Materials needed for Graduate Application

Generally the following materials/info are needed for graduate studies application (in US and other countries).

1) Completed Online Application
Most universities have phased out the paper application process, only a handful of them are accepting paper application

2) Transcripts and degree scrolls
Certified true copies of transcripts and degree scrolls in sealed envelopes.
(Info on obtaining your copy of transcripts from Anna University)

3) Official GRE score
There is no minimum marks required for GRE. A general rule of thumb for successful application is as follows.
If you are applying to engineering school then you should have a good score in Quantitative Analysis (more than 700) and your score in verbal part can be compromised a little (about 550) and a decent score in analytical writing ( equal to above 3.5)
The requirements for graduate studies in fine arts and management studies will be almost reverse (ie. about 600 in Maths and more than 700 in verbal and a very good score in analytical writing - equal to or above 5.0).


5) TOEFL/IELTS Score
Official TOEFL (above 85/120 in IBT is safe for majority of universities- except for a few top ones - For MIT the minimum required TOEFL mark is 100/120 in IBT) or IELTS score .

6) Three referee reports
A Referee can be your professor or supervisor who will able to give feedback on your performance/assess your ability for research/problem solving/communication skills. The universities expect atleast 2 reports from academic referees. If you are out of academics for more than 4 years then 2 reports from your supervisors (at workplace) and 1 report from academic referee are suffice.

7) Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
Statement of Purpose should clearly state the following
a) How did you choose your intended program of study in the first place and how is it going to help you in achieving your goals.
b) What is your goal of pursuing the graduate study
c) Why do think that you are the best for your program of study
d) What are your personal strengths (like hard work, perseverance etc..,). Support your argument with examples from your life.(Like, you have put in long hours in the lab to finish a project that was assigned by your professor: which shows your hard work)
e) State whether you have acquired/demonstrated any leadership qualities or other skill that make you unique.
f) If your grades are inconsistent across the semesters, take this opportunity to explain why (in a convincing manner)
Read - A very resourceful article on writing a SOP or a personal statement from Purdue University 

8) Resume
A well written resume comprising the following sections
a) Objective or Summary
b) Areas of interest (list out specific areas in which u want to pursue your graduate studies)
c) Educational qualifications ( clearly state years of study, grades or marks obtained )
d) If you have work experience, list them out specifying your designation held, duration of work, roles played
e) Academic projects (Give a list of academic projects done by you with a brief summary)
f) Publications and/or patents if any
g) Academic Achievements
h) Programming/Software skills (if relevant for your field of study)
i) Extra curricular activities
j) Community involvements

Note: Do not include your marital status, passport number,social security number in the resume.
Clearly indicate your contact number and e-mail id.

9) Statement of Financial Support (if required):
Some universities may ask for a financial statement stating your ability to pay for your education (atleast for the 1st year of study) or if you are a recipient of any scholarship from a sponsoring party, include necessary statements supporting your claims. For self sponsoring candidate, a reference letter from the bank indicating your name, your account number and sufficient amount covering your tuition feed and expected expenses during your first year of study is needed. If you are supported by your family, a reference letter from bank stating your family sponsor's name, amount owed for your education is needed). If you are a recipient of any scholarship from  a sponsoring party, a letter establishing the sponsorship is required as part of your application.