MS Advice - Application Materials

Hi There!! Welcome to the third installment of MS Advice. Starting today, we present a succinct summary of one university with each installment of MS Advice - I like to call this feature 'University in focus'. Cheers!!

Let us make a list of documents you need to apply to U.S. universities, keeping it short and simple, like an uncluttered mind u need to succeed:

1. GRE and TOEFL official marks.

2. Application - online/paper. Most universities prefer online apps.

3. Recommendation letters - usually three, but more than 3 cannot harm. Again, online recos preferred, but paper ok with some univs.

4. Transcript certificates from your university - usually 3 required.

5. Financial documentation to prove that you can finance your MS education in US.

6. Statement of Purpose describing your intentions for doing MS.

7. Miscellaneous (but important) documents your university might require, if any.

University in focus today:
Columbia University, New York

Pros: Big reputation (IVY League), Good faculty, Short program (1.5 yrs), New York life and exposure.
Cons: High cost, Hectic schedule, Cramped campus.
Rankings: Computer Science - tier 2. Journalism, law, business, finance - tier 1.