After closely working with and carefully assessing applicants from diverse backgrounds, including economics, psychology, computer science, marketing and management, here are my top seven takeaways from past postgraduate application cycles.
[size=100]1)A 4-Year Undergraduate Degree Is Required to Apply to the US
Everyday, I speak with several prospective applicants who have no indication of whether their 3-year undergraduate degree is considered eligible to apply to North American universities. While some universities accept a 3-year undergraduate degree, the number is too small to consider. Most US universities still prefer that international applicants possess a 4-year equivalent undergraduate degree. Unfortunately, finding a list of viable universities to apply to directly after a 3-year undergraduate/bachelor’s degree may be difficult.
Australian universities, too, need a fourth year of study (honours) from an APAC accredited institution for their clinical psychology-related programmes. Students in Australia often complete their fourth year by undertaking a bachelor’s degree (honours) and then applying for a master’s degree.
2) GMAT/GRE Waivers Are Less Likely During and After 2024/25
GMAT/GRE waivers do not apply to final year students and fresh graduates. Only qualified candidates who have completed a terminal degree, such as MD, DO, or PhD, can request a waiver.
3) The GMAT/GRE Weightage Is Apparent
Even if UK universities do not ask for standardised test scores, I recommend that applicants on the fence about minimum entry requirements take the GMAT/GRE. An above-average score can support any application greatly.
4) Mid/Senior-Level Professionals Are Upskilling With a Master’s Degree
In my experience, more mid and senior-level professionals are committing to a master’s degree to advance or diversify their skill sets. For example, a professional with a Bachelor of Technology in computer science and 3-7 years of work experience is now understanding the value of upskilling with a master’s degree in machine learning. So, if you’re well into your professional journey and think you’ve missed the boat on an advanced degree, you haven’t.
Undergraduate Degree: B.Tech. Information and Communication Technology
Years of Experience: 11 years
GMAT/GRE Score: GRE: 316
Undergraduate GPA: 7.8 out of 10 (3.34 out of 4)
Postgraduate Specialisation: Artificial Intelligence
Admitted to: Northwestern University
After being a cloud architect for a decade, I realised my passion for AI and decided it was time to upskill. Following a session with The Red Pen, we concluded that a MS in Artificial Intelligence was the right choice for me. It eventually became clear that a degree would give me complete freedom to pursue my goals and shape my future. Despite having 11+ years of experience, the team introduced me to several courses, pushed me to gain relevant expertise and ensured that the transition into my upskilled career was as seamless as ever.
5) Specialised Master’s Programmes Are Paving the Way
Trust me when I say, “European business schools are at par with their North American counterparts”. Competitive business schools in Europe, offer focused faculty engagement and exceptional job opportunities on the continent. [/size]Another emerging programme, a master’s in social entrepreneurship, is gaining popularity among policy and development students who wish to gain management-related skill sets.
6) Computer and Data Science Majors Require a Strong Research Profile
For many, Europe is considered a cost-effective study destination, making it a popular choice among applicants. However, most applicants I interact with do not make an effort to understand why the European curriculum is so unique. While studying computer science and data science at the graduate level in the United States is often application-based – to apply to leading universities in the Netherlands having a strong focus on research and academia is necessary.
[size=100]7) International Applicants Are Realising the Importance of a Plan B
International applicants are now choosing colleges that, in the past, not many people had heard of in India. Yes, applying to your dream college is a must, but curating a list of stellar ‘Plan B’ universities can increase your probability of multiple acceptances and merit scholarships. Tech-related programmes offered by universities are also capturing the interest of international students, making them more competitive than ever before.
At The Red Pen, 99% of our clients receive offers to one of their top choice-colleges. If you have questions on how to go about the postgraduate application process, do get in touch with us for further assistance[/size]