The decision-making process that characterizes a transition phase in an academic career is often hectic and confusing. Such phases come when you are stepping up from one grade to another say, moving from a graduation to a post-graduation degree or from a doctoral to a post-doctoral one.
Once you have shortlisted the places you want to apply for, the next hard part is going through the admissions.
The admission procedure can come across as tricky especially if you are planning to move overseas for your higher studies. What has recently complicated this process, even more, is the coronavirus pandemic.
The pillars of the education system are almost as shaken as the other important infrastructural pillars on which society stands upright. But worry not as we have discovered the secret ingredient to success – adaptability.
The wisest way of navigating the admission procedure of the post-covid world is to be aware of the main changes so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.
The Virtual mode of correspondence
One of the major developments in the post-covid world is the online mode of communication. Schools and colleges have been operating through this mode of correspondence.
Although it comes with its drawbacks and is quite different from the offline experience, it is also the best possible solution the system could come up with.
Be it abroad or within the country, the mode of instruction is going to be online until institutions decide to call students back to campus.
Foreign universities have been focused on improving vaccination drives so that students can start being part of the campus again, and not just in spirit.
The physical journey of going abroad is an indispensable part of pursuing global education. But when you come to think of it, a maximum number of candidates deciding not to go abroad only means that the competition will increase within Indian academia.
Thus, it is advisable to go through the admission process instead of waiting for the next academic session.
Changes in dates & deadlines
At one point, everything had practically come to a standstill because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Although the spread of infections has not stopped completely, now things are once starting to look up as we officially enter the post-covid world. Universities are doing their part in facilitating the influx of international students on campus.
A lot of universities have decided to go easy on the rigorous process of standardized testing like language tests and so on, to lighten the burden for international students.
The pandemic has created a gap in academic sessions since colleges and universities had remained closed for months.
But even in the post-COVID world, a lot of universities have decided to postpone deadlines so that students can use the extended period to recover from the trauma of the infamous viral outbreak and prepare their applications peacefully.
Other forms of flexibility
Other than extending deadlines, universities are also offering waivers on application fees so that more candidates can have a go at it without having to worry about the expenses.
If you are worried that the academic curriculum won’t be as rich through the virtual mode, you might want to consider the webinars and online conferences universities are organizing to make up for the loss of on-campus experience.
Some universities have, in fact, organized webinars dedicated to explaining the application procedure including all relevant details about acquiring your student visa.
Online certifications & scholarships
Another rather new development that has diversified studying options for students is the introduction of many online certificate courses. These are often technical courses that might make you a better competitor than other applicants.
A lot of scholarships have also been devised to prevent underprivileged candidates from giving up on their dreams.
Now is also a great time to know more about which student loans are suitable for you. Start investing in schemes that will help generate the funds you will need for applying to universities and buying gadgets that will help you have a swift online experience.
FAQs
How can I increase my chances of getting into university?
If you are planning on global education, the pandemic might cloud your judgment regarding whether or not you should head out of the country at the moment.
No matter what the situation, the level of competition within academia is not going down. But the expenses of going to a different city or a foreign land to pursue education will only rise as time goes by. Know the right benefits made available for international students in foreign universities to make the best decision for yourself.
Which entrance exam should be taken if we want to pursue postgraduate courses in the US?
- English language entrance test: TOEFL or IELTS
- Entrance exams for MA and MSc: GMAT or GRE
- Entrance exam for MBA courses: GMAT
How do you write a good statement of purpose for studying abroad?
The only way to get into a top university abroad is to make your application unforgettable. This means working consistently on your scores and extracurriculars and creating a remarkable statement of purpose.
Avoid generic statements and quotes. Make sure your statement of purpose highlights all your achievements and your future vision.
Try to align your goals with the course you have opted for and the scholarship’s aim. By showing that your aims are aligned with the scholarship’s aim and your course, you can prove to the deciding committee that you are a desirable candidate.
How do you apply to universities worldwide?
The wisest way of navigating the admission procedure of the post-covid world is to be aware of the main changes so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.
One of the major developments in the post-covid world is the online mode of communication. Schools and colleges have been operating through this mode of correspondence.
Although it comes with its drawbacks and is quite different from the offline experience, it is also the best possible solution the system could come up with. Be it abroad or within the country, the mode of instruction is going to be online until institutions decide to call students back to campus
Conclusion
As the saying goes, time and tide wait for none. Similarly, it is not advisable to take gap years because of the pandemic, except in the case of emergencies.
If you are planning on global education, the pandemic might cloud your judgment regarding whether or not you should head out of the country at the moment.
No matter what the situation, the level of competition within academia is not going down. But the expenses of going to a different city or a foreign land to pursue education will only hike as time goes by.
Know the right benefits made available for international students in foreign universities to make the best decision for yourself.
