The world is an ocean of possibilities, so trust in yourself and set your sights on the college of your dreams. Certain academic requirements must be satisfied in order to get admission to a university. Hence, students are requested to plan ahead of time, at least a year before the application date. Here are 5 steps to get started with applications for studying abroad:
Check for academic testing requirements– Once you have determined the desired universities then the focus should be on the testing requirements. These academic examinations are a prerequisite that will affect your chances of getting into the preferred college. These are required for entrance to numerous institutions and colleges around the world. A combination of tests or other examinations particular to a country and its education system may be required at times. Every country either demands the IELTS or TOEFL English language competency test. GRE, GMAT, SAT, and LSAT are other optional or university-dependent tests. Always be sure to conduct thorough research and schedule the exam ahead of time so that you can retake the exam if need be.
Prepare formal documents– There are a multitude of documents that must be submitted while filling out university application forms. Assemble your transcripts, curriculum vitae, and certificates for your convenience. A transcript is an academic record, comparable to a consolidated mark sheet that contains information about all of the courses concluded, including grades, credits, and other information. A CV or resume will provide a detailed overview of your academic and professional experience. In your resume: only include certificates, publications, internships, and work experience that are relevant to your course of study.
Reach out to referees for a Letter of Recommendation– This is a critical stage that necessitates connection and a favourable impression on the referees. Consider interacting with professors and making them aware of your personality and values. You can also chat with them regarding your study plans and attributes for proper guidance. Universities prefer to look at references because they form an impression of the candidate. As a result, make sure you have the LORs ready ahead of time. Find the proper moment to ask for a letter of recommendation from the right person. Read more about LOR’s to have a better idea about them.
Begin working on your essays and statement of purpose– The Personal Statement, often known as a Statement of Purpose (SOP), is the most significant part of the application process. It gives the admissions committee a glimpse into your past, and it serves as a kind of narrative for your complete application. As a result, this is your single opportunity to convey yourself, your aspirations, and your motivation for participating in this programme. A well-written SOP is essential for catching the attention of the admissions committee. This document signifies various details about you- your identity, your career choices, the reason to opt for a particular university, future plans and aspirations. So, invest a good amount of time working on your SOP before you submit the application.
Make a schedule for each activity– Applying to institutions and countries all over the world can be a time-consuming procedure. To learn about the application requirements for each university, one must visit their website. Each university’s instructions must be followed, and the SOPs must be altered accordingly. Hence, it is a good idea to make a schedule to ensure that each activity is completed in time to avoid any mishaps.
Useful information and Links
Chacko, Antony. List of Documents Required to Study Abroad, 31 Dec. 2020, www.hotcoursesabroad.com/india/prepare-to-apply/how-to-apply-to-a-university/list-documents-study-abroad-application-process/.
“Graduate School” Graduate School ICal, gradschool.cornell.edu/diversity-inclusion/recruitment-2/prospective-students/writing-your-statement-of-purpose/.
“8 Entrance Exams for Foreign Universities to Consider While Planning For Abroad Study.” Credenc, www.credenc.com/blog/entrance-exams-for-foreign-universities.
