Basic post GRE FAQs..

Q. TOEFL!

A. Immediately after you are done giving your GRE you should give the TOEFL. We Indians need to give it because our national language is not English. It consists of 4 sections [reading, listening, speaking and writing] and is of 120 marks total. It is very easy. You need a score of more than 80 and for some universities more than 100. Again, this test is offered only on selected Sundays at multiple centers like MIT, VIT, etc in Pune. You get your scores after around 10days.

Q. What is the minimum score required for applying to any US university?

A. Any score above 1100 is considered fair enough to apply to US universities. A score of more than 1350 is considered ok to apply to the top 20 universities. A perfect 800 in Quant matters at least for engineering admissions. Also you need a score of above 3 in AWM though some universities require you to have more than 3.5 or 4.

But do remember that a score below average doesn’t mean that you can’t get an admit from that particular university. It largely depends on your academic record, quality of SOP and recommendation letters.

Q. Basic requirements for admission to US universities?

A. Here is a checklist of the documents that you will need to start applying to US universities- 

1. Official College Transcripts: you will get these in the Exam cell [in case of COEP]. For other colleges you need to contact the college. I think you get them from the University. For COEP students, you get them for Rs.100 each. They are sealed properly and so you don't need to bother about it. Just mail them as you get it from the Exam cell without opening it. The US universities are very particular about sealed documents. Some universities need scanned copies of your transcripts. For that it is better to take a couple of extra ones from the Exam cell and get them scanned on your own. Also some universities require 2 copies of Transcripts. So do get a few extra ones. 

2. Official Degree certificate: All degree holders need this before applying. Once again you get it from the Exam cell or University in case of non-COEP students. It is charged. All things are similar to transcripts and hence take the same care.

3. Bank statements/solvency: There are very few universities that require you to send them bank statements or solvency certificates during application. But it is better to have an idea about your funds before you finalize your university. Sending bank statements helps in a way that universities send I20 form directly with your confirmation letter. Other wise you need to send them the certificates after your admit. Beware that mostly universities need statements which are not more than 6months old. More about it in later questions..

4. Statement of Purpose [SOP]: You need to prepare a good statement of purpose or statement of intent as it is sometimes called. Some universities have a limit on the number of words or characters that you may use. You can get very good information regarding how to prepare SOPs and stuff on the internet. In short it is a document which explains you academic record, projects, everything which states why the university should give an admit to you from the large number of applicants. You should also mention you field of interest and the professors or labs in which you want to work. I will upload my SOP soon.

5. Recommendation letters: All the universities generally need 3 recommendation letters. They can be from you manager, HoD, professors, etc. There are various criteria for getting a recommendation letter. He/She must have taught you at least one subject for one semester. He should have guided your project or must be your senior in the company. If you have a work ex then it is good to get a recommendation letter from you manager or project lead. Else professors or HoDs will do. The more the influential and well known people give you recommendations more are your chances of getting an admit from the University. It is advised to get recommendation from a professor who has taught you a subject in which you plan to do you masters.

6. Resume: Certain universities also require you to upload your resume though this is not compulsory.

Q. Should I join Oak Admission Center?

A. As i had said in the Pre GRE FAQs, Oak is best for a person who doesn't have any idea about how things work! For a person like me, who is new to all this procedure, the guidance provided by Oak is good. But for people, who already know about all this, need to give a second thought! Ask your seniors who have and haven't joined Oak's Admission Center.

For me, the overall experience has been great.