FAQs
FAQs
Objectively, a good GRE/GMAT score is one that is competitive with the average scores of admitted students in your desired program. However, to know if your GRE/GMAT is high enough, you have to take into account other aspects of your profile. If your CGPA is below average and you have little or no professional experience, then a high GRE/GMAT score can help you offset the other gaps in your profile. On the other hand, if you have a high CGPA and have garnered extensive professional experience, then even average GRE and GMAT scores may be fine for you. (Link to Retaking the GMAT blog)
Opting for a STEM program in the US can provide students with a wide range of opportunities and advantages, making it a popular and rewarding choice. Choosing a STEM program not only opens up more research and career opportunities, but also means that you will be eligible for an additional STEM Optional Practical Training period to work in the US for an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months (3 years).
To know how you can benefit from a STEM program, while applying for an H1 visa, read more here. (Link to STEM blog)
Simply put, this depends on the specific requirements of the program you are choosing to apply for.
TOEFL is great if you want to take up a program only in the United States. IELTS works here too but is more widely accepted in countries like Australia, UK, Canada for example.
When determining which exam to take, it’s crucial to take into account the criteria set by the institution or organization you are applying to. Some organizations may accept either exam, while others may only accept one. Both exams are acknowledged and valued, and selecting the appropriate one for you is dependent on your personal circumstances and objectives.
Some top universities also offer waivers based on academic background and profile. Most significantly, top B-schools offer English Language proficiency waivers if you have completed your undergraduate program with English as the official language for instruction. Read more.. (Link to IELTS vs TOEFL v PTE blog)
Yes! Even though it completely depends on your shortlisted universities, many universities are now offering waivers for standardized tests in many programs being offered. You can secure a waiver based on your academic credentials and/or work experience. It is important to shortlist universities that have a test optional or test blind policy, while also reaching out to others, requesting a waiver.
In particular, for undergraduate students, many universities initially chose to waive SAT requirements in response to the challenges that students faced in taking the test during the pandemic, including test center closures and health concerns. Some schools may also believe that the SAT is not an accurate measure of a student’s academic ability or potential and thus have waived the requirement altogether. (Link to SAT waiver blog)
Definitely. However, keep in mind that different universities and countries view gap years in a different way. For example, universities in the US are quite liberal and want to understand more about your reasons for taking the gap year. This could be medical, family or personal reasons, or a sabbatical. On the other hand, universities in Canada can be rigid about the gap year and academic requirements. We believe that if the gap is treated properly and the reasons for taking it are articulated properly through narratives about experiences garnered during the gap period, including volunteer activities, leadership engagements, or travel, most universities will be receptive to your profile.
EdElevate experts help you bridge the gaps in your experience and profile. We achieve a well rounded candidature through profile building exercises and thoroughly analyzing your journey.
Thus, for applying to top universities matters is your experience. We recommend scheduling a discovery/strategy session with our counselors to get your profile assessed and know your options. (Link to Profile Building blog)
It is usually never too early to start. It is crucial that you invest time in your application and profile. The process involves a lot of self-introspection and self-reflection to bring out the best in you. Remember, haste makes waste! We recommend you start at least 18 months earlier than the intake you want to go for. This would allow you to spend ample time working on your profile, figuring out areas of improvement, and working on them. Besides these, it is critical to spend time on admissions essays as they are a thinking test that requires structured thinking and investment of ample time. Even if you have everything sorted, it’s a good idea to have a buffer to avoid last minute hassles, like waiting for a referee who is occupied elsewhere and may delay the application at the last minute.
EdElevate’s Early Stage Planning Program is designed just for this purpose as we believe planning is the key to victory. (Link to ESPP package)
It is usually never too early to start. It is crucial that you invest time in your application and profile. The process involves a lot of self-introspection and self-reflection to bring out the best in you. Remember, haste makes waste! We recommend you start at least 18 months earlier than the intake you want to go for. This would allow you to spend ample time working on your profile, figuring out areas of improvement, and working on them. Besides these, it is critical to spend time on admissions essays as they are a thinking test that requires structured thinking and investment of ample time. Even if you have everything sorted, it’s a good idea to have a buffer to avoid last minute hassles, like waiting for a referee who is occupied elsewhere and may delay the application at the last minute.
EdElevate’s Early Stage Planning Program is designed just for this purpose as we believe planning is the key to victory. (Link to ESPP package)
It is usually never too early to start. It is crucial that you invest time in your application and profile. The process involves a lot of self-introspection and self-reflection to bring out the best in you. Remember, haste makes waste! We recommend you start at least 18 months earlier than the intake you want to go for. This would allow you to spend ample time working on your profile, figuring out areas of improvement, and working on them. Besides these, it is critical to spend time on admissions essays as they are a thinking test that requires structured thinking and investment of ample time. Even if you have everything sorted, it’s a good idea to have a buffer to avoid last minute hassles, like waiting for a referee who is occupied elsewhere and may delay the application at the last minute.
EdElevate’s Early Stage Planning Program is designed just for this purpose as we believe planning is the key to victory. (Link to ESPP package)
Fret not! We understand how important a well-rounded candidature is. EdElevate’s Gap Identifier Approach is specifically designed for this and helps us gain insights on what areas can be improved and how.
Not only do extracurriculars help you in distinguishing yourself, they will also make your case more compelling. The admissions committee loves a well-rounded candidate who would be able to contribute positively to their classroom and campus. (Link to profile building blog)
Ofcourse! But keep in mind that not all universities and programs are open for Spring intakes. Thus, applying for Spring depends on your chosen field and interest. (Link to Spring vs Fall blog)
A good resume/CV is one that is comprehensive, concise, and easy to read. (Avoid repetition of information and an outdated format!) To achieve this, what’s crucial is to understand your journey and include all your significant achievements (professional, academic, volunteer work, hobbies, etc.) for the admissions committee (AdCom). Including achievements, instead of your roles and responsibilities, will help the AdComs understand your impact on the organization or team in a better manner. Assess and reassess your resume/CV and if you believe that it has all you want to convey to the AdCom, when you have successfully achieved a good foundation; your story and your resume/CV will definitely be unique and good enough. (Link to Resume blog)
A good referee is not just someone who is in a senior position, but someone who has had adequate opportunity to observe your skills at work and see you grow.
Simply put, when it comes to an academic recommendation, then look for teachers you have a good rapport with. If you need a professional recommendation, you may request one from a senior who has supervised you directly during your work and observed your development. (Link to LOR blog)
Your SOP and/or essays are perhaps the most crucial among the admissions documentation. They represent you to the admissions committee and thus have to be comprehensive and concise. We believe that the SOP is your thinking test, and not a writing test. Thus, the first step should always be brainstorming. Think back and introspect on your experiences to understand what has been significant in your journey. Then, the first goal should be to get everything out on paper and prepare a comprehensive write up. Once you are satisfied with the content, go for a structural analysis, editing and polishing, to finally create a compelling narrative. (Link to any SOP blog)
The specifics of video essays and interviews vary from one university to another and thus are tough to categorize. But, some of EdElevate’s top tips include thoroughly analyzing your resume, being on top of the university ecosystem, understanding your experiences in detail and crafting narratives around themes like leadership, success, failure, negotiations, etc. You can be asked a million things and it is impossible to script an answer (we don’t recommend it either!). But, you can develop a structured thought process and prepare for the opportunity with repeated practices. (Link to Video Interview Blog)
The personal interview is a decisive part of the admissions process, providing an opportunity for the admissions committee to gain deeper insights into the applicant beyond their written application.
During the interview, applicants can demonstrate their knowledge of the school, the program, and the industry, as well as their eagerness to pursue the program. It also allows candidates to ask questions and gather more information about the program and the school. EdElevate’s top tips to ace the personal interview include- reviewing your resume in depth, thoroughly researching the program, gaining clarity on career goals, asking relevant questions, and tons of practice.
Read more about these in detail here (Link to Personal Interview blog)
A student’s financial aid options while applying for universities abroad include tuition fee waiver awards, scholarships, and assistantships. Scholarships are usually based on either merit, or need, but international students are more likely to be granted merit based scholarships which take into account the quality of the application, profile, and essays.
Another way to reduce the financial burden is securing research and teaching assistantships at the university. Even though they are quite competitive positions, if you believe you qualify, do give it a shot. The perks would include a stipend that can take care of your everyday expenses at the very least.
Our expert counselors would advise you on your chances of getting a scholarship and the writers would help you create compelling essays for the same.
Link to scholarship chances maximize blog)
When your MBA or Masters application gets waitlisted after you’ve spent months on it—building your profile, writing essays, learning about the university’s ecology, pursuing referees for timely letters of recommendation, and much more—it’s not the result you were hoping for. However, you are powerless if the cards are dealt in such a manner. Consider it a positive sign that the school is still interested in you and devise the best course of action. (Link to waitlist strategy blog)
Without securing the visa, your effort so far could all be in vain. EdElevate advice would be to arrange and the necessary critical accompanying documentation and paperwork, including the I-20, DS160 form, Visa appointment letter, Sevis fees, Passport, academic transcripts, official scores from standardized tests (GRE, GMAT, SAT), English proficiency testing results (IELTS, TOEFL), financial documentation, and job history, to avoid any last minute hassles.
Besides this, be ready for your visa interview in advance. Research FAQs and prepare concise responses. Mock interviews are also hugely beneficial so that when the time comes you have an open frame of mind throughout the interview and are ready to respond to questions about your study plan, financial preparation, future plans, and university or program of choice. (Link to visa interview blog)
Even if a prominent US university has accepted you and given you an I-20, the visa officer’s rejection of your application could disrupt your plans to study there. However demoralizing, visa denials are not the end of the road, so keep that in mind. You can improve your chances of being accepted in your next application by resolving the problems that caused the rejection and showcasing your ties to your country. Your visa application can be rejected under section 214 B, which is the most common ground for rejection in the majority of cases, or it can be put on hold under section 221g.
In case you are applying to another country like Canada, UK, etc., reviewing and strengthening the financial documents and the statement of purpose can do the trick.
Read more. (Link to visa rejection blog)