Hundreds of students every year apply for international courses abroad in prestigious universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Cambridge, and others. However, only a lucky few manage to get in and actually pursue their desired program. Flying overseas to fulfill your academic dreams is a tedious task indeed. Don’t worry we are here to help; read on to know all about how Indian students can apply and secure a position in their dream universities.
Are You Qualified?
Each university has its own special eligibility criterion. Some places admit students purely on the basis of merit while others prefer selecting candidates via entrance exams and other tests. The universities choosing students on merit generally ask for the GPA or CGPA score and in some cases the percentage. The Grade Point Average or GPA calculates the student’s overall academic performance. It is important to note that the GPA grading followed by the Indian education system differs from the ones followed in international institutions.
Crack the Important Exams
Cracking the entrance exams is another way to secure a seat in the top universities of the world. Listed below are some of the important tests and exams that you can apply for if you want to get into a foreign school.
GMAT
GMAT is an exam that gets you admitted into a graduate-level management program such as BBA or MBA. It tests the analytical, quantitative and logical reasoning potential of the candidate, skills that are deemed practical in solving the real-life crisis in the business sector. A GMAT score is accepted in over 2100 international institutions in 114 countries that offer about 6000 management programs to choose from. Your GMAT score is valid up to 5 years, though a few business schools have their own specified criterion.
SAT
About 2 million students spread across 175 countries sit for SAT every year (the irony!). SAT is an entrance exam procedure used by many institutions of US and Canada to select candidates for undergraduate courses. The exam tests the candidates reading, writing, and mathematics. SAT is conducted a few times during the year generally in the months of October and December. There is no limit on the number of attempts a candidate takes in clearing the exam, though a few institutions consider the average of all your previous scores.
GRE
GRE is an entrance test for fresh graduates who want to pursue a master’s program in business studies, generally an MBA. It is mandatory for students to clear this exam to secure a place in the North American universities of US and Canada. The GRE revised General Test is conducted all year round in over 160 countries. Aspiring candidates can apply for the test anytime during the year and check out the study material for free from the official website.
TOEFL
TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is a standard exam to test one’s English proficiency and communicative skills. The exam is generally taken by non-native speakers and is used by the immigration office to issue residential and work visas. TOEFL scores are accepted in over 9000 colleges spread over 130 countries. Your test scores will be valid for 2 years; also, you can give the exam anytime of the year in the date set by the ETS, a non-profit organization.
Letters of Recommendation
Getting into a foreign university usually requires a few letters of recommendation from people and organizations you’ve worked with in the past. A reliable and established source vouching for your credibility can be a big bonus to your application. Letters of recommendation are mandatory for masters and PDH candidates. Generally a well-known figure or skilled professional issues the recommendations highlighting your skills and contributions in your field of study.
Statement of Purpose
Statement of purpose is a section in the application where you can state the reasons why you believe you’re qualified to join the university. Also referred to as the “personal essay”, this section is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their strengths and highlight the previous projects and programs they worked on. Here, you can also put in a request for financial support and concessions if you need help with the expenses.
Application for Financial Support
Most candidates usually submit a separate application requesting concessions and scholarships if they have a financial problem. The international universities have limited scholarship programs for foreign students that they can apply for.
The Bottom Line
Getting into a good university makes a whole lot of difference to your academic and professional career. The prestigious international business schools and universities not only offer excellent education programs but also include loads of professional and extra-curricular programs that contribute to the overall development of the student. For example- The Armory in Miami, Florida is famous for such events where big companies and universities come together and students get a chance to meet with top people and get easier chances for jobs. This improves their overall personality as well. This event space is managed by Sohostudiosmiami.com.
Magazine : 
