Fall 2025 MS Applications: Tips for Writing a Resume

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!

 

December 2024-January 2025: The Final Countdown to Fall 2025 Applications!

For those applying to U.S. universities for Fall 2025, the months of December 2024 and January 2025 mark the final stretch of the application process. Here’s a focused guide on what you need to accomplish during these critical months:

1. Complete Your Standardized Testing

  • Ensure you take the GRE (if applicable) and the language proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS) exams latest by mid-January.

2. Review and prepare a list of Target Universities

Following points are to be considered:

  • Your academic performance in bachelor’s degree
  • GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores
  • Any minimum cut-offs with respect to GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores
  • Whether courses of your choice are offered at the University
  • Cost of Education

If you are looking for study abroad consulting or USA admission counseling services. Visit our site https://www.dilipoakacademy.com/ or email us at support@dilipoakacademy.com for personalized support.

3. Perfecting Your Application Materials

  • Personal or Academic Statement of Purpose (SOP):
    • The Academic Statement of Purpose is critical to your application, as it showcases your motivation, career goals, and your preparations for attending the program.
    • Pay great attention to this document to present yourself as extremely focused on a future career in specified fields, and support your interest with relevant studies, experience, and a keen awareness of related technology trends in relation to your goals.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs):
    • You should contact professors or employers/professionals who can evaluate your skills and achievements essential for attending the program. Focus on evaluation rather than disproportionate praise and factual statement of coursework or projects.
    •  Ensure that the letters do not appear too similar.
  • Resume:
    • Admission Committees value concise, well-organized resumes that focus on accomplishments in academic, professional, or extracurricular activities.
    • Tailor your resume to highlight all relevant experience, skills, projects, and any research publications.
    • A resume will be a one-page document, and if it is a CV, don’t exceed two pages.
    • Write in bulleted points, avoid narration and repetition.

Besides the above, the applications may require a few other statements, such as a Personal/Personal History Statement, Diversity Statement, statements about career goals, etc., and answers to a few other questions. Please ensure that these statements/answers are in line with the prompts provided by the universities.

The Crucial Final Stage: Narrow Down Your Final Shortlist & Prepare for final applications

Next, aim to have a final list of 8-10 universities that best align with your academic and career goals.

1. Submission of Application Documents:

  • Following documents are required for sending the application: University transcripts, degree certificates/passing certificate (if available), test scores, Statement of Purpose, Resume, names and email Id of the recommenders, copy of passport and any other document specifically required by the university.
  • All these documents are required to be uploaded on the university website. A very few universities demand hard copies of these documents (official) by courier.  
  • Verify everything is complete to avoid delays.

2. Submit Test (GRE/TOEFL/IELTS) Scores to Target Universities

  • Sending TOEFL/IELTS score is mandatory for all the universities. For TOEFL score, use the correct code of ETS prescribed for university (which is called as Institute code by ETS). Also you should select the department code prescribed by the ETS for that university. For IELTS score, there is no code. But, you have to select the name of the university.
  • For universities which need a GRE score, use the correct code of ETS prescribed for university (which is called as Institute code by ETS). Also you should select the department code prescribed by the ETS for that university.
  • Fees for additional score reporting for GRE, TOEFL and IELTS are $35, $25 and Rs 250/- respectively per university.

3. Final Checks

  • Application Deadlines:
    • Universities have different deadlines, starting from 15th December 2024 to 15th April 2025.
    • Make sure to check the deadline and aim to submit application well on time to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships:
    • Check whether your target universities offer any scholarships, assistantships, or other forms of financial aid for international students.
    • Some scholarships may require separate applications or additional documents.

Post-Submission: Important Steps

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

  1. Track Application Status:
    • Track the status of your application on your status page of the university’s website.
    • Though universities generally communicate decisions or requirements by either email or post, it often happens that the only source of information is your status page.
  2. Fix Deficiencies Quickly:
    • If there are any missing documents or issues with your application, act immediately to address them.
    • Non-receipt of test scores, missing recommendations, or other gaps can impact your application review.
  3.  Respond to Offer Letters
    • When you receive an offer letter from the universities (or when an admission decision is indicated on your status page), email your acceptance.
    • This is very important, especially when you are offered funding.
    • Some universities send the I-20 form after you receive an offer. But, some universities send the I-20 form immediately along with your admission letter.
  4. Verify Your I-20
    • When you have accepted the university’s offer of admission and the documentation formalities are complete, the university will send you the I-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:
      • Your name and date of birth should be exactly as in your passport
      • Your course and course duration are correctly specified
      • The financial sources indicated exceed the costs, etc.
  5. Prepare the visa documentation.
    • Study the visa application formalities specified on the websites of the U.S. Consulate and the VFS (Visa Facilitation Services)
    • Apply for a visa interview date.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Application Process

  • Create a Timeline: A checklist or timeline can help you track each part of the application process.
  • Stay Organized: Keep all your documents organized so they are accessible whenever you need them.

Admission Counselling offered by Dilip Oak’s Academy

Our team of overseas education consultants in Pune simplifies the challenging application process to US universities.

Our study abroad counseling offers personalized guidance right from selection of universities to visa assistance. We are one of the leading study abroad education consultants in Pune, with a proven track record in helping 33000+ students gain admission to top American universities.

When choosing a university for your MS program in the US, focus on institutions with strong expertise in your field, robust alumni networks, career services, and ensure they align with your financial and career goals​. Read our blog on Guidelines for Choosing the Right University for an MS Program in the US

Step-by-step guide to obtain a Canadian Study Permit (Student visa)

QUICK GUIDE ON GETTING YOUR CANADIAN STUDY PERMIT (1)

In continuation with our blog published on 17/07/2020 where we briefly discussed the admission and visa requirements for Canada, we will now take you through the step-by-step process for obtaining the Canadian study permit for MS, the application timeline, and the required documents.

Before we proceed, let us first understand the difference between permit and visa. Often, students get confused between the two.

Study Permit Vs Visa

A Study Permit allows you to stay in the country until completion of your course at any of the Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada.

A Visa allows you to enter the country. You must therefore remember that the study permit is not a visa and it doesn’t let you enter Canada. For entry, you need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) which is issued by the Canadian government once your application for the study permit is approved.

Timeline and documents required for Canadian Study Permit

Your application process should begin as soon as you receive acceptance letter from your desired university. The fee for a study permit is CAD 150, which is around Rs 8400.

If you are planning to go for fall intake (September), you should begin the process around June. The documents required include:

  1. Valid passport
  2. Acceptance letter from the university
  3. Proof of funds (CAD 10,000 per year without tuition for those outside Quebec. For those in Quebec, CAD 11,000 per year)
  4. Passport size photographs
  5. Immigration Medical Examination (ideally to take a week before starting the visa process)
  6. TOEFL/IELTS scores
  7. Statement of Purpose
  8. Credit card

Step-by-step application process for a study permit:

Your application process might take three to four weeks to complete hence you should start the process with some margin in your hand. Once you decide, you can either apply online or apply in-person.

To apply online, you require scanned documents and a valid credit card for payment. Before you start the application, read the instruction guide HERE. Fill out the application and pay the biometrics fee. Once you submit the application, you will receive a letter specifying the time and place to give your biometrics. From receiving the letter, you have up to 30 days to give your biometrics.

To apply in person, you can download the application kit and the instruction guide from the official website of the government of Canada,  fill the VFS consent form and attach it to the application, pay the processing fee (in addition to VFS Global services charges), and submit the documents at the nearest VFS office.

While you can go with either of the ways, we recommend students to apply online as the process is faster and easier.

Once your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. This letter is not your study permit. You need to show it to an officer when you arrive in Canada. Along with the letter, you will also be issued an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to enter Canada.

On arriving in Canada, you are required to present all these documents to the border services officer, who after validation, will issue you with the study permit.

Dr. Harchol-Balter on the Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is an extremely important part of your application packet (click here for an explanation). A well-written SOP that brings out the most important facts about you as a candidate for higher studies, can open the doors of opportunity for you. On the other hand an SOP that tries to impress but focuses on facts that the admissions committees consider irrelevant can lose you the opportunity that you have dreamed of.

In the extract below Dr. Harchol-Balter, an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie-Mellon University points out two common mistakes that many applicants make:

The grade regurgitator – “In my high school, I was ranked Number 1. Then I got a perfect score on my college entrance exams. Then I competed in a statewide math competition and I was the best. Then I competed in a national programming competition and I was 5th. In college, my GPA was 3.95 out of 4.0. For these reasons, I believe I will do well in your graduate department.”
What’s wrong with this? This portion of the essay is a waste of space. Awards are certainly relevant, however any award you won should be listed on a separate piece of paper which is titled “Awards and Honors” and which you can include with your application. There is no reason to tell us all this in your essay. It will only piss-off the people reviewing your application because they already read all this information earlier in your application and they now want to hear about research.
The boy genius – “When I was born, my mother gave me a glass ball to play with. I would lay and look at the prisms of light shining through my ball. At age 3, my father brought home our first computer and I disassembled it and then put it back together. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a computer scientist. By age 5, I had taken apart every appliance in our house. At age 6, I became a chess whiz ….”
What’s wrong with this? We simply don’t care what you did as a child, and we don’t believe you either. You’d be surprised how many applications from Einstein-wanna-be’s we get. If you really think this is relevant, put the important facts on a separate sheet of paper, and include it in your application. It’s best if your essay can stick with stuff you did in college and later.

 

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