Aspire for admission to any of the best and most well-known universities in the world, such as Yale, Harvard, Oxford, or perhaps Stanford. You gave everything to be able to have the best possible grades. You even joined various organizations and programs to earn points for extracurricular activities. What you need to know is that studying abroad involves more than just having good records at school.
Before you start stressing about meeting the long list of requirements that every college requires, there are five things to consider. The first thing to do is decide if studying abroad is right for you. Although the idea of studying abroad sounds like a good adventure, you must decide if you are really ready for it. Remember that being abroad means being away from your loved ones and that you will be surrounded by new cultures and personalities. The most important thing is to find out why you want to study abroad. More than prestige, see if the opportunity can make you a better person.
The next thing to do before rushing to enroll in an admissions consulting company is to decide when and where you want to study. There are many outstanding universities, business schools, and MBA schools around the world that you can choose from. It’s best to narrow down your options by answering a few simple questions, like whether you prefer an English-speaking community or a foreign language. Also, find out if they prefer a rural or urban setting. You can also check out the reviews and do some Google searches to get an initial idea of the type of environment you want to dive into.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time for even more extensive research. Getting a high score on the SAT is only part of the entry requirements. Contact the university to find out its other requirements, as well as available study programs. Some of them may even have scholarship programs that you can take advantage of.
The next step is to talk to your support system. As the saying goes, no man is an island. While it is your life that is deciding, getting advice from the people you love and admire could help you finalize your decision. Saying yes to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like this is a huge milestone in your life and therefore needs to be thought through carefully.
Last but not least, make sure your finances are in the right place. Besides having to live alone in a world of strangers, studying abroad can be expensive. Look for financial aid programs if your resources are not enough to cover expenses. Once you’ve set up your tuition rate, it’s time to save for your personal budget.
