This document provides an overview of the process for pursuing graduate studies at top universities abroad. It discusses reasons for studying overseas, the differences between MS and PhD programs, how to develop a strong academic profile, tips for writing statements of purpose and recommendation letters, preparing for GRE/TOEFL exams, selecting target universities, financial considerations, and options after completing a foreign degree program. The key takeaways are that pursuing further education internationally provides access to higher ranked schools; research experience and strong recommendations are essential for applications; and funding is generally available for PhD but not for MS programs.

1. Going To The Best Universities in The World NayazKhalid Ahmed PhD Scholar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. MI – USA

2. About Me

3. Lattice Boltzmann Simulations for fluid flows

5. Outline Why go abroad...?? Options – MS or PhD Your profile SoP and Recommendation Letters GRE/TOEFL Selecting universities Financial statement and certification Options afterward??

6. Why go abroad... IISc – only Indian university in the top 200 universities of the world. IITs – ranked around 1000s NITs – ranked around 3000s

9. Options – MS or PhD Generally the most puzzling question for everyone to solve..!! MS breadth, not depth Industry job oriented Almost never funded PhD depth, not breadth Openings include R&D labs of the best companies Always funded

10. Developing Your Profile Academic Record and Achievements Research experience and projects Essays (Statement of Purpose/Experiences/Intent, generally known as SOP) Recommendation Letters The GRE scores The TOEFL scores ... in the order of priority..!!

11. Academic Record and Achievements GPA US univs have a scale on 4.00. A minimum of 3.00 is necessary, while 3.50 is safe. Grades in math and subjects related to your area of interest are crucial. Electives – important. Transcript is scanned thoroughly..!! Rank certificate CV – not more than 2 pages

12. Research Experience and Projects Important – cos they reflect your motivation for research beyond academic requirement Research fellowships in India IISc Young Engineers Fellowship Programme (YEFP) JNCASR Summer Research Fellowship Programme (SRFP) Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS) Fellowship IIT Kanpur’s SURGE – Sponsored by CalTech Summer Projects abroad DAAD – Sponsors exchange programs in Germany Campus France – Sponsors exchange programs in France IPTs/Industrial Projects/Internships Final Year Project

13. Essays - SoP There’s no interview... hence the SoP..!! Who are you? What do you like (Area of Interest – the more specific you are, the better)? Why do you like it (Particularly if its different from your UG major)? Why are you interested in an MS/PhD? What do you bring to the research (that is unique or different)? Why do you think you deserve to get what you want? What next, as in after this course? Why are you applying to this particular university? How has your experience prepared you for graduate school?

15. Guided your research/project

16. Bear testimony to your academic growth

17. Not a copy of your CV

19. TOEFL Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing Over hyped..!! Online practice tests - important. www.ets.org/toefl Don’t fret about the TOEFL – the only key to success is patience through the 4 hour long drill..!!

20. Selecting Univs US / Europe...?? Bane – US : Minimum 16 years of professional education Europe : Compulsorily learn a few European languages Boon – US : Silicon Valley and loads of large scale industries Europe : More small and medium scale industries Rankings..?? US News Rankings Times Ivy Leagues..??

21. Financial Statement and Certification PhD – funded, but lower admission rates MS – cost quite a fortune Private and Public Ivy League Univs ~ 60k USD Other Private Univs ~ 40k USD Private Univs in Desert regions ~ 25k USD The CATCH - You need a bank statement for the admit letter (I20) and the admit letter for a bank loan..!! ... Consultants and Chartered Accountants come in handy..!!

22. Options Afterward MS - Jobs abroad: in all technical fields. ...but you could have visa issues..!! - Join the blooming industry growth in India. PhD - R&D labs every where in the world. ...the visa issues apply..!! - Become an independent researcher and join fine educational institutes.

23. Any queries...?? Do mail me at nkahm@umich.edu Or visit me at www.facebook.com/khalid.its.me