graduate Schools, from 2010 to 2011 international applicants to graduate engineering programs in the US increased by twelve percent. The study also identifies an eighteen percent increase in Chinese applicants, a twelve percent increase in applicants from the Middle East and Turkey, and a seven percent increase in Indian applicants. Engineering, in combination with physical and earth sciences and business, currently accounts for sixty-two percent of all international graduate students at US institutions.
If you're an international student who is planning to apply to engineering graduate programs in the US, considering these few details in advance can help make your application process much smoother.
DO YOUR RESEARCH. US engineering graduate schools have different areas of focus. In order to be certain that you're applying to a school that's going to fit your needs, it's important to reach out to the admissions office and any faculty points of contact. It's also important to read the website carefully.
STUDY AND TAKE YOUR TESTS. As an international student, you'll need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to demonstrate your proficiency in English. More information about the TOEFL is available here and more on the IELTS here. Most US engineering graduate schools also require GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores, which you can learn more about here. It's a good idea to identify the minimum score requirements at the universities to which you're applying.
NETWORK. Aside from providing a clearer picture of the program itself, contacting admissions and faculty helps them get to know you. In addition to your application, a phone call or letter to key faculty and staff emphasizing your desire to attend their school demonstrates initiative and commitment.
GET YOUR VISA. The US Embassy will begin processing your visa three months prior to your departure date. You can send your application earlier, but it will be held until 120 days in advance of your trip. All beginning students must enter the US thirty days or less prior to the start of their program. You can fine more information about your student visa here.
SHOW WHO YOU ARE. Your GRE scores and grades are important, but your letters of recommendation and personal statement can really set you apart as a candidate. Make sure your letters of recommendation speak to your unique skills. Use the personal statement as an opportunity to highlight your passions, accomplishments and aspirations. This is not the time to be modest!
想了解更多美国或其他国家留学资讯，请访问留学群www.liuxuequn.com
