Appeared for GRE, what next?

Do not let your emotions dictate terms, whether emotions of joy or disappointment. Here are a few things that are equally necessary.
1. TOEFL: it is compulsory for applicant from non-English speaking countries. Try to get that out of your way as soon as possible after the GRE. Almost all universities in the US require TOEFL.

2. Admissions: you can send your GRE/TOEFL score free to 4 universities online. If your preparation is good, choose some ranked universities. Or else, choose some universities in the lower half. Make this application count because for every other application, you will have to pay.

3. University selection:
• First and the foremost, know what your budget is. If your score is not too good, may be less than 2500, avoid applying to top universities. You won’t be getting there and thus you will be wasting your applications. Even if you get, you would not be getting any grants or scholarships. Be realistic and prudent while choosing the universities.
• Make sure that the university you are applying for has your specialization. Even if you have a good score and a good GPA but the university does not have the specialization you have opted, your application will be rejected.
• Scan each university in terms of its scholarship module, locations, placement, jobs within the campus and other such parameters. Your selection process should even take these into account.
• Some universities like the University of Arizona give high importance to your graduate scores. Thus, even if you have a good GRE but poor graduate performance to back that, your application could well be rejected.

4. Recommendations: almost all universities require 2-3 recommendations to back your application. Get it done from your college professors. Make sure all your achievements and good performance are mentioned in the recommendations.

5. Transcripts: all the universities require transcripts sealed by your respective university. Do avoid any complications ahead, it is better that you have your transcripts sent by the college themselves.

6. In a nutshell: Form a packet which comprises of following documents:

• The statement of purpose (SOP). It must indicate your field in which you want to do your majors.
• Transcripts
• Recommendations
• Financial statement
• All the related documents showing your work experience and extra achievements if any.