Like many changes happening across industries due to the pandemic, the CBSE board also announced a new system to evaluate the performance of the students. It has been decided by the board authorities that there will be two terms conducted at the end of each semester. The marks obtained would be aggregated at the end of the 2nd and final term which is to be conducted in March-April 2022. The system may sound simple, better and even easy for many students, nonetheless, there is a section of students who would have to embrace themselves for a busier year than the usual board year. And there are a couple of reasons for that.

All students aiming to apply for Undergraduate courses in the US, UK and Canada will first have to accept that it’s not going to be an easy year for them, and that they would have to adhere to timelines dearly, else their application may not make it in time. Thus, adapting to this new system and process is their only choice.

For students applying to the US, the process of early application and early decision (which takes place in early November) as well as regular applications(for which the deadlines vary from university to university, but for most it’s 1st January) was very simple and uncomplicated as, students had time to prepare supplementary essays for the universities they are applying to. But with the 1st term now taking place in November-December, students will not only have to prepare for their board exams, but will have to simultaneously devote time to their applications and essays. In short, applicants would not get any breather before their board exams, considering both—the application and preparation of Board Exams—are equally important. Needless to say, students will have to learn the art of time management to excel in both.

Moreover, colleges will expect exact scores rather than the predicted ones along with your mid-term results (that used to be used until last year) to be submitted, assuming the scores would come out by the start of registration time in January-February. For the UK and Canada also, the process is not going to be very different as their application deadline is 15th January. Thus, it goes without saying that students would have to ensure all their application essays are ready by then.

Considering the changes, it’s essential for all applicants to start preparing their essays early on to save themselves from any last-minute hassles. But more importantly, all students need to pull up their socks right from the beginning of XII grade and be very cautious about it. There is absolutely no space for any mishaps or slip-ups, especially for students eyeing foreign admissions.

Let us first analyze the meaning of STEM, the acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and refers to all subjects that fall under these four disciplines. Courses such as Aerospace Engineering, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics among many others fall under this domain though the full list is far more exhaustive. Speaking of a career path, while some of these subjects can offer a straightforward progression to a particular field, others might lead to revolutionizing the agricultural industry or the energy sector.

Due to the presence of most-revered universities and institutions for STEM courses in the US, a large number of international students, especially Indians, turn to the US to pursue them. Because certain research institutions provide openings for students to work simultaneously with their professors/instructors and implement their classroom learning in the laboratory/workshop, it has become the prime reason for attracting many aspirants. Taking any of the STEM courses from the US will be one the most important decisions of your life given that the US has been at the forefront of scientific and creative innovation for decades now.

And, if you are serious about getting any of the STEM degree, a few reasons below will help consolidate your decision for studying in the US:

1.Global Outlook – All international students studying in the US get a life-transforming experience unlike anywhere else, and it is mainly due to the open-minded culture that persists in the institutions and life in general. This adds to the students’ invaluable learning experience which makes them fit to find unique approaches to solving everyday problems, within community and work places. Moreover, interacting with the local student community is beneficial to both, the international students and the local students, in building a global network. 

2.Thriving Diversity – Despite a large population of international students in the US, Indian students never feel out of place, it is more of a home away from home given a large population of Indian students studying in the US and the ones working and living there. Indian students can find just the right amount of familiarity when it comes to things Indian. Moreover, it’s a country that not just houses Indians but attracts a good amount of student pool from across the globe, making the country as the most diverse and liberal. 

3.Active lifestyle – Undergraduates and post graduates in American universities do not have a dull moment. Given a wide range of activities to choose from, students are required to participate and engage actively in the areas of their interest. Students can get involved in sports, debates, concerts, societies, clubs and even volunteer in organizations to pursue community work. 

4.Easy Access to Silicon Valley – Of the many reasons, the prime one for taking a STEM course from the US is, easy accessibility to Silicon Valley. It is no hidden fact that California aka ‘Silicon Valley’ is the technological hub, and due to this very reason, a big chunk of students are attracted to it, where new innovations are being made every day. Moreover, universities offer uninterrupted access to innovative companies and people building the latest and top-class technology. The students benefit enormously from interactions with these companies and have access to their cutting-edge resources.

And, last but not the least, students with STEM degrees are highly sought after as there is a growing demand for scientific thinkers and solution providers. STEM degrees from the US offer great opportunities for students not just in India and the US alone but, across the globe, as countries are constantly searching for a STEM workforce with a wide range of skills that are becoming increasingly important, not to mention the highest salaries that come from studying its disciplines.

International students who pursue a STEM degree are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment, which allows them to work in the US for up to 12 months. An added advantage of being a STEM major is that international students can then request to extend their OPT for 24 months.

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?

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.