Summary
- If you are interested in Artificial Intelligence, consider universities such as Stanford University, a leader in AI research, or Carnegie Mellon University, which consistently ranks among the top three in Computer Science.
- The best starting point is to view universities of your interest on global rankings platforms such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, and U.
- We will explain how you can adopt a data-centric approach in shortlisting the universities, determining which intake would be optimal, Fall or Spring, and streamlining your application process.
How to Shortlist Universities for Masters in USA: Key Factors and Strategies
Pursuing a Master of Science (MS) in the USA is more than an aspiration; it is an investment in your future. After all, 8 out of 10 top world universities are in the United States, according to the U.S. News and World Report. However, the choices are just too numerous for students to shortlist the universities easily.
On average, a master’s student pays between $20,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on their specializations and program selection. Pursuing an MS is a crucial and serious investment.
You would not want to invest that hefty amount into a university that doesn’t align with your requirements. Choosing the right institution makes all the difference.
However, the United States has over 4,000 universities. Even when students filter them by state, city, fees, and specializations on offer, they still have to choose from dozens of universities. This choice is life-changing, and it’s not easy.
This guide intends to help. We will explain how you can adopt a data-centric approach in shortlisting the universities, determining which intake would be optimal, Fall or Spring, and streamlining your application process.
How can you shortlist universities for an MS in the USA?
Here are some of the key factors to focus on.
Your Academic Fitness
The first step in choosing a university is assessing your candidature in terms of academic performance.
Begin by considering the GPA, GRE/GMAT, and TOEFL/IELTS requirements of prospective universities. Most top-tier universities, such as MIT and Stanford, maintain high cut-off criteria. For example, a GRE score above 320 is required, and a GPA of 3.5+ is required.
Start by identifying universities where your academic profile matches or slightly exceeds their minimum requirements. This gives you a good starting point and an advantage.
Next, check if the university considers work experience in its selection process.
For instance, some programs—such as Business Analytics or Industrial Engineering—often prefer candidates with industry experience. If you have relevant work experience, use it to stand out from other applicants.
University’s Specialization In Your Programs of Interest
Program specialization is the cornerstone of your decision-making. If you are interested in Artificial Intelligence, consider universities such as Stanford University, a leader in AI research, or Carnegie Mellon University, which consistently ranks among the top three in Computer Science.
It is also important to thoroughly examine the course syllabus, faculty credentials, and research lab infrastructure. You can see whether the university funds laboratory projects, and thesis work, and has active collaborations with the industry.
A strong program can greatly enhance your career path, making it a crucial factor when shortlisting universities.
University Rankings and Reputation
Rankings are not the only indicators of quality, but they are a useful benchmark.
The best starting point is to view universities of your interest on global rankings platforms such as QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, and U.S. News and World Report. These platforms provide an accurate indication of the university’s overall position in the USA and globally.
However, you should shift your research to department-specific strengths. There are instances where a medium-sized university may be quite excellent at providing high-quality programs in speciality areas, such as Robotics or Renewable Energy.
Research Opportunities
If research is your focus, this is a key consideration. Universities with a strong research culture can help you develop skills valuable for both academia and industry.
Start by exploring faculty profiles to understand their research interests.
Check ongoing projects and funding opportunities at the university.
Look for programs that offer Research Assistantships (RAs), where you can actively contribute to projects while also gaining financial benefits.
For example, if you are interested in Machine Learning, the University of Washington or UC San Diego can provide research labs with good funding.
Cost of Education
Studying in the USA is expensive. Tuition costs usually vary between $20,000 and $70,000 annually. Living expenses can be anything between $10,000 to $25,000 per year.
For example:
- California and New York: Living expenses average $15,000+ per year.
- Midwest states: Costs are lower at around $8,000 to $10,000 annually.
To ease your financial burden, you can check whether the university offers scholarships, Teaching Assistantships (TAs), or financial aid programs. Securing an RA or TA role can reduce expenses by up to 50%.
Location and Climate
The site or location is also very important for both quality of life and career prospects. For example:
If you aim to work in the tech industry, consider a university in California (close to Silicon Valley) or Washington (home to companies like Microsoft and Amazon).
Universities in the Midwest, such as the University of Michigan, have a geographical advantage in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
Moreover, personal preferences for climate are relevant. Someone may do well in California’s warm weather but not in the colder climates of Minnesota or Michigan. Choose a location that complements your lifestyle and future goals.
Post-Graduation Employment Opportunities
Seek universities with a strong placement record. You must ensure to check the following factors:
- Job placement statistics
- Alumni networks
- On-campus career fairs and employer visits
By following this step-by-step approach, you can create a list of universities that align with your academic and career goals while staying within your budget. This ensures your pursuit of an MS degree is well-planned and ultimately rewarding.
How many universities should I shortlist and apply to, for an MS in the USA?
It’s always better to have at least 8 to 12 universities shortlisted based on various criteria, such as their reputation, placement ratio, diversity, tuition costs, alumni relations, etc.
This will help you focus on the ones that match your criteria for acceptance. Filtering out universities is a stressful activity, so we recommend following the below steps.
- Start with 3-4 safe choices where your profile is stronger than the average applicant.
- Next, include 3-4 medium choices—universities where your profile matches the eligibility criteria well.
- Finally, add 2-4 ambitious choices. These are highly competitive institutions where admission is challenging but within reach.
Shortlisting universities can feel overwhelming, but this is where GradRight’s university-search platform helps you simplify the process and make smarter decisions.
Instead of relying on rankings or spending hours researching, GradRight focuses on your goals and preferences. It matches you with universities based on ROI, placement rates, alumni success, tuition costs, and other factors that matter to you.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Sign up for free and create your profile.
- Tell GradRight your preferences, like your field of interest, budget, and career plans.
- GradRight analyzes millions of data points to create a shortlist that fits you best.
- Compare programs easily, based on factors like job outcomes and affordability.
- Speak to GradRight experts for tailored advice to make the right choice.
GradRight helps you focus on what matters most to your future. Let it guide you to the best universities for your goals.
When is the right time to apply: Fall or Spring for MS in the USA?
The universities in the USA have two main intake seasons:
- Fall Intake (August-September)
- The most popular one, with most programs and scholarships.
- Makes it possible for better internship and employment experiences through academic calendar synchronization.
- Deadlines typically fall between September to January.
- Spring Intake (January)
- Fewer programs and scholarships are available.
- Fewer opportunities for internships due to a mismatch between academic terms and major job fairs.
- Deadlines usually are around from July to October of the year before.
Which is better? If you have a strong application ready by the fall deadlines, we highly recommend applying for the fall intake. However, spring can be a good option if you need extra time to prepare.
What is the application process for an MS in the USA?
After you have identified the list of universities to which you wish to apply, the next step is to apply. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you:
To submit your application successfully, you must start the process at least 6 to 8 months before your desired intake deadline. This gives you time to complete all the paperwork.
The first step is to prepare for standardized tests. Most universities require scores from exams like the GRE or GMAT. Additionally, since English proficiency is mandatory, you need to take tests like TOEFL or IELTS, depending on the university’s language requirements.
After preparing the test scores, the next step is to collect all the documents needed to apply.
These typically include:
- Academic transcripts that reflect your undergraduate performance.
- A good Statement of Purpose (SOP) that emphasizes your academic preparation, the motivation behind obtaining the MS, and career aspirations.
- Recommendations of Letters (LORs), typically two or three, offered by professors or another professional who can certify your skills and aptitude.
- Your Curriculum Vitae/Resume, which details your education, work experiences, and skills/achievements.
Now that all the documents are in hand, it is time to enter the application submission phase.
This includes completing the online application forms for every institution, uploading necessary documentation, and paying the application fees.
Sometimes, institutions may also arrange interviews for shortlisted candidates. These interviews could be conducted online or in person, and they help universities assess your suitability for the program. Be ready to express your objectives, motivations, and achievements clearly.
After the universities have considered all the applications, they will send admission offers. Review these offers carefully, comparing factors such as program quality, funding opportunities, location, and future career prospects.
Once you’ve made your decision, confirm your admission.
The last step is to obtain a student visa. Once you accept the university’s offer, the I-20 form, which is required for the application, will be issued. Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country and finish the process of obtaining your visa.
FAQs
1. How to shortlist universities for MS in the USA?
You can shortlist the universities based only on our academic background, field of study, funding, and rankings. You should always select universities based on a mix of safe, moderate, and ambitious options.
2. How many universities should I shortlist?
You can shortlist up to 8 to 12 universities in total. Among these 12, you can keep 3-4 safe options, 3-4 moderate options, and 2-4 ambitious options.
3. Which intake is best for a Master’s degree in the USA?
The Fall intake is generally better due to a wider range of programs, scholarships, and internship opportunities.
4. How can I increase my chances of being shortlisted?
- Improve your GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scores.
- Craft a strong SOP and resume tailored to each university.
- Obtain strong LORs from professors or employers.
- Highlight relevant research, projects, and work experience.
By using this systematic strategy, you can confidently select and apply to the appropriate universities, which improves your chances of admission to your MS program of choice in the USA.
