5 Things to Do Before the Admissions Start At Universities Abroad

Studying Abroad is a rather big decision. The miles and miles from home, the extensive paperwork required and let us not forget, the massive investments required. It comes with its own packages of what’s required and what’s not. And if you plan to be in any of the Study Abroad destinations in next year, time to start acting is right about now. Starting in late August and early September, the admissions to most of the top universities would open for August/September 2016 intake. As such, this is about the right time you start prepping up and working on the checklist of Things to do before you start with the applications process for study abroad.

Enroll for and/or Write your exams

Almost all the universities abroad would require some or the other exam. Chances are, you have already written most of them. In case, however, you are just about starting to warm up to the idea of going abroad for your higher education, there is still time. On average, all of the required exams – be it aptitude tests or English proficiency examinations, require about 5 weeks of preparation. That leaves you just about time to enroll and start preparing. All in time, you would have written your exam and be able to start filling the applications for abroad. This is also the time many national scholarships open up. So figure out which country you wish to go to, find out the dates of the scholarship applications and start filing them.

Shortlist the universities and then some

If you have written your exams and are waiting, chances are you have already shortlisted the set of universities you would be applying to. As such, what is important now to do is revisit them. On an average, a student applies to 5 or 6 universities. We urge you to go through that list again. There are so many more universities that would offer you a better chance. Not only that, but some would also be far more economical. Shiksha Study Abroad is a great place to start searching!

Gather your Academic Transcripts

All the universities would require your academic transcripts. This involves mark sheets and passing certificates, starting from class 9 and up-till graduation (all years), if applicable. In case you are still in your class 12 or final year (depending on if you are applying for a UG or a PG course), you need to have all the remaining documents ready. So in case your mark sheet is still at school or you have not collected your college degree from the university yet, this is the time you should gather them all.

Go over your financials once again

Studying abroad is a costly affair. Perhaps one of the reasons why not a lot of students even bother to know about it. And those who do, wish to find a scholarship for their aspirations. However, we strictly recommend that you also find a college that fits into a financial budget which you can afford, without a scholarship. While admissions in universities abroad are tough, finding a scholarship is tougher still. Also, even if you do get a full-tuition scholarship, there are other expenses you need to be considered as well. With all that, it is recommended to include a couple of colleges that also accommodate your financial affordability. Also, figure out how much student loan you can get and also how much you can fund yourself.

Get working on your letters of recommendations and statement of purpose

Almost all the universities abroad would require a statement of purpose (or application essays) and letters of recommendations. At this time, it would be good to start prepping for your essays. Read up on the material available and start working on the first draft of your statement of purpose. This is one of the most crucial element of your admissions abroad and doing at least 3 drafts should be good. Start with the first draft now, figure out what all you want to say and then redo it. Once you actually start your application, you should have reached a stage where you have almost finalized your essay.

Also, start identifying the people – employer, manager, teacher, principal or professor you would want to be your recommenders. What they say about you is as important as what you say about yourself. So start slicing through your list and figure out at least 4 names you can approach for a stellar recommendation. And sorry, your best friend does not qualify.

So, get started and be sure to mark out the application deadlines for your shortlisted universities. All the best!