THE ULTIMATE CHECKLIST FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE APPLICANTS 2021
As an aspiring international student, the preparation is as daunting as the experience itself. It deserves your attention more than anything else because failing to take the first step in the right direction may close the doors for good. You will want to stay a step ahead with the paperwork and applications to steer clear of the last-minute glitches and a wasted academic year in a worst-case scenario.
Thankfully, the process can be less complicated than you may imagine, provided that you keep preparations on track. This year, things could be a tad different due to the coronavirus situation, so it makes sense to know the basics before you take the plunge and apply to universities at the destinations of your choice. Here is a checklist to get your study abroad plans in action in 2021.
1. GET THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS READY
To start with, you will need a long list of documents to go ahead with the college application process. The checklist may differ from college to college, but you must have some basics in place. These include letters of recommendation, transcripts, score reports from required tests such as SAT, ACT, IELTS, and TOEFL, and financial documents. You need to start collecting them well in advance because they can take longer than expected.
Admission tests and English language proficiency tests need to be taken in advance, while you must also know their validity periods. Many U.S. institutions have come up with new admissions requirements as the regular admission tests may not have been offered in some countries this year. International applicants must go the extra mile with research and connect with admission counsellors at respective universities to understand the updated requirements and align their documentation accordingly.
2. LEVERAGE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
While academics and admission tests are the mainstays of international admissions, you cannot overlook the value of extra-curricular activities. Experts highlight that applicants can leverage them to demonstrate their passion and commitment. The pandemic is a good opportunity to add to your portfolio with options such as remote volunteering, virtual internships, jobs, and tutoring during this phase.
While prospective students are still at home waiting for things to move forward, they can learn a new language or pick up an additional skill to enrich their CV. New skills help you develop your personality and prepare you to blend better in a global classroom once you are in an international university for the next academic year. While you take up extra-curricular activities, make sure that you have the documents and certifications to validate them.
3. FIND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TARGETED RECRUITMENT
Global recruitment is not the same for international students now, as it is happening virtually now, with online fairs, expos, and virtual visits from global university representatives. The best you can do is to take advantage and find the best university fit. Most colleges in the U.S. have daily information sessions, tours, interviews, and a lot more, and the best part is that you can access it all on your laptop or smartphone.
Even if you may not be able to land right away at your study abroad destination, you should make conscious efforts to reach out. Study abroad experts have a good piece of advice for aspiring students- there couldn’t be a better time to explore opportunities, and the competition is less intense right now with fewer international applications for universities this year. Extensive research can help you find the best fits and even scholarships for international students if you are lucky enough.
4. SEEK GUIDANCE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT
Even as having an educational consultant is optional for study abroad applicants, it may just put you in a vantage position in 2021. Things are a lot more confusing amid the changing circumstances and recommendations related to vaccine passports for boarding airplanes, COVID-19 accommodations, and campus openings and closures. Having an expert guiding you through the process will make you feel more confident and improve the chances of getting things done seamlessly.
You need a seasoned and well-informed international education specialist to help you get all the information you need for visa requirements, embassy norms, campus planning, and even safety concerns. You can also seek assistance from school counsellors, but personalised guidance always puts you in a better place, specifically during challenging times like this year.
Following this simple checklist will help you get a step closer to your study abroad dream in 2021, regardless of the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. Make sure that you have all the points checked before you go ahead.
If you are considering studying abroad this year why don’t you discuss your opportunities with Lurnable’s study abroad education counselling division at LurnPathways?
