Can we start the application process now or is there any prerequisite that can be done earlier in USA for a Master's?
Yes, you can start several prerequisites now even if application portals are not open, including GRE or GMAT prep, IELTS or TOEFL, and lining up letters of recommendation two to three months ahead. Most US Fall-intake programs open portals around July to September, with deadlines between November and January.
Yes, you do not need to wait for portals to open before starting the real work, since most of what determines your application strength can be prepared well in advance of a typical Fall-intake timeline.
US Master's Application Timeline
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Portals open | Around July to September |
| Application deadlines | Between November and January of the preceding year |
| Fall intake begins | August or September |
Prerequisites You Can Handle Right Now
- Study for and take the GRE or GMAT if your target programs require it, finishing a few weeks before your earliest deadline.
- Prepare for TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo if you are an international applicant.
- Reach out to 2 to 3 recommenders 1 to 2 months before you need letters submitted.
- Draft and revise your statement of purpose and resume through multiple rounds.
- Order transcripts and shortlist 4 to 8 target schools based on faculty, structure, and funding.
My Advice
If your target term is the main Fall intake, spend the next few months entirely on GRE or GMAT prep and your statement of purpose draft, since those two items take the longest to perfect and portals will likely still be closed when you finish them.
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