I’m an undergraduate student from Bangladesh majoring in Economics, and I’m in my final year with two semesters remaining before graduation. My current CGPA is 3.41, and I’m aiming to raise it to 3.5 or higher by the end of this semester.
I’ve attached my grade report for reference. I’ve also registered for the GRE in September, with a target score of 315 or higher.
I’m planning to apply for a Master’s program in Economics at a U.S. university ranked between 300-550. Based on my academic background and GRE target, do you think I have a chance of securing a scholarship at a good university? If you have any advice on improving my application or suggestions for universities that could be a good fit, I’d greatly appreciate your input.
In addition, I’ve been brainstorming topics for my thesis, which I hope to publish. I’m also collaborating with a senior on a research paper that has a 50-50 chance of being published.
Thank you in advance for your advice and suggestions!
Your GPA of 3.5 might not be enough for a full scholarship. Most American universities don’t offer scholarships for master’s programs, though there are exceptions for STEM fields.
Pierce said:
Your GPA of 3.5 might not be enough for a full scholarship. Most American universities don’t offer scholarships for master’s programs, though there are exceptions for STEM fields.
Actually, some master’s students in the US receive funding through tuition waivers or payments for teaching and research assistantships. It’s not super common, but it does happen.
You could look into Fulbright scholarships. They require two years of work experience to show commitment to your field before applying, but they’re a great option for international students.
There aren’t that many Econ master’s programs in the US (fewer than 300). If your GPA is competitive, you could get into some decent programs, though top schools might be a stretch. Scholarships or funding for master’s students are often partial, not full rides, so you’ll likely need additional financial support.
Your best bet is applying for assistantships. Smaller universities often let master’s students work as teaching or research assistants in exchange for reduced tuition fees.
External funding is likely your best option. Full funding for master’s programs in the US is rare unless you’re studying in STEM fields. You might find more resources on forums like r/gradschool, where people in similar positions share advice. Econ master’s programs aren’t as common in the US compared to Europe, and most students pursue them as a step toward a PhD.
@Lin
In Europe, a master’s is often required before applying for a PhD. Would getting a master’s make my chances of being admitted to a US PhD program higher or lower, especially considering age?
Casey said: @Lin
In Europe, a master’s is often required before applying for a PhD. Would getting a master’s make my chances of being admitted to a US PhD program higher or lower, especially considering age?
This question comes up often. Generally, a master’s can strengthen your application if it’s from a reputable program, but age might be a consideration for some schools. Finding a mentor to discuss your goals might be more helpful than relying solely on forums.