Many students are opting to study abroad to benefit from quality education, develop a global mindset, and widen their career prospects. So, are you also planning to apply to a foreign university? If yes, make your college application stand out by avoiding common mistakes. Let’s get to know the top errors to avoid in an application, how to apply to foreign universities, and more.

Key Highlights

• How to apply to international universities?
• 5 common application mistakes to avoid while applying to a university
  • Not paying attention to university-specific application requirements
  • Sending the same application to each university
  • Not considering the deadlines
  • Missing vital details on personal statement
  • Not proofreading the application
• Other 3 mistakes students make while applying to a university
• Application to university: Top tips

How to apply to international universities?

• Pick a study program that meets your academic aspirations.
• Conduct extensive research and shortlist the university that offers a course of your choice.
• Verify the course and the university-specific requirements.
• Fill out your application form for admission. Keep your documents ready that you need to submit along with the form. Some of these documents are as follows:
  • Academic transcripts (degrees and certificates)
  • Scorecard of Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)/Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
  • Results of the English language proficiency tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Resume
• Apply for the student visa after receiving a university acceptance letter.

5 common application mistakes to avoid while applying to a university

Not paying attention to university-specific application requirements

Experts believe each university has specific requirements for a particular course. Therefore, students should know what universities are asking for and move accordingly. Even if any information is listed as optional, they should fill that out, considering that it’s important.

Sending the same application to each university

Students should apply to multiple universities to increase their chances of securing a seat in their preferred courses. At the same time, they should remember not to generalise their personal statement, i.e. tailoring it to each university. One of the ways to do this is to make it course-specific and check that the university and the program applied remain the same throughout.

Not considering the deadlines

The deadlines of each program vary, and the chances are high that when you apply for a particular course in multiple institutions, you are bound to get confused. Thus, check the deadlines carefully. If possible, make a schedule and try to submit your applications at least two-three weeks before the specified dates. This gives you enough time to make corrections or upload additional documents if the need arises.

Missing vital details on personal statement

A personal statement or Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an excellent opportunity to show the admission authorities that you are an ideal match for the course and the university. Every bit of information is important and helps in creating your real impression. Therefore, don’t miss vital details in your SOP like your interests and strengths, reasons to study a particular program, professional experience, extra-curricular activities, etc.

Not proofreading the application

Spelling and grammar errors, an informal tone, and exceeding the word limit of the SOP are some of the mistakes that need to be fixed before submitting the university application. Therefore, re-read it, make it error-free, and ask your family or friends to share their views.

Other 3 mistakes students make while applying to university

• Adding multiple quotes and clichés of famous authors, business people or philosophers, in the SOP.
• Over exaggerating about extra-curricular activities and sharing false information.
• Submitting an incomplete application form.

Application to university: Top tips

• If you need to appear for an entrance exam such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and an English language proficiency exam, appear on time.
• If the interview is a prerequisite for your chosen program, start preparing for it in advance, as it is the best way to nail it.
• Make arrangements for the required funds in advance to ensure an unforgettable study abroad experience.

This way, you can submit your college application without making these mistakes. If you are facing financial challenges, apply for a loan for education and finance your higher education independently. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer customised education loans with benefits like 100% finance, multiple repayment options, and quick sanctions. To know about education loan interest rates or how to calculate an EMI for education loan, get in touch with us today!