Ramani K. Raman

US Grad Applications Checklist

Here is a list of things that will definitely be needed for your application. This is only a minimum - you may have to submit other documents in addition as well.

1. Complete Application Form

2. Application Fee 

3. 2 to 3 Recommendation Letters

4. Statement of Purpose

5. Academic Transcripts

These form the standard documents for all schools. In addition, there may be additional forms for you to fill. This would vary from one school to another and also will depend on which program you will be applying to. For example, students applying for courses in arts may be asked to submit an original article and so on

Application process nowadays can be done online. It is now very common for steps 1 and 2 to be done over the internet. The Statement of Purpose is also made a part of the online application form. Only recommendation letters and academic transcripts need to be posted via surface mail. Though slowly, some grad schools have also started accepting recommendation letters online. However, I would not recommend you to send recommendation letters online. It can create lots of hassles as it did for me. My referees could not log into the website with the security key provided for them to send the confidential recommendation letter. There was some error with the online system. In the end, after much trying, I was forced to request my referees to draft the letters and post it via surface mail. It was a big headache - I would advice you to not use the online system for recommendation letters. 

However, for application process and paying your application fee, the online system is very very good! It is very very convenient and highly streamlined. Definitely use it, if you have the following resources:

• A computer with net connection

• A credit card which can pay in US Dollars!