Friday, March 30, 2018

Overseas Undergraduate Education @ Important Factors to be consider before deciding which universities to apply

Overseas Undergraduate Education @ Important Factors to be consider before deciding which universities to apply


Curating the college list

If you intend to send your child overseas for an undergraduate education, here are a few factors that are important to consider before deciding which universities to apply to

Before analysing the strengths and weaknesses of colleges, it’s imperative to assess your own. An objective appraisal of your child's profile will help you take a realistic view.

Grades are the first consideration for an admissions committee. So, start by using the child's GPA and class rank to gauge where he or she stands. Is it in the upper, median or lower percentile? If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask the school counsellor. Next, consider the standardised test scores. Most universities disclose GPA, SAT, ACT and IELTS averages for their past classes. This should give you a fair idea of what they're looking for. Applications are not always eliminated because of low grades, but it would be harder for a student with low grades to clear the first hurdle.

If you’ve taken on leadership roles within your community or school, initiated or participated in extracurricular activities, been recognised for your academics or social service with accolades — these will add value to your application to colleges in the US.

Academic concentrations
 
While overall university rankings often influence students and parents, it’s more important to determine where schools stand with respect to the student's intended area of study. An institution with a prestigious economics department may not be the best choice if the student is interested in physics. Be sure to visit the university’s web page and thoroughly research their offering. What are the required courses for the major? Do they have renowned faculty? Do they offer undergraduate research opportunities? While this is not an exhaustive list, these are questions you want to explore before committing to a school.

If you’re unsure of what you’d like to major in, start by identifying your general areas of interest. Review the course catalogue and academic requirements to get a sense of the possibilities.

School size; campus life
 
The size of a college is directly related to the academic and social experiences it offers. Large research universities offer virtually unlimited academic opportunities: more majors, more classes, more research facilities and funding. They also tend to have hundreds of student organisations, which allows students to participate in a number of activities — a student could join or start a club for everything from lacrosse to objectivism. However, this can also be overwhelming for some students. Students who don’t actively participate in class discussions or assert themselves in social settings may feel a little lost in the milieu.

Small schools, on the other hand, offer limited academic options but tend to excel in a few disciplines. With smaller class sizes, students may also benefit from individual attention and encouragement from their professors. Additionally, they may find it easier to secure leadership roles within student bodies on campus. From a social perspective, these usually have close-knit communities where students get to know their peers better. The intimacy of these relationships often reflects in strong alumni networks, which may help students after graduation. However, some may find the environment stifling.

Environment matters
 
When choosing a college, you’re picking a place to live for three to four years. So it’s important to ask yourself: do you feed off of the buzz of a city or the calm of a small town? Would you prefer to watch plays on Broadway or go on treks over the weekend? Your answers will help you identify whether you veer towards urban, suburban or rural campuses.

Another thing to consider is the climate. Studies show that weather can affect a student’s mood and level of motivation. If you have the time and means, the best way to address these concerns is to visit. However, taking virtual tours and speaking with current students and alumni will also help.

Tips for transitioning
 
When accepted, remember to: Reach out: Universities have several resources to help guide newcomers. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the expertise of the academic advisor, resident head, teaching assistants or student services, whether you’re feeling homesick or are unsure of how to frame your thesis.

Push the boundaries: Take a class in a subject you wouldn’t otherwise or join the frisbee team.

Be kind to yourself: When you make a mistake (everyone does), either in a social setting or during a midterm, don’t be too harsh on yourself. Don’t expect to figure everything out instantaneously — there’s a reason why college is a three to four-year process.

Source | Mumbai Mirror | 30th March 2018

Regards

Mr. Pralhad Jadhav 

Master of Library & Information Science (NET Qualified) 
Senior Manager @ Knowledge Repository  
Khaitan & Co 

Twitter Handle | @Pralhad161978
Mobile @ 9665911593

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