Tag Archives: Study abroad

Study Abroad: Getting your transcripts

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This is the last post of the Studying Abroad series.

Most foreign universities will ask for your transcripts. Transcripts are official records of your academic performance, signed by your college registrar, sealed by your college and bearing your college’s official stamp. It is very important to remember that report cards are not substitutes for transcripts and will not be accepted by the foreign university.

The first thing you should do is look up the requirements on the foreign university’s website. How many transcripts do they need? Do they want your college to send it or can you collect them from the college and then send it yourself? What is the deadline for receiving the transcripts?

Visit your college and ask the office what the procedure is for getting transcripts. Don’t expect it all to happen in one day. You will probably be told the time and day that you can pick them up. Ask what they need from you (report cards, ID etc). At this point, you will probably have to pay for the transcripts in cash or be asked to bring a cheque the next time you come.  Continue reading →

Study Abroad: Taking the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, SAT, IELTS and other exams

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An important step in gaining admission to a US, UK or Australian school is taking a standardized test. This post highlights the steps to taking such exams, some challenges foreign students may face, and how to meet these challenges.

Which test should I take?
Visit the website of the school where you seek admission. You will find information on which exam(s) you are required to take.

What should I expect? 
Some of these exams test you on math and English, others only on your English language skills (vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening skills etc). There are some things you should know.

Format of tests: Most of these exams are computer-based or Internet-based. While US students are used to giving tests online, many Indian students may find this a new experience. When you study for the test, take as many practice tests as possible on the computer.

Content of tests: Sometimes, the English sections of the GRE and GMAT ask you to learn the meanings of a number of words with Greek or Latin roots. In the reading comprehension section, you may have to answer questions on topics you have never read about before such as American politics or American history. Additionally, the math may be a little different from what you have done before as well. Don’t be intimidated. Taking practice tests should familiarize you to the content. Try to read articles from American news sites such as the New York Times or the Washington Post, or read features from the National Geographic website. They will help you get the feel of American English, as well as expose you to different types of content.

Most cities have preparation classes that will help you study for the exam. Classes will familiarize you to the concepts and formats, but you must practice at home to really seal the deal. If you choose to not attend preparation classes, you can buy the necessary textbooks from your nearest bookstore or order them online. Continue reading →

Study Abroad: Getting your Letters of Recommendation

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I’ll be writing a series of articles on the experiences and challenges that International students face in order to get into an American university. Most things that American students take for granted such as the ease of getting letters of recommendation, ordering transcripts, and scheduling appointments for the SAT or GRE, can be downright painful for students in India or other countries.

Today’s post is on the challenges Indian students may face while trying to get their letters of recommendation for a U.S. university.

Here are some of them:

1. Conveying the importance of recommendation letters - Few Indian universities ask for letters of recommendation when you apply for admission, so your professors may not be aware of or understand the urgency of getting these letters to you.

Solution - Start early. If you know you will need someone’s recommendation in two months, ask for it NOW. In your email, stress on how important a good recommendation is to get into a university abroad.  If they do not reply in a week or so, try again. They may have missed your email.  Continue reading →