USA Postgraduate
U.S. Graduate School Application Process/Timeline Planning
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The United States has long been a global leader in higher education, with its universities occupying nearly 80% of the top spots in world university rankings. The American education system emphasizes critical thinking and independent thought, fostering countless entrepreneurs and innovators who have shaped industries worldwide.
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Universities in USA
The United States has over 1,100 higher education institutions offering master's and doctoral degree programs, enabling students to acquire specialized skills or conduct in-depth research. Each year, many students apply to U.S. graduate schools, hoping to gain advanced knowledge and enhance their professional capabilities.
The application process for U.S. graduate schools (master's programs) is primarily divided into two types:
Research-oriented
Such as Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS), covering fields including humanities, sciences, engineering, technology, and more. These programs are research-oriented, providing general research experience and opportunities to pursue doctoral studies, requiring one to two years of full-time study.
Students may choose whether to write a thesis. Those who opt not to write a thesis are typically required to take additional courses as a substitute and must pass a comprehensive examination upon completion of all coursework.
Vocational-oriented
Such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Education (Med), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA), covering fields including business, education, arts, journalism, architecture, public administration, and more.
Vocational master's degrees are not designed as pathways to doctoral programs but instead provide practical specialized skills and direct employment opportunities, requiring one to two years of full-time study.
They typically do not require a thesis. Admissions for vocational master's programs do not restrict applicants to specific undergraduate degree backgrounds but expect students to have a certain level of professional knowledge in the relevant field.
U.S. Doctoral Degrees Application
The establishment of doctoral degrees primarily aims to cultivate research scholars and future faculty members for higher education institutions. Earning a doctoral degree proves that the student has acquired professional research and teaching capabilities.
Doctoral programs include advanced coursework, seminars, and thesis writing. Typically, after completing all requirements within three to five years, students must pass a comprehensive qualifying examination to demonstrate their ability to apply learned knowledge and conduct research with creativity and scientific rigor.
Passing the qualifying exam signifies the completion of coursework, allowing the student to focus entirely on research and thesis writing. The thesis must present the student’s original research and be completed under the supervision of an advisor. After finishing the thesis, the student must successfully defend it orally before an evaluation panel of professors in the relevant field to obtain the doctoral degree. This process may require an additional two to three years.
Therefore, earning a doctoral degree may take between five to eight years, depending on the field of study.
Application Timeline
建議於預計入學的前一年開始規劃留學計畫，美國學校大多提供秋、春季入學之選擇。
以 9月（秋季）入學為例：
The year before enrollment
Jan.-May.
Start Planning Your Study Abroad Timeline
Prepare for standardized tests in advance and gather all required application documents.
Sept.-Dec.
Submit Application
Send application documents and certified transcripts, complete application procedures for each school.
The year of enrollment
Jan.-May
Confirm application result
June. - Aug.
Visa Application, Accommodation Arrangement & Flight Booking
All set for departure!
Requirements
GPA
What schools can you apply to with your current GPA?
GPA 3.7 ↑
Aim for the Top 30 U.S. Schools – You Can Do It!
GPA 3.3 – 3.7
Top 100 should be no problem！
GPA 2.8 – 3.3
Give Top 150 universities or state schools a try!
GPA 2.8 ↓
Conditional Admission might be the perfect pathway for your study abroad plans!
TOEFL
Graduate school applications in the U.S. primarily require TOEFL scores, though some universities accept IELTS.
What schools can you apply to with your current TOEFL or IELTS scores?
TOEFL 100 – 120
IELTS 7.0 – 9.0
Aim for the Top 30 U.S. Schools – You Can Do It!
TOEFL 90 – 100
IELTS 6.5 – 7.0
Top 100 should be no problem！
TOEFL 80 – 90
IELTS 5.5 – 6.5
Consider Top 150 or State Universities!
TOEFL 70 – 80
IELTS 5.0 – 5.5
Conditional Admission might be the perfect pathway for your study abroad plans!
SAT
Most U.S. graduate school applications require submission of GRE scores. This test is divided into the General Test and Subject Tests. The General Test consists of Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections, with a total score of 340; the Analytical Writing section is scored separately out of 6 points.
GRE 330
Aim for Top 30 Universities！
GRE 320
Top 100 should be no problem！
GRE 310
Try applying to Top 150 or state universities!
GRE 300
Try other universities!
ACT
Most students applying to graduate business schools in the U.S. need to submit GMAT scores. This test primarily assesses a student's understanding, analysis, and communication skills in general business environments. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing Assessment, with a total score of 800 points.
GMAT 750
Aim for TOP 30 Universities !
GMAT 650
Top 100 should be no problem！
GMAT 550
Try applying to Top 150 or state universities!
GMAT 450
Try other universities!
