Frequently Asked Questions
If you need more information after reading our answers to the questions most students ask, please contact us, or chat live with an admissions counselor.
Q: How is your firm different from other graduate school consulting firms?
A: Dr. Nasri® is the only firm that provides graduate admissions services to students based on established connections with distinguished professors and graduate schools across the United States. Because we stay in close communication with our university connections, we always know what they’re looking for and how to match the right student to the right academic institution and program. Another unique factor is that we also use our university connections to help candidates in our admission programs find and apply for open academic positions. Our Platinum Privilege Program is the only program of its kind to offer funding to a top-tier graduate program in the United States. We offer a guarantee because we believe in our ability to help the right students, whom we identify through our Preliminary Assessment. Alternatively you can use our One-on-One Coaching (Monthly Consultation) service. Depending on your needs, you can receive expert-level admission advice from Dr. Nasri and our Talent Connection Team. Dr. Nasri® is also one of few graduate-admittance consulting firms that helps universities and professors find the right candidates for their research and teaching assistantships. We work both ways – with universities, and with prospective students.
Q: How does your pricing structure work?
A: (i) The One-on-One Coaching (Monthly Consultation) is for students who are looking for a more personalized ONE-ON-ONE coaching experience on one or all parts of their application. You can receive help with any section of your application directly from Dr. Nasri and our Talent Connection Team. In the Monthly Consultation Program, instead of counting hours and limiting the service we can provide, we charge a flat rate, which you may pay for any number of months that you wish to receive one-on-one consulting. A flat rate enables us to work as long as we must on your behalf without worrying about a preset time limit. If we charged hourly rates, you might pay more than you expected if the work takes longer than expected. Such a situation can lead to dissatisfaction.
(ii) Throughout Platinum Privilege Program, we help you with your graduate school applications and search for a teaching or research assistantship or a post-doctoral position, and ensure that you will gain entry into a top-level university in the US with funding. You will pay the cost of this services once you started your graduate program. Note that entry to this program depends on the results of your Preliminary Assessment. We do not offer the Platinum Privilege Program to all students.
Q: Do you help students gain admission to universities outside the US (Canada or Europe)?
A: Yes—but only if we think an international program is right for you after reviewing your application materials, highlighting the shortfalls and strengths of your application, and considering your interests and opportunities available in the US.
Q: Are your services limited to international students?
A: No, we work with students who live in the United States and students who live internationally. Approximately 65 percent of our applicants are international students from all over the globe, from the Middle East and Africa to Europe, South America and Asia.
Q: How is your firm different from other graduate school consulting firms?
A: Dr. Nasri® is the only firm that provides graduate admissions services to students based on established connections with distinguished professors and graduate schools across the United States. Because we stay in close communication with our university connections, we always know what they’re looking for and how to match the right student to the right academic institution and program. Another unique factor is that we also use our university connections to help candidates in our admission programs find and apply for open academic positions. Our Platinum Privilege Program is the only program of its kind to offer funding to a top-tier graduate program in the United States. We offer a guarantee because we believe in our ability to help the right students, whom we identify through our Preliminary Assessment. Alternatively you can use our One-on-One Coaching (Monthly Consultation) service. Depending on your needs, you can receive expert-level admission advice from Dr. Nasri and our Talent Connection Team. Dr. Nasri® is also one of few graduate-admittance consulting firms that helps universities and professors find the right candidates for their research and teaching assistantships. We work both ways – with universities, and with prospective students.
Q: How does your pricing structure work?
A: (i) The One-on-One Coaching (Monthly Consultation) is for students who are looking for a more personalized ONE-ON-ONE coaching experience on one or all parts of their application. You can receive help with any section of your application directly from Dr. Nasri and our Talent Connection Team. In the Monthly Consultation Program, instead of counting hours and limiting the service we can provide, we charge a flat rate, which you may pay for any number of months that you wish to receive one-on-one consulting. A flat rate enables us to work as long as we must on your behalf without worrying about a preset time limit. If we charged hourly rates, you might pay more than you expected if the work takes longer than expected. Such a situation can lead to dissatisfaction.
(ii) Throughout Platinum Privilege Program, we help you with your graduate school applications and search for a teaching or research assistantship or a post-doctoral position, and ensure that you will gain entry into a top-level university in the US with funding. You will pay the cost of this services once you started your graduate program. Note that entry to this program depends on the results of your Preliminary Assessment. We do not offer the Platinum Privilege Program to all students.
Q: Do you help students gain admission to universities outside the US (Canada or Europe)?
A: Yes—but only if we think an international program is right for you after reviewing your application materials, highlighting the shortfalls and strengths of your application, and considering your interests and opportunities available in the US.
Q: Are your services limited to international students?
A: No, we work with students who live in the United States and students who live internationally. Approximately 65 percent of our applicants are international students from all over the globe, from the Middle East and Africa to Europe, South America and Asia.
Q: Can you help me apply for an open position at a university even if I do not see it listed on the Open Positions section of your website?
A: Yes. If you are applying to graduate school, we can help you apply for any position or graduate program. Please chat with us, or explain your situation via our contact form. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Q: How can we work together effectively if I live far away from you?
A: Our clients, 65 percent of whom are international students, live all over the world. It’s easy to work together using email, chat, Skype and even regular phones to communicate. We take full advantage of the fact that, these days, online meetings are as common as are in-person meetings.
Q: Should I wait until I have my test scores (TOEFL, GRE, USMLE) to contact you?
A: The sooner you contact us the better. If you contact us early enough, we can advise you on test prep options and timelines, and begin to tackle larger strategy questions long before you have a score. The earlier we start strategizing together, the more time you have to implement your strategy. If you already have your score, then that’s fine, too. We work with students at many different stages of the admittance process.
Q: If I apply with my spouse or friend, is there a chance of both of us gaining admittance to same research institution or university? Can both my spouse and I secure funded positions?
A: Yes and yes. Our mantra is that we don’t just open doors; we open the right doors. To open the right doors, we weigh your personal requirements just as heavily as we do your academic ones. We know it’s hard to have to separate from family and close friends, which is why we’ll do our best to find positions for you in the same university, or at universities in the same area (like USC and UCLA or Georgia Tech and Georgia State). It is also possible for you and your spouse to secure funded positions. It depends on your academic strengths and experiences, as well as how flexible you are regarding the university you attend.
A: Yes. If you are applying to graduate school, we can help you apply for any position or graduate program. Please chat with us, or explain your situation via our contact form. We’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Q: How can we work together effectively if I live far away from you?
A: Our clients, 65 percent of whom are international students, live all over the world. It’s easy to work together using email, chat, Skype and even regular phones to communicate. We take full advantage of the fact that, these days, online meetings are as common as are in-person meetings.
Q: Should I wait until I have my test scores (TOEFL, GRE, USMLE) to contact you?
A: The sooner you contact us the better. If you contact us early enough, we can advise you on test prep options and timelines, and begin to tackle larger strategy questions long before you have a score. The earlier we start strategizing together, the more time you have to implement your strategy. If you already have your score, then that’s fine, too. We work with students at many different stages of the admittance process.
Q: If I apply with my spouse or friend, is there a chance of both of us gaining admittance to same research institution or university? Can both my spouse and I secure funded positions?
A: Yes and yes. Our mantra is that we don’t just open doors; we open the right doors. To open the right doors, we weigh your personal requirements just as heavily as we do your academic ones. We know it’s hard to have to separate from family and close friends, which is why we’ll do our best to find positions for you in the same university, or at universities in the same area (like USC and UCLA or Georgia Tech and Georgia State). It is also possible for you and your spouse to secure funded positions. It depends on your academic strengths and experiences, as well as how flexible you are regarding the university you attend.
Q: If I get a non-funded position, can I still apply for funding when I start the graduate program?
A: Yes. We will work with you to find a funded position after you gain admission to a graduate program.
Q: Do I need to have published to apply to graduate school?
A: It depends on the program. If you’re applying for a Master of Arts or an MBA, chances are you won’t need publication. Programs often prefer past publication for students applying for Ph.D. or postdoctoral programs, but it’s not required. We’ll let you know if the program you want requires publication. But keep in mind that we’ve helped many students without published work gain admission to top-tier universities and research institutions.
Q: Do I have to pass exams like the TOEFL or GRE before I can apply for a graduate or postdoctoral program?
A: The generic answer is that it’s always best to check with the institutions where you want to apply. But generally, you do need test scores before applying to a master’s or Ph.D. program, whereas you generally do not need test scores to apply to a postdoctoral program.
If you’re an international student and English is not your native language, we recommend that you seriously consider the level of your English skills. Being fluent in English when you arrive in the United States will make your time here that much easier and enjoyable. Of course, your English will continue to improve when you arrive, so don’t feel that you have to be perfect. You can always arrive in the United States early to take classes specifically to improve your English skills.
Q: Do your admission specialists complete the applications for me?
A: No. Once you have completed your applications, we carefully review them and give you feedback on your completed application and application materials. Using our plan, you will know how best to prepare your application for each graduate program, as well as how to stay ahead of deadlines.
Q: Do your fees cover graduate school application costs or any other costs related to my application, such as registration costs for standard exams like the TOEFL, GRE or USMLE?
A: No. Our fees do not include graduate school application fees, visa application fees if you are an international student, or any other fees incurred during the application process.
A: Yes. We will work with you to find a funded position after you gain admission to a graduate program.
Q: Do I need to have published to apply to graduate school?
A: It depends on the program. If you’re applying for a Master of Arts or an MBA, chances are you won’t need publication. Programs often prefer past publication for students applying for Ph.D. or postdoctoral programs, but it’s not required. We’ll let you know if the program you want requires publication. But keep in mind that we’ve helped many students without published work gain admission to top-tier universities and research institutions.
Q: Do I have to pass exams like the TOEFL or GRE before I can apply for a graduate or postdoctoral program?
A: The generic answer is that it’s always best to check with the institutions where you want to apply. But generally, you do need test scores before applying to a master’s or Ph.D. program, whereas you generally do not need test scores to apply to a postdoctoral program.
If you’re an international student and English is not your native language, we recommend that you seriously consider the level of your English skills. Being fluent in English when you arrive in the United States will make your time here that much easier and enjoyable. Of course, your English will continue to improve when you arrive, so don’t feel that you have to be perfect. You can always arrive in the United States early to take classes specifically to improve your English skills.
Q: Do your admission specialists complete the applications for me?
A: No. Once you have completed your applications, we carefully review them and give you feedback on your completed application and application materials. Using our plan, you will know how best to prepare your application for each graduate program, as well as how to stay ahead of deadlines.
Q: Do your fees cover graduate school application costs or any other costs related to my application, such as registration costs for standard exams like the TOEFL, GRE or USMLE?
A: No. Our fees do not include graduate school application fees, visa application fees if you are an international student, or any other fees incurred during the application process.
Q: I’m an international student who would like to earn a graduate degree in the US and I need full financial support. Can you help me find a study program supported by a scholarship or grant?
A: Possibly. Right now, more than 350 US colleges and universities award more than $20,000 each year to qualified international students; almost 100 institutions award more than $40,000 per year. At least 85 colleges and universities regularly award full funding to international students, funding that covers tuition, fees, health insurance and living expenses. However, keep in mind that there is significant competition for financial aid. International students compete not only with students from other countries, but also with American candidates. Only international students with an outstanding proficiency in English and excellent academic record will secure financial aid.
Q: As an international student, can I get a loan from an American bank to pay my tuition and fees?
A: Banks in the US provide student loans to citizens of other countries only if an American citizen co-signs the loan and agrees to be responsible for paying off the loan if you are not able to do so yourself. You might instead seek a loan in your home country, or apply to a university that awards scholarships to international students. If you participate in our or One-on-One Coaching Program, we will help you understand your options.
Q: How long does a medical residency program in the US take, and what are the admission criteria?
A: Regular residency programs in areas such as internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics usually run three to four years. Residency for surgery runs five years, psychiatry four years and neurosurgery seven. For subspecialties such as cardiology, you need three years in internal medicine and then an additional three years in your specialty, in this case cardiology.
You can apply for a residency after you pass the required USMLE exam and achieve ECFMG certification. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is responsible for the accreditation of post-MD medical training programs within the United States, and has endorsed general competencies for residents in the areas of:
A: Possibly. Right now, more than 350 US colleges and universities award more than $20,000 each year to qualified international students; almost 100 institutions award more than $40,000 per year. At least 85 colleges and universities regularly award full funding to international students, funding that covers tuition, fees, health insurance and living expenses. However, keep in mind that there is significant competition for financial aid. International students compete not only with students from other countries, but also with American candidates. Only international students with an outstanding proficiency in English and excellent academic record will secure financial aid.
Q: As an international student, can I get a loan from an American bank to pay my tuition and fees?
A: Banks in the US provide student loans to citizens of other countries only if an American citizen co-signs the loan and agrees to be responsible for paying off the loan if you are not able to do so yourself. You might instead seek a loan in your home country, or apply to a university that awards scholarships to international students. If you participate in our or One-on-One Coaching Program, we will help you understand your options.
Q: How long does a medical residency program in the US take, and what are the admission criteria?
A: Regular residency programs in areas such as internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics usually run three to four years. Residency for surgery runs five years, psychiatry four years and neurosurgery seven. For subspecialties such as cardiology, you need three years in internal medicine and then an additional three years in your specialty, in this case cardiology.
You can apply for a residency after you pass the required USMLE exam and achieve ECFMG certification. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is responsible for the accreditation of post-MD medical training programs within the United States, and has endorsed general competencies for residents in the areas of:
- Patient Care
- Medical Knowledge
- Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Professionalism
- Systems-Based Practice
Q: What is a postdoctoral position, and who can apply?
A: Scholars with doctoral degrees (Ph.D., M.D. or DDS) may apply for postdoctoral scholar positions. A postdoctoral program, also called a postdoc program, provides temporary, mentored training for recent graduates with doctoral degrees who need to acquire professional experience. Postdoctoral scholars receive fulltime appointments for a minimum of one year to the maximum of four years, as well as advanced research and academic training at a university. If the postdoc is in medical or dental school, training may occur in a hospital.
On average, postdoctoral research associates earn from $35,000 to $55,000 annually. Postdoctoral researchers work at a graduate school under the supervision of a professor. Postdoctoral programs at medical schools and hospitals admit researchers with an M.D. degree.
Q: Does my undergraduate degree have to be in the same field as my graduate degree?
A: An undergraduate degree in the same field is not necessarily required to enroll in a master’s or Ph.D. program. For example, a student with a bachelor’s degree in engineering may pursue a graduate degree in business school, and a student with a bachelor’s degree in accounting may pursue a graduate degree in public relations.
Q: How does completing a postdoctoral program help international medical graduates (IMGs) with medical or dental degrees secure admission to a residency program in the US?
A: IMGs need a time of transition before starting their residencies in the United States. We generally recommend that you work as a postdoctoral research associate at an American research university or hospital for two to three years to develop your skills before you enter a residency program. If you’re an IMG, you definitely want to get to know the professors in medical school before starting your residency program, Doing so gives you opportunities to build strong relationships, network and improve your resume so you can succeed in both the residency program and your future career.
Q: How do I obtain permission to republish information I found on your website?
A: You may freely publish with the appropriate credit any freely offered learning materials available on this website. Please note, however, that our reprint licensing policy does not permit altering these articles in any way, translating them into other languages or creating edited excerpts or summaries. Other than the usage permission as stated, it is unlawful to reprint our content, edited or not, without prior approval. To request permission to alter or summarize our content in print or online, please send us an email.
A: Scholars with doctoral degrees (Ph.D., M.D. or DDS) may apply for postdoctoral scholar positions. A postdoctoral program, also called a postdoc program, provides temporary, mentored training for recent graduates with doctoral degrees who need to acquire professional experience. Postdoctoral scholars receive fulltime appointments for a minimum of one year to the maximum of four years, as well as advanced research and academic training at a university. If the postdoc is in medical or dental school, training may occur in a hospital.
On average, postdoctoral research associates earn from $35,000 to $55,000 annually. Postdoctoral researchers work at a graduate school under the supervision of a professor. Postdoctoral programs at medical schools and hospitals admit researchers with an M.D. degree.
Q: Does my undergraduate degree have to be in the same field as my graduate degree?
A: An undergraduate degree in the same field is not necessarily required to enroll in a master’s or Ph.D. program. For example, a student with a bachelor’s degree in engineering may pursue a graduate degree in business school, and a student with a bachelor’s degree in accounting may pursue a graduate degree in public relations.
Q: How does completing a postdoctoral program help international medical graduates (IMGs) with medical or dental degrees secure admission to a residency program in the US?
A: IMGs need a time of transition before starting their residencies in the United States. We generally recommend that you work as a postdoctoral research associate at an American research university or hospital for two to three years to develop your skills before you enter a residency program. If you’re an IMG, you definitely want to get to know the professors in medical school before starting your residency program, Doing so gives you opportunities to build strong relationships, network and improve your resume so you can succeed in both the residency program and your future career.
Q: How do I obtain permission to republish information I found on your website?
A: You may freely publish with the appropriate credit any freely offered learning materials available on this website. Please note, however, that our reprint licensing policy does not permit altering these articles in any way, translating them into other languages or creating edited excerpts or summaries. Other than the usage permission as stated, it is unlawful to reprint our content, edited or not, without prior approval. To request permission to alter or summarize our content in print or online, please send us an email.
