4 tips to make your study abroad dream a reality

While international student applicant numbers are consistently increasing, admission rates are decreasing, proving it more challenging to enter the U.S. higher education system today. Even as more U.S. universities are internationalizing, the selection process is becoming more competitive. There are many factors that grant international students a spot in a U.S. university, therefore, students need to be more well-rounded than ever and less reliant on their scores than before.

 Photo by Elisa.rolle [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. higher education market is not as heavily focused on test scores and grades as countries like the U.K. and Australia are. U.S. universities are also looking for candidates who engage in extracurricular activities and community service. Students must really make themselves stand out and highlight what they can bring to the university not only academically, but socially as well.

If you think you don’t have what it takes to be admitted to a U.S. university or have been rejected on your first try, here are some tips to consider for your next round of applications.

1. Consider your options

International students tend to hear more about U.S. Ivy league schools or schools in largely populated, metropolitan U.S. cities. They learn about these schools through media and never really get to know many of the other great schools and programs around the country. Ivy league universities are extremely selective and have very low acceptance rates so applying to lesser-known schools will give you a better chance of getting accepted. Universities and colleges that are not located in the most populated cities, such as the Northeastern region, tend to get fewer applicants from international students. Therefore, it would be in the best interest of the international student to apply to these, not necessarily smaller, but lesser-known schools. For a student who wants to get professional experience during their time at university, Drexel University has something called a “Co-operative education” program where, rather than spending a term in the classroom, you can get real-world experience with a full-time job in your field. The great news is that this opportunity is afforded to international students, granted they obtain proper work authorization. If you’re looking to get a degree from a top New York university, but don’t want the permanent hustle bustle of the city, SUNY at Stony Brook (located in Long Island), is rated one of the U.S.’ top 40 universities and is located only a short train ride away from the big city! The majority of U.S. higher education institutions have internationalization on their radar and many are still at low numbers of international student enrollment. There are also advantages of going to smaller schools especially when it comes to smaller class sizes, and a more personalized experience. You can find a list of 50 underrated, but great schools in up and coming cities around the U.S. that will most definitely fit the description of what you’re looking for in a university, on and off campus.

2. Get over the financial barrier

First of all, if you are an international student who doesn’t need financial aid, this is something that needs to be expressed in your application because it is much more difficult getting admitted as a student who requires financial assistance. It is suggested that international students who require financial aid should begin by researching universities who offer financial aid to international students before applying to universities that do not. On the other hand, some U.S. universities have what is called “need-blind” admission policies. This means that they do not consider applicants’ financial situation when deciding whether or not to accept them. In some cases, schools will only offer need-blind admission with no promise of financial aid, but there are also schools with “full-need pledges” attached to their admission policies. The most recent to be added to the list of need-blind schools, is Massachusetts-based college, Amherst. It is even possible to study in the US for free if you research your options.

3. Familiarize yourself with standardized tests

   Photo by Gnarlycraig [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Standardized tests are structured very differently from tests in other countries, therefore, it’s important to familiarize oneself with the test before taking it. Taking practice tests can really increase your performance and speed on the day of the actual exam. Make sure to take the exam within enough time to receive the results before the application deadline. Give yourself at least 3 months for paper-based exams and 2 months for computer-based exams. If you’re dissatisfied with your results, you can retake the test so make sure to take this into account and register very early. Become familiar with the GRE before you begin studying.

4. Overcompensate for standardized exams and TOEFL scores

First of all, do your research and decide which exams are right for you. If you are planning to attend a university in the U.S., you will definitely want to opt for the TOEFL exam, whereas if you plan to study in the U.K. or Australia, the IELTS will be a better option for you. Check out a detailed description of both here: TOEFL vs. IELTS: The Big Decision. If you didn’t do so great on either of these exams, don’t worry, you still have your chance to make a great impression through your personal statement and/or letter of interest. It is so important to set yourself apart from others on personal statements so the school can get a better idea of what type of student you will be and how you will fir in and adjust to the classroom. Use some of our tips on how to set yourself apart when applying to schools abroad.

The most important thing is to not get discouraged or give up on your dream of studying abroad just because you didn’t get accepted to a top U.S. university or college. You can get a superior education at many U.S. schools and should never limit yourself to only the most well-known. It would be helpful if you took some time to think about what is important to you in the city where you will be living and studying and spend some time researching the environment and lifestyle of a variety of U.S cities. You may find that a less traditional city has more to offer and is more appealing for the lifestyle you are used to back home. For example, if you have your heart set on studying at an Ivy League school in New York City, but are someone who is happiest living close to nature, you may want to consider other great schools (check out northern New York state) that fit your personality so that you will be able to get the most out of your new city. It’s worth exploring your options. Studying abroad will not only impact your career, it will change your life and the way you view the world, so make sure you choose a program and city that that is right for you.