Should I go test optional?

University Discussions University Of Texas, Arlington
1

This is my profile from CBSE board.
9th - 95% 10th- 65% ( COVID and health issues) 11th - 90.09% 12th- 89% ( predicted)

IELTS-6.5

I have a gap between my grade 11 and 12 due to some financial difficulties in family

Ec’s 2 internships as a machine learning engineer 1 volunteering experience at ngo Part time tutoring in grade 11 and a drop time and half of grade 12

Essay

I believe my essay is really strong revolving around how my prospective about life changed and asked many students they feel that it is unique.

Should I go test optional? And also wanted to get my total Tuition fees under 15k ( like UTD will give AES will I get that ?)

2

Hello,

I would suggest you to take IELTS again, and aim for 7.5 at least, It will be a factor. and also, I would suggest you to take GRE, although colleges have waived it, it might help you with admission, getting scholarships, and getting less credit programs, and others.

(I only suggest to take IELTS again because, many people will have regret that they could have taken it again and gotten a better score after coming to US, and lost on opportunities because of the score. I now wish If I would have gotten more in GRE, or taken GRE again, and gotten better score, I would have been in a different university, or gotten scholarship or gotten less credit program which would have cost me less tuition.

The cost of retaking IELTS or GRE will be a minute difference compared to what we spend and make here. I consider it as an investment. )

It’s good that you have two machine learning engineering experience, maybe also have some projects in your resume.

Thank You,
Abhishek Nagaraja

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3

Hello Ishaan,

I completely agree with Abhishek’s suggestion. Improving your IELTS score would open up a wider range of options and opportunities for you.

To secure a scholarship from UTD, you’ll need a strong SOP, LORs, and solid academic experience. From your profile, it looks like you have good stats; just make sure you have an excellent SOP and LORs.

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4

Hey, thank you for the detailed answer. It makes sense to reappear for IELTS but does scholarships have the eligibility criteria or something wrt GRE?

5

thanks, can you tell me about a good SOP or LOR or maybe suggest some channel.