Everything I learned from planning a master’s degree in the U.S. Part(2/3)
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Last week we went through the first three application requirements; that is The SOP, the recommendations and the resume. This week we will discuss the transcript policies, as well as the English proficiency proof! So, let us move on!
The official transcript
Transcript importance is subjective to the program you are considering to take and the institution’s name.
If you are applying for a technical discipline, for example, science or engineering, they usually have firm transcript policies and requirements. Admissions are constrained to a minimum grade or higher. These programs require a solid technical and scientific background. They want to make sure you would be able to comprehend and complete this program. Usually, if you do not meet the minimum required CGPA, chances are low for admission. But do not let that disappoint you because a well-built practical experience, along with related courses and a good SOP might work for you to get an admission!
I would also like to notify you that transcripts are usually an excellent factor for gaining school scholarships. If you have an impressive transcript with outstanding grades, universities might offer you a 50% scholarship or a 100% scholarship even! So, if you are still in undergraduate school, work on graduating with a good CGPA, because it can work wonders for you.
let's move to the technical part and review together how to submit your official transcript
For someone coming from Sudan, usually with a different banding system than the U.S, our universities GPA is ranked out of 10. Here, in the states, all GPA scores are graded out of 4. Some institutions would require you to do an evaluation process so that they get to understand what your transcript means. The body responsible for transcript evaluation is the World Education Services (WES). So please, review and check whether your institute requires a WES evaluation report.
So how does it actually work for the WES evaluation report?
The steps are simple and very detailed on their website. But because I am your hero, I would give you a quick guide:
1/ Create an online application; when doing so, they will give you a reference number. Make sure you do Keep it!
2/Secondly, Mail your transcript with the university stamp to the WES address. Write your reference number and pay the fees; about 200$ maximum (for the report and the delivery fees).
3/Then all you got to do is wait as the report gets mailed to your university. Congratulations! Because that is considered an official document for your transcript.
Other universities might go easy on you, so they would only require you to send the transcript with an official university mail stamp and address.
Now, most of our Sudanese universities don't have a mailing office! If it does, good! Go to the university and ask them to mail your transcript to the university you are applying to!
If the university you graduated from does not have a mailing office. Which is the likely. Stamp the envelope with the official university stamp and go to a mailing service let it be DHL or Aramex, and ask them to mail on your behalf.! Or just mail the official transcript to the graduate and admission office!
The English proficiency proofs
Since the programs here are all conducted in the English language, universities will require you to somehow prove that you can speak and understand English! Part of the requirements is to have a certain IELTS or TOEFL band score.
IELTS
Most universities require a 6.5 or 7 overall band score and a minimum of six per each section; that is the writing, speaking, reading, and listening.
TOEFL: this option was not available in my country; Sudan but you can find all information on their website
Duolingo
When I wanted to apply, the IELTS centers were all closed due to covid. I emailed my university whether I can provide Duolingo as a substitute English proof and clearly explained that the IELTS centers were closed due to covid. My university approved and I started preparing for the Duolingo test.
The Duolingo test was a much better choice for me because it was cheaper; I paid 49$ compared to 120$ in IELTS; I did save a lot!
- You get to take the test online that means you can conduct it in the comfort of your bedroom. And that usually takes away all the stress and makes you focus better.
- You get the result in a week or two weeks' time max, which is pretty awesome!
- It gets sent directly to your university
- I found it somehow easier in terms of tactics.
- IELTS focuses very much on the technicalities that you might get a feeling that it’s not even about English anymore it’s about the exam techniques. But the Duolingo is very on point!
- The only challenge would be the time. As you are given limited time to think and write so do make a lot of practice before taking the exam.
- I would recommend checking youtube channels and content creators on youtube, they have awesome tips and tricks about the Duolingo exam.
- One channel I can particularly recommend is: Oxford Language Center
Stay tuned because next week, I will share the last application requirement; the interview process!
I will also share tips about the most important step of them all! The question many of us have in mind when thinking of taking such a step. How to finance all of that?!
I GOTCHA!
Next week, we will discuss funds, grants, scholarships, and student teaching and research assistance opportunities.
I will also answer the questions of settlement and where to stay, how to start living, and transporting in the U.S Stay tuned because I will be revealing a lot and hopefully clearing all your confusion.
