Securing admission to a top US university for MS or PhD programs requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to create a compelling application.

Step 1: Research Faculty and University Alignment

1. Visit the university’s website and navigate to the Graduate School.
2. Search for faculty members whose research interests and published works align with yours.
3. Verify that the university has experts in your desired field, as this is crucial for admission.

Step 2: Explore Funding Opportunities

1. Check the university’s website for fees and funding information.
2. Look for scholarship and assistantship availability for international students.
3. Ensure the university offers funding opportunities for students in your field.

Step 3: Understand Admission Requirements

1. Review admission requirements, including essay requirements, CV, Letters of Recommendation (LoR), and English test or exclusion criteria.
2. Understand the specific requirements to avoid application rejection.

Step 4: Familiarize Yourself with Application Process

1. Visit the FAQ section for information on application fee waivers or requests.
2. Understand the application portal and process.

Step 5: Prepare Application Documents

1. Craft customized essays, CV, and other required documents.
2. Ensure your Statement of Purpose (SOP) mentions at least two faculty members from Step 1.
3. Explain why you chose the university in the ‘fit for program’ paragraph of your SOP.

Step 6: Create Application Account

1. Navigate to the application portal and create a new account.
2. Enter email, name, and date of birth accurately.

Step 7: Retrieve Personalized PIN

1. Check your email for the personalized PIN sent by the university.
2. Return to the application portal and enter the PIN to continue.

Step 8: Complete Application

1. Fill out each page carefully, paying attention to upload requirements (PDF format only).
2. Ensure all required documents are uploaded.

Step 9: Enter Recommender Details

1. Provide institutional email addresses for recommenders (not Yahoo or Gmail).
2. Ensure accurate information to facilitate timely LoR submission.

Step 10: Review and Submit Application

1. Review your application carefully.
2. Click “Submit” and stay online until confirmation.
3. Pay application fee or enter waiver code.

Step 11: Notify Recommenders

1. Inform recommenders about the email requesting their recommendation.
2. Emphasize the importance of timely submission.

Step 12: Follow Up with Faculty (Optional)

1. Cold email faculty members mentioned in your SOP (if not done earlier).
2. Express interest in working with them and confirm application submission.

Conclusion

By following these 12 steps, you’ll create a strong MS/PhD admission application to US universities. Remember to:

• Research thoroughly
• Customize application documents
• Ensure timely submission
• Follow up with recommenders and faculty

Additional Resources

• University websites
• Graduate School admission guides
• Application portal tutorials

Best of Luck!

Your careful preparation and attention to detail will increase your chances of securing admission to your desired MS or PhD program.

As a young researcher in the STEM field, you might have faced challenges in identifying novel and researchable topics for journal publications. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a structured approach to help you create innovative research topics, ensuring a strong foundation for successful journal publications.

Step 1: Brainstorming and Identification of Research Area

1. Identify your STEM interest: Artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, materials science, etc.
2. Conduct preliminary literature reviews.
3. Brainstorm potential topics: Mind mapping, free writing, or listing.
4. Consult peers, mentors, or experts.

Step 2: Literature Review and Gap Analysis

1. In-depth literature review: Top-tier journals and conferences.
2. Analyze recent publications (last 2-5 years).
3. Identify research gaps, emerging trends, interdisciplinary connections, debates, or controversies.
4. Document key findings.

Step 3: Formulation of Research Question(s)

1. Formulate specific research questions or hypotheses.
2. Ensure novelty, relevance, feasibility, and alignment with expertise.
3. Refine through iterative discussions.

Step 4: Definition of Research Objectives and Scope

1. Break down research questions into objectives.
2. Define scope: research design, methodologies, data requirements, expected outcomes.
3. Establish clear boundaries and limitations.

Step 5: Keyword Identification and Search Term Development

1. Identify relevant keywords.
2. Develop search terms for database searches.
3. Visualize relationships using keyword extraction software or mind mapping.

Step 6: Topic Refinement and Validation

1. Validate novelty using database searches, expert opinions, and literature reviews.
2. Refine based on feedback.
3. Ensure alignment with journal requirements.

Step 7: Development of Research Proposal

1. Outline research background, questions, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, timeline.
2. Guide research and publication efforts.

Example of A Novel Research Topic

Title
“Development of AI-driven Predictive Models for Optimizing Energy Storage Systems in Electric Vehicles”

Research Questions

1. Can machine learning algorithms improve energy storage efficiency?
2. What factors influence energy storage performance?

Objectives

1. Develop AI-driven predictive models.
2. Investigate environmental and operational factors.

Keywords
Electric vehicles, energy storage, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive modeling.

Conclusion

By following these structured steps, young researchers can craft innovative and researchable topics, enhancing their chances of successful journal publications in the STEM field.

Resources

• STEM research journals
• Academic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science)
• Research proposal guidelines

Share Your Thoughts

Have you struggled with finding novel research topics? Share your experiences!

Dear Graduate School & Scholarship Hopeful,

If pursuing a Graduate degree or scholarship abroad is in your plans for 2023, here?are the elementary documents you need to have in place;

1. International Passport
2. Academic Transcript
3. BS/MS certificate
4. English Proficiency letter ( or TOEFL or IELTS)
5. Academic CV
6. WES evaluation (if your CGPA is low)
7. Secure and familiarize yourself with your potential recommenders

?Timeline – January to April

Here are the things you need to learn how to write;

1. Statement of Purpose
2. Cold mails
3. Personal statement
4. Diversity statement
5. Cover letter/letter of motivation
6. How to send out purposeful cold mails

?Timeline – May to July

Skills/Endeavors that you should be involved with that gives your application strength.

1. Volunteering
2. Community Service
3. Leadership/Human capacity building
4. Programming/Machine Learning
5. Research writing and publications
   

?Timeline: January to August

Those who got fully funded offers last year had one things in common, they were purposeful about their quest. If you wish to join the winners band, you need to start now, start early and get your documents set.

When making your Scholarship application to Universities in the UK, you will need to submit some specific documents to prove that you meet the criteria.

The documents you need to provide with your Scholarship application depend on the scholarship in question. Some documents are mandatory and others need to be provided depending on your circumstances and what your school says.

What you will find in common throughout all courses and schools is that you will need to show competency in the English language.

Although this post will provide you with some useful information with which to arm yourself about what is needed to gain entry into UK courses, you should inquire specifically to any course that you are considering.

The following list should help you to work out what documents you will need to provide. It’s important to provide all of the documents needed, as not doing so can cause a refusal.

1. Undergraduate Studies
   

International passport.

Original WAEC or GCE certificate

Depending on what program you are looking at, the entry requirements will vary for international students. Most degree programs in the UK will require that the student have passed either A-levels and attained certain grades, for example 4 B grades, or equivalent grades in a BTEC or GNVQ. So within a university different courses will have different requirements and universities as a whole may have certain requirements that all students will have to meet. For example, the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge generally require all students to attend an interview, other universities will not require this.

English test (if the university requires it).

For most schools and courses, your level of understanding and competency in English will be key to your acceptance in a major program such as a degree program. You will need to make sure you have a good level of English understanding and you can do this by taking one of the following commonly accepted tests of English ability:

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
• IELTS – International English Language Testing System
• UCLES – University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.

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• Original Birth certificate.
• Personal statement.
• Academic and character reference.
• Police report (for medical courses).

2. PostGraduate Studies:

• International passport.
• Original University transcript,
• Certificate and Statement of result.
• A level Results (Original WAEC, NECO or GCE certificate)

English test (if the university requires it).

For most schools and courses, your level of understanding and competency in English will be key to your acceptance in a major program such as a degree program. You will need to make sure you have a good level of English understanding and you can do this by taking one of the following commonly accepted tests of English ability:

• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
• IELTS – International English Language Testing System
• UCLES – University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.

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• Original Birth certificate.
• Personal statement.
• Academic and character reference.
• Court Affidavit to correct any mistakes on your certificates.
• Police report (for medical courses).

And of course, you will need a Student visa (for both Undergraduate & PostGraduate Studies). Depending on the university you are applying to, you may only need to provide these documents to them and they will sort out the bills (that is once your Scholarship application is accepted).

So the documents you need to provide with your visa application depend on your circumstances. Some documents are mandatory and others need to be provided depending on what your CAS says.

A CAS is an electronic statement which includes information about you and your programme, and contains your unique ‘CAS number’. The university will send your CAS statement to you by email, once you have met the requirements for it to be issued.

Your CAS contains information about your studies. You will need this information to complete your visa application form. You cannot make a Student Visa application without a CAS. 

By issuing you with a CAS, the university is agreeing to act as your Student Visa Sponsor.

It’s important to provide all of the documents needed, as not doing so can cause a visa refusal.

Student Visa document list

Passport

A current passport or other valid travel documentation.

Qualifications stated on your CAS.

All qualifications listed in your CAS. You should note that if no qualifications are listed in your CAS, you are not required to provide any.

English language evidence.

UKVI ask for proof of your knowledge of the English language. Universities can choose how they assess a student’s knowledge of English. Your CAS will confirm how your English language ability has been assessed by the university. If it has been assessed by you providing a certificate or qualification, then this will be listed in your CAS and you must provide the certificate listed. If no English language qualifications are listed in your CAS, then you will not need to provide any with your application.

Translations.

If any document is not in English, the original must be accompanied by a full translation. The translation must contain:

• Validation from the translator that it is an exact translation of the original document
• Translation company’s contact details
• The date of the translation

Proof of finances.

You need to provide evidence that you have a specific amount of money available to you for tuition fees and living costs in the UK.

The types of document you can provide to prove your finances are:

• Personal bank statements or building society statements
• Bank letters
• Official loan letters
• Official financial sponsorship letters

Please note that it is important to provide finance documents which meet the requirements, to avoid a visa refusal.

Letter of consent from government sponsor.

If you have received any official financial sponsorship from a government in the past year, you must provide a letter from this sponsor which confirms the sponsor’s consent for you to make the Student Visa application.

Proof of your relationship with your parent or guardian.

If the funds you show are held under a parent’s name, you must prove your relationship to your parent(s). Birth certificates or adoption certificates are accepted.

Letter from parent/ guardian.

If the funds are held under a parent’s name, you also need a letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) providing consent for you to use the money. The letter does not need to follow a strict format, but it must be signed and dated.

Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you’re under 18.

If you are under the age of 18 when you start your studies, you will need to provide a letter from your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and also your birth certificate or adoption certificate.

Your tuberculosis test results

If you’re from a country where you have to take the test. Note that if you have been living in a country for the past six months where the TB test is not required, then you will not need to provide this (If you have been living in the UK for six or more months, then you will not need to take a TB test.) See the UKVI information on TB tests to check if this applies to you.

ATAS Certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate).

This is a certificate required by some postgraduate students. (It does not apply to students on undergraduate programmes of study.) You should note that it takes approximately one month for an ATAS certificate to be issued. Your CAS will confirm if you need an ATAS certificate.

Police Registration Certificate

If you are applying from the UK, you will need your police registration certificate, if you are required to register with the police

Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

This is the electronic document that you will receive from the university via email, which is essential to making your Student Visa application. You should note that as the CAS is electronic, you only need to provide the CAS reference number in your visa application form and there is no requirement to provide a paper copy.

• Differentiation arrangements

If you are a national of a country listed under the differential evidence requirement, you do not need to provide qualifications or finance evidence with your visa application.

However, you may still need to have these documents available, because UKVI reserves the right to ask you to send them the documentary evidence during the processing of the visa application. If you are asked to provide the documents and cannot do so within a specified time, it is likely that your visa application will be refused.

Whether you fall under the differentiation arrangements or not depends on your nationality. You can find a list of nationalities that fall under the differentiation arrangements in the gov.uk information on financial evidence for a Student Visa application.

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Credits to University of Greenwich & International Student for resource materials.

Can I get a PG Admission with a low CGPA and pass grade of 2.2, 3rd class or HND?

Scholar27

If the above has been your question whenever you come across a scholarship opening in your discipline (that has a specified minimum requirement of 2.1 or above), then this piece is for you! You just don’t need to read it, you also need to have it saved to your archive and share to others.

There are a numerous Scholarship opportunities for graduates with second class lower in any field/discipline and in several countries. However it takes a longer route, laced with intentional purpose and smart work.

If you have a 2.2 and interested in fully funded openings, here are some points you should take note of;

• The Scholarships you can easily get are in form of Graduate assistant positions with fee waivers and stipends.
• These opportunities are available only in US, parts of UK, Germany and Australia.
• There’s no funding for a 2.2 holder in Canada, as Canadian strictly insist on 2.1 and above.
• Since it’s a GA offer, you need to have other tangible aptitudes that can push up your standing despite your low CGPA.

To this end, if you have a 2.2/3rd Class/HND and seek to get a fully funded position in the US, some parts of Europe, or Australia, outlined is the path you must follow;

➊. Gain some aptitude with statistical tools (Pythom R, MATLAB, EXCEL). Enrol for Data Analytics and Science class and become highly Data literate.

➋ Learn the ropes of research publication, pick a field of interest, do a number of research work and publish at least two papers.

➌. Volunteer for community service. Note: Community service on social media is acceptable.

➍ Learn the drafting of Cold mails, SOP and other Graduate school essays.

➎. Be active on LinkedIn and Twitter. Optimize your profile on both platforms

➏ Enrol, prepare and take the GRE and TOEFL Tests. A good grade in these tests boost your standing. You will also need the WES evaluation.

The US admission for 2023 (fall intake) opened up its academic session from September 12. The admission process usually starts at the end of November/December of the previous year, i.e. 2023 closes by the end of July 2023. But don’t wait till the last moment because most of the top universities consider admissions as early as January.

So, if you wish to secure a seat for yourself in those universities, it’s better to apply as early as possible. Here are some of the things you should check up before applying;

1. PRELIMINARY REQUIREMENTS

• Academic CV
• Research Interest
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Certificates
• Academic Transcript
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Entrance Exam Scorecards – GRE/ GMAT (For schools that don’t waive them)
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores. (A letter can suffice in some cases)
• Research Statements (for some courses)
• WES Evaluation (if you have a 2.2/3rd class/HND)

Note: If you have a 2.1 or first class, you can find the equivalent of your CGPA in the US scale with the formula;

Your CGPA/Scale = X
US Equivalent = X/4

Example

Let’s say you have a CGPA of 3.8 on a scale of 5

The conversion is;

Your CGPA (X) 3.8/5.0 = 0.76
conversion factor – 0.76*4.0= 3.04.
Your US Equivalent
Your CGPA is 3.04 on 4.0 scale

2. SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

• Have a Research Interest
• Search for Professors in your research area. It is advisable to look out for Assistant and Associate Professors. They are often the ones with funding
• Send out cold mails. (Learn how to do this)
• Receive confirmation of the availability of sponsorship via GRA/GTA
• Attend open days and get application fee waiver.

3. REQUIREMENTS THAT GIVE YOU AN EDGE

• Ability with Statistical and Data Tools (E.g. Python, MATLAB, R)
• Research ability with evidence of a published work
• Research Experience ( Even as little as a review is sufficient)
• Teaching Experience
• Leadership Skills
• Volunteering and Community Service
• Strong Letters of Reference

The good news is, you can have all of this and more, if you have the right guide. Seek mentorship if you can.

Graduating with a second class lower degree could be very discouraging. Beyond the difficulty in getting a job, the general perception of graduates with a 2.2 is that they were unserious students; which is not always the case.

How about the headache of getting accepted to study a Masters or even getting a scholarship? Quite frankly, getting a scholarship with 2:2 grade is hard to find. But if we don’t dig them up for you, who will?

So cheer up! We’ve rummaged the web to find scholarship opportunities you can take a shot at with a 2:2 grade point.

Here we go with the top 10.

1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

The Commonwealth shared scholarship scheme allows students from Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK to benefit from graduate study at a University in the UK.

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are offered annually for Master’s study. You must hold a first degree of either first or upper second class classification, or lower second class classification plus a relevant postgraduate qualification.

What this means if you hold a 2:2 and have undertaken a masters degree, you will be eligible apply for second masters degree on scholarship.

2. Erasmus Mundus Masters Program in Public Policy (MAPP) Scholarships

Mundus MAPP is a two-year-long international joint Masters program in Public Policy, offered by four top-ranked European institutions: Central European University, Budapest (Hungary), International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam (the Netherlands), Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (Spain) and the University of York (UK). Established in 2007, the program operates as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Program funded by the European Commission.

For all tracks of the program, candidates need to have a Bachelors degree with at least class 2.2 (Lower Second class), or equivalent.

3. Brunel University NSIRC Scholarships

Brunel University, a public university in the UK awards scholarships to EU and Non-EU students who wish to have a Masters in the fields of Structural Integrity or Oil and Gas Engineering.

The scholarship is open to all students with a minimum of 2.2 UK honor or international equivalent. Benefits include a £12,000 grant to qualifying international students.

4. DeVry University International Postgraduate Scholarship.

As regards the DeVry scholarship, award amounts are tiered according to student GPA and enrollment status (half time, three-quarter time or full time).

The higher the cumulative grade point average (CPGA), the larger the award amount may be. Funds may reach as much as $2,500 per semester for full-time enrollment with a 3.25 GPA or higher for the scholarship. Students with a 2.5 – 3.25 GPA may earn up to $2,000 per semester.

5. Masters Scholarships at the University of Bedfordshire

This Scholarship scheme funded by the University of Bedfordshire is made in the form of a tuition fee discount. Students holding a four year Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university or tertiary institution with a minimum GPA of 50% or equivalent will be considered for this scholarship.

This is a scholarship opportunity for holders of a 2.2 grade point

6. PTDF Overseas Scholarships Study in China, Germany, France & Malaysia

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), the Federal Government agency in Nigeria, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for Overseas MSc and PhD Scholarships to institutions under its China, Germany, France & Malaysia strategic partnership initiative.

Successful candidates will be awarded scholarships to study in specified countries commencing in the next academic session. A minimum of Second Class Upper qualification in their first degree or a Second Class Lower with relevant industry experience is required.

7. ISS Hardship for MA Program in Development

International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) provides financial support to students through its two funds. They include the ISS Scholarship Fund for Excellent pupils and ISS Hardship Fund. Both funds are open for international and Dutch holders for pursuing an MA program.

ISS is an international graduate school of policy-oriented critical social science. Each award is worth 40% of the tuition fee. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.2 to apply. However, applicants with a higher GPA are given more consideration.

8. University of Glasgow School of Geographical and Earth Sciences Scholarships

The University of Glasgow offers scholarships for international students in its School of Geographical and Earth Sciences. Programmes available include Geoinformation Technology & Cartography, Geomatics & Management, Geospatial & Mapping Sciences, Land and Hydrographic Surveying, and Sustainable Water Environments.

The scholarship is open to applicants with a minimum of 2.2 in their first degree.

9. Staffordshire programs for International Students

Staffordshire University, England awards financial aid to both undergraduate and postgraduate students who apply for its annual scholarship programmes. The scholarship is open to students from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Students with a first class get £2000 financial aid while those with a second class lower get a £1000 funding. This may not seem like much but any aid you can get as a 2.2 holder is something you should take with both hands.

10. Australia Awards Scholarship

Australia Awards is a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s development assistance program for Africa. The awards provide access to postgraduate education, training and professional development opportunities for suitably qualified Africans from eligible countries.

On their return to the workplace, Australia Awards Alumni are expected to contribute actively to development in their home countries. Applicants are expected to hold a minimum of a 3rd class honors with relevant work experience.

Though they both provide funding for Graduate studies, they are however quite distinct and requires different writing  style of the Academic CV and other documents to get.

Scholarships are financial grants given to a student to aid the financial burdens of his/her study. It may be in the form of research grant, tuition fee payment or an arrangement in place for outright waiver.

A scholarship can be awarded by the Government, a corporate organisation, an individual or an institution of learning. Usually, the beneficiary gives nothing back in return. Classic examples includes the NNDC, PTDF, Commonwealth, Chevening, Fulbright, Google, and ISP scholarships.

However in Graduate Assistantship, a Graduate student is awarded a tuition fee and paid stipends for a service rendered to the graduate school, Laboratory or Principal Investigator (PI). Beneficiaries of GA funding might serve as Teaching Assistant, Research assistant, Sport Coach or admission representative for the University or Department offering funding. It is not a FOC but a barter.

Unlike scholarships where excellence is a major determiner in who wins, Graduate Assistantships requires service in exchange for funding. Ability and Aptitude is preferred over Academic Excellence.

This explains why Graduates with Second class lower or Third class that have built Research abilities, Data Analytics skills or Sport coaching aptitude will be preferred over a First class graduate in a Graduate Assistantship Funding offer.

We are in the season of Graduate Assistantship offers from Universities in the US and Canada. If you are priming up to get accepted in one or more of these universities, you must beyond your academic grades demonstrate the;

1. – Ability to Teach
2. – Ability to carry out a quantitative research
3. – Proficiency with Data analysis
4. – Community service skills.

You know you are ready for GA funding when you have these things in place.

Written by Moses Udoisoh and Edited by the Team