USA · CHAPTER 3
US admissionrequirements.
US applications ask for transcripts, a statement of purpose, two or three recommendations, an English test and sometimes GRE, GMAT or SAT scores. Graduate deadlines for Fall 2027 mostly fall between December 2026 and February 2027; undergraduate early deadlines are in November.
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Source review: · How to use our guides
Documents
- Transcripts (some universities need a WES or ECE evaluation)
- Statement of purpose
- 2–3 letters of recommendation
- TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo
- GRE or GMAT where required
- SAT or ACT where required (many are test-optional)
- Resume
- Financial documents for the I-20
Fall 2027 timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Aug–Oct 2026 | GRE/GMAT/TOEFL; shortlist |
| Nov 2026 | Undergraduate early deadlines |
| Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 | Most graduate deadlines |
| Mar – Apr 2027 | Decisions; funding offers |
| May – Jul 2027 | I-20, SEVIS fee, visa interview |
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
Application calendar for Fall 2027
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| March–June 2026 | Shortlist programmes; prepare for GRE/GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS |
| July–September | Take tests; ask for recommendations; draft your SOP |
| October–January | Submit applications; priority and funding deadlines are often December 1–15 |
| February–April | Admits and funding offers; April 15 is the common decision date for funded offers |
| May–July | I-20, SEVIS fee, visa interview |
Building a balanced list
- 3 ambitious programmes, 4–5 matching your profile, 2–3 safer choices
- Check faculty research for MS-thesis and PhD applications
- Compare total cost after likely funding, not only tuition
- Check whether GRE is required, optional or not considered
- Look at placement data and location for internships
- Count application fees: often $75–150 each, sometimes waived
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Many master's programmes have made the GRE optional, but competitive and funded programmes may still expect it. Check each programme.
Many programmes made the GRE optional, but strong scores still help for competitive STEM programmes and funding. MBA programmes accept GMAT or GRE.
Some universities accept 3-year Indian bachelor's degrees, especially with a strong record or a master's; many require 16 years of education. Check each programme's international requirements.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
USA GUIDE
Application & I-20
Apply to US universities, accept an offer, submit financial documents, receive your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee before your F-1 interview.
USA GUIDE
TOEFL, IELTS, GRE & SAT
TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, GRE, GMAT and SAT score ranges US universities expect from Indian applicants, and when to take each test.
USA GUIDE
SOP, LOR & resume
How to write a US statement of purpose, choose recommenders and format a one-page US resume for graduate applications.
FROM INDIA
Month-by-month timeline
Month-by-month study abroad plan from India for a September 2027 start: tests, applications, scholarships, loans, visa, flights and a document checklist.
FROM INDIA
Documents & attestation
Indian documents for study abroad: transcripts, degree certificates, MOI letters, gap explanations, MEA apostille, notarisation, WES/ECA and sworn translations.
TOOL
Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
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