
Many Students have already submitted their applications for Fall (August) 25. Of course, many universities are still accepting applications since their deadlines are available until March 31, 2025. However, since universities process applications on a rolling basis, students have already started receiving admissions and will continue getting decisions till May/June 2025.
Congratulations on receiving admission offers for Fall 2025. Having achieved this huge milestone, you are now entering the crucial phase of planning your next steps till your Visa is approved.
Selection of Final University
Once you have received an offer, here’s what you need to do next:
- Evaluate the university’s ranking, course curriculum, job opportunities, and tuition fees before making a decision.
- Consider factors like location and cost of living.
- Check for merit-based scholarships and assistantships (RA/TA positions) at your university.
- Part-time on-campus jobs can help cover living expenses.
Types of Admission Offers
Each university follows a different process when it comes to issuing admission letters and the I-20 form, a crucial immigration document that is necessary for obtaining a student visa. Here are the most common types of admission offers you might receive:
1. Admission Letter with I-20 Form
- Some universities issue both the admission letter and the I-20 form simultaneously.
- This is the most convenient scenario, as you can accept the admission and still wait for responses from other universities before making your final decision.
2. Admission Letter Without I-20 Form
- In some cases, universities send an acceptance letter but will not issue the I-20 until you formally accept their offer.
- You can accept their offer, request to issue the I-20 form and keep your options open while you wait for decisions from other universities.
3. I-20 to be issued Based on Financial Documents
Some universities require proof of financial capability before issuing the I-20. Students must submit a bank certificate or a letter of a sanctioned education loan to demonstrate sufficient funds.
- The required amount should cover two semesters of tuition, one year of living expenses and other costs, if any.
- You can include funds in Savings Bank account, Fixed Deposits and Public Provident Fund. Some universities also accept funds in the General Provident Fund.
- Students can also temporarily borrow funds from family or friends to obtain a bank certificate and repay the amount immediately after issuance of the bank certificate.
- Since students apply to multiple universities, it is advisable to get around eight copies of the bank certificate, which is valid for three months. The bank certificate should be equal to the cost of the most expensive university among your options so that it can be used for all the universities you have applied.
- If personal funds cannot be arranged, a loan sanction letter from a bank or non-banking financial institution (NBFC) can be submitted instead.
4. Non-Refundable Deposit Requirement
- Some universities require a non-refundable deposit (ranging from $100 to $750) as a confirmation of admission before issuing the I-20.
- If you are unsure about enrolling at that university, it is better to delay the payment.
- However, if the university is your preferred choice, paying the deposit within the deadline is advisable.
Cost of Education:
Studying for a master’s in the USA is a significant financial investment. Unlike domestic students who may qualify for in-state tuition, international students must pay out-of-state tuition fees, which are typically higher.
For example, if the annual in-state tuition fee is $10,000, the out-of-state tuition fee can go up to $25,000 or more. Additionally, due to the appreciation of the USD and increasing living costs in the U.S., education costs have risen further.
On average, a master’s degree from a decent university can cost between ₹45–50 lakhs, including tuition, living expenses, and other fees.
Education Loans for MS in the USA
Due to the high cost, many students choose to fund their education through education loans. These loans can be obtained from:
- Nationalized Banks (State Bank of India,Bank of Baroda, etc.)
- Private Banks (HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, etc.)
- Cooperative Banks (Cosmos Bank, Saraswat Bank etc.)
- NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Institutions) (Credila Financial Services, etc.)
Interest Rates and Loan Benefits
- Education loan interest rates generally range between 8.50 to 12%.
- Nationalized and Cooperative banks usually offer lower interest rates compared to private banks and NBFCs.
- Female students can benefit from a 0.5% interest rate discount at Nationalized and Cooperative banks.
Loan Sanction Process
To get your loan approved, you need:
- Admission letter from the university
- KYC documents (passport, ID proofs)
- Academic transcripts and test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS)
- Income proof of co-applicant (if applicable)
- Collateral (for secured loans)
However, before the loan is disbursed, the student must submit the I-20 form issued by the university and a photocopy of the F1 Visa approved by the US consulate.
Apply for Your Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
- Once you receive your I-20 form, pay the SEVIS fee ($350) and fill out the DS-160 visa application form.
- Schedule your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
For a detailed guide on Student Visa, wait for our next blog.
If you need personalized guidance on university selection, loan applications, or visa preparation, our counseling team is here to help!
Stay tuned for more updates and expert tips on your study abroad journey with one of the best abroad educational consultants!
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process, from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

The United States is undoubtedly the first choice when thinking about studying abroad for a master’s degree. To convert this dream into reality, many of you may have already started with your applications for the Fall 2025 intake. Most universities began accepting applications in October 2025. It is still not too late to apply for the Fall of 2025 since many Universities have deadlines up to March 2025.
Why Apply for Fall 2025?
- Fall intake offers a more diverse range of courses
- It allows students better access to funding
- Many universities have waived the GRE requirement for Fall 2025
- It also allows students to explore funding opportunities such as research assistant, teaching assistant and graduate assistant
- After completing two semesters (Fall and Spring), you are allowed to apply for an internship during summer vacation.
Here’s your ultimate guide to taking the leap and submitting your application in time.
- Many universities have rolling admissions, while others have fixed deadlines stretching into February, March, or even April.
- Roughly 10% of universities had their final deadlines on December 31
- Around 10% will have their deadlines by January 31.
- The majority (about 80%) of universities allow you to apply until March, and some even accept applications until May.
This means that you can still secure admission to a good university even if you start your applications now!
Steps to Get Started
Finalize Your Program Choices:
Narrow down the universities and programs that align with your goals. Look for those with open application windows.
Prepare Your Application Documents:
- Transcripts: Ensure your academic records are up-to-date.
- Test Scores: GRE (if required), TOEFL, or IELTS scores should be ready or scheduled soon.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write a compelling SOP that highlights your aspirations.
- Personal Essays: Draft essays that reflect your personal journey, goals, and unique experiences.
- Letters of Recommendation: Request these from your mentors or professors as soon as possible.
Focus on Financial Planning:
- Look for available scholarships and financial aid.
- Research education loan options that specialize in funding for pursuing studies abroad.
Submit Your Application before the deadline:
Once everything is in place, don’t delay submitting your application before the deadline.
You Must Move Quickly
Although most universities will still be accepting applications until March 2025, you need to consider the time required for documentation and university shortlisting. Documentation includes procuring transcripts, drafting SOPs, personal statements, diversity statements, LORs, and resumes. University shortlisting involves extensive research to select the right universities according to your profile and interests.
We Are Here to Help You
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, we are here to make the process easier for you:
- We provide the best admissions counseling services, offering a well-balanced list of universities with safe as well as ambitious options, increasing your chances of admission.
- Our services include assistance with SOPs, LORs, resumes, personal statements, and diversity statements.
- We provide comprehensive visa guidance, including mock visa interviews.
- We offer coaching for GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS, as well as a self-prep module to help students prepare effectively at their own pace.
Watch our exclusive video on YouTube to get insider insights directly from Mr. Dilip Oak himself!
Dilip Oak’s Academy can be your perfect guide into this often confusing admission process. We have been in this business since 1996, and we have more than 33,000 success stories to attest to our expertise in this field. Our experienced counselors interact with every student personally to understand their unique requirements and provide tailored guidance.
The Time to Act is Now
Applying for Fall 2025 is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about taking the first step toward your future. The opportunities are endless, but only if you take action. Remember, every day you delay is a day closer to missing out on your dream.
Let’s make Fall 2025 your time to shine. Start your application today!
Best wishes, and happy applying!

Understanding the test format is crucial to approach the TOEFL Listening section effectively. Whether you’re preparing for conversations between two speakers or academic lectures, familiarizing yourself with the Structure of this section will give you an edge. Here’s how you can take charge of your TOEFL preparation with practical tips and proven strategies.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Format
The TOEFL Listening section consists of conversations and lectures. Each recording is followed by a series of questions that assess your understanding of the main idea, details, inferences, and the speaker’s attitude. Knowing the Format helps you mentally prepare for what to expect.
2. Improve Your Listening Skills Every Day
Consistent practice is key to improving your listening comprehension.
- Listen to Academic Content: Podcasts, lectures, and TED talks in English help expose you to various accents and speaking styles.
- Watch English Movies or Series: Try watching with subtitles first, then gradually move to no subtitles to strengthen your ability to understand spoken language.
- Engage in Conversations: Practicing with native speakers or in a TOEFL prep group will improve both listening and speaking skills.
3. Pay Attention to the Structure
The key to understanding conversations and lectures is understanding their Structure.
- Introduction and Conclusion: Speakers typically introduce the main topic, explaining it in detail or offering examples.
- Transition Words: Note connective devices such as “first,” “next,” and “in conclusion” to know how the discussion progresses.
- Speaker’s Tone: The way the speaker says something—whether excited, doubtful, or something else—can give you valuable clues about their attitude. For instance, an excited tone might show they’re really into the topic, while a doubtful tone could mean they’re uncertain. Picking up on these cues can be helpful for answering inference questions.
Ready to excel in the TOEFL Listening section? Join Dilip Oak Academy for expert guidance and proven strategies. Our experienced instructors and comprehensive resources are here to help you achieve your target score. Start your TOEFL preparation with us today!
4. Take Effective Notes
Good note-taking can be the difference between guessing and knowing the answer.
- Listen for Keywords: Focus on names, facts, examples and concepts mentioned in the recording. These are often the focus of the questions.
- Use Short Forms: Develop a system for abbreviating words or concepts. For example, use “ex” for example or “imp” for important.
- Organize Your Notes: Write down the main idea at the top, then note supporting details and examples underneath.
5. Anticipate the Questions
TOEFL Listening questions often target the main idea, specific details, inferences, or the speaker’s attitude. Before you listen to the audio, review the instructions to anticipate the types of questions you might encounter.
6. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Listening
To listen effectively, you must understand the context, tone, and implications of the conversation. Listen critically rather than passively absorbing information.
7. Listen for Distractors
There may be distractors in TOEFL Listening, such as false information or alternatives that appear correct but aren’t, so read carefully and make sure that your answer fits the whole context of the conversation.
8. Practice with TOEFL Listening Materials
Use official TOEFL prep materials to practice under test conditions. This helps you get familiar with the pacing and types of content. Take full-length practice tests to get a sense of the timing.
- Timed Practice: Manage your time effectively, as the TOEFL Listening section is time-bound. Practice answering questions within the allotted time to simulate real test conditions. This will help you stay calm under pressure and improve your pacing.
On the actual test day, maintaining focus is key. The audio recordings are played only once, so stay calm and concentrate on the task. If you don’t understand something right away, don’t panic—keep listening and focus on the broader context of the conversation.
Conclusion
Successfully mastering the TOEFL Listening section requires a combination of strategic practice, effective note-taking, and mental preparedness. By applying these techniques, you can sharpen your listening skills and increase your chances of achieving a higher score. Consistent practice is key, so start early and remain dedicated to your goals.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process, from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.
A robust vocabulary is a cornerstone for success in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Not only does it aid in the verbal reasoning section but also in comprehending complex texts and articulating thoughts effectively. Here are various GRE vocabulary techniques and strategies to fortify your GRE preparation:
1. Flashcards
Flashcards remain a classic yet effective tool for vocabulary acquisition. Platforms like Anki or Quizlet allow customization and spaced repetition, ensuring retention. For instance, create flashcards with words, their definitions, synonyms, and usage in sentences. Using GRE-specific, high-frequency word lists for creating these flashcards will be even more useful. Also, using visuals or mnemonic devices on flashcards can boost retention.
For example, which of the two flashcards below boost retention?

Remember: The use of visuals or mnemonic devices on flashcards can boost retention and enable you to learn more words in a shorter duration.
2. Reading Widely
Extensive reading exposes you to various words and contexts. Aim for diverse materials like classic literature, academic journals, and GRE-specific texts. Note down unfamiliar words, look up their meanings, and use them in sentences to reinforce understanding.
You can also read various GRE-specific blogs that promote contextual learning. Below is an extract from our blog describing Diwali – the festival of lights – using GRE words.

Click here to read this complete blog covering 100+ GRE words that aptly encapsulate the heartwarming journey through the magic of Santa’s tale.
Here are some other websites to get you started:
- GRE Vocabulary Blogs
- GREat Five-Minute Reads
- WIRED
- The New York Times
- The Economist
- National Geographic
- Scientific American
- Arts & Letters Daily
- The Marginalian
- The Atlantic
3. Vocabulary Apps and Games
This is one of the GRE vocabulary techniques that will help you leverage technology through apps like Magoosh Vocabulary Builder, Vocabulary.com, and Cram. These apps offer interactive quizzes, games, and challenges to make learning engaging and fun.
For example, matching words like ‘precipitate‘ with its synonym ‘hasten‘ in a timed challenge improves recall, and it’s a lot more fun than rote learning.
4. Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes
Break down complex words into their root, prefix, and suffix components. This GRE vocabulary technique aids in understanding and inferring meanings, especially when encountering unfamiliar words.
Like the word “autobiography” that you see in the image, think of the “euphemism. “Euphemism” is derived from ‘eu’ (good) and ‘pheme’ (speech), indicating a mild or indirect expression substituting a harsh one.
Similarly, the word “belligerent” can be broken down as belli (war) + gerent (to carry). Understanding the components helps deduce that ‘belligerent’ relates to a state of war or aggression.
After breaking down the word into its components, look up other words derived from these components. That way, you will quickly learn and retain more words.
5. Grouping and Categorization
Organize words into categories based on similarities like meaning, usage, or context. This GRE vocabulary technique aids in connecting related words and understanding their relationships.
Like the category “Intellect” that you see in the image, can you find words related to “emotions” like “Mirth,” “Melancholy,” “Elation,” and “Despondency”?
Can you also think of words related to “simpleminded” or “expertise”? Categorizing words in this manner will also enhance your learning.
6. Interactive Study Groups
Engaging in study groups, debates, or peer discussions helps reinforce learning. Collaborative sessions enable sharing strategies, quizzing each other, and discussing word usage.
Similarly, actively applying the learned vocabulary by writing essays and articles will enhance retention and strengthen your ability to articulate ideas effectively.
In conclusion, mastering GRE vocabulary demands a multi-faceted approach. Combining several GRE vocabulary techniques and strategies – from traditional methods like flashcards to modern tools like apps – can significantly enhance your lexicon. Remember, consistency and application are key. Regular practice and deliberate effort will undoubtedly bolster your vocabulary prowess for the GRE and beyond.
As India’s leading Study Abroad Consultant, Dilip Oak’s Academy offers a comprehensive suite of services, including TOEFL, IELTS, GRE coaching, as well as GRE Self Prep. Furthermore, our admission counseling services can guide you through the entire process from Shortlisting Universities to Visa Counseling. With our expertise, we have successfully sent 32,000 students to various prestigious American universities like MIT, Stanford, Cornell, and Carnegie Mellon. To enroll in our comprehensive overseas education consultancy services, book a free consultation or call us at 91-20-67444222.

A resume, much like other application documents, is designed to address the core question: “Why should you be chosen?” While the SOP, recommendation letters, and transcripts offer broader insights, the resume delivers the most concise yet comprehensive answer. To serve its purpose effectively, a resume must showcase your key accomplishments and qualifications in a clear, focused, and concise format. This allows it to deliver a compelling snapshot of your strengths as a candidate, effectively persuading the Admissions Committee of your suitability for selection.
Here are some tips that will help your resume to achieve its intended goals:
Focus on Achievements
Highlight accomplishments that showcase your impact, using specific details and measurable results. Admissions committees appreciate evidence of problem-solving, leadership, and innovation.
For example:
Instead of: Worked on a project to improve maintenance efficiency.
Write: Developed a machine learning model to predict equipment failures, reducing downtime by 30%.
Quantify Results
Use numerals wherever possible to emphasize the scale of your contributions. Percentages, rankings, and numerical achievements make your resume stand out.
For example: Ranked in the top 5% of a class of 120 students; achieved a GPA of 9.2/10.
Keep It Brief
Admissions officers review numerous applications. Aim to fit your resume onto a single page by using abbreviated sentences and prioritizing key information.
For example:
Instead of: I was awarded the first prize for my final year project titled ‘Robotic Arm for Assembly Line’ in Robocon 2024
Write: 1st prize, Robocon 2024 for ‘Robotic Arm for Assembly Line’ (final year project)
If you’re preparing your MS application for Fall 2025 and need expert guidance, visit Dilip Oak’s Academy today. Our experienced counselors are here to help you craft a winning application package, from resumes and SOPs to university shortlisting and more!
Use Bullet Points Effectively
Break up dense text into clear, concise bullet points to improve readability. Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs that convey responsibility and impact:
Designed, implemented, analyzed, collaborated, optimized, conducted, presented
For example, it is much easier to read the following:
- Used critical path analysis and PERT techniques to finish the project 10 days before the submission deadline and within budget.
- Applied ergonomic criteria to analyze worker fatigue and reduced productivity
- Automated the process, resulting in a 233% increase in the job tightening rate from 18 to 60 jobs/hour
Proofread Meticulously
Typos and inconsistencies can weaken your application. Follow these tips:
- Check spelling and grammar mistakes
- Capitalize only when necessary, i.e., avoid the use of capital letters for the names of subjects you have studied (e.g., computer architecture, digital signal processing) or hobbies (e.g., trekking, listening to music) etc.
- Capitalize uniformly, i.e., write ‘Chemical Engineering’ or preferably ‘chemical engineering’; do NOT write ‘Chemical engineering’ or ‘chemical E’
- Ensure verbs are in past tense for completed tasks and present tense for ongoing work.
Tailor for Academic Audiences
- Find out how standard academic journals in your field write titles (some capitalize only the first letter of the title, some italicize the whole title etc.), but in general, remember that words like ‘in’, ’of’, ‘to,’ ‘and’ are not capitalized except when they are at the beginning of a title.
- Use full forms, not abbreviations, for degrees and terms:
- Write ‘Bachelor of Engineering’ and not ‘BE’
- Engineering rather than ‘Engg.’
- ‘and’ instead of ‘&’ etc.
Prioritize Relevant Information
Admissions committees look for experiences that directly relate to your chosen program.
Highlight:
- Research projects
- Internships
- Publications
- Leadership roles in technical teams or organizations
Additional Key Considerations for Crafting an Impactful Resume
Beyond showcasing achievements and formatting effectively, there are several other crucial aspects to ensure your resume leaves a lasting impression:
Avoid jargon: Always remember that a simple, precise, original, and honest resume makes a much greater impact on the recruiter than one dotted with jargon and unnecessary fancy words. Keep it simple, comprehensive, and realistic.
Leave no gaps in work history: At times, certain work experiences may be omitted intentionally or unintentionally. However, noticeable gaps in your work history can act as significant deterrents and raise concerns. To avoid this, ensure your work history is listed chronologically and includes all relevant experiences, leaving no room for doubt.
Ensure your information is legally accurate: This is a very important point to consider. Make sure everything you write in the resume is authentic, verifiable, and legally accurate and will stand up to background checks. Even minor discrepancies serve as red flags and threaten your chances of getting a good admission.
Make sure your resume is “easy on the eye”: Many times, people are inclined to use fancy resume templates with a variety of colors, fonts and designs because they think it keeps the reader hooked. However, it has the opposite impact. A gaudy resume distracts the recruiter. Hence, it would be best if you kept it very decent and easy to scan and absorb.
The recruiter typically spends as little as 15 seconds and no more than 2 minutes assessing whether you are the right fit. So make sure you provide everything necessary to be noted in this brief time.
A strong, tailored resume reflects your readiness and enthusiasm for graduate studies. Pair it with a stellar SOP and letters of recommendation for a winning application package. Good luck with your applications!
At Dilip Oak’s Academy, our expert counselors provide personalized guidance to help you identify and highlight your achievements, structure your work history effectively, and tailor your resume for academic audiences. In addition to resume building, our counseling services extend to a range of application needs, including crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), writing strong letters of recommendation, university shortlisting, and visa assistance. Join our counseling services for expert guidance and resources to boost your chances of success and confidently navigate the competitive application process!