Study Overseas | Expert Tips

Why Study Abroad?

A student who always looks to Study Abroad often decides quickly about what to study and where to study. Once they have answered the what and where of their plants to Study Abroad, it is their best time to ask the next significant question: How?. Before they jump to any conclusion, it is best to make an action plan.

If the process of admission unnerves any student, then they can utilize these queries as a checklist that would help them manage their entire process easily:

Am I early / late to begin the application process?

Normally, foreign colleges start the application process a year prior start of term. For example, if you are planning to Study Abroad by joining a college in the fall term of the year 2018, you can begin the process of application as early as possible. However, we will strongly suggest that students start their process of applying a couple of years in advance so that you not only stay ahead of the specified deadline but also you get a good time to build yourself a convincing profile.

Beginning early gives a student who aspires to Study Abroad, ample of time to take the suggested standardized tests, research for foreign universities and colleges organize finances for their Abroad Study, measure their choices etc. They could still make it to the finishing line in about a month before the application deadline.

What documents do I require to apply for higher education?

Often we have seen that many students who are looking to Study Abroad and planning to go for Overseas Education are stunned by the massive task of documentation that includes the complete application form. Usually, many foreign colleges who provide Overseas Education ask for following documents such as Statement of purpose, transcripts, letter of recommendation, English language proficiency scores, standardized test results, financial documents that include proof of investments and assets and visa forms. Furthermore, based on the course you have selected, you might need to submit extra documents such as portfolio etc.

 

What tests do I require to take for my choice of foreign university?

Many foreign universities require their applicants who seek to Study Abroad to take standardized foreign tests. Many foreign colleges would ask you to take GRE for MS program in various fields. The GMAT test is a graduate program in business management. It is accepted by many top leading foreign universities. All the foreign students who seek to Study Abroad also require taking the IELTS or TOEFL tests. These tests would measure your proficiency in the English language. Students who are looking to study abroad and apply for the undergraduate program are needed to take SAT and ACT tests. Make sure you review your course website to search for the tests that are eligibility criteria for your study program.

[Read More: One Stop Solution for all Your exams]

What type of applicants are admission officers look for?

If a student who is planning to Study Abroad, find the process of admission a daunting task and want to know how to enhance their chances of admission in a Foreign College/University. They must understand what makes a poster applicant for admission officers. A tremendous educational record with average performance on extracurricular activities would not help them shine through the process of admission. Admission officers always look for an all-around personality.

Admission officers like those applicants who display dedication and passion towards their work. Students who could express their views clearly and write strong essays have a great chance to get succeed. Other factors like proficiency in mathematics, ability to work independently, attention to detail and leadership skills are also very important.

How could I avail of financial assistance?

There are two types of financial assistance that are available to foreign students who are planning to go for Overseas Education. Foreign colleges offer requirement based scholarships, based on your financial requirement and merit-based scholarships, for special abilities and skills. You need to contact the foreign or financial assistance department at your choice of university and ask them what choices are feasible for you, based on your course and profile.

Where could I get affordable accommodation outside the college campus?

Almost every Foreign University offers on-campus accommodation facility for first-year students who come to pursue Overseas Education by helping them adjusts to new surroundings. Once you have settled down at a new place, you could begin exploring your choices outside the college campus. Talk to the foreign student advisory board and present students/alumni for suggestions on off-campus accommodation. You might get many affordable housing choices close to your foreign university campus. If you want to live independently, then you could look for options like shared accommodations. Many social sites, housing sites, and college campuses list out apartments that are available on shared basis. They are fully furnished apartments you just need to move in with your luggage.

What is the next step after sending my application form?

The website of foreign universities and colleges usually provide detailed information on their process of admission and when you can expect a reply. So while you wait for the response, recheck your college information booklet and search for key information regarding financial assistance, accommodation, on-campus opportunity to work, foreign student initiative programs, cultural events etc. You could utilize this time connect with the College Alumni on chat or email and know more about the foreign colleges of your choice.

How could I get better prepared for foreign education?

Students have to plan for their Overseas Education well in advance. The process of application might sometimes get tedious if you are not prepared. Make a timeline for every activity and set a calendar of some key deadlines. Doing this way, you would not miss on key events. The documentation work might take a long time, so you have to make sure that you got enough time to finish all paperwork.

Another way of preparing is to experiment yourself by living independently and getting used to handling problems on your own. Pick up few major life skills like cooking meals, washing laundry, balancing your home and work, making a budget for entire expenses etc. These skills would strengthen you once you start living alone overseas.

What weight should be given to educational record/ statement of purpose or to other achievements?

Foreign universities have got their own internal criteria for selection of candidates. While the educational track record, test scores, and GPA also got some importance. Admission officers also give importance to SOPs (statement of purpose) or essays. Your SOP, for example, are you missioning statement. Writing about your life goals, your achievements, plans and your dreams. With a good SOP, you could surface out a story about who you are and what you wanted to be. You could show your clarity of thinking, communication skills, and fearless voice. You are required to make sure that you create a good essay mentioning yourself. Other criteria like recommendation letter, job experience and certificates of special achievements also play a key role in your selection criteria.

[Read More: Tips to write a Impressive SOP]

If I get a rejection letter, what would be my chance if I apply again to the same course?

A rejection letter always proves to be an eye-opener for many students. You should not feel isolated. There are many factors that would go into your application. Start by taking the rejection in a positive way and look for next better options. If you are worried about applying again after rejection, then you need to check out the rejection procedures of the university. Few of them allow you to apply for an evaluation. Few gives you detailed information about why your application got rejected. If you have decided to take a gap for improving your test scores or to gain some work experience, then you need to make sure that you should prepare a convincing story about this move.

It is better to keep all options open when it comes towards applying for Overseas Higher Education. Time plays a key role in making decisions; you require beginning early to make sure that the process of admission would be a smooth ride for you.

If you are looking to Study Abroad, it is recommended that you go with a company that has got years of experience in the Overseas Education Process. Global Tree is one of the Best Education Consultants in India that helps you in your Overseas Education Process.