How to Shortlist the Right US Universities Based on Your Academic Profile | RISE Research

Each year, Indian students commit these same two blunders while applying for universities in the United States.

There are some students who will spend months trying to impress Harvard and MIT universities, even though their profiles are not suitable for admission into these institutions. There are other students who will do the complete opposite; they will apply to 20 universities to increase their chances of getting admission.

This too costs money and time – in some cases, a whole year. There are certain things that students must do to get everything right, which is discussed below.

Why Shortlisting Matters More Than You Think?

Many students think shortlisting just involves a quick Google search, but it's more involved than that. When you plan your shortlist carefully, it helps in sidestepping unnecessary applications.

Choose universities that match your profile while keeping a few backup options. Instead of applying to 20 universities, focus on 8–10 well-chosen applications that give you the best chance of success.

Most students are not sure where their profile fits, hence they seek overseas career counselling.

Step 1 - Know What US Universities Are Actually Evaluating

Start with understanding what US universities evaluate in applicants. Before aligning your profile with a university, grasp the key elements of an admission decision.

(i) GPA and Academic Record

Regarding graduate courses, your undergraduate GPA comes into play as the first filter. The average required by most programs is about 3.0 out of 4.0, but for competitive schools, it should be closer to 3.5.

If you studied in India, then below is an approximate conversion used by most universities in America:

• 75–80% - approximately 3.0 GPA

• 85–89% - approximately 3.5 GPA

• 90%+ - approximately 3.7–4.0 GPA

Note: every university uses its own conversion method. Do not assume - check the program page directly.

(ii) Standardised Tests

The GRE remains a requirement for most MS degrees even though many universities now allow you to take it on an optional basis. A good score will certainly go a long way if you have a borderline GPA. The GMAT is the norm for applying to MBA programs.

(iii) English Proficiency

English proficiency is required for all international students. TOEFL iBT test scores of 90–100 and higher, and IELTS test scores between 6.5 and 7.5 bands are considered sufficient. Another good test is the Duolingo English Test, which scores 115 or higher, and is now accepted by a lot of universities. Before we move to the university classification issue, it is better to get a general idea about studies in the USA.

Step 2 - Build a Three-Tier List (This Is the Framework That Actually Works)

This is the mistake which Indian students normally make. They either focus only on top-ranked colleges or do not have any proper procedure. The one and only method which always works is the 3-tier list method.

(i) Reach Schools (2–3 Universities)

These are those programs where your profile is weaker than the average accepted applicant. Although the fit is such that you need to apply. The target here would be the acceptance rate of less than 15–20%.

Example: If your GPA is 3.4 and your GRE score is 318, applying for the Carnegie Mellon MSCS Program (median GRE 325, acceptance rate around 8%) will be considered a reach for you.

(ii) Target Schools (3-4 Universities)

These are the most likely admits, where your GPA, test scores, and qualifications are within the middle 50% of students who were admitted to that program. This makes up the heart of your list.

Example: As someone with a GPA of 3.4 and a GRE score of 318, the University of Texas-Dallas or ASU's Master’s program would be suitable - both good institutions with decent acceptance rates.

(iii) Safety Schools (2–3 Universities)

Safety schools are schools that have a profile well above average, meaning that the probability of acceptance is quite high.

For example, if your GPA is 3.6 and your GRE is 325, then the safety schools can be the University at Buffalo or the University of Texas at Arlington.

(iv) How the Reach-Target-Safety Framework Works 

Step 3 - Four Things Rankings Will Not Tell You

After you have created a list, these four filters are as important as the ranking itself.

(i) Program fit vs. University fit

A university which ranks 60th could have a department which ranks within the top 20 in your field of interest.

For example, Georgia Institute of Technology’s program in industrial engineering has a much higher ranking than other universities ranked higher than it overall.

(ii) Location and what comes after

Location is something that impacts internship opportunities and job search opportunities in ways that many students do not realise. Going to a university based in cities like Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, and Austin means you get into the heart of technology hiring.

(iii) Scholarships and assistantships

Indian students generally do not consider this. State university teaching and research assistantships may help greatly with lowering or even eliminating tuition expenses. Look at their funding section, not the costs of the entire program.

(iv) STEM designation

If you wish to work in the US after completing your education, make sure that the program you have selected for enrollment is designated as STEM before you apply. Students enrolled in STEM programs can extend their OPT by an additional 24 months, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 3 years after graduation.

Step 4 - Verify Everything From Official Sources

Ranking websites cannot be used to create trustworthy shortlists. You should not finalise your shortlist until you:

·       Visit each school’s admissions webpage and review the data for their class profile

·       Find out about the deadlines; they differ greatly, and some highly selective programs have their deadlines in December

·       Utilize the Net Price Calculator available at each school’s website

University Research Checklist Before Shortlisting

Before including any university in your shortlist, consider:

·       Curriculum relevance to your career aspirations

·       Admitted students' GPA and test score averages

·       Tuition charges and living expenses

·       Availability of scholarships and assistantships

·       STEM status (where relevant)

·       Placements of graduating students

·       Research specialisations of the faculty members

·       Location and cost of living

·       Optional Practical Training and post-study work possibilities

This handy list can assist you in shortlisting universities without depending on their rankings. 

Typical Errors Students Make When Preparing A Shortlist

 1. Applicable only to reach universities.

It is the most typical mistake. A list of only the top universities is risky, and for most students, it will result in a gap year.

2. Failure to consider program-wise cut-offs.

University-wide admission rate means nothing in particular because the Computer Science department of many universities accepts just 5-8% applicants even when the university's rate is around 40%.

3. Ignoring financial Fit.

It is a mistake to get admitted into a school whose total expense you cannot afford. Remember to consider your budget when making a selection.

4. Submitting the application late. 

Some of the most competitive schools operate with a rolling admission policy, so it pays off to apply early – at least two weeks before the deadline.

Final Checklist Before You Submit

Before submitting your applications, check your work against this list:

·       I have confirmed the GPA and test scores needed at the program level

·       My list has reach, target and safety schools

·       I have confirmed the English proficiency required by each university

·       I have researched the cost of attendance and scholarships available

·       All deadlines are known – and I will apply well before that time

·       I have determined if each program carries a STEM designation

·       I have one school as a safety school to which I will go