My Journey as an International Student - Ep 1

Hello everyone! I’m Nishanth Kiruthivasan, and I would like to share my journey as an international student in the United States. I’m currently pursuing my MS at Northeastern University in Boston. While my journey feels rewarding now, getting to this stage was undoubtedly challenging and required meticulous planning and execution. Since I couldn't find good articles to help me when I was applying, I want to pen down my experience for future aspirers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how I navigated each step.

Researching Universities

The first and most critical step in my journey was researching universities. This stage laid the foundation for everything else. To gather reliable information, I used platforms such as US News and QS World University Rankings. These websites were invaluable as they provided comprehensive details about:

  • University Rankings: Updated annually based on various performance metrics.

  • Tuition Fees: Average costs for both domestic and international students.

  • Major-Specific Rankings: Some universities excel in certain fields, which helped me align my interests with the institution’s strengths.

For example, I discovered that Northeastern University was ranked #1 in internships and co-ops, which perfectly matched my goal of gaining practical experience alongside my studies. This became one of the key reasons for choosing Northeastern.

After gathering data, I compiled a list of 18 universities, categorizing them into three groups:

  1. Dream Universities: These are prestigious, highly-ranked institutions that most students aspire to join. However, their application criteria are the most competitive, and acceptance rates are typically very low.

  2. Mid-Level Universities: These universities rank moderately well and have fairly stringent admission requirements, but they offer a realistic chance of acceptance with a strong profile.

  3. Safe Bets: These are lower-ranked institutions with less competitive admission criteria, providing a higher likelihood of acceptance. While they may not rank as high globally, they still offer quality education and a pathway to achieving career goals.

From this broad list of 18 universities, I narrowed my options to six—two in each category—based on factors like academic reputation, location, tuition costs, and job placement rates.

Understanding Application Requirements

Once I finalized my list, I delved deeper into the specific requirements of each university. This was a crucial step because every institution has unique expectations. Here’s what I learned:

  1. Standardized Tests: Many universities no longer mandate the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) for certain programs. This was a relief because the GRE is a challenging test that requires significant preparation time. However, I still ensured I met other requirements.

  2. English Proficiency Exams: These are mandatory for international students. I took the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and scored 7.5 out of 9. This score exceeded the minimum requirement for most universities, which typically ranges between 6.0 and 6.5 for mid-level institutions and 7.0 to 7.5 for highly-ranked universities.

  3. Academic Transcripts: Universities require unofficial transcripts to be submitted within the applications.

  4. Application Deadlines: I kept a detailed calendar to track the deadlines for each university and ensured I started the process well in advance. Missing a deadline can cost you a valuable opportunity.

Preparing Key Documents

To strengthen my application, I focused on preparing the following documents:

  1. Statement of Purpose (SOP): This essay is arguably the most important part of the application. It’s your opportunity to explain:

    • Why you want to pursue a master’s degree

    • Why you’ve chosen a particular field of study?

    • Why does the specific university align with your career goals?

    I spent considerable time drafting and refining my SOP to ensure it highlighted my achievements, aspirations, and unique qualities. I also sought feedback from mentors and peers to make it compelling and error-free.

  2. Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Strong recommendations from credible sources add significant value to your application. These LORs need to be submitted by the people recommending you. I obtained three LORs:

    • Two from my undergraduate professors who were familiar with my academic abilities.

    • One from my workplace supervisor, who could vouch for my professional skills and work ethic.

  3. Resume: I tailored my resume to emphasize academic achievements, internships, projects, and relevant work experience. A well-structured resume helps admissions committees assess your readiness for graduate studies.

Finalizing Applications and Submission

With all the necessary documents and scores in hand, I began the application process. Application fees typically range between $75 and $100 per application, so I simultaneously checked for any fee waivers available. Fortunately, I was able to find a fee waiver for Northeastern University right when I was applying, which helped reduce costs.

The submission is the most important part of the application process, and I approached it with great care. I reviewed everything meticulously, often double-checking multiple times to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are the key points I kept in mind before submitting each application:

  1. Tailoring Applications: I customized each application to reflect my interest in the specific university and program. Admissions committees appreciate candidates who demonstrate genuine interest.

  2. Proofreading: I double-checked every application component for errors. Typos or inconsistencies can create a negative impression.

  3. Tracking Progress: I maintained a checklist for each university to ensure all documents were submitted on time.

  4. Following Up: After submission, I regularly checked the application portals for updates and promptly responded to any additional requests from the universities.

After acceptance

Once my applications were accepted, I took time to carefully contemplate the best choice for me. After a lot of deliberation, I decided on Northeastern University and sent them a confirmation of my decision. Following my confirmation, they requested official transcripts, which could either be sent directly by my undergraduate university or hand-delivered just before orientation. I opted for the former to ensure everything was processed smoothly.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back, the application process was as much a journey of self-discovery as it was about securing admission. It required me to step out of my comfort zone, plan meticulously, and remain committed to my goals. Each challenge—from researching universities to drafting essays—was an opportunity to refine my skills, learn resilience, and better understand my aspirations.

As I now walk the halls of Northeastern University, I feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude for the effort and determination it took to make my dream a reality. I hope this blog could be a starting point for other people's journey towards a master's.

Thank you for taking the time to read my journey. I hope my experiences and insights help you navigate your own path toward achieving your dreams. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. Stay tuned for the next episode, where I’ll share more about the I-20 process, visa applications, and settling into life in the USA!

Location: Boston, MA 02115, USA

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