Month 11: Build Your Study Abroad University Shortlist
Now start separating interesting universities from realistic options.
A good shortlist should not just contain universities you have heard about on social media.
You should look at:
- Course content
- Entry requirements
- Tuition
- Living costs
- Location
- Scholarship availability
- Accommodation
- Application deadlines
- Career opportunities
- International student support
For U.S. applications, requirements can vary from one institution to another. EducationUSA advises applicants to research the individual requirements of their chosen institutions.
For UK undergraduate study, UCAS allows applicants to apply to up to five courses in one application, although some courses have special rules and earlier deadlines.
The lesson is simple:
Don’t build your shortlist from university names alone. Build it from requirements and reality.
Month 10: Check Study Abroad Admission Requirements
Here, This is where your research becomes more serious.
Create a spreadsheet for every university you’re considering.
Record:
- Academic qualifications required
- English-language requirements
- Standardized tests, if applicable
- Application fee
- Application deadline
- Scholarship deadline
- Required essays
- Recommendation requirements
- Transcript requirements
- Portfolio requirements
- Visa considerations
This spreadsheet may look boring.
It may also save you from making a very expensive mistake.
For U.S. applications, EducationUSA notes that each application can involve different requirements, including recommendations, essays and standardized examination results. It also recommends collecting transcripts well in advance.
For UK postgraduate applications, requirements vary by course, and Study UK advises applicants to check the individual university or course website.
Month 9: Gather Your Study Abroad Documents
This is the month to stop saying, “I will get that later.”
You have to start collecting the documents you know you will need.
Depending on your destination and program, these may include:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificates
- Passport
- CV or resume
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- English-language test results
- Standardized test results
- Portfolio
- Evidence of achievements
- Financial documents
Contact your potential referees early.
A recommendation letter is not something you should request casually two days before an application closes.
Give the person enough time to understand what you are applying for and write something meaningful.
Month 8: Complete Your Study Abroad Tests
If your chosen universities require IELTS, TOEFL or another English-language examination, this is a good time to take it.
The important word here is if.
Don’t register for every test other applicants are taking.
Check the actual requirements of your universities first.
EducationUSA’s guidance also emphasizes taking admissions tests sufficiently ahead of the intended start date.
Giving yourself several months of breathing room is useful because an unexpected result does not have to destroy your application schedule.