In a survey of international students in the United States in November 2008, the number of Indian students stood at a record 94,563*! So how do we go about short listing universities, applying and finally readying to board the flight to our university of choice.When you start putting together that application for admission to a programme in the US, keep in mind your competition from the Indian subcontinent and, rethink how you wish to project your unique qualities.Given that the requirements for admission to US programmes are most extensive, we focus on the most comprehensive set of requirements. While graduate education can be broadly classified in two main categories - master's and doctoral, this article discusses admission to master's programmes that offer advanced professional degrees such as the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or academic degrees, such as a Master of Arts or a Master of Science.Applying for admission to a graduate school is quite a time and effort intensive task it requires days and weeks of research and months for preparing the application.Basic areas you are evaluated upon Academic background: You are required to furnish your undergraduate results. The reputation of your college, the rigour of the programme and your performance in the same - all impact the decision.Test results: Business schools look at the GMAT score as a tool to evaluate your standing in a global pool of applicants while other graduate programmes use the GRE score. Over the years, many schools have waived off the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for Indian applicants. However, there are a fair number of programmes that require you to demonstrate your English proficiency by taking one of the two tests.
Work experience: There are many reasons for applying for an MBA - to enhance one's skill set, to develop an international perspective, gain a network of collaborators, to effect career change, etc. It is a degree designed to enable you to develop your career to its fullest potential, at an accelerated pace. Hence, most good MBA programmes require work experience between 2 to 5 years, depending on the school. The relevance of your work experience is also important. Academic programmes do not demand work experience but having research experience or internship in the relevant area would help your application.
Ability to contribute: Schools are keen on students who present a well-rounded background and demonstrate the willingness and ability to contribute to the programme. Leadership and team skills, integrity and ethics, initiative and innovation, focus, determination, goal-orientation, etc. are some of the key traits that business schools look for.How do you select schools that would lead you to your goal?
Determine which type of programme you want to pursue and then look at your options for applying to particular schools in terms of curriculum, cost, exposure, career growth opportunities, diversity, etc. It is important to determine what the prerequisites of various programmes are. For a professional degree, work experience or overall academic preparation are often as important as specific coursework. For a research degree, however, there are always areas of subject matter and certain skills that you must have mastered at the undergraduate level. Prerequisites for the sciences are very specific. Ensure that you have the academic preparation for the programme. Also, if a school requires the TOEFL score, it is unlikely that it will consider your application to be complete unless your score arrives. Schools do not consider incomplete applications.
Type of programme: The most important factor should be how well the graduate programme of an institution fits your specific interests, academic background, and goals. Although a university may offer a doctorate in your field, it may not have a programme in the branch of that field that interests you. Your application for a graduate degree is evaluated and you will be recommended for admission by the department and its faculty members, not the central admissions office. Therefore, familiarise yourself with the school and programme. For academic graduate programmes in particular, it is the relevance of your background with the focus areas in the department which will help you score on the applications. If you are specifically seeking funding, contact the professors and familiarise yourself with their work.
Duration of the programme Graduate programmes are generally of one to two years' duration. The major advantage of a one-year programme is its duration which reduces costs. Two-year programmes allow more time for extracurricular and community service experiences, as well as internship opportunities between the first and second years. Being in a two year programme allows you more time to develop relationships with your fellow students, alumni and faculty. When choosing between the two, see how schools balance these issues and create opportunities.
If an academic graduate programme (MA or MS) has a research component, it most likely is of two years' duration. MBA programmes are of two years duration in the US while European programmes are of one year duration or even less! One-year programmes may be more suited for those already on their career paths, candidates with undergraduate degree in business, and those who are specializing in a niche area. Two-year programmes may be better suited to those looking for a complete MBA experience, including opportunities to get involved outside the classroom, and for those who want to gain experience outside of their current careers.
Cost of the programme Given the conversion rates, education abroad can be a rather expensive process. Make sure that the schools on your list match your budget. You cannot hope to make money while in school. US laws are rather stringent and for the first nine months of your study in the US, you are allowed to work on-campus only. Realistically speaking, you cannot make enough money to cover even a fourth of your tuition expenses! Look for programmes that offer scholarships and assistantships to international students. Be very critical when evaluating yourself - the criteria for awarding financial aid is certainly much more stringent than that for offering admission.
MBA programmes offer fewer scholarships than academic programmes though the best programmes guarantee loans at low interest rates.
Accreditation Ensure that the programme is accredited - preferably by a national accrediting agency. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in the US accredits Science and Technology programmes. For the MBA, in the U.S., look for AACSB and in other parts of the world, for the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System founded by the European Foundation for Management Development) as a minimum standard for an MBA accreditation.
Location Please research to find out whether you would be best served by studying in the US, Europe or any other part of the world. This decision will be driven by your preference for employment opportunities, your desire for a particular kind of life experience if you plan to return to where you currently live, your geographic flexibility, the global perspective and learning environment of the programmes, and the overall reputation of the programmes you are considering.So, what does the application process entail?
For admission to programmes beginning fall 2010 (August/September 2010), application deadlines would be late September this year. You would normally apply to multiple schools to increase your chances of admission and each application would add to the complexity of the operation.
Applying to schools is quite an extensive, time consuming, effort-intensive and expensive process. Since your application is your marketing tool, presentation is very important. While most of you would be very qualified and articulate, you will not get the opportunity to convey this in person. The only opportunity to impress someone in an interview only comes through after they have completed a review of your application. Hence, it is critical to make the best impression by excellently packaging your information such that it highlights your strengths and camouflages your weaknesses. This is easier said than done. However, it is always advantageous to start early.
A tentative schedule for applications to fall 2010 semester
June 2009
Complete taking the required tests - the GMAT for MBA admissions and the GRE for all others. If the TOEFL is needed, it is better to schedule it in summer as exam dates become harder to find in the August to December period (the main application period).
July 2009
Shortlist schools. Apply to multiple schools to improve your chances of admission but restrict to a number such that the quality of your application does not suffer. After all, you have finite time. Generally, ten schools (eight for MBA) are a good number to apply to. Select at least two 'safety' schools where you are quite confident of being admitted, based on the profile of admitted students and your preparation. Keep at least three 'reach' schools that you aspire to and the remaining must be realistic schools.
Watch out
Academic preparation: Some schools demand that your undergraduate education be in a specific field yet others demand that certain prerequisite courses should have been completed at the undergraduate level. Also, US schools have some restrictions regarding the number of years of formal study. Indian students, barring engineers, architects, doctors, and a few others, generally boast of fifteen (10+2+3) years of study. US programmes require 16 years of study as their undergraduate degrees are of four years duration. Some programmes will accept the completion of one year of a master's programme as the 16th year of education many require that you complete the master's programme in India to be eligible.
Test requirements: Some programmes have very specific requirements vis-à-vis test scores in the verbal and quantitative areas. Also, there will be programmes requiring specialized knowledge of certain subject areas and will mandate that you take the subject GRE test in that specific area. Unlike the GRE, these tests are held only thrice a year - in April, October and November. Hence, register ahead of time and prepare well to ace the subjects. A good score can help supplement a not-so-stellar academic record.
Resume Create a detailed Resume that contains a good representation of your academic, research and professional activities along with a mention of honours, awards, community engagement and extra-curricular activities. Business schools will often lay down a format for the Resume that must be adhered to.
Transcripts Since you will be asked to submit an official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution you have attended, regardless of whether you received a degree from the institution, start the process now. A few schools may accept your copy of the transcript but you will need to eventually furnish them with an official transcript.
Identify your recommenders: Graduate academic programmes require recommendations written by your professors. Identify professors who have taught you courses in the area that you would be applying to and are sympathetic towards you. Ensure that they have your detailed and updated résumé so that your recommendations are comprehensive. Many recommendations now have to be submitted online. So ensure that you know what the requirements for each recommendation are.
Start work on your essays: Depending on the programme you are applying to, the number of essays could vary from one to six! MBA applications generally require essays that run the gamut - from a simple personal statement about your reasons for pursuing an MBA to a whole slew of essays on a variety of topics such as 'describe a personal failure,' or 'explain how you will bring diversity to the class'. Keep in mind what the essays are intended to accomplish. A well-written essay will highlight your strengths and acknowledge your weaknesses to give the admissions committee a thoughtful look at who you are. Discuss the content with friends (especially those not applying for admission!). Always, remember to proofread.
August 2009
Create a schedule for the applications. Different schools have different deadlines. So start by working on those due first. Business schools often have multiple rounds of admission. But it is a good idea to meet the first round, if possible. This allows you ample time to schedule interviews.
Start working on the online applications. Never be in a hurry or distracted as you could cause irreparable harm to your application. Schools have divergent requirements and it is a good idea to read through the various parts of the application to avoid any undesirable surprises. You have the facility to save your work after every session. So work in an organized manner and double-check each entry before submitting. Continue working on your essays.
Send your scores to the schools.
September 2009
Start putting together all the components of the application. Keep in mind that you would need a credit card to pay the application fee. Put together all paper documents that have to be sent by post/courier (this is recommended as it helps you track packages) because this will have to be received by the school within the deadline. While an online document reaches its destination in a moment, snail mail takes longer and can be unpredictable. Keep in mind that internet traffic increases exponentially as you get closer to deadlines. Hence, it is always a good idea to post applications online at least 2-3 days ahead of the deadline, if not earlier.
October Through December 2009
Continue working on applications and submitting them. Keep in mind that '...the early bird gets the worm!' Alongside, check that the school has received your packet and it is complete in all respects. Start scheduling interviews, if necessary, else await invitation from schools.
January 2010
Admission decisions will start coming in. A successful application would mean that you will have to put down some deposit to reserve your place. This is often non-refundable. So view your offers and judiciously place your deposit. A waitlist often translates to sending the school some additional information in the form of an update. Do not give up this additional opportunity to impress the school of your intent to attend their programme.
In conclusion, the process of applying to graduate programmes abroad requires effort, determination and commitment. As in life, there is no shortcut to success in the application process. Admissions officers are trained to detect trends be original, be diligent and remain focused through the process.'Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.'