Why 2019 is a Good Time to Pursue an MS in the USA – Part 2

March 5, 2019December 17, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

Following the positive response we received on our last blog post “Why 2019 is a Good Time to Pursue an MS in the USA – Part 1”; here are some other key benefits of applying for an MS from a US University this year.

Due to needless panic following the election of President Trump, there has been a drop in the number of students joining US universities. The reality is that the job situation is actually improving for students completing their MS from the US. In fact, the decline in number of applicants makes it easier for students with even lower GRE scores and average academics to get into good universities. Financial assistance too has become easier to secure! Read on for an in-depth understanding of the current advantages of applying to the US.

Certainty of Admission to Reputed Universities
Since the USA is a larger country, it boasts of a large number of reputed universities all across the country. Thus, American universities can absorb a greater number of students into Masters Programs as compared to other countries.

Further, the number of students applying to the US for post-graduate degrees has been declining. As a result, more seats are available since the competition is less cut-throat right now.

Financial Assistance during MS
Due to lesser students enrolling for programs, there are more campus jobs available – so it’s now easier to get one. Getting a campus job can take care of the living cost for both years. Apart from this, chances of getting Teaching Assistantship, Research Assistantship and Graduate Assistantship in the first or second semester itself are much higher as compared to earlier.

Jobs and Visa after Graduation
Contrary to the rumors floating around, job opportunities after MS in the USA are still available. What matters is your networking and the internships secured by you during your graduate degree. Students from Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields have 3 years to work on Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows students with MS degrees to work in the USA without an H1B visa. During these 3 years, you get 3 chances to apply for the H1B visa.

An interesting fact is that for H1B applicants who have completed their MS in the US and who are being sponsored by an American company, the rejection rate is just 1%. Hence, there is a greater certainty of obtaining the H1B visa.
We advise all study abroad candidates to take into consideration all these factors when deciding where to pursue an MS. In case you missed our previous article on why you should apply for an MS in the US in 2019, click here – Why 2019 is a Good Time to Pursue an MS in USA

University Application Deadlines For Fall 2018

September 26, 2017December 22, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

The application season is on, December is just round the corner …and university deadlines are coming up soon. So, here is our much awaited blog for university application deadlines for fall 2018.

Our list covers 128 universities with deadlines ranging from November 2017 all the way up to July 2018. At the end is a section on universities with rolling deadlines (click here to find out what is meant by rolling deadlines).

Remember that US universities update deadlines on their websites at different times during the academic year so, we will update this blog to keep up with changes on their official websites. We have compiled a list of university deadlines with utmost care, however, we request you to kindly cross check the dates displayed on official websites of the university.

Presenting the first in our round of deadline alerts.

Continue reading →

The Art and Science of Drafting your Statement of Purpose

March 10, 2017December 17, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

Drafting your Statement of Purpose should be considered to be, essentially, a communication exercise, which you ought to take very seriously. Why do we say this? Well, for two reasons: first, going forward, there will be many such situations in which you may have to interact with others by means of the written word. And second, subject-matter knowledge is not enough. You would need to find an effective way to communicate your message so as to evoke the desired response from its target reader(s).

Below are a few tips to draft a decent SoP:

Cover all important points: make sure you mention your academic accomplishments and major achievements, if any, along with papers presented, seminars and workshops attended, projects undertaken, and internship experience you have had, in their order of importance.
Highlight your soft skills: exhibiting good communication skills will enhance the impact of your academic performance and may even prove to be decisive if you happen to be tied with another applicant for admission whose academic performance is identical or equal to yours.
Avoid clichés: As far as possible, avoid words like “team player”, “leadership qualities”, etc. Try and find better ways to showcase such qualities or accomplishments. For instance, you may mention how effectively you worked with others in a close-knit team to successfully complete your project in a timely manner.
Keep it simple: It’s a rough draft. The beautification of language can come later as your suggested draft takes on a more sophisticated shape.
Start early: Some people tend to put things off until the last moment. On the other hand, starting early will give you more time to reflect on what you intend to include in your SoP. It will also minimize the risk of inadvertently leaving things out, enabling you to present a comprehensive narrative and present a strong case for your candidature.
Get help from experts: There are experts around who can help you draft an attractive Statement of Purpose thereby increasing your chances of getting admitted to the university of your choice. So, avail of their expertise and ensure that your SoP is a winner.

University Application Deadlines For Fall 2017

September 14, 2016December 22, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

Our list covers 145 universities with deadlines ranging from December 2016 all the way up to August 2017. At the end is a section on universities with rolling deadlines (click here to find out what is meant by rolling deadlines).

Presenting the first in our round of deadline alerts.

Continue reading →

University Deadlines For Fall 2016

August 14, 2015December 22, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

It is our continued endeavour to keep you updated with the university deadlines well before the application process. As per tradition we are publishing the university deadlines for fall 2016 semester. Please bear in mind that some universities may change deadlines on their websites without prior notice. The department deadlines may differ from the graduate school deadlines, hence you are advised to cross check not only the graduate school deadlines but also the department website of the university you are applying to.
The deadlines mentioned below are for the graduate school only.

Deadlines in November
University of South Carolina, Columbia – 30-Nov

Deadlines in December
Massachusetts Institute of Technology – 15-Dec
Tufts University – 15-Dec
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign – 15-Dec
Yale University – 15-Dec
Harvard University – 14-Dec
Indiana University, Bloomington – 1-Dec
University of Miami, Coral Gables – 1-Dec
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill – 1-Dec

Deadlines in January
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – 1-Jan
University of Maryland, Baltimore County – 1-Jan
Worcester Polytechnic Institute – 1-Jan
Washington State University, Pullman – 10-Jan
Florida Institute of Technology – 15-Jan
Northeastern University, Boston – 15-Jan
State University of New York, Buffalo – 15-Jan
Texas A & M University, Kingsville – 15-Jan
Texas Tech University – 15-Jan
University of Central Florida – 15-Jan
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – 15-Jan
University of Southern California – 15-Jan
Vanderbilt University – 15-Jan
Duke University – 30-Jan
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago – 31-Jan
Indiana University Purdue University – 15-Jan with funding 1-Mar without funding
Deadlines in February
Case Western Reserve University – 1-Feb
Colorado School of Mines – 1-Feb
East Carolina University – 1-Feb
Kansas State University – 1-Feb
Pennsylvania State University, University Park – 1-Feb
University of Connecticut, Storrs – 1-Feb
University of Rhode Island, Kingston – 1-Feb
University of Tennessee, Knoxville – 1-Feb
University of Tulsa – 1-Feb
Colorado State University, Fort Collins – 15-Feb
Eastern Michigan University – 15-Feb
Florida International University – 15-Feb
Marquette University – 15-Feb
Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn – 15-Feb
University of Illinois, Chicago – 15-Feb
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth – 15-Feb
University of Oregon, Eugene – 15-Feb
University of South Florida, Tampa – 15-Feb

Deadlines in March
California State University, Chico – 1-Mar
California State University, Sacramento – 1-Mar
Illinois State University, Normal – 1-Mar
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces – 1-Mar
North Carolina State University – 1-Mar
Oklahoma State University, Still Water – 1-Mar
Temple University – 1-Mar
University of North Carolina, Charlotte – 1-Mar
University of Pittsburgh – 1-Mar
University of Toledo – 1-Mar
George Washington University – 15-Mar
South Dakota School of Mines & Tech – 15-Mar
University of Colorado, Denver – 15-Mar
University of Kentucky, Lexington – 15-Mar
University of North Texas, Denton – 15-Mar
University of Pennsylvania – 15-Mar
California State University, Northridge – 31-March Online, 30-April Document submission

Deadlines in April
California State University, Fresno – 1-Apr
Idaho State University – 1-Apr
Oregon State University, Corvallis – 1-Apr
San Jose State University – 1-Apr
Stevens Institute of Technology – 1-Apr
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville – 1-Apr
University of Arkansas, Little Rock – 1-Apr
University of Houston, University Park – 1-Apr
University of New Hampshire, Durham – 1-Apr
University of Texas, Arlington – 1-Apr
University of Texas, San Antonio – 1-Apr
Villanova University – 1-Apr
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University – 1-Apr
West Virginia University, Morgan Town – 1-Apr
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo – 1-Apr
Wichita State University – 1-Apr
California State University, Los Angeles – 15-Apr
Lamar University – 15-Apr
Old Dominion University, Norfolk – 15-Apr
South Dakota State University, Brookings – 15-Apr
University of Georgia – 15-Apr
University of Iowa, Iowa City – 15-Apr
California State University, Long Beach – 1-April online, 15-April Document submission

Deadlines in May
City University of New York, City College – 1-May
Clarkson University – 1-May
Minnesota State University, Mankato – 1-May
Mississippi State University – 1-May
New Jersey Institute of Technology – 1-May
North Dakota State University, Fargo – 1-May
Northern Illinois University, Dekalb – 1-May
Oakland University, Rochester – 1-May
Southern Methodist University – 1-May
Tennessee Technological University – 1-May
University of Idaho, Moscow – 1-May
University of Louisville, Louisville – 1-May
University of Memphis – 1-May
University of Michigan, Dearborn – 1-May
University of Nevada, Las Vegas – 1-May
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque – 1-May
University of Texas, Dallas – 1-May
Wayne State University – 1-May
Western Illinois University – 1-May
California State University, Fullerton – 4-May
University of Louisiana, Lafayette – 15-May
University of North Carolina, Greensboro – 15-May
Wright State University, Dayton – 15-May

Deadlines in June
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston – 1-Jun
Monmouth University – 1-Jun
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville – 1-Jun
University of Alabama, Huntsville – 1-Jun
University of Alaska, Fairbanks – 1-Jun
University of Detroit, Mercy – 1-Jun
University of Illinois, Springfield – 1-Jun
University of Wyoming, Laramie – 1-Jun
Drexel University – 13-Jun
Marist College, Poughkeepsie – 15-Jun
Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla – 15-Jun
University of South Alabama, Mobile – 15-Jun

Deadlines in July
Arkansas State University – 1-Jul
Florida State University – 1-Jul
New York Institute of Technology – 1-Jul
Santa Clara University – 12-Jul
Lehigh University – 15-Jul
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport – 15-Jul

Deadlines in August
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology – 1-Aug
University of Houston, Clear Lake – 1-Aug

Rolling Deadlines
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison
Rochester Institute of Technology

Departmental Deadlines
Johns Hopkins University
Michigan State University, East Lansing
Michigan Technological University
Montana State University, Bozeman
Northwestern University, Evanston
Ohio State University, Columbus
Portland State University
Purdue University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Stanford University
State University of New York, Albany
State University of New York, Binghamton
State University of New York, Stony Brook
Syracuse University
Texas A & M University, College Station
Texas State University
University of Alabama, Birmingham
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
University of Arizona, Tucson
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Riverside
University of California, San Diego
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Hawaii, Manoa
University of Kansas, Lawrence
University of Maine, Orono
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Minnesota, Duluth
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
University of Missouri, Columbia
University of Missouri, Kansas City
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
University of Nevada, Reno
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
University of Oklahoma, Norman
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Texas, Austin
University of Texas, El Paso
University of Utah, Salt Lake City
University of Vermont, Burlington
University of Virginia, Charlottesville
University of Wisconsin, Madison

Application Timeline for Fall 2016 – Make Sure You Are on Track

June 26, 2015December 22, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

If you are applying for admission in fall 2016 the clock has begun to tick. So, don’t delay. Review this Application Timeline for Fall 2016 immediately and get to work.

June 2015

Review your goals for your MS in US and choose some specific areas in which you would like to specialize.

July 2015

Begin preparation for the GRE/TOEFL tests
Register for the GRE and TOEFL examinations – if you are targeting the top 10 or 15 universities, you should take these examinations preferably by September 2015. If you are targeting other universities, you may take these exams by 20 December 2015 so you can meet the deadlines of universities which are in December 2015.
Register for the Subject GRE – important for doctoral programs in pure sciences and biological sciences in top schools.

Note: the exam is held once in a year in November, however, seats usually get filled up by August.

August-September 2015

Make a preliminary list of about 30 universities which meet your requirements considering:

Location
Costs of living and education
Broad specializations you are interested in (for departments and specializations see the ‘university info‘ page on online.dilipoakacademy.com)
Recommendations by seniors, your professors etc.
Whether your academic profile fits the universities requirements.

For more details, see: Selecting a University for Your MS in the US. Also refer to our post on university information available on the social media

September 2015

Arrange for 10-13 sets of transcripts in sealed covers from your college or university – some universities insist on university transcripts/university attested mark sheets
Choose your recommenders (generally 3 recommendations are required, at least one of which should be from the educational institute last attended) and give them the necessary details – resume, copies of your mark sheets etc.
Start working on your Statement of Purpose and resume

October 2015-January 2016

Take the GRE and TOEFL exams latest by January 2016 (ideally 20 December 2015)
Carry out a comprehensive review of the 30 universities considering:
1. Your academic performance in bachelor’s degree
2. GRE and TOEFL scores of students admitted in the past
3. Any minimum cut-offs with respect to GRE and TOEFL scores
4. Whether courses of your choice are offered in the Fall semester
5. Cost of education
Make your final shortlist of 8-10 universities.
Complete your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and resume
Request the ETS to forward your GRE and TOEFL scores to the universities you are applying to, specifying the correct codes for the universities/departments you are applying to.
Note: some universities require certain documents to be sent to the department you are applying to.
Complete online application process and send the required documents by courier

This completes the application process; however there are further steps to be taken:

Track the status of your application on your status page of the university’s website. Though universities generally communicate decisions or requirements by either e-mail or post, it often happens that the only source of information is your status page.
If there are any deficiencies in your applications (missing documents, non-receipt of GRE or TOEFL scores, recommendations etc.) immediately correct the deficiencies.
When you receive an offer letter from the universities (or when your status page shows that you have been given admission) email your acceptance(This is very important especially when you are offered funding)
When you have accepted the university’s offer of admission and the documentation formalities are complete, the university will send you the 1-20, an immigration document, which is essential for obtaining a visa.
When you receive the I-20, check that it is correct in all respects:
1. Your name and date of birth should be exactly as in your passport
2. Your course and course duration should be correctly specified
3. The financial sources indicated should exceed the costs etc.
Prepare the visa documentation
Study the visa application formalities specified on the websites of the applicable US Consulate and the VFS (Visa Facilitation Services)
Apply for a visa interview date – you can apply for a visa interview 120 days before the joining date mentioned on your I-20.

For further details on the F-1 visa see our previous blog on the subject.

Note: Dilip Oak’s Academy organizes a ‘Pre-departure Orientation’ in June-end every year for students who have been admitted to the fall semester. In the Orientation, Mr. Dilip Oak covers matters such as:

the student (F1) visa
foreign exchange
airport formalities (port of entry/immigration procedures)
insurance
medical checkups & immunizations
initial formalities in the university
accommodation (on- & off – campus)
financial and other formalities for the first semester of studies

Keep a look out for our announcement of the Orientation. The announcement will appear on this blog sometime in June.

Mechanical Engineering Jobs in America

June 5, 2015December 15, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

Facts about the Field

Job Prospects – according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) 11,600 jobs will be generated for mechanical engineers in the United States by 2022 (the unemployment rate in the field is just 2.7%)
Employment Growth Rate – the BLS also predicts that employment in the field is expected to grow by 4.5 percent between 2012 and 2022
Salaries – the median salary is $80,500 with the worst-paid earning $52,580 and the best-paid earned $123,340.
Job Satisfaction – upward mobility in mechanical engineering jobs in America is high, flexibility is above average and stress levels are about average
What the Work is Like – many mechanical engineers work out of an office on a 9-5 schedule but if your job demands it you may visit sites like oil rigs or skyscrapers
Top-paying metropolitan areas – these include Anchorage, Alaska; Taunton, Massachusetts; and San Jose, California.

Advice on Getting a Job

Explore different jobs in America and specializations when you are in your 20’s – it may take you until your 30s, to figure out what you actually want to do in the field
On your first job find a company that lets you continue to learn – that’s more important than location or salary
Multidisciplinary engineering is becoming increasingly important in the industry, so familiarize yourself with related disciplines: electronics, control systems and chemical reactions are some you could consider.
Sustainable design is also becoming important since we are running out of resources and design has to take this into account
To get a good job after graduation you need to convince prospective employers that you can help their business to be successful. This means you have to have the organizational and management skills required to successfully complete a project. To acquire these skills take project-oriented courses in college and get practical experience in summer internships.

(Source: US News)

University Deadlines For Spring 2016 Semester

April 17, 2015March 6, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

The month of June is now approaching which means the spring 2016 application process should now begin. As per our standard practice we are publishing university deadlines for spring 2016 semester.

Keep in mind some universities update deadlines on their websites at different times during the academic year.

The deadlines mentioned below are for the graduate school only. The department deadlines may differ from the graduate school deadlines and hence you should cross check with your respective department for confirmation.

NO.	NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY	DEADLINE
Deadlines in June
1	University of Maryland, Baltimore County	1-Jun
2	Texas Tech University	15-Jun
3	University of Tennessee, Knoxville	15-Jun
Deadlines in July
1	Florida Institute of Technology	1-Jul
2	University of Pittsburgh	1-Jul
3	Washington State University, Pullman	1-Jul
4	North Carolina State University	15-Jul
5	University of Illinois, Chicago	15-Jul
6	University of Rhode Island, Kingston	15-Jul
Deadlines in August
1	Kansas State University	1-Aug
2	North Dakota State University, Fargo	1-Aug
3	University of Michigan, Dearborn	1-Aug
4	Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo	1-Aug
5	Wichita State University	1-Aug
6	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute	15-Aug
7	South Dakota School of Mines & Tech	15-Aug
8	South Dakota State University, Brookings	15-Aug
9	University of Kentucky, Lexington	15-Aug
10	San Francisco State University	31-Aug
Deadlines in September
1	East Carolina University	1-Sept
2	Florida International University	1-Sept
3	George Washington University	1-Sept
4	Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago	1-Sept
5	Indiana University, Bloomington	1-Sept
6	Lamar University	1-Sept
7	Mississippi State University	1-Sept
8	Oakland University, Rochester	1-Sept
9	University of Alaska, Fairbanks	1-Sept
10	University of Nebraska, Lincoln	1-Sept
11	University of Oklahoma, Norman	1-Sept
12	University of South Carolina, Columbia	1-Sept
13	University of Texas, Dallas	1-Sept
14	University of Texas, San Antonio	1-Sept
15	Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University	1-Sept
16	California State University, Chico	15-Sept
17	Northeastern University, Boston	15-Sept
18	Texas A & M University, Kingsville	15-Sept
19	Tufts University	15-Sept
20	University of North Carolina, Greensboro	15-Sept
21	University of North Texas, Denton	15-Sept
22	California State University, Fresno	30-Sept
23	California State University, Northridge	30-Sept
Deadlines in October
1	California State University, Long Beach	1-Oct
2	California State University, Sacramento	1-Oct
3	Case Western Reserve University	1-Oct
4	Eastern Michigan University	1-Oct
5	Illinois State University, Normal	1-Oct
6	Indiana University Purdue University	1-Oct
7	Minnesota State University, Mankato	1-Oct
8	Northern Illinois University, Dekalb	1-Oct
9	Oklahoma State University, Still Water	1-Oct
10	Old Dominion University, Norfolk	1-Oct
11	Oregon State University, Corvallis	1-Oct
12	Pennsylvania State University, University Park	1-Oct
13	Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville	1-Oct
14	State University of New York, Stony Brook	1-Oct
15	Stevens Institute of Technology	1-Oct
16	Tennessee Technological University	1-Oct
17	University of Arkansas, Little Rock	1-Oct
18	University of Colorado, Denver	1-Oct
19	University of Detroit, Mercy	1-Oct
20	University of Houston, University Park	1-Oct
21	University of Idaho, Moscow	1-Oct
22	University of Iowa, Iowa City	1-Oct
23	University of Louisiana, Lafayette	1-Oct
24	University of Massachusetts, Amherst	1-Oct
25	University of Nevada, Las Vegas	1-Oct
26	University of New Mexico, Albuquerque	1-Oct
27	University of North Carolina, Charlotte	1-Oct
28	University of Texas, Arlington	1-Oct
29	University of Virginia, Charlottesville	1-Oct
30	West Virginia University, Morgan Town	1-Oct
31	Worcester Polytechnic Institute	1-Oct
32	California State University, Los Angeles	15-Oct
33	Duke University	15-Oct
34	Marquette University	15-Oct
35	Texas State University	15-Oct
36	University of Georgia	15-Oct
37	University of South Florida, Tampa	15-Oct
38	Villanova University	15-Oct
39	California State University, Fullerton	17-Oct
Deadlines in November
1	Florida State University	1-Nov
2	Idaho State University	1-Nov
3	Monmouth University	1-Nov
4	University of Louisville, Louisville	1-Nov
5	University of Miami, Coral Gables	1-Nov
6	University of Utah, Salt Lake City	1-Nov
7	University of Wyoming, Laramie	1-Nov
8	Vanderbilt University	1-Nov
9	Arkansas State University	14-Nov
10	City University of New York, City College	15-Nov
11	Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla	15-Nov
12	Montana State University, Bozeman	15-Nov
13	New Jersey Institute of Technology	15-Nov
14	University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth	15-Nov
15	Marist College, Poughkeepsie	30-Nov
16	Southern Methodist University	30-Nov
Deadlines in December
1	Lehigh University	1-Dec
2	Louisiana Tech University, Ruston	1-Dec
3	New York Institute of Technology	1-Dec
4	Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn	1-Dec
5	University of Alabama, Birmingham	1-Dec
6	University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa	1-Dec
7	University of Houston, Clear Lake	1-Dec
8	University of South Alabama, Mobile	1-Dec
9	University of Southern California	1-Dec
Deadlines in January
1	Louisiana State University, Baton Rogue	1-Jan
2	Wayne State University	1-Jan
3	New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology	2-Jan
4	Santa Clara University	10-Jan
5	New Mexico State University, Las Cruces	27-Jan
Deadlines in February
1	University of Maryland, College Park	7-Feb
Rolling Deadlines
1	Wright State University, Dayton	Rolling
2	University of Toledo	Rolling

Under rolling deadlines there is no fixed application deadline declared by the university. Applications are accepted anytime till the seats for that particular semester are full.

You may also refer to our ‘University Info’ features which provides centralized information about the top 220 universities in America, including the university rank.

We wish you all the best!

‘MS in US’: Eligibility, Costs, Job Prospects

January 31, 2015December 15, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

When you are thinking of getting a Master’s or doctoral degree in America, some of the top questions on your mind would be:

• What are the academic requirements in order to be able to apply?

• What are the costs of getting a degree in the US?

• What are the job prospects?

Here’s a quick look at the answers to those questions.

What is the eligibility for applying for a Master’s course in America?

The basic eligibility requirement is 16 years of formal education (12 + 4), the last 4 from an accredited university. So, students who have bachelor’s degrees in engineering (whether they joined engineering courses directly after the 12th Std. or after a diploma course) can directly apply for American Master’s courses. However, students who have completed a three-year degree (e.g. B.Sc.) should ideally complete their Master’s degrees (e.g. M.Sc.) in India and then apply.

Note: External degrees and degrees from open universities that are not accredited may not accepted by American universities.

What is the cost of education in America?

The cost of education in America varies from Rs. 12,00,000 to Rs. 30,00,000 depending on:

• the type of university (private or government-aided)

• its rank

• its geographical location

Apart from tuition fees you also have to bear the costs of:

• insurance

• living (food + housing)

• transportation.

There are many ways to reduce these financial burdens however. Many students manage to get some kind of financial assistance in the form of:

• research and teaching assistantships

• tuition waivers

• on-campus jobs etc.

Such kinds of financial assistance take care of a large part of the expenses incurred when studying in America.

What are the job prospects after completing a Master’s degree course in America?

• After completing your course you are allowed to undertake Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months. OPT may be extended for another 17 months if you fall under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) category

• Ample job opportunities exist in the fields of engineering and computer science (much tech talent in America is Indian and many Indians hold top positions the field – as is evident from the case of Satya Nadella, CEO Microsoft).

Note:

• Professors’ recommendations carry a lot of weight. To get a job you must get excellent references from professors who taught you during your master’s course.

• When you are working in America, your company may apply for H1-B visa (work permit) on your behalf. After this you can apply for a green card.

So, get ready to get your MS in US!

Application Timeline for Fall 2015 – Make Sure You Are on Track

November 14, 2014December 14, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

If you are applying for admission in fall 2015 the clock has begun to tick. So, don’t delay. Review this Application Timeline for Fall 2015 immediately and get to work.

June-August 2014

Review your goals for your MS in US and choose some specific areas in which you would like to specialize.

July 2014

Register for the GRE and TOEFL examinations – if you are targeting the top 10 or 15 universities, you should take these examinations preferably by September 2014. If you are targeting other universities, you may take these exams by 20 December 2014 so you can meet the deadlines of universities which are in December 2014.
Register for the Subject GRE – important for doctoral programs in pure sciences and biological sciences in top schools.

Note: the exam is held once in a year in November, however, seats usually get filled up by August.

August 2014

Make a preliminary list of about 30 universities which meet your requirements considering:

Location
Costs of living and education
Broad specializations you are interested in (for departments and specializations see the ‘university info‘ page on online.dilipoakacademy.com)
Recommendations by seniors, your professors etc.
Whether your academic profile fits the universities requirements.

For more details, see: Selecting a University for Your MS in the US. Also refer to our post on university information available on the social media

September 2014

Arrange for 10-13 sets of transcripts in sealed covers from your college or university – some universities insist on university transcripts/university attested mark sheets
Choose your recommenders (generally 3 recommendations are required, at least one of which should be from the educational institute last attended) and give them the necessary details – resume, copies of your mark sheets etc.
Start working on your Statement of Purpose and resume

October-December 2014

Take the GRE and TOEFL exams latest by 20 December
Carry out a comprehensive review of the 30 universities considering:
1. Your academic performance in bachelor’s degree
2. GRE and TOEFL scores of students admitted in the past
3. Any minimum cut-offs with respect to GRE and TOEFL scores
4. Whether courses of your choice are offered in the Fall semester
5. Cost of education
Make your final shortlist of 8-10 universities.
Complete your Statement of Purpose (SOP) and resume
Request the ETS to forward your GRE and TOEFL scores to the universities you are applying to, specifying the correct codes for the universities/departments you are applying to.
Note: some universities require certain documents to be sent to the department you are applying to.
Complete online application process and send the required documents by courier

This completes the application process; however there are further steps to be taken:

Track the status of your application on your status page of the university’s website. Though universities generally communicate decisions or requirements by either e-mail or post, it often happens that the only source of information is your status page.
If there are any deficiencies in your applications (missing documents, non-receipt of GRE or TOEFL scores, recommendations etc.) immediately correct the deficiencies.
When you receive an offer letter from the universities (or when your status page shows that you have been given admission) email your acceptance(This is very important especially when you are offered funding)
When you have accepted the university’s offer of admission and the documentation formalities are complete, the university will send you the 1-20, an immigration document, which is essential for obtaining a visa.
When you receive the I-20, check that it is correct in all respects:
1. Your name and date of birth should be exactly as in your passport
2. Your course and course duration should be correctly specified
3. The financial sources indicated should exceed the costs etc.
Prepare the visa documentation
Study the visa application formalities specified on the websites of the applicable US Consulate and the VFS (Visa Facilitation Services)
Apply for a visa interview date – you can apply for a visa interview 120 days before the joining date mentioned on your I-20.

For further details on the F-1 visa see our previous blog on the subject.

the student (F1) visa
foreign exchange
airport formalities (port of entry/immigration procedures)
insurance
medical checkups & immunizations
initial formalities in the university
accommodation (on- & off – campus)
financial and other formalities for the first semester of studies

Keep a look out for our announcement of the Orientation. The announcement will appear on this blog sometime in June.

University Deadlines For Fall 2015

August 21, 2014December 20, 2022Dilip Oak's Academy

It is our continued endeavour to keep you updated with the university deadlines well before the application process. As per tradition we are publishing the university deadlines for fall 2015 semester. Please bear in mind that some universities may change deadlines on their websites without prior notice. The department deadlines may differ from the graduate school deadlines, hence you are advised to cross check not only the graduate school deadlines but also the department website of the university you are applying to.

The deadlines mentioned below are for the graduate school only.

Deadlines in December

Indiana University, Bloomington (1-Dec)
University of Miami, Coral Gables (1-Dec)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1-Dec)
Harvard University (14-Dec)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (15-Dec)
Tufts University (15-Dec)
Yale University (15-Dec)

Deadlines in January

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1-Jan)
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (1-Jan)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1-Jan)
University of Virginia, Charlottesville (10-Jan)
Washington State University, Pullman (10-Jan)
Florida Institute of Technology (15-Jan)
State University of New York, Buffalo (15-Jan)
State University of New York, Stony Brook (15-Jan)
Texas A & M University, Kingsville (15-Jan)
Texas Tech University (15-Jan)
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (15-Jan)
Vanderbilt University (15-Jan)
Duke University (30-Jan)
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (31-Jan)

Deadlines in February

Indiana University Purdue University (1-Feb with funding, 1-Mar without funding)
Case Western Reserve University (1-Feb)
East Carolina University (1-Feb)
Kansas State University (1-Feb)
Pennsylvania State University, University Park (1-Feb)
University of Rhode Island, Kingston (1-Feb)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (1-Feb)
University of Tulsa (1-Feb)
Eastern Michigan University (15-Feb)
Marquette University (15-Feb)
University of Illinois, Chicago (15-Feb)
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (15-Feb)
University of South Florida, Tampa (15-Feb)

Deadlines in March

California State University, Chico (1-Mar)
California State University, Sacramento (1-Mar)
Illinois State University, Normal (1-Mar)
North Carolina State University (1-Mar)
Oklahoma State University, Still Water (1-Mar)
University of Alaska, Fairbanks (1-Mar)
University of Maine, Orono (1-Mar)
University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1-Mar)
University of Oklahoma, Norman (1-Mar)
University of Oregon, Eugene (1-Mar)
University of Pittsburgh (1-Mar)
University of Toledo (1-Mar)
George Washington University (15-Mar)
Polytechnic Institute of New York University, Brooklyn (15-Mar)
South Dakota School of Mines & Tech (15-Mar)
University of Colorado, Denver (15-Mar)
University of Kentucky, Lexington (15-Mar)
University of North Texas, Denton (15-Mar)
University of Pennsylvania (15-Mar)
California State University, Northridge (31-Mar Online, 30-Apr Document Submission)

Deadlines in April

California State University, Fresno (1-Apr)
California State University, Long Beach (1-Apr online, 15-Apr Document Submission)
Idaho State University (1-Apr)
Oregon State University, Corvallis (1-Apr)
San Jose State University (1-Apr)
Stevens Institute of Technology (1-Apr)
University of Arkansas, Little Rock (1-Apr)
University of Houston, University Park (1-Apr)
University of Michigan, Dearborn (1-Apr)
University of Texas, San Antonio (1-Apr)
University of Utah, Salt Lake City (1-Apr)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (1-Apr)
West Virginia University, Morgan Town (1-Apr)
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo (1-Apr)
Wichita State University (1-Apr)
California State University, Los Angeles (15-Apr)
Lamar University (15-Apr)
Old Dominion University, Norfolk (15-Apr)
South Dakota State University, Brookings (15-Apr)
University of Georgia (15-Apr)
University of Iowa, Iowa City (15-Apr)

Deadlines in May

City University of New York, City College (1-May)
Minnesota State University, Mankato (1-May)
Mississippi State University (1-May)
Montana State University, Bozeman (1-May)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (1-May)
North Dakota State University, Fargo (1-May)
Northern Illinois University, Dekalb (1-May)
Oakland University, Rochester (1-May)
Southern Methodist University (1-May)
Tennessee Technological University (1-May)
University of Idaho, Moscow (1-May)
University of Louisville, Louisville (1-May)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (1-May)
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque (1-May)
University of North Carolina, Charlotte (1-May)
University of South Carolina, Columbia (1-May)
University of Texas, Arlington (1-May)
University of Texas, Dallas (1-May)
Villanova University (1-May)
Wayne State University (1-May)
Western Illinois University (1-May)
California State University, Fullerton (1-May)
University of Louisiana, Lafayette (15-May)
University of North Carolina, Greensboro (15-May)

Deadlines in June

Louisiana Tech University, Ruston (1-Jun)
Monmouth University (1-Jun)
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (1-Jun)
University of Detroit, Mercy (1-Jun)
University of Wyoming, Laramie (1-Jun)
Drexel University (13-Jun)
Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla (15-Jun)
Texas State University (15-Jun)

Deadlines in July

Arkansas State University (1-Jul)
Florida State University (1-Jul)
New York Institute of Technology (1-Jul)
Santa Clara University (12-Jul)
Lehigh University (15-Jul)
Marist College, Poughkeepsie (15-Jul)
University of South Alabama, Mobile (15-Jul)

Deadlines in August

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (1-Aug)
University of Houston, Clear Lake (1-Aug)
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces (26-Aug)

Rolling Deadlines

Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison (Rolling)
Rochester Institute of Technology (Rolling)

Masters in Management Information Systems

August 1, 2014March 6, 2023Dilip Oak's Academy

The Master of Science in Management Information Systems (M.S./M.I.S.) is a comparatively new and an interdisciplinary degree focused on uniting business and technology. The coursework requires students to combine business, strategy, and technical skills that can be directly applied in complex business situations.

MIS offers a valuable experience to students from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds (Bachelors in engineering, science, maths, business or any other analytically oriented degree), to enhance their understanding of technology’s role in business while positioning themselves to stand out in the job market.

The Course work (although varies as per individual university) broadly consists of the following areas.

Systems analysis and design
Databases, data mining, data modeling, data warehousing
Programming Languages, Web technologies, Information Security
Statistics, Business Mathematics
Finance, accounting, marketing, management
Project, Program management
Operations management, Supply Chain management

In addition to the above-mentioned areas, US universities also offer a wide range of additional elective subjects from which you can pick and choose the subject areas that interest you, thus making the coursework very flexible.

The MIS degree sometimes falls under the business school and sometimes under a technology department like computer science depending on the university. Hence its always better to research well in advance the schools and programs that interest you and the test scores that they accept as that would help in deciding if you need to take the GRE or the GMAT. However the good news is that most US university programs accept both GRE and GMAT.

Careers in the field of management information systems can lead you to a variety of roles in the industry like:

Business Analyst
Systems analyst
Data analyst
IT Analyst
Functional Analyst
Operations Analyst
Database manager
Information Security Specialist
Program Manager
Software developer
Project lead
Applications developer
Information technology consultant
Web developer
Management Consulting

As the world of information technology grows bigger by the day, organizations have a growing need for professionals who understand both business and technology thus resulting in a growing the demand for candidates majoring in this degree.

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