American educational system is decentralized, and therefore each university has its own rules for admission to master degree. However, it is possible to single out the standard requirements that almost all institutions of higher learning impose on applicants.
1. Bachelor's degree. If you have a bachelor's degree or a specialist from a university recognized in your country, then this will be enough to apply.
2. Subject knowledge. The academic statement with the marks for all subjects passed on the bachelor's degree and the GPA diploma's average score is one of the most important documents for admission to the master degree.
American universities often welcome the change of specialties in the transition from bachelor to master's program. Thus, the biologist can begin to study philosophy, and the musician - jurisprudence. However, some specialties, such as medicine, engineering, biochemistry, require from their entrants the presence of a previous education in the same specialty or a high level of knowledge in certain subjects. To confirm this knowledge, most US admission commissions use the results of standardized tests.
There are several types of standardized tests for admission to the magistracy: GRE, which tests the general level of knowledge, and specialized tests for magistracy - for example, GRE in subjects, GMAT and others.
3. Knowledge of the English language, confirmed by the TOEFL or IELTS certificate.
4. Strong motivation and extra-curricular achievements. It is checked by motivational essay. Some states also can put forward an age barrier for those wishing to enter the magistracy - as a rule, this is 18 years.
As a rule, the list of required documents is as follows:
1. The academic statement with the grades in all subjects and the certified copy of the diploma of the first higher education if you have not graduated yet, you need a certificate from the dean's office with the expected end date.
2. A motivation letter explaining why you are a suitable candidate for the program and talking about your professional and scientific plans. Writing a motivation letter is one of the main parts of admission to the university. We recommend to check the ratings of academic writing services to find the most reliable and professional essay writing provider.
3. Recommendations from teachers, employers and colleagues. As a rule, for admission to the magistracy requires three recommendations from people who know you well from a professional point of view, for example, the supervisor of studies.
4. The results of standardized tests: TOEFL or IELTS, on demand - GRE or specialized tests for a master's degree in separate disciplines. Be prepared for the fact that sending applications and filling out questionnaires can take quite a long time. The answers from universities will begin to come on average in a month.
The procedure and deadlines for submitting documents to US universities
Training in Master's programs in American universities begins twice a year: in August-September and in January-February.
In many universities, the end of the application process is about six months before the beginning of the course. Usually, admission commissions consider applications as they are received and immediately offer places that students like them. Accordingly, the later you apply, the fewer available places will remain at the faculty.