Embarking on a journey to study abroad is exciting, however, it doesn’t come without its challenges. There are certain mistakes you must avoid because navigating the admission process can be tiring, especially if you do not have proper guidance through the journey. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s important to avoid pitfalls. In this article, we’ll explore key mistakes to avoid when processing your admission abroad, thereby helping you embark on your international academic journey with confidence. For more informative articles like this one, subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
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Common mistakes to avoid when processing your admission abroad
We have outlined a list of possible mistakes you’re likely to make on your study abroad journey and how you can overcome them. They include:
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1. Only considering tuition fees while budgeting
One of the mistakes international students make while planning their study abroad journey is only considering the cost of the tuition fee, and working with it for their budgeting. When planning to study abroad, it’s important to get a near-accurate cost so that you can have a proper financial plan. There are other expenses you’ll have to settle on your study abroad journey. They include:
- Accommodation fee
- Transportation fee
- Feeding
- Book cost
- Application fee amongst other required expenses.
While budgeting and curating a financial plan to help with the cost of your education, also consider other additional expenses you will incur during your education. Additionally, tuition fees for a country might seem affordable while the cost of living will be high. It’s best to carefully weigh your options before deciding on an option.
2. Seeking admission for a master’s program with an incompatible bachelor’s degree
Pursuing a master’s program shouldn’t be an afterthought. While applying for a master’s degree, keep in mind that your bachelor’s degree must be compatible with your proposed course of study. Additionally, there are some courses you’ll be taking during your master’s which requires that you have taken the introductory aspect in your undergraduate years. This is to help you properly understand the subject. Keep in mind that you’ll only be able to pull this off if the course requirement allows you to submit your bachelor’s degree certificate like that, otherwise, it’ll be impossible to pursue a master’s degree in another field different from what you did in your undergraduate years.
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3. Improper calculation of your tuition fee
Sometimes, international students often need to understand the tuition fee information included on the school’s website. To avoid this, it is important to carefully go through the school’s website and conduct thorough research on the cost of the program and the other details about the program. Additionally, tuition fees are usually paid years or semester-wise depending on the instruction of the school. If the tuition fee for your school is paid yearly, you’ll multiply the amount required times the duration of your program to get the accurate amount you’re supposed to pay.
Additionally, fees differ for international and indigenous students. Ensure that you’re not planning based on the fees applicable to indigenous students rather than international students.
4. Not compiling your documents on time
This is another mistake to avoid while processing your application. While processing your application, it is important to note that your applications have deadlines. Hence, the importance of preparing before you even begin the process. Ensure you have gathered all the necessary documents you need and you have a properly scanned copy. This is to avoid any form of rejection or delay during the application process. Below is a list of possible documents that you might need during your application. However, keep in mind that the requirements differ based on the course, location, and the university’s requirements
- University certificate
- Academic transcript
- Resume/CV
- Language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, DELF/DALF and TCF-DAP (French) or the DSF and TestDaF (German), etc)
- Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT)
- Proof of financial support
- Personal statement/statement of purpose
- Letter of recommendation
- International passport
- Passport photograph
- Portfolio
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5. Giving up after rejection
Additionally, prospective international students often give up once they receive a rejection letter from the school they applied to. When applying to schools abroad, especially top-rated schools, remember that the schools will receive lots of applications. It will be more than the slots they have available. If you discover your application has been rejected or you did not secure admission at the first trial, don’t give up. You can continue to send in your applications.
Another thing to have in mind is that you can apply to more than one school at once. However, if the application requires tuition fee payment, it means you’ll also have to pay for it. If you cannot afford to do this, you can search for schools with free application fees and apply to them instead.
6. Refusal to apply for scholarships
Another mistake international students also tend to make is refusing to apply for scholarships because they feel they will not be granted. Keep in mind that, unlike university application fees, scholarships are free and do not require any application fee. They are also a good way to help with your education expenses as you do not need to pay back unlike student loans. While selecting a program option and a school, also look out for scholarships and apply for them. Remember, you will never get them if you do not try to apply.
7. Delaying your visa application
Furthermore, delaying your visa application is one mistake you should not make as a prospective international student. Once you have received your admission letter, start the visa application process immediately. Also, ensure you’re in constant communication with the embassy throughout the process so that it ends up being successful.
8. Neglecting to adhere to the application deadline
Again, when applying for admission to universities abroad, pay attention to the application deadline and ensure you submit your application before the deadline elapses. Submission of your applications after the stipulated deadline means that your application will not be considered and you will have to wait again for the next academic session. This is why it is always advisable to have all the requirements before you begin the application process so you do not delay and lose the application.
9. Making mistakes in your application
As a prospective international student, one of the mistakes you must avoid is making mistakes on your application. Ensure that all of the uploaded documents contain the right information without any form of error. If you’re to submit a personal statement, ensure it is devoid of grammatical errors and other forms of errors. Also, cross-check your application to ensure you uploaded all the right documents before you click on the submission tab.
Suggested: A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Study Abroad Program.
10. Failing to familiarize oneself with the new culture
Finally, one of the mistakes you should avoid as a prospective international student is ignoring the culture and possibly the language of your study destination. It is important to read up and familiarize yourself with people, food, language, and culture before you finally. This will help you adapt easily when you finally travel and you start schooling in the country.
In conclusion, doing proper research before you start your application process and seeking guidance from the right sources will go a long way in ensuring a hitch-free journey as you embark on your study abroad program.
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