Application fee -Applying to US universities would be hard on your pocket as most of these universities ask you to pay along with the application submission. The application fee would surely look big when converted into our comparatively cheaper Indian rupee. Make sure you know the exact amount for the application fee, because sometimes students tend to overpay or sometimes pay less. It is best to check the individual university website for the most accurate and up-todate information on the application fee. Statement of Purpose (SOP) - As the name
would suggest, the SOP is your opinion about yourself, about who are and what you think about your future, what has influenced your career path
so far and also about the factors that influenced your career decision. The SOP usually ranges from 500 to 750 words. If you want to stand out from other applicants, you need to realize that this is your only point of contact with the selection committee. You can use the SOP to convince the admission committee that you have interests and experiences that puts you in a better league than the other applicants. Keep in mind that your language would also be judged with this, so you can always seek some professional help rather than being honest and kill your chances of being selected.
Resume – I believe most of the foreign Universities won’t ask for your resume but then sending across your resume would be a good idea, and a better one of you have some work or project experience. A resume outlines all your achievements, activities, skills etc. Please remember that a resume is not curriculum vitae, but is a one-page document highlighting your strengths and skills. Recommendation letters - Recommendation
letters can be obtained from school/college teachers. Try to get recommendation letters from people who know you well and who have had ample opportunity to interact with you. Avoid letters of recommendation from people in high positions who have not taught you. For instance a letter from the principal of your school/college who has not taught you has less importance than a letter from a teacher who has taught you for two years.
Bank letter and Affidavit of Financial Support
Universities in the US require international students to prove that they have enough funding available to cover their educational costs. Universities in the UK may not need a bank letter along with your application. The bank letter should state that your sponsor has sufficient funds in his or her account.
Transcripts and Mark sheets - Make sure that you send official sealed copies of your mark sheets and transcripts to the universities you are applying to. If you have graduated, you must also send your degree to the universities. Once you have all your documents ready, make sure that you have checked the application deadline of the schools you are applying to. Many universities require the official standardized test scores to be in your file by the application deadline date, so make sure that you do not delay your official score reporting. If you are through this you can be assured that you have half a battle won. Along with this application forms make sure you do have an interesting cover letter. All said and done, it’s indeed a matter of luck and opportunity.
48 TF March 2010