Choose a university for “clothes”
Over the past millennium, the world has acquired a large number of prestigious colleges and universities that provide high-quality education of specialists, but traditionally they are considered to be the strongest in only one (at best, several) areas. The legendary Harvard has a powerful business school, Christ Church, where the scenes of the film about the wizard boy Harry Potter are shot - this is the cradle of future successful politicians; advanced technology in IT and engineering will be taught in the American MIT. When choosing a university, be guided by a future profession: the educational program of identical faculties in different universities varies significantly.
Choose a course or university, not taking into account geography
Not everyone loves the scorching sun or frosty Christmas, but climatic extremes are contraindicated for someone. When choosing an educational institution where you will spend more than one month, remember that the city has its own rhythm and atmosphere. Fans of the big city lights yearn for in the fields of New Zealand, and when traveling to Australia, take a hair straightener - the tropics can surprise your body.
Inattentive reading of entry requirements
There are no trifles in this case: IELTS will not be accepted instead of the TOEFL result, and selected faculties and specialties also make additional requests to the main list. Documents and notarial letters under the terms of a number of universities must be translated and certified by a notary. It may happen that the translation is rejected: then write the recommendation in the original in English and forward it in a sealed envelope with the author's signature at the place of gluing. Universities have different requirements, so the option of creating and sending out identical packages of documents is not suitable: only an individual approach. The absence of a single signature may cause a refusal.
An essay and a motivation letter to postpone in the end
Do not think that an essay is an easy genre. With a small volume, the work should deeply reveal the author, each idea presented should be fully described and supported by arguments. Several superficial works can be written, but our goal is to intrigue the selection committee, which carefully analyzes the essay.
A motivation letter is a responsible task: it is not enough to name oneself and tell about plans and fantasies. On its pages you should answer the questions that may arise for members of the selection committee: what have you already achieved on the way to your dreams, what goals do you set on your professional path, why did you choose these universities and specialties to achieve them? Individual faculties or MBA schools offer to write a motivation letter in the form of an interview. Approach the style of presentation with all seriousness: fiction, playful form are unacceptable.
Lie on admission
A motivation letter is written personally, but teachers should ideally be the authors of letters of recommendation. An applicant can write them on his own and enlist only the signature of a guarantor, but it will not be difficult for an experienced member of the commission to identify the author. Follow the principle of honesty and openness.
Serve for several specialties in one university
By submitting documents for different specialties within the same university, you will not create the best impression by demonstrating uncertainty about what you want to do. A negative answer is likely even with formal compliance of documents with all requirements.
Lack of time management
In the calendar of an applicant entering abroad, there are always several marks with a red marker. Make a clear diagram of the deadlines. For example, in the UK they accept documents through the convenient reception service UCAS, which conducts three admission campaigns: until October, until January and until March, but these are conditions for residents of Europe. The remaining countries submit applications on other dates from September to June. Cambridge and Oxford set their schedule.
A language test is taken at a specific place and time, there is also a time frame for applying for tests. Going to an American university, pay attention to the deadlines for SAT. An application for a scholarship to a university or an external fund is sometimes necessary to submit one year before admission.
Forget about the main study in the bustle of admission
Having objectively good prospects for going abroad, one should not forget about daily activities. To enroll, you must complete ongoing studies with decent grades in order to produce a high average mark.
Hope that the language itself assimilates during studying
Weak language skills require hard work - even TOEFL students are experiencing language barriers. The best option is vacation English courses in the country where your future university is located. The linguistic traditions of states differ: for example, in India there are many English schools, but they speak “Hinglish” on the streets, and “Singapore” is widespread in Singapore - dialects are difficult for beginners to understand.
Do not include entry fee
The entry fee varies from 15 to 150 $ / €. Non-payment is a sufficient reason for refusing to accept documents.
If there is not enough time to study and comply with numerous requirements and conditions, contact a specialist! SMAPSE experts will help you to draw up a full package of documents in one or several universities, tell you how to write an essay or a motivation letter, take on organizational matters and time management.
