When sending U.S. University applications, seek advice! avoid costly mistakes!
When applying to U.S. universities, subtle yet impactful mistakes can become very costly, leading to unexpected rejections
When applying to U.S. universities, subtle yet impactful mistakes can become very costly, leading to unexpected rejections. Students who overlook avoidable errors and assume their applications are perfect may jeopardize their chances of admission.
Key Questions to Consider:
• What are the components of an application?
• What are the specific requirements of the university?
• What are the deadlines?
These are some of the important questions that come to mind while preparing and sending an application. The following insights will shed light on these essential considerations.
Common mistakes to avoid:
1. Choosing a university without doing any research:
Many students generally start their search by checking the rankings. While this is not a mistake, it should not be the only criterion for selecting a university. There is no need to focus solely on elite schools.
Every accredited university can be a good fit, but students must understand how they align with the university based on their own profiles.
Students are advised to select a balanced list of universities by considering factors such as location, curriculum, eligibility criteria, cost of attendance, and acceptance rates. Students should take into account academic credentials, goals, needs, and skills to ensure a well-rounded selection.
2. Preparing Generic Personal Statements/ Statements of Purpose (SOP)
Writing vague, uninspiring personal statements that are too general, repetitive, or fail to showcase the student’s unique story and motivations is a major mistake in any application.
Such statements often do not capture the reader’s attention and can negatively impact the application. Seek out others to review and help refine essays and personal statements which should emphasize the student’s own experiences and alignment with the program’s expectations, while orienting towards the given prompts.
For example, you may be asked to explain: “A wise man, a wise leader; a wise woman, a wise community” (a translation of a Mapuche proverb from the people of Chile). Such culture-specific prompts given for a master’s program reflect the need for collective wisdom and knowledge. The student is expected to understand the subtle nuances and craft an essay that aligns with the values of the program.
3. Ignoring Specific Requirements of the Study Program and Expressing Irrelevant Goals
Let’s use an example: Health Informatics is a sought-after program nowadays. Wherever healthcare decision-making is based on data, health informatics experts are required. This field is very attractive to students as it offers a lucrative career path. Undergraduate students from various fields such as MBBS, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, B.Sc./B.Tech in Computer Science, and Information Technology are eligible.
However, the underlying factor is that a moderate knowledge of health- related problems, statistics, analytical skills, and critical thinking are essential, which many students overlook.
Students should critically analyze the student’s profile, assess their potential, and guide them on how to understand the prerequisites and articulate why they are a strong fit for the program. Even within the broad field, whether the student aims to become a Clinical Data Analyst,
Biostatistician, Informatics Pharmacist/Nurse, Health IT Consultant, Data Scientist, or Electronic Health Records Keeper, advisers help students identify and align their career goals.
4. Having No Idea About Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many students expect scholarships without understanding the basis on which they are awarded. Every university in the United States encourages students to apply for scholarships, but students must prove their eligibility to receive one. Some universities specify on their websites the scholarships for which students can apply, and students must follow these guidelines.
For undergraduate students, some colleges advise applying through the CSS (College Scholarship Service) application or ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application).
Students should understand their funding options, university-based aid, and external scholarship databases. Knowing the financial needs of students can help them search for colleges in cost-effective regions. For more information, visit: https://educationusa.state.gov/find-financial-aid
5. Requesting Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from Unfamiliar
Faculty Recommendation letters must be provided by individuals who are familiar with the student’s abilities and achievements. Students should choose recommenders who can explain in depth how they are a good fit for the course and the university.
Think carefully about who can endorse their recommendations with anecdotes or observations that display the student’s abilities and skills. Students should also be cautious about drafting their own LORs to facilitate the recommender.
For more information, visit: https://educationusa.state.gov/complete-your- us-application-graduate
6. Writing an Unstructured or Overloaded Resume
Submitting a resume that is either too long, too cluttered, or lacks focus on academic achievements and does not follow the university’s guidelines can be disastrous.
Instead, consider structuring a concise, well-formatted academic CV that highlights academic qualifications, significant experiences, test scores, awards and recognitions, and skills.
The resume should be brief, ideally one page, in a professional font, and include contact information. Parents should advocate and guide the student but should not take the lead.
7. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Applications
Missing deadlines, uploading the wrong documents, or not following instructions are common errors committed by students. Sending applications in the eleventh hour and overlooking spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can leave an unpleasant impression.
Students are advised to apply well in advance – eight or nine months before the intake period. This allows ample time to research options and prepare a complete, well-rounded application. After a thorough self-review, it is essential to have a third party review every line of the application to ensure accuracy before submission.
Final Word:
A U.S. university application is a life-transforming first step in your academic journey. To submit a compelling, error-free application, start early and stay informed. Come and talk to EducationUSA advisers and let our support make the difference between rejection and acceptance!
EducationUSA is the U.S. Department of State’s official resource for ccurate, free, and up-to-date information about studying in the United States. Students can download the EducationUSA India app, available for free on iOS and Android devices for the latest information about the college application process, or visit https://educationusa.in/.
