Universities' Master's Programs: Limited Spots, High Competition

Applying for a master's degree is a big step. It involves a lot of time, energy, and money, so it's important to get it right. While there's no clear-cut answer to how many universities an individual should apply to, there are some general guidelines to follow. Most experts recommend applying to a minimum of three or four universities and a maximum of around six. This is because applying to too few universities may result in having to delay your education, while applying to too many can spread your time, energy, and money too thin.

Application fees

When applying to multiple universities, these fees can quickly add up. For example, if a student applied to four public universities and two private nonprofit universities in the US, they would pay over $300 in application fees alone. This is an important consideration when budgeting for higher education, especially when taking into account other costs such as standardised tests, transcripts, and college advisors.

To help with the financial burden, many universities offer application fee waivers for students with financial need. According to Peterson's Data, about 30% of colleges waive application fees for students with financial difficulties. Additionally, some universities, such as Harvard University, offer need-based fee waivers for students from underprivileged financial backgrounds. It is important to check the specific university's website for information on fee waivers and their eligibility requirements.

For international students, the cost of applications to US universities can range from $40 to $150. California State University, for example, offers application fee waivers to students who have resided in California for a year or non-US citizens who qualify for AB540 non-resident tuition. It is beneficial for international students to research and apply for universities that offer fee waivers to reduce their overall application costs.

Number of applications

The number of applications you should send off for a master's degree depends on a range of factors. However, most experts recommend applying to between three and six universities. This number can be divided into categories: dream schools, target schools, and safety schools.

Dream schools are your top choices—the schools you'd love to attend but aren't sure you'll be accepted to due to their prestigious reputations and stiff competition. For these, you might want to apply to one or two.

Target schools are those where you stand a decent chance of getting in (30-80%). Your grades and scores fall within the average range for this school, but your place isn't guaranteed. For these, you might want to apply to two or three.

Safety schools are your backup options, where your grades are well above the average of accepted students, and you can be confident of getting a place. For these, you might want to apply to two.

Overall, it's important to do your research and only target courses and universities that you are most interested in. This will give you more time to work on each application and ensure they are high quality.

It's also worth considering the time and cost involved in applying. Each application requires an investment of time and energy, as well as money in the form of application and transcript fees.

Finally, don't forget that there is no limit to the number of applications you can submit, and most universities accept applications throughout the year. However, some course providers accept candidates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's a good idea to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Deadlines

• Early application is advantageous, especially for courses that require a portfolio, essay, or interview, or if you're applying for a scholarship.
• The latest you should aim to apply is a few months ahead of the programme start date (June or July for courses starting in September).
• Funding deadlines for September courses typically fall between January and March. Applying early increases your chances of receiving your preferred accommodation.
• International students need an unconditional offer to begin applying for scholarships or visas.
• Each university sets its own timeframes for processing applications, which can take between two weeks and two months.
• Teacher training applications have unique deadlines and entry requirements.
• Some universities may have rolling admissions or specific deadlines, such as early (December to January) and regular (March to April).
• It is essential to check the requirements and deadlines for each university and programme you're applying to.

Requirements

When applying for a Master's degree, there are several requirements that you need to meet and essential considerations to keep in mind. Here are the key requirements to help guide your application process:

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for a Master's programme, you typically need to have completed an undergraduate Bachelor's degree in a relevant field. The standard entry requirement is a 2.1 or higher, but some universities may consider applicants with a lower class degree if they can demonstrate relevant work experience and a strong motivation for the programme.

Application Components

Your application package will be a crucial component of your Master's application. While specific requirements may vary across universities and programmes, here are some common elements that you will need to include:

• Academic transcripts and certificates from your previous degree(s).
• A personal statement explaining your motivations for the programme, relevant skills and experience, and career aspirations.
• A research proposal (for research-focused Master's programmes).
• Letters of recommendation, usually two academic references from lecturers or supervisors who can attest to your academic performance and suitability for the programme.
• Proof of language proficiency (for international students), such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, or a GCSE in English.
• Portfolio or interview (for certain programmes, particularly in arts and humanities).

Timing and Deadlines

Most universities accept applications throughout the year, but it is recommended to apply at least six months before the start of your desired programme. Some programmes may operate on a rolling admission basis, while others have strict deadlines, with an early deadline (December to January) and a regular deadline (March to April). Funding deadlines for September courses typically fall between January and March, and applying early increases your chances of receiving your preferred accommodation.

Number of Applications

There is no limit to the number of universities you can apply to for a Master's degree. However, it is essential to strike a balance between too few and too many applications. Applying to between three and six universities is generally recommended, allowing you to focus on quality applications and increase your chances of acceptance.

You can categorise your university choices into "dream schools" (top choices), "target schools" (where you have a decent chance of admission), and "safety schools" (where your grades and profile exceed the average of accepted students).

Financial Considerations

Each application comes with a cost, and application fees can range from $50 to $100 or more. Additionally, consider whether you can afford the tuition and cost of living at your desired universities. Research scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, and work-study programmes to help fund your studies.

Programme Fit

When deciding how many universities to apply to, consider the fit between your interests and goals and the programmes offered. Review factors such as university rankings, accreditation, professor qualifications, graduation rates, and alumni outcomes. Ensure that the universities and programmes you choose align with your academic and career objectives.

Location

The location of the university is another essential factor to consider. Think about the type of environment you want to study in, whether you prefer an urban or smaller community, and the climate. Visit the campuses, if possible, to get a sense of the place and determine if it is a good fit for you.

Additional Requirements for International Students

International students typically need to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of their passport and proof of language proficiency. They also need to obtain an unconditional offer to begin the process of applying for scholarships or a student visa.

Remember, each university and programme has its own unique requirements and application process, so be sure to review the specific guidelines for each of your chosen institutions.

References

The number of master's applications a student should submit depends on several factors, including their personal circumstances, preferences, and budget. While there is no definitive answer, most sources recommend applying to between 3 and 6 universities. Applying to fewer institutions may decrease one's chances of acceptance, while applying to too many can be costly and time-consuming.

When deciding on the number of applications, it is essential to consider the time and effort required to research and tailor each application. Additionally, application fees, which can range from $50 to $125 or more, can quickly add up. Thus, it is crucial to be strategic and apply only to those institutions that align with one's interests, goals, and budget.

One strategy is to categorise the universities into "dream schools," "target schools," and "safety schools." Dream schools are those that the student would love to attend but are highly competitive. Target schools are those where the student has a decent chance of acceptance, and safety schools are those where acceptance is highly likely. Experts recommend selecting two safety schools, two target schools, and one dream school. However, if the student has very specific requirements or is highly selective, they may need to apply to more universities.

It is also important to consider the application requirements and deadlines of each institution. Most graduate programs have early and regular deadlines, typically between December and April. Additionally, there may be specific requirements, such as undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, portfolios, and standardised test scores. Ensuring that all the necessary documents are in order before submitting the application is crucial.

Finally, students should not underestimate the importance of their references. It is recommended to obtain two academic references from lecturers, supervisors, or tutors who can speak to the student's academic performance and suitability for the course. If academic references are not available, a professional reference from a recent employer may be accepted.

Frequently asked questions