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.

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.