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
Mobile @ 9665911593
