Preparing for Grad School in the USA

Preparing for grad school in the USA involves both academic and personal preparation.

Academic
International students applying to a grad school in the USA should begin planning early, since admission is very competitive.

Academic preparation first means researching the many options you have at US grad schools! Grad schools in the United States have an incredible variety of degree program and department specialization options, and you should leave yourself plenty of time to search out what's available in your field of interest. You may want to also find out who the expert professors and researchers in your field are and which colleges in the USA they are affiliated with; many grad students choose their school based on who they want to work with.

Academic preparation also means making sure you have the necessary courses and grades to be accepted into the grad school of your choice. This will largely depend on the program you hope to apply to. Most grad schools in the US require a minimum grade point average (GPA) for admission, and this will likely vary by program.

Grad schools in the US require international students to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (i.e., English). The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is commonly accepted, but American colleges may have their own tests for students, or may accept other English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). Confirm language requirement details with the college.

Grad school calendars, student handbooks or admissions offices are the best sources of academic preparation information, including recognition of your home country's academic credentials. Most colleges in the USA now offer their calendars and student handbooks online. Be sure to also read up on specific application requirements (reports and transcripts, language tests, letters of recommendation, personal essays, portfolio, etc). Preparing for grad school in the USA also means getting your paperwork completed and organized (read more in our How to Apply and Student Visas sections).

Personal
In addition to academic preparation, there's a lot you can do in your home country to prepare personally for grad school.

Get more familiar with the language of instruction if it's not your first language: read English-language books, magazines or newspapers (either print or online); watch English TV or films; practice your conversation with any English-speaking friends you may know. To improve the vocabulary and comprehension skills for your specialized grad school program, do some English-language reading in the area you hope to study.

Grad school admissions committees in the USA are often interested in an international student's personal qualities, which can be developed through extracurricular activities. Consider joining or even starting clubs at your university or in your community, whether related to your area of interest or not. This is a good way to demonstrate leadership skills: be able to show success within and outside the classroom.

Prove your work ethic. Grad school study in the USA is rigorous; therefore, work experience -- paid or volunteer -- related to your chosen field is extremely beneficial.

Develop your professional and academic relationships. Grad schools in the USA involve lots of personal work with professors, supervisors and other grad students. Invest the time now to develop solid relationships with your current professors or other professionals in your field of study who will be able to write you reference letters for your grad school application.

Contact other international students already studying at the school. Most colleges in the USA offering graduate programs have international student offices and/ or student societies that can put you in touch with an international student who can share his or her experience and advice. You can also contact the institution's Graduate Students' Society.