What should Fall ’19 aspirants learn from Fall ’18?

Many students tend to cancel their scores at the last minute because they are disappointed with their performance or are unsure of their acceptance. You must realize that while a high GRE score is important, it is not the only deciding factor for your applications. Have faith and send your scores. You can still reach your target universities after polishing the rest of your application.

Besides, if you want to send your scores later, you must pay an additional $27 per report. Consult with an admission expert to understand how you can reach your dream university with your current academic profile!

After GRE:

• Take your TOEFL/IELTS:

Ideally, you should take your TOEFL/IELTS two weeks after your GRE so that you are done with your exams and focus entirely on your admission procedures. You will also score better because the English proficiency expected for TOEFL/IELTS is much easier than the GRE. The skills acquired in RC & AWA will help your Reading & Writing section particularly.

• Choose the right recommenders:

Most students tend to draft a generic LOR and ask any senior person, assuming the weight of the designation will do the trick. However, your LOR is scrutinized carefully before making the final call on whether you are a right fit for the university.

A Letter of Recommendation is a testament to your skills by someone who has supervised your work at close quarters. You must ensure that the person recommending you is fully aware of your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Your LOR must also clearly talk about your contributions, your personality, and your aspirations. Ask your project guides, professors, your supervisor or manager at work who have witnessed your work firsthand.

AdmitEDGE Admission Tip: You can make a remarkable difference if you send LORs from the respective alumni of your target university if possible, or any professor who has completed their higher education abroad.

• Prepare a Document Checklist:

Can you imagine the horror of losing out on an admit because you missed out on a single document? Once you have shortlisted the universities you want to apply to, scan their website for the documents required. Prepare an elaborate checklist. For example, Purdue University in West Lafayette requires its international candidates to send a Diversity Essay in addition to the SOP, for certain programs.

A checklist helps you follow a systematic approach to arranging all the documents you require such as transcripts, proofs, essays etc. Strike them off one-by-one as you collate each document for your final application package.

• Complete your admission process as early as possible:

Students generally tend to slacken after the GRE because they are unaware of the extensive procedures. They waste precious time to shortlist universities after their GRE, which ideally speaking should be done much earlier.

Many universities follow a first-come, first-served admit system or promise higher admit chances if you apply before priority deadlines. That’s not all, scholarship deadlines at most universities close much earlier than the final application deadlines.

Rounding up your admission process early enables you to apply early. Therefore, you stand a chance at clinching a top admit as well as a scholarship!

Just to give you a quick idea of the difference in deadline dates for scholarships and routine applications, consider this:

• Attend mock VISA interviews:

Getting a VISA is a simple enough process, as long as you are able to clearly mention :

1. your study goals
2. your plans for returning to your home country after graduation
3. having enough financial support for the duration of your stay.

However, this year, for Fall 2016, the number of visa rejections were quite high. The two main reasons for this sudden flurry of rejects is because :

1. Not choosing the right university for your profile: VISA officers assume that if you haven’t chosen the best university that fits your academic profile and aspirations, then you are planning on settling down. This makes them very apprehensive about offering a VISA.
2. Not having strong finances/lack of proper documents: VISA officers performed extensive background checks on students this year, especially regarding their financial history. They doled out healthy portions of VISA rejects to a lot of aspirants.

Also, your overall personality and how you carry yourself makes a huge difference. You must be very sure of your goals and resources to pursue them. But beware of appearing callous or over-confident.

Prevent such errors and stay prepared for the big day by attending mock VISA interviews. At the end of the day, honesty wins. Stay true to yourself and talk about your MS Dreams as passionately as you feel within.

AdmitEDGE Admission Tip: If you receive a visa reject due to unfortunate circumstances, ensure that you re-apply from the same embassy and get a visa approval. This will improve your chances of a visa success. Don’t be tempted to apply from another embassy based on rumours of better approval rates etc.

In summary, your GRE and admissions to top universities can be a smooth ride provided you are prepared for contingencies. Stay ahead by planning efficiently.

Do you have any questions regarding Fall ‘19 admissions?

Drop a comment and we’ll answer right back.