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The time of the year has come when generally people intending to pursue MS or PhD at various universities (starting fall quarter) start submitting their online forms. And yes I am one of them. So after going through the whole process I decided to compile vfsa list of FAQs which would clear most of your doubts. I have even shared some of my personal experiences in the FAQs. As already mentioned in the disclaimer, I, Yogesh Chidambarnathan, a.k.a. C Yogesh make no guarantee regarding the validity of the content of this post.
The time of the year has come when generally people intending to pursue MS or PhD at various universities (starting fall quarter) start submitting their online forms. And yes I am one of them. So after going through the whole process I decided to compile vfsa list of FAQs which would clear most of your doubts. I have even shared some of my personal experiences in the FAQs. As already mentioned in the disclaimer, I, Yogesh Chidambarnathan, a.k.a. C Yogesh make no guarantee regarding the validity of the content of this post.
FAQs
Do I need to take the GRE? How to register for the same?
There are two kinds of GREs, one is called the General GRE and the other is called the Subject GRE (also referred to as Advanced GRE). Yes, most of the US universities have the General GRE as one of their requirements. To register log on to www.ets.org , create a MyGRE account first, then register for the General GRE. (registering for the General GRE without creating a MyGRE account can make things a bit complicated, but if you have done so, take it lite)
Do I need to take Subject GRE too?
Subject GRE is not a requirement for most of the universities, but it will definitely strengthen your application if the scores are good.
Should I take coaching for GRE? What score is required for top universities?
Atleast I did not join any coaching institute for GRE. It depends upon you, if you are sincere, I guess you do not need any coaching, otherwise it is better to join. The important thing is to get a score of 1300+ in the first attempt. Most of the universities demand a minimum of 500/800 in verbal and 750/800 in quant. You might want to consider taking general GRE again if you get less than 1300 OR less than 500 in verbal OR less than 750 in quant. Though it is important to satisfy the minimum requirement, the universities do not stress much on the GRE scores, infact it is more important to have a good undergrad CGPA, research experience, publications, projects, internships & recommendations for a good admit.
Cost of general GRE test is around 9000 INR. So if 9000 rupees matters a lot to you, then you should do well in the first attempt itself. Hence you might consider paying 5000 bucks for GRE coaching.
Which score would be considered if I take general GRE twice?
Depends on the university, but most of them consider the latest OR the best score. Some might consider the average too.
I am about to take GRE. I heard that after the test, ETS allows us to send scores to four universities free of cost. How should I select those four universities?
Well, you should consult your seniors. Depending upon you CGPA and profile, you should make a list of universities where you would think of applying. Then select four universities from that list, where you would be applying for sure. Since the cost of sending GRE score to 1 university is 23$ at present, you can save 23*4 USD. Also, some universities do not need GRE scores, like Purdue CS, UIUC CS. So you should also make sure that the 4 universities that you select, have GRE scores as one of their requirements. Otherwise it would go waste.
After the test, you will be asked to select those four universities from a huge list of universities. So it is important that you find out the exact names of those four universities and also the names of the States where they are located. For example, one of my friends sent his scores to UT Arlington, instead of UT Austin. Oklahoma State University, instead of The Ohio State University. North Carolina State University, instead of University of North Carolina.
One of my friends could not locate Purdue University from the list, since he did not know that it was located in Indiana. Later he found it, added it to the list of four universities and sent it. Two days after the GRE he came to know that Purdue CS did not ask for GRE scores. So it is important to spend 2-3 hours on this 1 or 2 weeks before the exam. (if you want to save 4000 rupees)
Am I supposed to write TOEFL? How to register for the same?
If your native language is not English then most of the universities will have TOEFL as one of its admission requirements. It is better to take TOEFL if you are from India. Go to ets.org and create a TOEFL account. Then register for TOEFL ibt as it is widely accepted. ibt stands for internet based test.
It is better if you take the test at a Prometric testing center. Though mine was a Non-Prometric center and the experience was not bad.
Should I take coaching for TOEFL? What score is required for top universities?
TOEFL is much easier than GRE and I personally don't think one would require coaching. It is important to score around 105 in TOEFL. If you score below 100 then you should take TOEFL again. Though it is important to satisfy the minimum requirement, the universities do not stress much on the TOEFL scores, infact it is more important to have a good undergrad GPA, research experience, publications, projects, internships & recommendations for a good admit.
Which score would be considered if I take TOEFL ibt twice?
AFAIK, you can choose to send whichever score you want to.
What is the validity of scores?
GRE score will be valid for 5 years. TOEFL for 2 years. To be on the safer side, make sure both the scores are valid on the day you join the university.
So lets say you are applying for MS CS at UCLA for Fall 2011, then make sure the scores are valid on 25th sept 2011.
I am a 1st year student. Can I take GRE now?
If you think you will join the university before the expiry of your GRE score, then yes better write it. You might get busy later on. But I have heard people saying that universities do not give weightage to old GRE scores. I am not really sure. Please confirm.
My name on the transcripts (mark/grade sheets) is different from passport name. What should I do?
Use your passport name while registering for GRE and TOEFL. While filling up university application forms, there will be an option to write "other names". Here you can mention your transcript name.
The "Surname" field of my passport is blank, and my full name is written in the "Given Names" field. Can this be a problem?
Yes, get it changed as soon as possible. It is always better if you have a first name and a last name. Otherwise you might face problems while applying for SSN.
Do I need to send the score via ETS , or just a hard copy/scan of the score card is enough?
If you send the scores via ETS, then it is referred to as "official score report" by the universities. If you choose to just send the hard copy OR scans then it is referred to as "unofficial score report". Some universities allow you to just send the "unofficial score report" for admission purposes. This way you can save 40$. But you should mail the university and confirm. If the university insists on official scores then you should send via ETS.
How to send GRE / TOEFL Scores to universities via ETS (official score report)?
In most cases you will have to send your scores through ETS. Login to your MyGRE and TOEFL account for the same. Sending GRE + TOEFL scores will cost you around 40$ for each university.
Note that for Fall 2011 MS CS admissions, the Purdue CS and UIUC CS departments did not ask for GRE scores, where as UMN required only unofficial GRE scores to be sent for admission purposes.
However if you get an admit and you decide to join then you should send your official scores immediately.
When should I send my official GRE/TOEFL Score report to universities?
It might take any number of days between 5 to 40. Send them 40 days before the deadline to be on the safer side. But on an average, it will take around 25 days to reach.
I sent my TOEFL score to the wrong department, what should I do?
In most of the cases, this does not create any problem. Normally the departments are able to pull the scores from anywhere in the university. So you just need to make sure that the university code is correct. But to be on the safer side, email them.
Do universities ask for a copy of transcripts (and any other Offline Material?)? How to order? How do I send them?
Yes. Order the transcripts as soon as possible. The process of issuing the transcripts will take less time if you do it before September.
Most of them will ask you to mail (snail mail) a copy of sealed transcripts in a sealed envelope. Some might ask for two copies of transcripts in two different sealed envelopes. Some might just want you to upload a scanned copy of the transcripts to the online application. So it is better to order 15 transcripts if you are applying to 10 universities. If you are from BITS, then order for (number of universities*1.5) transcripts and (number of universities*1.5) provisional degree certificates. If you are a recent graduate, make sure you order it before 10 weeks from your date of graduation, otherwise it will cost you 20 times the normal rate. After ordering, wait for 2-3 weeks, then goto ARC with (number of universities*1.5) envelopes (with university addresses on it, this is a MUST) and put 1 copy of transcript and 1 copy of Provisional Degree Certificate in 1 envelope. Get it sealed on both the sides. Do the same for other (number of universities*1.5 - 1) envelopes. Atleast this is what I did.
Most of them will ask you to mail (snail mail) a copy of sealed transcripts in a sealed envelope. Some might ask for two copies of transcripts in two different sealed envelopes. Some might just want you to upload a scanned copy of the transcripts to the online application. So it is better to order 15 transcripts if you are applying to 10 universities. If you are from BITS, then order for (number of universities*1.5) transcripts and (number of universities*1.5) provisional degree certificates. If you are a recent graduate, make sure you order it before 10 weeks from your date of graduation, otherwise it will cost you 20 times the normal rate. After ordering, wait for 2-3 weeks, then goto ARC with (number of universities*1.5) envelopes (with university addresses on it, this is a MUST) and put 1 copy of transcript and 1 copy of Provisional Degree Certificate in 1 envelope. Get it sealed on both the sides. Do the same for other (number of universities*1.5 - 1) envelopes. Atleast this is what I did.
AFAIK the CS departments of UCSD, NCSU, NYU, UMN and GaTech (College of Computing) do not ask for hard copies of transcripts, so you need not snail mail them. However you will have to upload the scans to the online forms. Make sure the scans are legible. If you get an admit, you might be asked to snail mail a hard copy the transcripts in a sealed envelope.
If you are applying to UCLA CS, Stanford CS or OSU CS then you will have to send two copies of transcripts.
For other materials to be sent, see the department website. Some might ask you for a cover letter too (eg: UT Austin). Put the sealed envelope (having transcripts and Provisional Deg Certi) and other offline materials (as indicated on the website) in a bigger envelope.You can check out DHL's University Express prep-paid coupons. A booklet of 10 will cost you 8900 INR. So, 890 per packet. DHL might offer more discounts on this if you negotiate with them. You can send it through Speed Post or Registered Post as well, they will be much cheaper than DHL but will take around a month to reach. DHL will take max 4-5 days.
I have not shortlisted my universities yet, but since the cost of issuing transcripts will go up after 10 weeks, I want to get them issued now itself. What should I do?
Shortlist some universities randomly and stick their addresses to the envelopes before going to ARC. Once you get your envelopes sealed you can stick a new address on it if you want to. This works well.
Do I have to ask my undergrad university people for covering letters too (with the transcripts)?
No, it is optional. Just make sure each envelope contains one transcript and one provisional degree certificate. You don't need anything else, unless the university demands for it. Some universities ask for covering letters but that is something which you (the candidate) have to write and not your previous university admins. So it will not be inside the sealed envelope. It will be inside the bigger envelope which will contain your sealed envelope too.
Can I mail (snail mail) my transcripts and other offline material to the universities before submitting the form?
In 90% cases the universities will not ask you to write your Unique Identification Number (or application number) on the envelope. Hence you can mail before submitting the form. Make sure you write your Full Name, DOB and E-mail id on the envelope. Do NOT change your E-Mail ID till the admission process gets over.
I am interested in XYZ field, how do I choose good universities in my field?
First check out the rankings to get a fair idea of the competition. Then visit the department website and have a look at the profiles of the profs. If you feel that, that particular university is conducting significant amount of research in your field, then apply.
Note that rankings do not tell you much about the universities, so one cannot depend totally on the rankings.
Note that rankings do not tell you much about the universities, so one cannot depend totally on the rankings.
How about recos? how many recos do I need?
Most of them will ask for 3 recos. You can add the names of your recommenders in the form and send reco links to them. Make sure that the email ids you enter, are correct. Depending on the form, you may or may not be able to send the reco link before the submission of the form. This could be a problem if you submit the form very late. Profs are busy and they need sufficient time to upload the recos. Make sure that the recos are uploaded before the deadline. In universities where sending reco links is not possible before form submission, make sure you submit the form atleast 5 days before the deadline so that the prof gets sufficient time to upload the recos. (this was the case with UT Austin CS, UMN CS, GaTech)
While submitting the recommender details some universities ask whether we would want to waive the right to view the recommendation. What should I do?
Say YES. I would recommend that you waive the right to see what your recommender has written for you. If you choose to see what was written in the reco, it decreases the credibility of the reco and the admissions committee would not look at it very favorably.
Can I upload more then 3 recos?
Depends on the university or the department. Read their FAQs. If they say something like, "a minimum and maximum of three recos is required" (Stanford CS says so) then do not include more than three names. If nothing is mentioned, mail them and ask.
How to convert GPAs to the 4 scale?
You need not convert it. Just write your GPA as mentioned on your transcript. If possible mention the scale too. for example: 8.3/10. Some universities will have a separate field for the scale.
If you have any other doubt in this regard, mail them.
If your university follows the 10 scale, and you want to know your GPA on the 4 scale then just subtract 2 from your GPA and divide it by 2. So 8/10 is 3/4. But do NOT use this method to enter it on the form.
My GPA is a bit less than the minimum requirement. Should I apply?
If you are from a good university, or/and your profile is good, then apply.
The application form asks for visa type , which one should I select?
Normally people going for higher studies select F-1.
Do I need to send financial documents?
Most universities do not ask for financial documents until you get an admit. If they have not provided any info regarding this on the website, mail them.
What is ApplyTexas?
If you are apping to any of the public universities in Texas (eg: UT Austin, TAMU) then you will have to fill up the applytexas form first (in most cases). Fill it up, pay the fees and submit the form. Normally one does not need to upload SOP or Recos to the applytexas form, but it depends on the university, so see the department website. In case of UT Austin CS and TAMU CS, one does not need to upload the SOP (for the Fall 2011 application).
Once you submit the form, you will receive a UIN from the university. Use it to fill up the departmental form and submit it. Here you will have to upload the SOP and Recos (even if you have uploaded it on the applytexas form).
I submitted my ApplyTexas form, but my recommenders did not receive links.
This means that the recos have to be uploaded to the university form which you will fill up after receiving the UIN. So wait for the UIN. Then logon to your university form using the UIN and send reco links from there.
Purdue CS Department asks to list your GPA on a scale of 0-4 (0 = poor performance; 4 = excellent performance), and forward your electronic GPA message from WES.
This tried to convert my GPA using WES, but it displayed it as 4.0/4.0 (which is impossible). Now you decide.
I have received an admit from XYZ university, what should I do now?
Did you submit official GRE and TOEFL scores while applying to the XYZ university? If not, you might have to send it now (through ETS).
Once admitted, all international students must submit the Certificate of Financial Responsibility. First find out the tuition + fee + living expenses for one year for your course in the XYZ university. We refer to this as the I-20 amount. You have to show atleast this much "liquid cash" in your account and pledge that you/your parents would be willing to spend on your tuition, fee and living expenses in the subsequent years also. So if your I-20 amount is 43000$, you need to have that much liquid cash in your account. You might have to goto the bank and obtain a certificate from the manager. Scan the certificate and the university form and email it to them.
I have not received my I-20 yet. Can I pay the Visa and SEVIS fee?
Yes, you can pay your Visa fee now. You don't need the I-20 for paying the Visa fee. You can appear for a Visa Interview anytime within 1 year (365 days) from the date you pay your Visa fee. For more info --> https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/usindia/applicationfee.html
No, you cannot pay the SEVIS fee now, for that you need your SEVIS ID which would be mentioned on your I-20.
I have submitted the CFR, what to do next?
The university guys will go through it. After around 1-2 weeks, the accept/decline button will appear on the website. If you accept it, they will mail you the I-20.
You may book the air tickets now if you want to save money (you might end up paying more if you delay). But make sure you book a refundable ticket if you are booking it now itself. It is not necessary to book the air tickets for your Visa Interview.
Pay the Visa fee, you don't need the I-20 for that. After you receive the I-20, pay the SEVIS fee here --> http://www.fmjfee.com/
After completing the form and paying the SEVIS fee, you will be asked to take a print out of the receipt. So make sure you are connected to a printer, or you have some software like CutePDF installed on your machine which can convert the receipt into a PDF document. CutePDF --->> http://www.cutepdf.com/
The print out of this receipt is very important for your visa interview. They will also mail a hard copy of the receipt, but it will take upto 3 weeks to arrive (if you have excess money (if your surname is birla/ambani/tata), you may pay 35$ extra and get the hard copy within a week). The hard copy is not needed for the visa interview if you have the printout.
Now fill up DS-160 form, and book your Visa Interview date. Checkout https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/ for more info.
I am having my Visa Interview tomorrow, and I haven't received the hard copy of my SEVIS fee receipt yet, can that be a problem?
No, if you have not received the hard copy, just carry the print out of the receipt.
What all documents do I need to carry for my interview?
Warning: This list is not exhaustive, so check the VFS USA website
In some consulates one needs to submit documents 3-4 days before the interview. You can get details from the VFS USA Website.
The information on the VFS USA website would anyday be more authentic than what is mentioned in this blog. One should go through the VFS USA Website before going for the interview.
You will be asked to produce all the contents of Folder1 at the counter before your interview.
Folder1
1) Passport (new and all the old expired passports)
2) I20
3) Invitation Letter from the University
4) Original GRE Score card, original TOEFL Score card
5) CEAC DS160 confirmation letter
6) Visa Interview Appointment Letter
7) SEVIS fee receipt
8) Degree Certificate
9) HDFC Blue receipt (yes you can separate it from the pink receipt, but you need to carry both blue and pink)
Folder2, financial documents
1) All Bank Statements of the sponsor
2) Account Statements for the same
3) Property Papers
4) Property Evaluation Certificate
5) Affidavit of financial support signed by your sponsor on a stamp paper
6) Loan Sanction letters, Sponsor's Employment Certificate
7) Sponsor's last three years' IT returns
8) Your Employment and Leaving certificates
9) A certificate from a CA mentioning the Liquid Assets your sponsor has, Current Income of your sponsor, Educational Loan taken by you and your sponsor, and value of immovable property.
Folder3
1) Your Transcripts (grade sheets issued by your University, 12th Standard, 10th Standard)
2) 10th 12th pass certificates
3) Birth Certificate
4) Photographs
5) Old I20/DS2019 if you have been to the US before.
6) HDFC Pink receipt.
7) Your Resume
What if my visa is refused?
Your visa application will be rejected if you do not qualify for a visa. Just ask for the reason and leave.
My visa has been approved, I don't want to wait for the courier, can I collect it?
Read this ---> https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/usindia/typ_faq.html
If you have more questions, please post them as comments. Do not email me. Thanks!
Copyright © 2012 Yogesh Chidambarnathan. All Rights Reserved.
