Studying abroad is a prestige and high quality of education, but it is also a tremendous amount of work, which begins from the moment when a foreign applicant decides to fill out an application to a foreign university. It seems that this is the easiest stage on the path of an expat to the dream, but it can also be easy to stumble and get bumps on it. We will tell you what mistakes foreign applicants often make, and how to avoid them.
I learned little about the mentality and cultural characteristics of the country and the university
It seems that in order to get to know the culture of the country and feel it, it is enough to watch a couple of films and listen to music in a foreign language. But in reality, everything is much more complicated, so insufficiently informed students from other countries may feel isolated and lonely surrounded by crowds of people in a new area. So, if possible, get to know the country in person and in advance before applying to a university and moving to the country! Sometimes ignorance of the mentality can also affect the correct filling out of documents for admission: someone likes excessively formal answers to detailed questions, and someone, on the contrary, appreciates the sincerity and creativity of future students.
This recommendation also applies to the universities that you are looking for future education. Many foreign universities and colleges offer year-round campus tours, so visit them too if you can. At the same time, you will be able to communicate with staff and current students to ask them questions that are not on the site.
Wrote one essay for several universities
If an applicant thinks that an essay is only a part of formal documents, then he is mistaken. Foreign universities are attentive to motivation letters of future students, sometimes they are even crucial when the commission chooses between several candidates. An essay is an applicant's explanation of why he chose this particular university, why he wants to study and live on campus here. Therefore, it is important to write personal letters for each university and college, reflect in the text their values and priorities that intersect with the interests of the future student.
If you write one letter for everyone, then it will look like a template and does not carry deep meanings. Such a text will not impress the commission.
I chose only one university to apply for
In the foreign system, the applicant has the opportunity to submit his application to several universities. It is foolish not to use such an opportunity and count on success in only one place! Even if an applicant wants to enter a particular university or college most of all, then you need to put emotions on the back burner and approach the issue with cold calculation: there are many applicants, but there is only one university. Especially if the university of your dreams is a popular institution with high ratings and competition. It is better to enter not the most desirable, but also good university abroad than not to get into any university at all.
In addition, some countries have a translation system, and you can also change universities after receiving a bachelor's or master's degree to get a more prestigious scientific status.
He was guided by university rankings, not his own interests
By the way, about rankings. This is a convenient tool for comparing and evaluating foreign universities when choosing a suitable place for yourself, but it is not the only one, so it is risky to operate only with facts from the compilers of the rankings. It is best to rely on your own interests and career plans, and not on the popularity and fame of the university.
Did not finish learning the language
A low language level will become noticeable at the stage of passing one of the international tests, for example, IELTS. Almost all universities accept foreign applicants only with the results of this test, so you will not be able to "slip through". Alas, foreign students often prepare for these exams on a residual basis, which is why they pass them with low scores and simply do not pass the minimum thresholds set by universities. So leaving preparation for a language test until the last moment is a bad idea that can cost an applicant a successful admission.
Late visa application, missed application deadlines, or filled them out incorrectly
In short, the type of these mistakes can be called as follows: missing deadlines. If in some situations it is possible to postpone important matters for a couple of days, then in the case of official documents at the international level, this will not work. Therefore, it is important to carefully study and fix the dates of applications for admission, scholarship programs, interviews at the consulate, etc.
You also need to carefully read the instructions for filling out all forms, otherwise you may miss important requirements or criteria by which applications will be assessed by university commission staff.
Underestimated financial spending
Alas, you have to pay for some dreams in life, and sometimes a lot of money. Studying abroad is a joyful and at the same time costly event in the life of any student. Even if a foreigner has entered a state-funded place at a university abroad, meals and accommodation in another country have not been canceled, so it is important to calculate the budget plan as carefully as possible in advance and assess your own capabilities for its implementation.
I decided to do everything myself, and did not turn to experts
Before spending a lot of money ahead, many foreigners want to save money on at least something that seems insignificant and simple to them, for example, on the correct filling out and submission of applications to universities. There are consultants who have been helping applicants to enter foreign universities for many years. Take advantage of their help = increase your chances of successful admission! The cost of this service will not hit your wallet much against the background of other expenses.
If you need help from specialists, contact Smapse for the first free consultation.
