Application Requirements in US Universities for Admission 2024

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Understanding the requirements to apply to universities in the United States can be confusing, especially for students from other countries. Every university has its own rules and things they want to see from applicants. So, it’s really important to know exactly what each university needs from you when you apply.

In this helpful guide, we will explain step by step what most US universities usually ask for when you want to apply. We’ll talk about test scores, school grades, teacher letters, and personal essays. By reading and following this guide, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you need to do to apply to a university in the US, making the process easier and less stressful for you.

Overview: Application Requirements in US Universities

Here is a quick checklist of the documents needed for admission to US universities before we give you more information about them. The list has been divided into two sections: documents required for applying to undergraduate universities and documents required for MS in the USA.

Application Requirements for Masters in US Universities

• Passport
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Transcripts
• Marksheets and pass certificates
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Entrance Exam Scorecards – GRE/ GMAT/ LSAT/ MCAT
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Experience Letters (if any)
• Application confirmation copy
• Essays
• Certificates for extracurricular activities
• Proof of Funds
• Research proposal/ Portfolio/ Project Description (for specific courses)

Application Requirements for Bachelor’s in US Universities

• Passport
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Marksheets and pass certificates
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Letters of Recommendation
• Entrance Exam Scorecards—SAT/ ACT
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Essays
• Work Experience Letters (if any)
• Certificates for extracurricular activities
• Application confirmation copy
• Proof of Funds

Application Requirements for Applying to US Universities

The information on the documents above that is necessary for studying abroad is as follows:

Passport

The most important document needed to study abroad is this one. Please apply for one far in advance if you don’t already have one. Before you schedule your entrance exams, have it ready. Additionally, you need to keep extra copies of the passport’s first and last pages on hand.

Ensure that your passport is still valid for at least six months after your return date.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Your objective, educational background, any internships or work experience, milestone scores (10th and 12th final aggregates), projects completed during your undergraduate program (as well as during internships or full-time employment), and mention of co-curricular and extracurricular activities will all be included.

Transcripts

One of the most significant documents needed to apply for an MS in the US is transcripts from US universities. A transcript is one document that a school issues.

It includes a concise summary of all the information you need to know about the undergraduate courses you took as well as the scorecard of the concerned student. Students applying during their senior year must have all their test results.

For instance, the transcript for engineering students should include information for semesters 1 through 6. The transcript should include all of the grades from those years for applicants who plan to continue their education after receiving a bachelor’s degree.

How many transcripts am I required to submit for an MS in the US?

For one university, a student must provide at least two copies of their transcript. Each of them needs to have official certification from the relevant institution.

Marksheets and Pass Certificates

Additionally, students must present copies of their pertinent grade reports and diplomas. For instance, Indian students applying for master’s degrees must submit their 10th and 12th-grade transcripts and grades for each semester. Each application needs at least one set of copies, sometimes two. Each copy needs to be attested.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation are among the most crucial when applying to undergraduate and graduate programs at US universities (LOR). Your professors or managers must provide a LOR and should outline your abilities, successes, and professional or academic background. It is typical to have three or more recommendations.

Most universities (especially for Master’s program applications) ask for hard copies of the letters of recommendation, although some prefer recommenders to send them online directly to the graduate admissions department.

The LOR’s content must be printed on the organization’s header paper and sealed inside an official envelope with a seal bearing the organization’s stamp and a signatory’s signature. This indicates that the applicant was not aware of the letters’ confidentiality.

Entrance Exam Scorecards

For admission to universities in the USA, applicants must pass specific entrance exams. Before applying to the universities of your choice, verify the program for which you are applying and have your score ready. Some important entrance exams are –

SAT: For applicants to undergraduate programs at almost all American universities, SAT scores are accepted.

ACT: Another crucial exam when applying to undergraduate programs in the USA.

GRE: GRE is required for most MS-level programs in the United States, including business management.

GMAT: It’s a requirement for entry into American business schools.

MCAT: Students pursuing medical studies in the US must take this exam.

LSAT: It is necessary to apply for admission to Law schools in the USA.

English Proficiency Test Scores

English language proficiency test results are also required of students from non-native English-speaking nations. This is crucial because you’ll be studying English in the US, and universities need to know that won’t be a problem for you. The TOEFL and IELTS are the two most well-liked of these exams.

The ETS website must submit scores from the GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, and IELTS online to universities. In addition, one can save a few copies of the scores for storage.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose may or may not need to be submitted online by applicants. Please ensure it is printed on high-quality paper and has a header with your name, UserID, and the program you want to apply for if it needs to be sent by courier. The university website will note the preferred spacing and standard font size.

Work Experience Letters

Make sure to include letters of your experience from the relevant organizations if you have interned or worked there.

Application Confirmation Copy

After submitting your application and paying the university’s online fee, you will reach a confirmation page and receive a confirmation email. Each of the two must be sent with a copy. Certified copies of awards, participation, volunteerism, technical papers, and papers that have been published.

Essays

Students may be required to submit an essay and their application at many US universities. The essay could be on a haphazard subject or one that shows the applicant’s enthusiasm for the program or field. Most colleges require one to three of these essays.

Proof of Funds

Proof of finances is a crucial document required for studying in the US. Universities need this information to assess your financial capability and determine whether you qualify for financial aid or scholarships. Some universities request a bank statement declaration for this reason. A letter from the bank stating your savings is required for this. Your bank will issue this statement, and that bank must also attest copies.

Sending a loan letter with this is not necessary. You are not required to inform the universities requesting a student loan.

Research Proposal / Portfolio / Project Description

Universities may also request student research proposals, portfolios, or project descriptions for some extremely specialized and research-based programs. Research proposals for research-based programs, such as doctoral and post-doctoral degrees, are required.

A project description is one of the documents needed for Master’s programs involving research in the USA. Writing a thesis is typically a requirement for these programs.

Applicants must submit portfolios for Master’s arts, design, and architecture programs. This aids the concerned college or university assess your expertise and potential in your field of study.

Certificates for Extracurricular Activities for Application Requirements in US

Make sure to include any pertinent certificates supporting your claim that you excel in extracurricular activities. This can enhance your application’s appeal to top colleges and universities.

Frequently Asked Questions: Application Requirements in US Universities