10 Mistakes you must avoid while preparing for your university application

Studying at the University of your Dreams is a wonderful thing to happen. To earn entrance to a particular university, it is imperative for the students to follow instructions and submit an application that will impress and motivate the management to take them in.

Writing an application to any university abroad can be just as stressful as writing an entrance exam. Then again students tend to make a lot of mistakes in their applications. If you aspire to study abroad then you must come up with a compelling application.

Here are the 10 common mistakes students make that you must avoid while applying to your dream university:

1. Applying to a PG course with the wrong UG degree

This is something that all students should keep in mind, have a clear-cut education plan before going to college.

Don't assume that you can choose an entirely different subject for the post-graduation (PG) program if you are unhappy with your undergraduate (UG) course. However, there are PG courses that are flexible in terms of the applicant's degree qualifications.

If you want to study abroad, then you can’t apply to a discipline completely unrelated to your Bachelor’s degree. Also, in countries like Canada, the Indian education system of 10+2+ 3 won't be accepted in University's PG degree courses. Choose your education plan carefully and look for more options that will suit your qualifications and budget.

2. Taking only tuition fees into account

Paying the university tuition fees alone won't be enough if you want to study abroad. A well-planned budget is crucial to cover expenses like accommodation or rent, food, medical expenses, travel, and other reasons. In the university itself, the management might expect the student to contribute to certain funds.

Before moving to a country, calculate your expenses accordingly. Keep a tab on your budget and ensure that will have extra funds with you in case you face a challenge.

3. Not following application guidelines properly

Universities offer different guidelines based on the course they offer, the country they are from, and the budget expected from students. Avoid the mistake of not following the application guidelines properly.

For example, you must prove that you have enough funds if you want to move to the United Kingdom or Canada. Also, keep all the documents they demanded with you. If the guidelines mentioned "photocopy" if a specific document, then you must have that too.

4. Selecting a course for the wrong reasons

This is an unfortunate mistake students continue to make even today. They might choose a course for the wrong reasons like parental pressure, overconfidence, or because someone else succeeded in their field of expertise.

When you choose a course, the factors you should keep in mind are:

● If you are interested or passionate about the subject.

● If that subject or course is available at the university, you plan to go to.

● If you have a well-streamlined plan for your future.

● If there is scope in the market because the point of a good education is to be able to help you make the best out of your life with it.

5. Ignoring scholarship programs

If you are planning to study abroad or in a specific university, read all the available materials about it including scholarship programs. Students tend to avoid considering scholarship programs believing that they won't qualify for them. That need not always be true.

You can qualify for a scholarship due to factors like

● Your income.

● Your gender.

● Course you have chosen.

● The essay you have submitted.

Do enough research about the university of your choice to get more details.

6. Improper visa application

Got a visa? Don't take it for granted.

Keep in touch with the country's embassy. They will update you with possible changes or restrictions if there are any. All countries require visas, but some might give leniency based on the applicant's country of origin. Some will require more documents, more funds, or may have more lax requirements. Follow through all of that carefully.

You must also follow all the instructions mentioned in the code of conduct and ethics. People with a criminal background or offense can have their visa be expurgated even after getting it.

7. Avoiding the 'earn-while-learn' option

If the university, you have applied to provides part-time work options then don't make the mistake of disregarding it. Working in a foreign country need not be the same due to cultural differences, laws, etc. Doing a part-time job while studying at the university will help you gain the skills, experience, and ability to communicate better with the locals. It will feed the confidence and resilience in your mind. Added to that, you will get an income that can help you with your life there.

8. Giving up after a rejection

Rejection should not mark the end of your attempts. Students may not become successful at their first, second, or even third attempts. There are plenty of options and opportunities waiting for you out there. You must have a plan B and plan C in place, the ones that are just as effective as plan A. You can try for a different university or a different course at the same university.

Never give up on your dreams!

9. Putting your relationship as a factor

Some students tend to factor in their boyfriends/girlfriends or other relatives while applying for a university. Don't make that mistake. Convenience should be your priority. The selection of the university must be based on factors like choice, of course, budget, availability of major facilities, part-time work provision, scholarships, etc.

10. Taking essays for granted

Don't be a cheat!

This is the mantra you should keep in mind while writing essays for university applications. Whatever you write must be original. Don't seek help from others for it. Also, it is imperative that you avoid lying in your applications. It can turn and result in a bad experience for you.

Keep these points in mind when you apply to a specific university or college.

Do plan to migrate to Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, or Australia for higher education? Our team at Scholab will provide you with the support and guidance required.