Taking higher education in the US increases your chances of higher earnings and lowers your chances of getting unemployed, especially during an economic crisis—such as the current times of Covid-19. Pursuing your Graduate studies in the US can be the best decision of your life. The experience gives you an opportunity to undergo a different style of education while enhancing your perspective about the world. A postgraduate degree from the US, UK, Canada is highly sought after by reputed companies in India and abroad, because they understand the rigors of the program and the leadership qualities these universities impregnate a student with.

But to get an admission in their respective colleges, taking a GRE test is essential, especially if you are applying for colleges in the US and Canada. While it is optional for the universities in the UK—baring a few where it is mandatory, it will be a good idea to take one. GRE test evaluates your critical thinking, verbal and quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. This test aligns with the skills that are required for success in today’s demanding graduate programs at colleges; it allows the admission officers know that you have the caliber to excel as a student at their university. But before you attempt one, there a few pointers you must keep in mind:

What is the Ideal Time to Appear for GRE?

1)    Master’s Immediately After Graduation: Students who would be going for their master’s immediately after completing their bachelors, the ideal time for taking the exam would be the end of the second year or the beginning of the third year (If you’re pursuing three-year undergraduate program). If you’re taking a four-year program, then you could take it at the end of the third year of the beginning of the fourth year. 

2)    Work Experience After Graduation: Students who want to take a break after graduation or work for a few years before embarking on their educational journey can take the exam depending on the gap they’re taking. Ideally three months before the application process. 

3)    Take Exam in September-October: The best months to appear for the exam are September and October because the applications for the PG program start in December and January. Giving the exam a bit early provides the student with an advantage of reappearing for the test in case of a low score in the first attempt.

Preparation Time:       

A minimum of 3-4 months of preparation is essential for GRE though not mandatory. It depends on the students’ caliber. But if a student feels he needs help, then he may choose to join an institute that shall help him polish his concepts and provide him with an environment to clarify doubts. 

Important Points:

1.     Validity: The GRE test is valid for five years, and a student can choose to give as many tests as he wants with a gap of minimum 21 days.

2.     Number of Attempts: A student can choose to send the best score from the tests he may have given.

3.    Ideal Score: A student should aim to score a minimum of 310 to get into good universities but if the student is eyeing for Ivy Leagues or Pedigree then s/he should aim above 320.

4.     Is GRE enough?: Only GRE score is not going to get you into your dream colleges. It’s the overall application that has to be dynamic inclusive of your GRE score.

In the light of the pandemic and rising COVID positive cases in India, the government has decided to cancel class X exams and postponed Class XII Board exams. The fresh dates for class XII exams will be announced on or after June 1, 2021 (after assessment of the situation). While some cheer with delight, others are not so happy about it. Students who were planning to study abroad after finishing their high-school seem to have an additional apprehension on how they would submit their scores in time, especially where conditional offers apply.

Their heightened sense of worry is understandable and justified, as things look a bit uncertain at this time. Since the academic sessions in most of the popular destinations such as the US, UK, Canada, etc., begin in the month of September/October, students are normally expected to submit their documents and complete all formalities by May. But, with the delay in exams, it appears that they would not be able to submit their final year scores in time and it might affect their admittance to the universities applied. Need not worry.

Though the situation is challenging, countries like the US, UK, Canada, etc. have extended relaxations to students for the academic session which is to begin in the month of September/October this year. Also, because foreign students form the major chunk of their classes, universities would not let go of Indian students—since they are an important asset to these universities. Hence, the students are advised not to panic, rather focus their energies on preparing for the exams ahead. 

It has also been observed that the universities, at times, provide conditional offers to students and confirm their admittance only after Board exam results. With the delay in exams, the results are expected to get delayed, which means that students would be able to submit these documents only later. However, there are some universities which might ask you for your first-term and mid-term grades to evaluate your performance and give you an extension based on it before allowing you to submit your final scorecard later. Given the current circumstances and prevalence of the ongoing pandemic, the universities will be flexible in the application procedure this year; they will push forward their decision and admission timelines.

However, some of the universities follow a direct offer system which is not heavily based on grades, with those universities you should not have a problem as they are well aware of the problems students are going through this year. All things considered the impact is not as severe as one would think. In any case, IB and IGCSE students normally take their exams from May-July. While the students studying in IB schools rejoice on the cancellation of the exam this year, for the students of the IGCSE board the admission process remains the same. As far as students of the IB board are concerned, their annual performance would be taken into account. Given the availability of this facility for the students studying in these Boards, students giving CBSE exams can request an extension on submission of XII report card.

Further, it would give some respite to your nerves to know that, according to statistics, roughly about 7.50 lakh Indian students study abroad every year, with 1.90 lakh pursuing their higher education from universities in the US alone. The education sector relies heavily on international students in these countries, and, therefore, they would not want to lose out on incoming students.

In a nutshell, students must not get anxious about the postponed Board exams and, be rest assured that most of the universities and colleges have relaxed requirements and made additional accommodations to suit the needs of the incoming batch in the wake of the pandemic.

Unlike Trump’s leadership that had limited the movement of international students, Biden’s administration is far more flexible and international student friendly. As per research, from the day of the inauguration ceremony more and more students from the Indian subcontinent are keen on applying to US universities and colleges. Universities and authorities are expecting a return of Obama-type policies, which were far more welcoming for international students. It has also been predicted that under Biden’s leadership, student visas will be easily approved.

Education consultancies of India are in for some good times ahead as they expect a sharp rise in student application this year, especially after a report stating an impressive 20-30 percent spike in the application of Engineering and MBA courses.

The icing on the cake is Biden’s beliefs that foreign graduates with US degrees and doctoral programs should be given a green card as losing these highly trained youth to foreign economies could prove costly and would be a disservice to America’ economic progress. This may come as a blessing in disguise, especially for students who are aiming to either work in the US after college or hoping to obtain US citizenship later.

Looking at the recent protests and upheavals in the US, it is absolutely refreshing to look at a leader who is all in for diversity. Moreover, Biden’s inaugural speech (and his outlook in general) is a testament of how he would encourage racial and ideological diversity in the land of dreams. It must not be forgotten that Joe Biden worked as Vice President under Barrack Obama’s (didn’t we all admire this guy) administration and played a key role in instituting various policies. Evidently, in his new role as the President of the United States, Biden is proposing and lobbying for signing the American Rescue Plan for 2021, which means a lot of opportunities and leniency for international students. His policies would welcome young talent with open arms, and consequently preserve the critical role of diversity in colleges.

After the failure of Trump’s administration, the United States is finally looking ahead to a new day where new people friendly policies are being instituted and a new chapter beginning. The current administration is overhauling policies that stunt the growth of not only the youth but the country as a whole, and we have already witnessed reversal and revoking of certain policies which only indicates their aim at having a more inclusive community–the youth. The government’s approach is attracting the world’s best students from across the globe to its classrooms. Believe me, there is no better time than this to be studying in the US.

Moreover, the approach to education in the US is more applicable in real life. Be it an undergraduate course or an MBA, the pattern and methodologies of teaching far exceeds a student’s expectation. Here students are expected to look at real problems through case studies and devise ways or seek alternate ways to solve them. The format of classes is also way more different than what Indians have been used to: you will be compelled to participate in rigorous discussions with professors and students unlike the format experienced in Indian school or college, which is more lecture-based. 

To top it all, Biden is also looking into exempting recent graduates of PhD programs in STEM fields in the United States from any cap, as he feels these graduates are poised to make some of the most important contributions to the American economy and hence would not let go of them so easily. So, without a further ado, pick your course and check out the most relevant university for an exceptional educational experience.

Studying in the US is a dream of any highly aspiring student. And why shouldn’t it be when the US has top-class universities with the right infrastructure to back the ambitions of a diverse set of students–native and international. However, attaining an admission in a good college is not a cake walk and requires a deliberate effort. The competition is tough but don’t feel intimidated, it only means you have to be all the more ambitious and determined to succeed. Let me share a few steps on how you can gain an edge over others and have a better chance of being admitted to the college or university of your choice.

1. Start working on your application early

Application in the US universities or colleges is a time-consuming process thus, a student must start the work early, say at least one year before. The admission requirements of each institution differ hence, it must be prepared carefully and with concentration. Half-hearted presentation would lower your chances of admission, so steer clear of that.

Collecting ‘Recommendation Letters’ from your school teachers/college professors and preparing Essays or Personal Statement takes a lot of time. Moreover, you would also have to give SAT/GRE/GMAT exams along with the English proficiency test – TOEFL. Preparing for all these tests along with essential documents needs you to have a well-thought plan, and it’s not advisable to leave any last-minute work; your profile could end up being unconvincing for the admission officers. Hence, it’s supremely important to keep enough space for accommodating all this work along with your academics and other activities.

2. Select your course of study

Demonstrating your passion for the subject is crucial. For this, you must include details of why the subject intrigues you and share examples, reasons or anecdotes of instances where you felt this is the field for you. Having a clear idea about what you wish to do with the degree will impress the admission officers. And by way of your essays and an interview, you could tell them about your motivations and future aspirations. US colleges are particularly impressed by students who are willing to put in the effort and are passionate about their cause. 

Your research on the subject and the quality of information expressed through your essays will convey your motivations of choosing a particular college. Thus, reflecting on your intellectual knowledge and why you find the subject interesting or challenging would be the deciding factor for admission officers.

3. Put effort in writing your Essays and Personal Statement

Writing stellar essays and personal statement is the most important step to having a successful US college application. This is the place where you get to express your interest in the field of study and showcase your willingness and capabilities of working hard and building a career in the respective field.

Including your existing knowledge of the subject and how you intend on building it further shall impress the admission officers. Having said that, you must take time to highlight your abilities through responsibilities and challenges undertaken so far. At the same time, while presenting yourself positively, be authentic. Try not to write in high-flown language and say things in your own style. Colleges like students who don’t ape anyone else but have a sense of their own identity. That’ll fetch you brownie points.

4. Create a Timetable of Application Deadlines

In spite of an excellent quality of your application, all your efforts will go down the drain if you miss a key date. That’s why you need to plan ahead and stay organized by keeping a calendar for application deadlines. Highlighting all the deadlines will keep you on track and allow you to collect the necessary documents in time. God forbid if your application is incomplete, your candidature might get rejected immediately. And I’m sure you would not want to take that chance. 

Therefore, following your timetable will not only help ensure all your application requirements are in order but also save you from last minute hassles. 

The road to getting admission in the US college or university may seem daunting but, if you keep track of these four basic rules, there is no stopping you from getting there. It’s that simple!

Is exam stress killing you? …

Not sure?

Well, stress never shows up like a specific disease corroding your body, it manifests in different forms, which some of you may be privy to, but many might not even notice or relate their condition to stress. Thus, you must keep a tab of any changes that you might be feeling of late.

A few common symptoms to look out for are: 

o  Often feeling moody or frequently finding yourself in low spirits.

o  Being forgetful or feeling confused.

o  Have trouble sleeping or oversleeping.

o  Suffering from frequent headaches or stomach problems.

o  Avoiding friends or social gathering.

o  Overeating or skipping meals too often

If you’ve answered a ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, most likely you are suffering from some form of anxiety. And anxiety/stress emerges from two main reasons: un-organization and negative thoughts, and any prolonged negative thought can turn into a menace, which I’m sure none of you want.

Before getting started with how you can manage your anxiety levels, please bear in mind that it’s not uncommon to sight high-school students constantly worrying about exams, meaning you are not alone! However, remedial steps are essential to get a control of your life to march ahead with full confidence as you near the exam period.

Follow these simple rules every day to make your life more fulfilled and meaningful.

1.      Listen To Music That Makes You Want To Sing –Many of you may not know that that singing is as fun an activity as listening to your favorite music. While listening to your favorite numbers make sure that you sing along a few lines. It reduces the effects of stress and releases endorphins associated with pleasure. Trust me, you will derive as much pleasure as I do (and let me tell you, I’m not even a good bathroom singer…)

2.    Manage Time Appropriately – Plan your day according to what you wish to accomplish during the day. Try keeping 3-4 activities at the max, and keep ticking the list as you complete your goals one by one. Keeping a small diary at all times helps, but if that’s not possible then post your day’s goals on a pin board. 

While studying it’s crucial to take breaks after every 40-50 minutes. Do not study for longer stretches at a time, as the concentration level drops after 40 minutes of rigorous study. So, let’s say if you’re planning to complete one chapter, break it into 2-3 slots of forty minutes each. If you can follow this practice for a week, I assure you that you’ll see the difference in your progress. 

3.      Sleep For At Least Seven Hours Every Day – Sleeping and waking at the same time every day reduces the effects of stress, more so, if you sleep a minimum of seven hours. Thus, plan your day in such a way that you keep aside a minimum of seven hours for sleep.

And two minutes before sleeping, while you are lying down, you must practice positive affirmations to calm your nerves down and banish all the unease from your system.

Some of the‘ positive affirmations’ that you could use are:

i.   I am confident that I will do well in exams.

ii.  I am working hard and will continue my efforts to perform well.

iii. I’m thoroughly enjoying the process of learning; it is meaningful and fun. 

4.      Eat With Your Family -Though this might seem a little difficult in today’s time, yet taking time out and enjoying a couple of meals together in a week can really work wonders for your mental development. It's a good time to build bonds, talking about your hobbies or discussing your day with your parents or siblings and asking them about theirs is rejuvenating. Sharing your problems on the table will help you unburden yourself and you might also find solutions to whatever it might be that’s bothering you.

Also, make sure that you do not eat on the run. Though once in a while is okay, but it should NOT be the norm.

5.      Exercise Regularly and Get Some Sun –Take out 30 minutes at least 5 times a week to get some physical exercise; it could be running, jogging, walking, biking, or playing a sport of your choice. Frequency is more important than intensity so, remain consistent with a 5-day rule.

While you are pursuing any activity you will be exposed to sunlight. It’s good for you. Just in case, if you are taking an indoor activity then make sure that you get at least 10-15 minutes of sun during the day. Sunshine has a positive effect on the mind and body, so I suggest you take your chat sessions [via phone or personal] with your friends basking in the sun.

The above5 strategies will enable you to beat any exam stress.… Are you ready to take charge?

“What after 12?” is the most common question all of us have encountered in our life. This is one of the hardest phases of student life as they have to opt one of the career options among so many courses which will have a lifelong effect. Under the pressure of choosing the right career, students get confused among many courses and also get scared whether they are choosing the right one or not. In this case, they need proper counseling so that they can identify their interest and get all the proper details about the courses. Engineering is overhyped in India but there are various other interesting courses available for PCM students. 

Here is a list of top career options for PCM students :

• Engineering courses (B.E. and B.tech.)

Mostly, students choose engineering as their career choice simply because of the image and value associated with it. But this is not the right criteria to choose. In order to pursue a career in the engineering field, an individual must have completed their high-school with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) along with a minimum aggregate of 50% at the HSC level. 

The popular branches of engineering are Computer Science, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, IT, Agricultural, and Petroleum. IIT-JEE Entrance Exam needs to be cleared in order to get the admission in the top-ranked IITs. Bachelor of engineering/bachelor of technology is an undergraduate program of 4-years.

• Bachelor in Pharmacy

Pharmacists are in a massive demand in the medicinal field. In this course, students will learn about the detailed information of chemical structure, function, combination, uses, and preparation of the medicines. B. Pharm is a four-year job- oriented undergraduate program. An individual can open his own pharmacy after becoming a licensed practitioner. Pharmacists can also choose to work in Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Writings, Drug Research & Development etc.

• Commercial Pilot course

Are you interested in adventurous life and own a calculative and highly analytical mind, then you should look forward toward becoming a commercial pilot. You can opt this course via Government College at reasonable fees whereas you can choose private colleges too, but they are quite expensive. For enrolment in this course, a candidate should have a minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Pilot training consists of ground training and flying training and a fitness certificate from designated medical practitioners.

• Architecture (B.Arch.)

If you are interested in building structures and designing, then B.Arch. is the perfect career option for you. It’s a combination of art and science which includes planning, implementing and construction of the housing structures. With the development of the county, there are a lot of opportunities for architects today and they can find employment in both private as well as government sectors.

The Architect designs and restores the buildings such as residential buildings, malls, restaurants, complexes, etc. Through this course, you will learn various aspects like interior design, landscape architecture, construction management, rural and urban planning, building architecture, transportation planning, etc. The duration of this course is 5 years and a candidate can appear in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture which is conducted by the council of architecture. 

• Bachelor in Computer Applications (B.C.A.)

Some of you might not be interested in engineering but love computer programming and other things. In this case, you can go for a bachelor's degree in Computer Application. This course is a 3 year undergraduate program. If you have strong command over programming languages then, you can work as a system analyst, web designer, software developer, database administrator, app developer, etc., and this course offers good opportunities abroad too.

• Career in Defence

Defence is one of the most prestigious career and entails a huge number of opportunities for those who wish to lead adventurous lives. The three branches of defence are the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. NDA is conducted twice a year in two stages: written exam and SSB Interview. Air Force & Navy requires Class 12/HSC passed with Physics and Mathematics 

The candidate should choose their career according to their interests and consider all the details of the course like employability, salary, benefits, prospects, and growth opportunities. If you have any confusion or you are unsure about the career option then career counsellors are the best people to talk to, they will guide you and clear your doubts about your interest which will help you in choosing the right career for yourself.

SAT is a standardized test organized by the College Board to evaluate the Verbal [Reading + Writing], and Mathematical skills of the candidate. SAT is required to be taken by students seeking admission to undergraduate courses. An applicant can take the SAT subjects test to show his/her knowledge and understanding of the particular subject if he/she is looking forward to getting an admission in a particular course. 

An official SAT score report is required by most of the colleges which are sent directly from the College Board. To send SAT score free to universities consider the following points :

• The candidate who aspires to pursue an undergraduate course should register themselves on the College Board for the SAT test. The registered students need to sign up to send SAT scores for free and they can send up to 4 FREE Score Reports. 

• After logging in to your College Board account, choose the option “send score” in order to share your score with the selected universities for free. 

• The student can choose the “send available score now” option if he/she wishes to send their score right away, otherwise, they can choose the “send scores when available” option, if they are registered for an upcoming test.

• The offer of sending a FREE SAT Score is available from the day of registration up to 9 days after the SAT test date. The students in India are allowed to send unlimited scores for free to any India Global Alliance member universities in India.

• The test scores are released officially within 6 – 10 weeks from the test date and the score report is sent to the colleges within 10 days after the official announcement of SAT score by the College Board.

• There is no need to hurry, take your time and choose the universities wisely otherwise, you will have to pay an additional fee for choosing another university after the 9-day period.