The process of applying abroad can be lengthy. This is why one should start well in advance.
There are certain essential aspects that a student should keep in mind while applying abroad. Many colleges have their own set of terms when submitting documents or given tests for applying. So you need to do your research well and compile a list of things you need to tick mark to complete your application.
While different colleges can have different terms, there are specific common points that are essential to the process of applying abroad. Here is the list compiled for you :
Entry Requirements
Any course has specific basic requirements when you decide to apply for them. This, of course, varies from institute to institute and across the different courses. These documents and scores qualify a student to apply for the programs. So you need to know every one of these conditions and take note of them to have a complete application to submit to your desired college.
1. Academic Qualification
The first and foremost documents you need to get are your previous education qualifications. If you are applying for an undergraduate program, you need to have the mark sheet/ final scoresheet transcript. If you are applying for PG, you need to have your final passing grades/scoresheet from your undergraduate ready to present. Sometimes if you need to apply in advance and the mark sheet is not yet given to you, you can request your institution provide you with a provisional transcript that acts as a temporary document until you receive your final one. This helps you apply for your course without missing its deadline for applying late.
Whether these marks hold value for the college you are applying to depends on the college and the course you wish to study. Sometimes colleges have their entrance exams, and those marks matter more. Nonetheless, your previous scoresheet is something every college looks at, irrespective of whether it is to be considered or not!
2. Admission Test
Some of the most popular international entrance exams are GMAT, GRE, SAT, LSAT and MCAT. Note these are not mandatory for all colleges, but most colleges require you to take them.
- GMAT( Graduate Management Admission Test): This exam is for the management aspirants who want admission to business colleges. Usually, GMAT scores range between 570–580. However, top schools like to have at least 700 as a minimum score.
- GRE ( The Graduate Record Examination): Popular amongst the Indian students who wish to study in the US or Canada. It is a standardised test that measures mathematical, verbal and general analytical skills. It is a requirement for many courses, especially engineering and the sciences, in the US.
- SAT ( The Scholastic Aptitude Test): is usually required to enter some universities in the US. The SAT is conducted by the College Board of the United States of America and is held seven times a year. Most of the other countries also follow the exact dates.
- MCAT ( Medical College Admission Test ) and LSAT ( Law School Admission Test ): these tests are compulsory for studying medicine and law, respectively, in the US.
3. English as a Foreign Language
- TOEFL( The Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS ( The International English Language Testing System): these two tests are widely taken by students to showcase English Language Proficiency. The majority of the universities and colleges accept TOEFL scores, including the top 100 in the UK, Canada, US, Australia and New Zealand. The IELTS is compulsory for Indian and other non-native English speakers.
Supporting Documents
Besides the essential documents mentioned above, the additional supporting documents you need to add value to your application are added.
1. CV and Portfolio
Your CV and portfolio let the college know all the skills you’ve learned, the kind of work experience you have, and what you wish to do in life. You can include the internships you have done, the courses/ certifications you have undertaken and other achievements that talk about who you are and what you are interested in.
2. SOP and LOR
- Statement of Purpose( SOP) is a document that colleges tend to ask. This holds immense value in your overall application. This statement tells the college how serious you are to want to pursue your dreams and why you have chosen that particular college. So take your time, write it well and articulate each thought clearly. This is your main shot to tell the college why you are a good student for them!
- Letter of Recommendations( LOR) are letters you get your professors/teachers or mentors who have tutored/taught you to write for you. As the name suggests, these letters tell your future colleagues the kind of student you are and why you would be a good fit for them and mention any opinions/views they have on you in a positive light.
Visa Process
Once you have applied to your desired colleges abroad, start working on the visa process of that country. Different countries can have different processes and rounds of granting visas but what is common is that you need to start the visa application process well in time. You can do cold research while your applications have been submitted, and you can in full force apply for the visa once you receive the offer letter from the college you wish to go to. Your admission is confirmed once you receive your visa and pay the initial required fees!
Besides these points, prepare yourself a checklist and write down every requirement to complete your application to the college you wish to study abroad!
