If you have a low GPA (2.2), 3rd Class or HND, these are the things you must do to ensure you secure an admission in the US with funding.
- Evaluating results with WES: World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit organization that evaluates international academic credentials for individuals who want to study or work in Canada or the US.
- Their evaluations help academic institutions and employers understand the value of an individual’s educational qualifications. To evaluate your result with WES, you need to submit your academic credentials, including transcripts and certificates, to WES for evaluation.
2. Research interest: A research interest is an area of study that you are passionate about and would like to investigate further. It is an essential aspect of academic research as it helps you focus your research efforts and make meaningful contributions to your field.
3. Cold emailing professors: Cold emailing is the practice of sending unsolicited emails to individuals or organizations that you want to establish a connection with. In the academic context, cold emailing professors is a common practice among graduate students or individuals looking for research opportunities.
To draft a compelling cold email, you need to research the professor’s work, explain why you are interested in their research, and demonstrate how your skills and interests align with their work.
4. Academic CV: An academic CV is a document that summarizes your academic achievements, publications, research experience, and other relevant qualifications. It is an essential tool for academics, researchers, and graduate students looking for research or academic positions. To draft an irresistible academic CV, you need to highlight your accomplishments, tailor your CV to the job or position you are applying for, and ensure that your CV is well-organized and easy to read.
5. Additional skills: In addition to academic qualifications, individuals in the academic and research field require additional skills to succeed. These skills include communication, time management, data analysis, problem-solving, and project management.
To acquire additional skills, you can take courses, attend workshops, or seek mentorship from experienced professionals in your field. Examples of such skills include:
- Statistical/computational ability
- Research & Teaching skills
- Communication ability
- Volunteering and community Development experience
Admission in the US for MS/PhD is not necessarily about your CGPA. The defining requirements that makes an admission application strong are:
- Components of the Academic CV
- SOP
- LoR
- Research and Teaching Skills
- Volunteering/Community service
Also below are some desirable skills schools and scholarship hubs look out for to award funding to students, especially in the USA, UK and Canada.
- Data Analytics Skills
- Statistical Analytics Skills
- Python or R programming Skills
- Teaching Experience (even Virtual Teaching is ok)
- Volunteering experience and Community Service
- Research Interest
These are desirable aptitude for Graduate School. Especially if you are looking for an Admission that offers GTA and GRA, you need these.
However, note that this is both for those in STEM and NON-STEM fields.
STEM and non-STEM are two categories of academic fields. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, while non-STEM refers to fields that are not included in these categories.
STEM fields typically involve research, development, and application of scientific and mathematical principles. Examples of STEM fields include physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, engineering, and biology.
Non-STEM fields, on the other hand, encompass a broad range of academic disciplines that are not included in the STEM categories. Examples of non-STEM fields include social sciences (such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology), humanities (such as history, philosophy, and literature), arts (such as music, fine arts, and theater), business, law, education, and many others.
It is worth noting that both STEM and non-STEM fields have their unique challenges and opportunities. While STEM fields often require strong analytical and quantitative skills, non-STEM fields may require excellent communication, critical thinking, and writing abilities. Ultimately, the choice of a field of study depends on personal interests, career goals, and academic strengths.