Smart tips to make the perfect Master’s application abroad!
In India, most students aspire to get a Master’s degree. Whether you are planning to apply for an arts, science, research or other Master’s course, the process can seem daunting. If you are in the middle of your final year, or have a busy work schedule it becomes even more stressful. There’s a lot of aspects such as scoring well on the GMAT, IELTS or other tests, to drafting a professional personal essay. You need to secure well-written letters of recommendation and spend a significant amount of time on proofreading and checking your application. Here are a few tips to ace the process and get your dream course:
1. Do your research
Think about the discipline, skills and format (full-time or part time). Up to 10 lakh Indians aspire to apply for their Master’s abroad and they all end up in different places! Talk to alumni, counsellors, teachers and experts in the education industry. Attend education fairs and networking events, and research different options online. Schools abroad usually take in applications in September and then January, so pick the deadline according to your interest. For some courses with rolling applications, apply early so you can secure your spot.
2. Prepare your personal statement and essay
Your personal statement should emphasise why you want the university, what excites you about the course, relevant experiences you have, and what makes you a good fit. The more specific and tailored your answers, the better. Prepare for a required essay related to the course so that the admissions team can judge your current standard of writing. Some colleges require a specific essay while some have an open ended question so make sure you cater each application effectively.
3. Make your recommendation and resume stand out!
You will need at least one academic reference and often one professional reference, so give yourself enough time to contact teachers and supervisors who are familiar with your work. This process is mostly conducted online but do check whether the university requires hard copies as these need to be mailed in. Your resume should ideally be one page and mention only the most critical accomplishments. Keep your resume relevant and data driven so you can back it up in your interview.
One of the key components in this entire process is backwards planning and time-management. According to NSCE (National Centre for Education and Research), “proper planning leads to a 10% higher motivation level. Stay optimistic and manage your time so you enjoy the experience of applying! If you do not make it to your dream school abroad keep in mind that there are many excellent colleges in India too. Many of them might be more affordable and provide excellent job prospects, so you will be able to move forward with your career irrespective!
