If you plan to apply for MS in US for Fall 2011, now (May 2010) is a good time to get focused. The process to apply for MS in US is essentially a one and a half year process. For starting your MS in US in Fall of a year, you need to start devoting some time every day since the early part of the previous year.
Here are the key milestones with suggested dates for Fall 2011 admission.
January 2010 – Figure out whether you want to study for our MS in US and why. Buy a good book for GRE and TOEFL and start to study. Make sure you have a passport which has your correct name and date of birth.
February 2010 – If you are still a student, make sure to stay focused on your current degree program and try to improve your GPA and class rank.
March 2010 – Try to develop good relations worth three professors. Tell them about your plans to pursue MS in US.
April 2010 – Register for GRE and TOEFL
May 2010 – Increase your study hours for GRE
June 2010 – Write the first draft of your Statement of Purpose, Get your degree / provisional degree and transcripts.
July 2010 – Research universities on the internet. August 2010 – Shortlist four universities for free reporting. Take GR
September 2010 – Take TOEFL. Finalize five to ten universities based on your own research. October 2010 – Contact three professors for letters of recommendation.
November 2010 – Follow up on your final score sheet of GRE and TOEFL from ETS. Finalize your Statement of Purpose, essays and resume.
December 2010 – Start online applications and submit about one week before the deadline. Check out tips section for more info.
January 2011 – Submit applications and send the offline materials
February 2011 – Spend some time researching the department and professors websites and contact a few of them.
March 2011 – Update Wisdom Mart with all your offers and seek help in case of multiple admission offers. Learn some computer skills and typewriting.
April 2011 – Accept one offer and decline other offers before April 15th. Learn how to make web pages – this will help in getting jobs on campus.
May 2011 – Contact current students and some professors to further explore funding and student jobs.
June 2011 – Get an appointment for visa and compile paperwork for visa.
July 2011 – Book a flight with a travel agent but do not pay till you get the visa. Browse through course websites and buy some books.
August 2011 – Fly to the US. If you are not funded spend 8 hours per day in looking for some student worker job. Register for classes.
September 2011 – Begin your studies and stay focused from day one. Keep an eye open for possible Summer internships from the beginning of the first semester.