4 Differences between GRE General Test and GRE Subject Test?

Although Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores make up only a part of your graduate school application, it is important. Most education institutions require applicants to have a minimum GRE score to be eligible for admission. However, the GRE score standards within a university may differ for various graduate programs.

1. Purpose:

As the name suggests, GRE General Tests assess your critical thinking and analytical skills. Regardless of your field of study, you may need to take this test as most universities demand the scores. On the other hand, GRE Subject Tests are designed to analyze your specific knowledge related to your field of study. These are usually taken by prospective graduate school applicants who are majoring in specific subjects. Although the subject scores may not be a mandatory requirement for admission to the program that you are applying for, it is a great idea to submit it, as this will give you a competitive edge.

2. Content:

The General Test comprises of the following three sections:

• Verbal Reasoning – This measures your ability to analyze and understand sentences and texts.
• Quantitative Reasoning – This section will analyze your problem-solving skills and basic mathematical concepts.
• Analytical writing – This will test your ability to communicate effectively and express complex ideas through writing.

The Subject Tests evaluates your knowledge in any of the following specific fields:

• Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Literature in English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Computer Science

3. Delivery Mode of the Tests:

You can register to take either computer-delivered or paper-delivered General Test. The former is offered at test centers year-round. The latter is conducted in specific locations on pre-determined dates. These tests take around four hours. Unlike the General Test, Subject Tests are available only in paper versions and are conducted during September, October, and April. These would take up to two hours and fifty minutes.

4. Scoring:

There is striking difference between the scoring standards of the two types of GRE tests. While the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections of the GRE General Test are scored on a scale from 130 to 170 (in one point increments), the analytical writing section is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 (in half point increments). GRE Subject Tests are scored on a scale from 200 to 990 (in 10-point increments).

Regardless of these differences, both types of GRE tests have some common factors. You can study and constantly practice to improve your scores in case of both. When studying, it is important to learn time management as this will prepare you for the real-life scenario. There are plenty of resources available online for practice. You can even take mock tests and analyze yourself to make sure that you are ready for the GRE tests.

8 Things You Must Do To Boost Your CV

Studying abroad certainly increases your chances of getting hired by top companies. You may not have realized that you can gain more than just academic skills to increase your employability. Here are some tips to boost your CV while studying abroad.

1. Get a part-time job

All employers appreciate people with work experience. By getting a part-time job alongside your studies, you are showing that you can manage your time efficiently and achieve the grades even with multiple responsibilities at hand.

If you get a part-time job in the field of your studies, you are demonstrating that you are already accustomed to the work environment and are familiar with the tasks you will be dealing with. Even factors like working in a team and meeting deadlines count.

2. Join a student society

Each university in US has around a hundred student societies – sports, arts and even movie clubs. It is not always necessary for you to join a student society that is relevant to your program or career path. Join any student society that interests you and have fun with people who share your common interests.

Such social activities will also boost your CV and make you stand out to potential employers. If you happen to be the president or secretary of the student society, it will demonstrate your leadership skills to an employer.

3. Volunteer

Similar to a part-time job, volunteering while studying shows that you have great time management skills. This will also help you to be in the good books as you will be devoting your time to a good cause.

4. Network

Building relationships with other students, faculty and alumni is a great way to enhance your chances of a successful career. 

5. Travel

It is fun to travel when you are abroad. There is a lot to see. But how does it help you in future? Travelling will make you attractive to employers because you gain experience. Most jobs involve travelling and this shows that you are not afraid to do that when necessary. 

6. Learn a new language

Thousands of international students come to USA every year to study. Making friends with people from different countries is a great way to learn a new language and know more about various cultures. This will help you in the long run, when you are applying to global companies.

7. Improve your digital portfolio

Many companies nowadays go through your social media profiles before hiring. So, publish your life experiences abroad that could improve your stature.

8. Constantly update your CV

Do not wait until you complete your program to create a CV. Keep adding new skills and experiences to make sure you don’t miss anything out.

How to save money while studying in USA?

       

Studying in USA is a dream come true and a lifetime experience for many students. Although there are plenty of benefits of studying in the USA, there is one thing that worries almost every student – How to save money while studying in USA? It is a known fact that studying and living in the USA is an expensive affair. It includes the cost of program, accommodation, traveling, books, food and several other expenses. Therefore, it becomes imperative to budget and keep a tab on your expenses. If you save money, you’ll be able to do every activity that comes along with a foreign study like sightseeing, entertainment, shopping and more.

Here are a few tips to save money while studying in the USA. We guarantee if you follow these ways, your savings will stack up. You’ll be able to take care of your wallet while having an awesome study experience in the USA.

Ways To Save Money While Studying In USA

1. Keep track of the Exchange Rate

When you arrive in US, you can buy or exchange your currency into American dollars at the airport. Watch the rate before changing the money. See if the exchange rate benefits you and you may get a bit more money.

2. Open an account in US bank

If you are going to stay in USA for a long time, it is wise to open an account with a American bank. Before opening an account, contact your university as many universities have tie-ups with US banks, so opening an account will be easy and hassle-free. Analyze what student offers are available on the account. Also, open an account with a bank that possesses a broad network with ATMs accessible from where you stay and study.

By opening an account with USA bank, you are entitled to benefits like-
• Withdrawing money without transaction charges from bank ATMs.
• Student incentives like discount on shopping, entertainment, travel, etc.
If opening a bank account in the USA is taking time, withdraw cash in a lump sum to minimize the transaction charges. Also, check if your Indian bank has a partner bank in the USA, in that case, you can withdraw for free.

3. Make the most of the student offers and discounts

Many places in USA offer multiple student discounts. Many stores and establishments provide discounts on entertainment, meal, transportation, purchase of books, groceries and other services. All you need to do is show your student ID. The universities in the USA provide a student ID to each of its students and this ID carries a lot of deals too. Use your student ID and save money while studying!

4. Apply for Scholarships and Grants

Another method to beat the financial blues and save money is scholarships and grants. Most US universities provide full or partial scholarships and grants to students to help them cover their study and living expenses.

5. Stay at On-campus accommodation

The accommodation cost at university dorm is somewhat affordable and comes with all the necessary amenities and facilities, as compared to off-campus accommodation. The on-campus accommodation reduces the travel and other living expenses that are incurred if you live off-campus.

6. Use the Subway

The best and economical way to get around is Subway. You will reach your destination much faster than the cabs/taxis and your whole journey will definitely not burn a hole in your pocket.
Another way to get around is to buy a bicycle. The benefits of cycling are aplenty – you get some exercise, it’s inexpensive, it’s easy to get around your locality or campus and it’s great for the environment too.  You will be able to save big bucks!

7. Work while studying

International students are allowed to work part-time during studies.  It’s a good way to earn extra money to pay for your sundry expenses.
Note: International students in their first year are not allowed to work off-campus on F1 and M1 visas. You can work on-campus as librarians, assistants, etc.  In the second and successive years of study, international students can work off-campus under CPT (Curricular Practical Training),  and OPT (Optional Practical Training).

8. Slash down your phone expenses

When you are away from home, it is natural to miss your family and friends. Instead of making international calls, it’s always better to make calls via the internet. Use Skype, Google Hangout, FaceTime or Facebook to make a video or phone call from your computer.

9. Make a Budget

Create a budget and follow it to the core. Prepare a list of essential things and the cost associated with it. Whenever you exceed the set budget, point out that additional expense and take measures to cut it down. Here are a few tips to keep your budget intact-

• Do not invest in dry-cleaning. Rather go for clothes that can be easily washed.
• Avoid eating out. Cook food at home; it is good for your health and also light on your pocket.
• If staying off-campus, share an apartment with fellow students and go for car-pooling; this will save money while studying in usa.
• Textbooks are costly, so rent from campus libraries, buy a second-hand version of the book, or purchase at affordable price from online sites like Amazon, Chegg and AbeBooks. Make a library card and get access to book at a nominal library fee. Many libraries in the United States are technologically advanced with everything just a one-click away. Log in to your account and get access to e-books.
• Shop wisely for everything – be it clothes, grocery, or anything else. Make use of online discount codes and coupons and your student ID to save money while studying.
• Go easy on entertainment.
• Cut on gas and electricity bills.
• Make use of calling cards for international calls. Choose the plan that suits your pocket.
• Choose the best and reasonably-internet service. Free WiFi is available at many places, take advantage of it.

Some basic tips
Haggle wherever possible. Look out for freebies and grab it. Use price comparison sites and then buy from retailers.

Live within your means! Be prudent and planned, as studying abroad in USA is once in a lifetime opportunity!

7 Ways Studying In USA Improves Your Career Prospects

             

Most employers believe that international experience, especially in a culturally and professionally diverse country like the United States is an additional advantage for recruitment.

How US Education Can Improve Your Career Prospects:

Commitment to excellence

One of the highlights of studying in US is its reputation of academic excellence. US degrees are valued by employers around the world due to the high quality education imparted and expert faculty. In the 2016 Academic Ranking of World Universities, 50 US universities were listed in the top 100 universities worldwide.

More academic choices

You name the area of specialization and the US universities have it. From the huge choice of elective courses in STEM subjects or others, you can tailor your course to suit your interests and strengths. You will be gaining skills in your area of interest for competing in the global workplace. In US, you can change your ‘major’ after one semester, if required.

The leading edge

United States is one of the leading countries in technology and research. While studying there, you will meet and get guidance from leading scholars in your chosen industry. You will return home changed, with knowledge that can help you get the best jobs in the industry.

Improved contacts, worldwide

Studying in US, especially in top universities and colleges give you the opportunity to expand your social and professional network during your studies and internship. It is hugely advantageous to have many peers and acquaintances in various roles in different countries.

Career preparation

At US universities, there are many opportunities for you to gain practical experience during your studies. Internship programs are often integrated into your program curriculum so that you get hands-on experience and build up your resume even before you graduate.

Cross-cultural competencies

As US is one of the leading destinations for international students, studying there will give you opportunities to interact with students from various parts of the world on a daily basis. These experiences shape your cultural awareness. While working in a global organization, you may simply be able to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.

Better adaptability & confidence

Being abroad means you need to take your own decisions and organize your life on your own.
You learn to adapt to new circumstances. As you may need to react differently to new challenges at work, such adaptability is a very important value for employers. The study abroad experience makes you more confident as you have independently lived your life in a foreign country.
So, studying in USA puts you in a better place compared to your competitors in the job market who do not have such experience to boast of.

Do You Know This About Internships In USA?

   

Internship in USA may fetch you the opportunities that go towards regular employments. Students bang their heads on various sites in the hunt of overseas opportunities. Finding option of gaining internship there is the job of skilled hands sitting on the rich experience of years’. Such immigration geeks keep a tab on every legal hiccup and renewed formalities which get created in overseas time to time.

Internship in US is a new craze with overseas aspirants. Aspirants having failed in finding and joining a course in US initially intend to ensure their present course internship in USA. It is due to the strengthening of the US economy followed by routing back of the forces to USA from war zones. Both tax payers money and grants have now fashioned a new hunger for new research and innovation. On the lines of NASA, American universities too have opened the gates for the talent from across the world. Short term project engagement oriented internships is a new concept finding itself pasted on every internet wall.

Many benefits make their way to any student who gets finalized for an internship in USA. MBA and MS students have taken a larger pie in internship program offered by US. It is because of the farsightedness of US government in tapping the right talent looking to grab exposure through an internship there. Such red energies of the youth landing there get channelized in the US governed universities, departments and employment opportunities.

Any student making his way to a regular employment from just an internship in USA draws joy which has no bounds. Many such success stories are making rounds of every corner of internet. Adoption of interns in the culture prevailing there brings positivity about the said immigration niche. Those who do not find the fortune of finding the regular employment are not less benefited. Such group of individuals find access to many other professional internships of months to an year. Their access to new technology, business environment, culture brings to them distinct learning and experience. Reflection of the same on their Curriculum Vitae leads to find them regular employment in geographies no less than US.

There remain both paid and unpaid internships. A lot of internships even have free lodging and boarding facilities. Sky is the limit. One just needs to be an active internet nerd to grab internship in USA.

Last decade saw an increase in the number of applicants for J-1 visa. Such visa gives boost to exchanges in relation to training in business management, engineering, medicine and cultural set ups. Applicants meeting the simple requirements as specified by concerned university, government and company easily land them there to join their desired internships. There are many serious players in this domain who promisingly bring an internship in USA to the aspirant. Give your professional education an added learning and working flavor of a purely business minded country with vibrant culture. Ice has melt away there now to welcome those who look to pursue internship in summer.

How to Get Admission To US Universities?

 

May students aspire to study in US Universities. Us offers some of the best universities in the world, with the best education and course curriculum. All this might sound very interesting, but getting admission at one of the US universities is not an easy task. You have to start preparing way ahead of the application deadlines and make sure you have everything just right to ensure your admission at one of the US universities.

The first step is to submit separate applications to each US University that you have shortlisted for your study abroad. There is no rule stating the number of universities that you can apply to. However, experts recommend students to apply to at least 6-7 universities at the time of applications. Remember that every university might have a separate application deadline and admission requirement.

Make it a point to send your applications before the university deadlines, this could be as early as 10 months before the start of the new academic year. It is always better to inquire with the respective universities before applying.

Mostly university websites provide access to fast and easy access to application forms, then also time is needed to research the options and get in touch with the teachers and institutions back at home for recommendation letters and transcripts.

Application Process

The students applying for graduate schools need to submit exam scores like GRE or GMAT. In response the admission officer would send the information regarding the academic programs and application form of the university.

The fees for each application may vary from US$35- US$100. This application processing fees is non-refundable even if you don’t get admission in the university. In case the application is mailed, contact the admission office of the specific College to make sure that they have received your application.

The admissions office would review your past academic background. If you are attending any school than you need to mail certified academic record or the transcript to the US universities you are applying to. Before appearing for the admission tests, assemble the official score reports to be sent to the universities where you seek admission.

Admission Process

International students need to take either IELTS or TOEFL, which are language tests that measure their English proficiency skills. These tests can be taken at various centers spread across the world. These tests are standardized in nature, thus the admission score is uniform measuring the English language ability of the candidates.

The test scores are directly sent to the US universities that you have applied to. At the time of test registration you need to specify the names of the US universities where you have filled the application form.

After the application deadline is over, you start getting acceptance letters from the chosen US universities. Few of the universities update the candidates about their acceptance after they receive the documents. On the other hand many universities have several months wait time to inform all candidates in one go.

As soon as the admission is secured you need to deposit fees by a given deadline, so that their space is reserved in the academic semester.

Sample SOP for MS in Computer Science

         

Wish to apply to MS in Computer Science? Here are a few things you must know.

Why study MS in Computer Science?

Technology is growing rapidly; professionals in Computer Science are in high demand to develop solutions for technological and computer-related challenges. A host of career opportunities await those who complete Master in CS programs from reputed US universities. Areas of specializations in this field include Information Systems, Systems Engineering, Instructional Design and Technology, Health Informatics, and Cyber security. A master’s degree holder in Computer Science can expect a salary of US $80,000 to $140,000 per annum.
So, if you have decided to apply to US Universities for MS, one of the most important factors of your application is Statement of Purpose (SOP).

How important is an SOP?

SOP gives you a sure shot opportunity to convince the admission committee that you are a suitable candidate. It goes without saying that you must meet all other criteria to qualify. The SOP should include your educational background, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and your future goals.
Take a look at this sample SOP to get a better idea.

Sample SOP

Name of Student – (Your name)
Course Applied – MS in Computer Science
I consider myself lucky to be in an era of technological and computing revolution that potentially redefines our lives. Advances in computer science influence nearly all other fields, from health to education. I am excited at the prospect of dedicating my career to this fast growing industry. Over the years, I have witnessed the rise of the modern computing industry and I can sense that there are still developments to come and challenges to overcome. Adam Osborne once said, “The future lies in designing and selling computers that people don’t realize are computers at all.”

Right from my childhood, I have enjoyed experimenting with computers and applications. So, it was natural for me to choose Computer Science as my area of study for bachelor’s degree at ABC College in India. Now, I at the end of my undergraduate studies, am determined to continue my education in this field, but in a more competitive and global environment.

You may ask, “why US?” Computers contribute nearly 10% of America’s GDP. The nation is way ahead of any others in technology. This would give me the best opportunities and infrastructure currently available. I chose to apply to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for Master of Science in Computer Science because it is one of the renowned educational institutions in terms of university reputation, research and faculty in Computer Science department.

The comprehensive curriculum of ABC University’s content has given me exposure to the core areas of Computer Science and I have thorough understanding of the concepts.

Over the past two years, I have developed an interest in mobile computing. As part of a mandatory project in my final semester of study, I worked on developing a word-processing application that would work even on Java-based mobile devices. Growing in a developing country where smart-phones are still a luxury to many, I knew that such a system can make a huge difference. The external reviewer rated my project 4.5 out of a maximum of 5 rating points. However, for my MS degree, I wish to explore other areas of Computer Science as well.

It is important to discuss, think and re-think before you reach a conclusion. It is this belief that motivated me to join the online technology forum at our University. Soon, as one of the moderators and a key participant of this forum, I was able to help numerous students with technology related challenges. Eventually, this became a confidence booster for me. It taught me that the basis for good work is planning and most importantly, in-depth analysis. I also learned to accept criticisms and use them to improve my works.

In conclusion, I would like to say that an opportunity to study MS in Computer Science at your University will be a major step towards achieving my goals. I hope I will be provided an opportunity to pursue my graduate studies with financial assistance at your institution.


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