Application Process

Postgraduate Study in the US
Application Process
It is not easy to secure a place on a prestigious postgraduate programme at an American university. The admissions process is complex, so it is advisable to start gathering information at least eighteen months before enrolment. Application deadlines vary from institution to institution, but tend to be early in the year of desired entry (the following autumn). International students should be looking to submit their application well in advance of the deadline to allow for any hiccoughs in the process. This is especially important if you intend to seek funding or scholarship opportunities.

US postgraduate admissions are very competitive, particularly for international students. A strong academic background, sufficient financial resources and fluent English are requirements for admission on to any postgraduate programme. Candidates apply directly to the institution, and each admissions department has its own system.

A postgraduate application generally consists of a number of elements. Hopefuls will be required to submit a completed application form, a personal statement, application fee, test scores, university transcripts and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

Most graduate admissions departments require good scores on admissions tests. These include the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and MCAT for Medical School. Strong results on these tests are vital so spending time preparing is advisable. Sample tests and guides are available through careers services in Irish universities and over the Internet. Most of these tests can be taken at Dublin City University and more information is available from the DCU website – www.dcu.ie.

Non US passport holders enrolled at US universities need an F1 visa; students attending a vocational or non-academic institution require an M-1 visa. Proof of enrolment is required for the visa to be processed. Contact the US Embassy in Dublin or your home country for more information on acquiring a visa.

While qualifications from Irish universities are generally recognised, there is no official recognition standard of non-US degrees - so it is advisable to contact individual institutions to learn how grades and qualifications are evaluated and translated. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) is the national professional organization for admissions and credential evaluation. AACRAO offers a credential evaluation service. A number of websites also offer evaluation services, but bear in mind that there is usually a charge for this service.

Most programmes are taken through English, but a growing number of Spanish language opportunities are available.