Standardized Tests and Selecting Recommenders
- June 2018 -
1. Standardized Test Timeline
Take the relevant standardized tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT.
GRE/GMAT:
Many students applying to U.S. graduate schools are unsure whether to take the GRE or GMAT.
Generally, business school applicants—including those targeting MBA, finance, accounting, marketing, and hospitality management—are safe choosing the GMAT.
Programs outside of business schools predominantly accept the GRE. This includes liberal arts majors like education and communications, as well as STEM fields like chemistry and engineering.
However, this is not absolute; some programs, such as Management Information Systems (MIS), accept both GRE and GMAT scores.
Applicants to JD programs need neither test but must take the LSAT. LLM applicants only need to take the TOEFL; GRE and GMAT are not required.
In summary: to determine which test to take, first identify your target major and schools. Check each school’s requirements to see whether they prefer the GRE or GMAT.
If you are still undecided about your major, it is recommended to take the GRE first. It is accepted by a wider range of programs and is generally considered less difficult than the GMAT. The GRE tests your perseverance and vocabulary mastery more than anything else. In other words, as long as you have the patience to memorize GRE vocabulary and learn a few simple test-taking strategies, you can achieve a desirable score relatively easily. Score improvement also tends to be easier than with the GMAT.
Also note that financial engineering is a different field from finance. Applicants to financial engineering programs are advised to take the GRE. Using a GMAT score for financial engineering applications can be quite limiting.
It is strongly recommended that you achieve a competitive score by the summer of your junior year. This will greatly simplify the school selection process later on.
What constitutes a competitive score?
GRE and GMAT score requirements are not always explicitly stated. While some schools might suggest target scores for individual sections, most simply claim they have no minimum requirement. Therefore, the higher your score, the better. Consult ranking websites like U.S. News, which regularly update average admitted student scores. Even more insightful is reaching out to alumni for the latest information.
Thus, while language tests serve as a rigid threshold, an excellent GRE/GMAT score will give your application a powerful boost.
Specifically, the GRE total score ranges from 260 to 340, with Verbal and Quantitative sections each scored 130–170. Generally, a score of 320 can make you competitive for top-60 U.S. schools, while 325 opens doors to even stronger programs. A score above 330 puts you in the running for elite institutions.
For the GMAT, both Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored from 0 to 51, which are then converted to a total score of 200–800. Typically, a score of 660 can get you into average U.S. universities, while a score above 710 is very competitive.
TOEFL
For most programs, schools with lower score requirements set their minimum TOEFL score at 79 or 80. Many higher-ranked schools have a cut-off at 100, and a few demand even higher—for instance, Columbia University’s journalism program. A score above 100 generally removes any TOEFL-related obstacles for most applicants. If other qualifications are strong, your application outcomes should be very favorable. Liberal arts programs, such as communications, often have higher TOEFL requirements; not only top-50 schools but also many ranked 50–100 may require a score of 100.
For liberal arts applicants aiming for top-ranked schools, a TOEFL score below 90 can pose significant challenges.
For business applicants targeting top-50 schools, a TOEFL score below 100 significantly reduces chances of success. For schools ranked 50–100, a score around 90 is advisable.
For STEM applicants, requirements are slightly more flexible. With otherwise strong qualifications, a TOEFL score around 90 gives you a solid shot at top-50 schools. Students with scores of 80 or even lower can still be admitted to top-100 institutions.
Students who are dissatisfied with their scores can retake the tests. Standardized testing can continue into October (even earlier for a few business programs), but you should have application-ready scores by the end of November at the latest. If you lack competitive scores before the first wave of deadlines, your application may be filtered out from the start based solely on language scores, even if you submit it.
Score reporting timelines for major language tests:
GRE/GMAT: Scores available immediately after the test (except the Writing section).
TOEFL: Scores available in 10–15 days.
2. Optimal Timing for Reaching Out to Professors (Taoci)
Reaching out to professors (commonly called “taoci” in Chinese) is a critical step for PhD applications. From a timing perspective, the taoci process can be broken down into the following stages:
1. Peak taoci period (September–November 2018):
This is generally the most concentrated period for contacting professors. Many first-round application deadlines in the U.S. fall during this time. Reaching out now is akin to introducing yourself to professors after submitting your application. Many domestic U.S. students start communicating with professors and conducting campus visits at this stage. Meanwhile, international students are often busy with test preparation, writing materials, online applications, and mailing documents, neglecting taoci. So if you want a higher response rate, this is a good time to email professors.
2. Another peak period (early January–late February 2019):
This is the second major wave of professor outreach, and it also marks the last chance. The competition level is, well, intense. It’s best not to wait until this period unless you are extremely confident, because by then there are simply too many strong candidates.
Master’s applicants may also need some taoci skills—primarily for requesting recommendation letters. It’s wise to identify your recommenders before July and reconfirm at the start of your senior year. If you plan to apply early, secure your recommendation letters by the end of October at the latest.
How should recommendation letters be submitted for U.S. graduate applications? What are the specific requirements?
Submission methods vary by university. Some allow both mailing and online submission; others strongly recommend online submission only.
1. If you choose to mail recommendation letters, you need to print N copies (at least one per school applied to, with a few extras as backup) and have each copy signed by the recommender. Most universities also provide a recommendation form on their website; each school’s form differs, and it’s usually downloadable during the online application process.
The student fills in the top portion of the form with personal information, typically signing and dating it. Then the form is given to the recommender, who completes the bottom evaluation section, signs, and dates it. The signed letter and completed form are placed in an envelope, sealed, and the recommender signs across the seal. One recommendation package is now ready.
2. If you opt for online submission, you must inform your recommenders in advance and ask them to provide a frequently used email address (preferably a professional/university email for professors). Double-check the spelling—a wrong email address can delay submission. During the online application, you will fill in the recommender’s details, including phone, address, and email. The system may ask if the recommender will submit online; choose “yes.”
The recommender will receive an email with a link and login credentials. They log in, fill out the online recommendation form, and submit directly. No physical mailing is needed. Be sure to follow up on the recommender’s progress.
A few schools do not require recommendation letters at all; instead, they ask for two or three references and reserve the right to contact them to verify information. Other schools provide a specific email address where recommenders can send their letters directly from their own inboxes. Always follow each school’s instructions carefully.
Profile Enhancement and Essay Writing
- July–September 2018 -
Enhance your profile, arrange summer internships, summarize past research experience, and begin drafting application documents like the personal statement (PS) and resume (CV).
1. Internships
During the summer, students with limited internship or research experience should arrange targeted opportunities based on their specific field to build practical experience. STEM students can join labs or work closely with a leading professor to deepen their research background. Liberal arts and business students should strive for highly relevant internships at well-known companies to sharpen their competitive edge.
2. Essay Writing
Essay drafting should also progress intensively during this period. Your essays must meet each school’s requirements and, ideally, align with each program’s preferences. Your CV should be continuously updated with recent activities and achievements.
Types of Application Documents
1. CV or Resume
2. Personal Statement / Statement of Purpose
3. 3 Letters of Recommendation (some schools and programs require 2)
4. Essays (mainly for business programs, e.g., MBA, Finance, Accounting, Business Analytics)
In addition to the common documents above, some applications require a Writing Sample (primarily for PhD programs in humanities and social sciences), a Portfolio (for art and design programs), and more.
A Personal Statement (PS) focuses on personal experiences—your growth, motivation for study, academic and research background, and accomplishments.
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) emphasizes your purpose: Why do you want to pursue this field? What relevant academic, research, or work experience do you have? What are your study plans and career goals? Why this particular school over others?
Most U.S. universities require only one of these, though the names may vary.
A PS can be structured around the following outline:
Origin of your academic interest
What experiences motivated you to further your study in this field?
Future goals
Study plan and research interests
Why this school?
The worst thing in essay writing is being generic. Likewise, avoid making your journey sound unnaturally smooth. An outstanding essay stands out from the formulaic and wins the admissions committee’s favor. For students, the process of refining essays is also a journey of summarizing their academic path, exploring future fields and careers, discovering their potential, and finding the best fit between themselves and the world.
1. Passport (original and photocopies of important pages; must be valid for at least six months—without it, you can’t even board the plane).
2. I-20 (original and photocopies; without it, you won’t clear customs).
3. Admission offer letter (original and photocopies).
4. Medical examination and immunization records (the “little red book” and “little yellow book”).
5. Diploma from your most recent degree and original transcripts.
6. Original test score reports: TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT1, SAT2 (if applicable).
7. Passport photos (about 10) and a few 1-inch and 2-inch photos.
8. A small amount of cash for emergencies when cards are not accepted; you can also arrange a bank draft in China to deposit upon arrival in the U.S.
Online Application Materials Checklist
1) Online application: Fill in basic information and upload required documents.
2) Official transcript: Official school transcripts, typically in Chinese and English, bearing the school seal and enclosed in a sealed envelope. Some schools require official transcripts only upon admission, accepting scanned copies during the application phase; others require mailed official transcripts at the time of application.
3) Personal statement: Names vary widely—Personal Statement, Statement of Purpose, Statement of Intent, Statement of Objectives, Academic Statement, Study Plan, Academic Objectives, etc.—all essentially serve the same purpose.
4) CV/Resume.
5) Letters of Recommendation: 2–3 letters from advisors, professors, etc. (generally at least one academic and one professional recommendation).
6) TOEFL/IELTS score report: Sent by the testing agency; note that a few schools do not accept IELTS.
7) GRE/GMAT score report: Sent by the testing agency for graduate applications.
8) Writing Sample: Required by some humanities/social science research programs; this can be a previous academic paper or literary piece, translated into English.
9) Portfolio: Required for architecture, art, and design programs; rarely needed for other fields.
10) Video Essay: A short “self-introduction” video. Submitting one is recommended for top humanities and business programs, and it is mandatory for MPP/MPA applications.
11) Application Fee: Usually $50–150, paid when submitting the online application after verifying all information is accurate.
12) Financial Document: Proof of funds. Most schools do not require this at the application stage. It is needed after admission decisions are released, for issuing the I-20 or evaluating scholarships. It is recommended to freeze 500,000–600,000 RMB in the student’s name (or a parent’s name, accompanied by a signed affidavit of support) and obtain a bilingual bank statement. The amount should cover the first year’s total tuition and living expenses.
Refining Application Materials and Continuing Language Test Retakes
- October–November 2018 -
1. Application Deadlines
Deadlines for U.S. graduate programs vary by school and program, with no unified standard. Different programs within the same school may have different cutoff dates.
Importantly, when checking deadlines, always go to the specific program’s website and note whether there is a separate “international deadline.” International applicant deadlines sometimes differ from domestic ones, often earlier. Misreading the deadline can cause unnecessary delays.
Generally, about 90% of U.S. graduate programs set their application deadlines between late November of the year prior to enrollment and late January of the enrollment year (i.e., late November 2018 to late January 2019).
A special note for business school applicants (including HR, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Financial Engineering, MBA, etc.): These programs often operate on multiple rolling rounds or an early-application/early-decision basis. The first-round deadline typically falls in early-to-mid October of the preceding year (mid-October 2017), with some programs still accepting applications as late as March of the enrollment year (March 2018).
For international students, it is strongly recommended to complete your application by the first deadline round (and no later than the second) to maximize your chances of admission. Also, PhD application deadlines are often earlier than master’s deadlines, so start preparing early.
2. Submitting Online Applications and Documents
Follow the admissions office’s deadline instructions carefully. Some deadlines specify not only the date but also a time, e.g., “December 1, 11:59 PM EST.” Pay close attention to time zone differences; do not mistake it for Beijing time. For documents that must be mailed (such as transcripts) or official score reports, also verify whether there is a strict cutoff for receipt. Generally, if materials must arrive by a deadline, mail them as early as possible, avoiding the Christmas and New Year’s period.
Submitting Scores, Interviews, and Continued Score Improvement
- January–February 2019 -
During this period, some students will receive interview invitations. Interviews come in two forms: in-person (local) and virtual. Most schools do not offer in-person interview options to Chinese applicants. However, once you are on the shortlist, acceptance rates are generally similar regardless of interview format.
Before the interview, prepare accordingly: familiarize yourself with your application materials, the school and program, practice spoken English, and prepare answers to common interview questions. During the interview, stay calm and approach it with a normal mindset.
Tracking Results and Confirming Your Enrollment
- April–May 2019 -
1. Accepting Offers
Most graduate admission decisions are released between February and May (business programs often release earlier, around November–December 2018 if you applied early; PhD decisions tend to come in January–February 2019). April is especially active, as schools finalize their selections and send out long-awaited offer letters.
Students must decide whether to accept an offer by the stated deadline. Offers not accepted will be extended to the next batch of candidates.
2. Paying the Enrollment Deposit
Many schools require an enrollment deposit by a specific date to reserve your spot. Failure to pay on time may be treated as a voluntary withdrawal. If you plan to attend, be sure to pay the required deposit by the deadline.
3. Submitting Financial Documentation
Some schools first mail the admission letter, then request financial proof (such as a bank statement) before issuing the I-20.
4. Obtaining the I-20
The I-20 is essential for applying for a student visa.
Visa, Medical Checkup, Vaccinations, and Pre-Departure Preparation
- June–July 2019 -
Check your flight details and depart for the United States
- August–September 2019 -
After a year of preparation, it’s finally time to reap the rewards. You can now step onto your dream campus and begin a new chapter of learning and life. Remember to take care of yourself—physically and mentally. Manage your time well and enjoy your experience! And before heading to the airport, double-check your flight tickets~
