Guide To Study Abroad Application Process
Study Abroad Application Process
Studying abroad may have appealed to you because you want to experience a different culture or because of the exposure to a wider world. Whatever the case, you must go through the study abroad application process to get accepted at the university of your choice overseas.
There isn’t a single uniform application procedure for several nations and universities. However, we will walk you through a few standard phrases in most international universities’ study abroad application procedures. Students typically seek assistance from study abroad counselors, who walk them through the application process because it is lengthy.
Determining the course, university, and country of interest
The first and most crucial step in your study abroad trip is this. It is necessary to give your topic of interest much consideration and time. You must consider several aspects while selecting the best program or field of study, including your area of interest, academic background, course length, employment prospects, and cost.
After deciding on a program, you should start compiling a list of colleges that offer that program. When choosing the colleges, one must also consider the schools’ standing for the desired curriculum, the cost, and the admissions requirements.
Choosing a study abroad destination or country is crucial based on the job opportunities it offers, the cost of living, and other factors that may be important to you as an individual. You can consider browsing through other students’ reviews about your shortlisted course, university and country before making a final decision.
Prepare for tests
This is the first hurdle before applying to any program abroad. Determine how much time you require and book a slot already to kickstart your preparation. It could be any of the English proficiency tests, the executive assistant test accepted by several schools if you have 8 or more years of full-time work experience. Some exams may be easier and shorter than others, but don’t be misled by sources suggesting that it is an easier test you can take with little or no preparation. The more you study, the better you will do.
Consultants can be a good option if you’re looking for guidance on test preparation or seeking help from studying abroad.
How to decide which test to take
The GMAT was designed as a test for admission to management programs. If you know that you want to go to a business school, you might lean towards the GMAT. While the format remains similar to the Common Aptitude Test (CAT) conducted in India entailing Quant (Maths), Logical Reasoning/Data Interpretation, and English, there are differences in the pattern and type of questions the test duration.
The GRE is more widely accepted among different graduate programs. If you’re not sure which kind of graduate program you want, you might take the GRE. The EA is only appropriate if you have 8 plus years of full-time work experience and intend to apply to only executive MBA programs. Please note that you can only take the EA twice, so prepare beforehand.
Most colleges also require TOEFL or IELTS if the medium of instruction at your college/university isn’t English. Most students take either of these tests, even though they have studied in an English medium university. While it is encouraged, it is not necessary.
Get your documents in order.
Get all your transcripts and mark sheets scanned and ready to upload in the specified resolution – it is common for most colleges. But be sure to read the instructions carefully on the website of each college you are applying to. Starting early helps and will keep you comforted in knowing that you have enough time to get everything covered. Most colleges accept certain UK colleges, such as Cambridge allows you to start your online application and save it to keep coming back to it. Utilize that feature.
Ensure that you notify the professors or official reporting supervisors with ample time for them and that you are on hand for recommendation letters. Once you have ascertained who all will help, register them on the college website in your respective application.
If you are applying for loan waivers/fellowships/scholarships/financial aid, it is most likely that you will be required to have submitted tax returns for the previous two to three years. It may or may not be explicitly asked, but the credit check is probably run before imparting any financial aid. It is also important to note that students who are debt free and do not have any prior education/car/personal or consumer loans (like balance on credit cards) running definitely have a much higher chance of securing aid. While it may seem unjust, in hindsight, it is imperative that you can focus solely on academics.
On-time
Ensure everything is duly submitted before the deadline. Check the eligibility criteria beforehand and select the colleges carefully.
Addendum
If you are applying to a research course, like a Ph.D. or an M.Phil, it is advisable to reach out to the professors who take that course at the college well in advance. They always have important insights to share w.r.t. the application.
The criterion for selection and choosing students
The most important thing while writing your essays is to be authentic and truthful. The professors are seasoned professionals capable of ruling out anything dishonest in the application simply by reading it and out of the sheer experience. Please DO NOT attempt to outplay them by acting smart or trying to fib around in the application.
Make sure that the English are impeccable. Be sure to discern British and American English depending upon the country of the university you are applying to. Spelling or grammatical errors represent carelessness. Seek opinions and feedback from your peers/seniors at work or placement consultants. They have known you and your work ethic and would be able to guide you in your best interests.
Other than this, the more tangible aspects of selection remain somewhat common across colleges (even so, be sure to check respective details specific to each college on their website):
- Academic excellence
- Reasons for choice of course and how the said school/university would help achieve the goals you have set for yourself
- A commitment to improving the lives of others
- A capacity for leadership
Ensure you include examples that make a strong case for your candidature while keeping it brief. Having only words at your disposal to convince someone to give you a shot warrant demonstrating clearly that you have the academic background and the necessary skills and expertise to complete the course and thrive while you are at it.
Once through, make certain that you gratefully enjoy your time at the university. Rigorous as it may be, it will also make for the most memorable time in your life.