Study in US: Student account of application and admission process

For those who want to study abroad, it is essential to know at least one person who has already studied abroad to help them out with the long and complicated process of getting admission. Admission to colleges abroad is a lot more confusing and multi-layered if compared to getting through Indian colleges. For those who don’t have a guiding friend or mentor to help them through the process of applying to universities abroad, here is a firsthand account of Seema Somshekar who is going to Columbia College of Journalism in New York, the US for the fall 2014 session.

In this podcast, Seema talks about applying to various Universities in the US and how she got admitted to the prestigious Columbia School of Journalism.

1. Tell us something about your education and work background

I did my post graduation in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan. That was followed by an internship at Star TV which ultimately turned into a full-time job. I worked there for six years.

2. Why did you decide on a journalism course abroad?

After my job started, the plans for further studies took a back seat. After I resigned from my job, I used that time to revisit this decision. What I was seeking was a global education, as I already had an education from India. I thought an international degree will add strength to my portfolio.

3. What were your initial college choices?

Once I decided on doing my masters in journalism, I started looking at colleges that had a strong programme in this course. Few of my choices were Northwestern University in Chicago, New York University, City University of New York, and Columbia University.

4. How did you start with the college application process?

Once I decided on Columbia, I visited New York and got a chance to visit the campus and meet with the admissions officer.  That helped in knowing more about the college and programme. Majority of my research was done online. The entire application process was outlined on their website. The application process to Columbia starts with filing an online application form, submit two essays, three recommendation letters, three transcripts, and TOEFL scores.

5. What was the most difficult part of the admissions process?

The most challenging part was the essays. At Columbia, you have to submit two essays. There was a word limit of 700 words, so it was difficult to decide on what I need to include about myself, and the relevant details.

6. Did you have a mentor to guide you?

Unfortunately, I did not have anyone guiding me. I really wish I had someone, who had been through the admission process themselves. That kind of made it a little more challenging. But I was open to advise from people who had studied abroad which helped me understand their point of view as well.

7. How easy or difficult was getting a student Visa?

It was pretty simple, as just a couple of years ago, I had applied for a US tourist visa. So I was acquainted with the process. You first need to fill and submit the DS-160 form, and you need to present the form I-20 which you get from the university. These documents need to be supported by proof of funds, like bank statements.

8. Were there any college interviews?

No, Columbia has no college interviews.

9. When are you leaving for the US?

My program starts on 4^th August. I also have to attend the mandatory international students’ orientation. So I’m planning to leave after 20^th of July.

10. What are your expectations from this course?

The whole point of applying to universities abroad was the get that global learning experience. I’m looking for something that will help broaden my worldview and provide me with a balanced perspective, which will be helpful not only professionally but personally as well.

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