What is the Application Process of Study Abroad Programs?
In today’s competitive world, it has become imperative to go abroad for masters in order to fortify one’s knowledge base, gain a global exposure and ensure a rewarding career. Going abroad for further studies requires a host of meticulous preparations and one of the most significant parts is the application process. Students must keep in mind that the application process is multidimensional and has several aspects that must be considered for smooth and hassle-free admission aspects of application process.
Preparation in advance different aspects of application process
International students often underestimate the amount of time required to apply for admission to a university abroad. Beginning the application process at the earliest is the best strategy. You need sufficient time to conduct a thorough and detailed research about the institution and the course that you wish to study. Starting well in advance ensures you meet the application deadlines of the chosen universities.
Admission requirements include personal statements and letters of recommendation from teachers or supervisors who know you well. University website and other academic sites provide access to the application forms; it takes time to research different options. You also need to set aside time to contact your professors for recommendations, arrange for transcripts, and sign up for the required entrance exams in order to meet application deadlines.
Setting an Application Timeline different aspects of application process
Setting an application timeline and strictly adhering to it will help you to meet application deadlines with ease. The plan should start 18 months before your application deadline.
18 Months before application deadline different aspects of application process
- Research various colleges and universities programs
- Register and prepare for required entrance exams.
12-14 Months before application deadline
- Choose the universities you wish to apply to
- Obtain all necessary information and forms for each school
- Take required entrance exams
10-12 Months before application deadline different aspects of application process
- Identify your recommenders and communicate your requirements to them
- Request transcripts from your college
- Write your personal statement
10 Months before application deadline different aspects of application process
- Retake entrance exams if scores were unsatisfactory
- Streamline financial documents
- Complete and mail applications
3 Months before application deadline
- Research about the health insurance options
- Make travel arrangements for when you arrive
Take Standardized Tests
Universities require students to take standardized admissions tests to demonstrate their knowledge and English language proficiency such as GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. These tests are a barometer to measure the skills and aptitude of students from varied educational backgrounds. Your performance in these tests will determine whether or not you get admission into your school of choice. To get a good score, you need to plan in advance when to take the test, prepare thoroughly and study well to do your best.
Credential Evaluators
University curriculum varies from country to country. Many universities who accept students from other countries need to verify the authenticity of the documents submitted. Universities may require you to submit your transcripts to a third party credential evaluator like WES (World Education Services). A credential evaluator like WES examines your credentials, evaluates as well as advocates the recognition of international educational qualifications and then translates the documents into your host country curriculum for review. The reason being that due to the diversity of applicants and their respective education systems, there is a need for a common ground for evaluating educational credentials.
Credential Evaluators offer three types of evaluations:
1. Course by Course Credential Evaluation
Documents required, in this case, include originals or certified copies of mark sheets.
2. Educational Credential Evaluation
The documents required in this case include originals or certified copies of original academic documents – diplomas, certificates and transcripts (indicating graduation date and major).
3. Professional Work Experience Evaluation
Students must submit certified copies of original academic documentation- diplomas, degree, certificates and transcript (indicating graduation date and major). A resume containing a description of job duties and responsibilities, start and end date of the projects, including tools and skills used and employer’s name and geographical location. Also, reference letters of employment from each employer, indicating job title, start date, end date, and job descriptions.
Student Visa diff
An F1 visa is issued to those students who wish to pursue an academic program at a US university. The F-1 visa allows for the possibility of employment in the US during your stay. Students having F-1 visa can remain in the US up to 60 days even after their course is completed, unless they have applied to get permission to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program. After you get favourable decision from universities you have applied to, take a final call on which college you want to attend. Once you receive your I-20, an official endorsement of your academic acceptance by the chosen university, you can apply for F-1 Visa. However, as per the US visa guidelines, visas cannot be issued more than 120 days before the programme start date indicated on your form I-20 received from the college you plan to attend.
Thus, if a student considers all the above aspects of the application process and is prepared well in advance, the entire process is bound to be smooth and lead to a timely admit to the student’s dream university. Being systematic and having a careful approach towards all the above-mentioned aspects will go a long way in reducing anxiety while applying to several universities and will make the admission process plain sailing.
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