So, you have always been charmed by the prospect of a fancy foreign degree and studying in that particular country that you have always dreamt of. Haven’t you? More often than not, students get so fascinated and obsessed by the thought of a foreign degree and a particular country that they tend to ignore some vital considerations. Here’s a checklist for you to run a reality check on your decision.
- University Ranking
Don’t just go for a university simply because you have been selected in their academic program or just because it is in a location that fascinates you. Check the ranking of the university. This is a crucial indicator through which you can assess the rationality of your decision. University rankings reflect the overall academic environment including the pedagogical approach, quality of infrastructure, qualification of faculty and employment opportunities. Generally US News rankings are one of the most credible rankings. Even though those rankings are backed by a lot of research but making your decision solely on those rankings would not be wise. At last, do not rely on personal blogs for university rankings at all.
- The Credentials of your Foreign Education Consultant
This is a generally ignored aspect by many. With the ‘commercialization of education’, there is a deluge of institutions that boast of getting you through the top universities and virtually burn your pockets without a fruitful outcome! In many of these institutions, you will find such people assisting you, who themselves have never been abroad for their studies! Sign up with a genuine foreign consultant company and check the credentials of those assisting you through the process. A genuine foreign education consultant will not blindly make you select from the top 50 universities, but will shortlist universities for you in accordance with your GPA, standardised test scores, career inclination and your budget.
- Department Ranking
Along with university rankings, it is equally important to check the ranking of the department that you are applying for. When it comes to graduate school, department rankings overshadow overall rankings. It becomes all the more important for you to have a thorough knowledge of the department of your choice, if you are applying for a rare field like Oriental Medicines, Economic History, Archaeology etc .
- Recruitment Opportunities and Alumni Network
It is significant to know what all opportunities your chosen university has to offer you. For example, you might want to know whether the college aids in facilitating summer internships for students, or whether the college actively encourages students in assisting professors so that they may have research exposure. Assisting professors can also help you cover your living expenses. A robust alumni network can help you gain valuable advice and mentorship from ex-students.
- Accreditation
Many students, just frenzied by the idea of studying abroad, do not conduct a background check on the accreditation certificate of the university that they are choosing. This is a very important consideration if your university is a private university and is not very well known. Many foreign education consultants have tie-ups with certain universities, and they might try to coax you to choose that particular university. Of-course you don’t want to spend all that on a university that is not accredited! Not only you may not be able to transfer your credit to another university, it will also dampen your job prospects.
- Location of the University
Some universities might be tempting to apply to, but their location might not suit you. For example, if you are applying to Canada or UK, you must be mentally prepared to face the harsh winters. Geographical location of the college is more important than you may think. You are not going on a holiday tour, you will be staying there for a well extended time period!
- Cost of your education
The cost of your education will not only include your tuition fee, but also your living expenses. You have to balance the university ranking with the expenses that you will be paying for that university. For example, if university A stands on rank 85th, but offers you much more scholarship than university B which stands on rank 70, it will still be prudent to go for university A, unless of course you can afford those hefty expenses!
| About Skill Maestro
At Skill Maestro, We guide prospective students about the entire application process as well as suitable universities as per their profile/test scores. We have consulted dozens of prospective students for MIS across the globe. We have a physical presence in Indore where we also help students prepare for GRE, GMAT & SAT
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