Getting Admits and Choosing the Right University

What steps should you take immediately after applying to premier international universities?

1. Know Deadlines: You must know what are the deadlines for each university so that you don’t stress unnecessarily. Once you have applied, you may constantly find yourself looking for a mail from the universities. However, you know that doesn’t help.
2. Connect: You can use Ashiraj (Similar Profiles, Find Profiles) to connect with peers who have also applied at the same university. At the same time, it won’t hurt to connect with the seniors via LinkedIn, Facebook, or through the college. You can use this time constructively to search and identify what are the pros and cons of various universities. It is best to make an excel sheet with list of options, pros, cons, replies from university, admits, etc. (perhaps we can provide a sample excel sheet)

What actions should you take after receiving an acceptance letter from an international university?

If you are among the fortunate ones to receive multiple acceptances, celebrate! The decision is now entirely yours. But how will you make your choice?

1. Look at your current findings: If a university is low on ROI, lower ranking, let go. If there is something very convenient like proximity to family or a business you have contacts in, you may consider.
2. Negotiate Scholarship: If you have a university that has already offered you a scholarship, you can use it to negotiate some amount with another university. If done perfectly, this one can be a game changer. Don’t rub it in their face but brag about your achievements and explain how you deserve a scholarship.
3. Research, labs and assistantships: See if the university has good opportunities for research and learning. Also, it won’t hurt if you can work under a professor as an assistant. Write to professors and the university and see what they say. It is important to write a carefully worded email. To know more about it, read the blog - Scholarships and Assistantships.
4. Social Media groups: Join Social Media groups and pages of these universities-courses. Check their latest updates, and how their students respond to it. You can also join Ashiraj Group Chats (available for both: Android and iOS).
5. Do not let the rankings fool you: Rankings are generally taken out for university, while you are admitted to a particular course. Check if your course is also shining out or not.

It is wonderful if the top-ranked institution also happens to be the best fit for your needs. However, that is not always the situation. The highest-ranked school may exceed your budget, feel unjustified, or present other inconveniences, whereas another option might provide a substantial scholarship. You must select the path that suits you best.

Once you have finalized your college, it is time to respond to the offer letter, pay the tuition fee required to confirm admission if at all and move forward with your visa application to that particular country.