MS Advice - Introduction

Ananda Matthur is currently persuing his MS in Computer Science at
Columbia University, New York. Previously he has worked for two years
as a software developer at Hewlett Packard, Bangalore. He enjoys
novels, cricket and Linux.

This is a series targeted towards providing vital info to Engineering students who want to persue MS in USA.

Hi everybody, and a special hello to all MS@US aspirants!!

I shall start off with an introduction today, and later on cover the different stages of application, some of which are:

GRE and TOEFL
Application Materials
After admission
VISA Processing
Medical corner
Flying...

Of course, please do comment on what you want to see in this series - or don't want to see :-)

Let me get started on the introduction. First of all, if you are a sincere and bright student in one of the numerous Engineering colleges in India, don't be fooled by the flurry of job offers that fly at you: campus recruitements are a great way of getting a job, and the money seems really good at that time. But there is more to life. Sit back and consider what you want to do with your next 50 years of life: If you feel you have the potential and interest for higher education, and are not overly limited by financial situation, don't be afraid to go for an MS - it will be an experience you will cherish for a lifetime.

And one more thing: Let us forget the notion many people have - that people do MS to settle down in USA. Some do, but not all. Nobody can tie down you in US, and if you want to stay on in India, MS is still an option to be considered - for the sheer quality and experience it gives.

With this background I shall go to the next steps in earnest - watch out for the next blog

Ananda