Author: parasgupta16

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If you ask for a list of documents important to a foreign education application process, the personal statement and your school transcripts usually top it, but just as equally important as your letters of recommendations (LoR)!

The LoR is an external validation of what you’ve done and demonstrated in your resume. This helps Admissions Officers holistically assess your profile from another perspective. This is especially since the truth about a candidate’s involvement in a project cannot be bent—it’s the recommender’s responsibility while endorsing a candidate for admission. For undergraduate admissions through the Common App portal, most universities request for one counselor LoR and one-three subject LoRs.

The counselor LoR offers an overarching description of you to the committee, highlighting major accomplishments that set you apart from other applicants. It describes you as an individual and more than just a learner, while detailing your impact on the community, and shares your future goals. On the other hand, the subject teachers’ LoRs are supposed to highlight your growth in a specific subject (usually relevant to the major you’re applying to). It demonstrates your caliber in the subject, mentions your best work which had an impact outside the classroom space, and your strengths as a learner, which would make you an asset academically to the university.

Schools usually collect this information through brag sheets that act as a quick reference guide with all the details and achievements for someone trying to get to know you better. Make sure to highlight your strengths, demonstrate growth through specific instances from your classroom and school experiences, and provide evidence for your projects. Feel free to also highlight your application theme and strategy in the brag sheet. This would help your counselor and teachers draft stellar LoRs on your behalf.

Other than these required LoRs, the portal also allows for you to submit external LoRs—from mentors, internship supervisors, heads of NGos, or any other notable individuals who will be able to speak for your work with them. This serves as valid evidence of your community service, internships, and/or research work outside school, and demonstrates additional strengths outside school, while supplementing what your teachers are saying.

LoRs should ideally follow the PEE framework—Point, Explanation, Evidence. Mention one of your strengths or achievements, contextualize it further as to why the particular strength/achievement is significant, and provide specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate the point and explanation. This would ensure that you have a concise, persuasive LoR that conveys all the important details to the stakeholders of the admissions process.

Remember, the quality of an LoR can make a world of difference. For those seeking help in crafting their LoRs or navigating the application process for abroad education, consider consulting with professionals like Yashi Shukla, with over 17 years of experience in education abroad!

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You can apply to undergraduate colleges and universities in two rounds: the early round and regular rounds.

The Early Round(s)

Applying early is one of the ways in which you can let your dream schools know that you’re enthusiastic about them! There are three common types of Early Rounds to consider—Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), and Restrictive Early Action (REA). As a strategic choice, when you apply early, you also hear back early!

When you apply ED, you’re making a solemn promise to a school that you’ll attend no matter what—which makes them a little more inclined to say “yes.” If it’s a top-choice program, it’s definitely a strategic move to make. Some colleges, especially top selective ones, also offer a bump in the acceptance rate when you apply ED. If you get in, you’ll have to withdraw applications from everywhere, since this is a binding acceptance. Most ED schools will let you know their decision latest by December 15. However, the binding nature can complicate financial aid negotiations and it limits your flexibility. Deadlines typically fall around November 1. Some schools offer two rounds of Early Decisions—ED I and ED II. ED II deadlines are usually alongside regular decisions in early January, and offer the same advantages as an ED. This is also binding, which means you must withdraw other applications if accepted.

EA, on the other hand, is non-binding. You can apply to multiple colleges through this route, and still consider others if accepted. While this definitely does have a competitive edge at some colleges, it’s more of a sure-shot way to have acceptances and also understand your application strategy before you give your final high-school exams! Most schools will let you know their decisions by mid- to late-December.

Some colleges—like Stanford, Princeton, Harvard, Yale—offer a Restrictive Early Action round, which is non-binding like Early Action, but limits the number of other colleges you can apply to early.

A common mistake to avoid during the early round is submitting application materials that don’t demonstrate a strong fit and genuine motivation for attending the selected school. Just applying early doesn’t highlight your enthusiasm—your materials should reflect the values of the school you’re applying to and prove how you’ll be an asset to their incoming class.

If you made the decision to apply early:

• Make sure to talk to your school counselor/college-counselor and teachers well in advance—they would have to sign-off on your ED application, and send interim transcripts and LoRs by the application deadline.
• Register for and take the SAT (and if required, English proficiency exams) early, around June, since this would be an important data-point to consider in your ED decision.
• Set up a system and calendar for tracking application timelines and deadlines.

The Regular Round

This is the most common application deadline. Submissions are on or around January 1, with decision notifications in late March/early April. It is a non-binding deadline that allows you to send applications to several schools and is best for students who require more time to refine their applications or improve their scores.

Unsure? Overwhelmed? Don’t worry! The study abroad consulting team at Yashi Shukla Consulting, with over 17 years of experience in education abroad, has the expertise to guide you through this grueling process of applications! Contact us today!

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As a parent, it’s difficult to often trust anyone else with your child’s welfare. Study abroad counselors are those guiding your child through one of life’s most important, and more often than not, difficult decisions. How can you then work best with your child’s college counselor, so as to ensure the best possible experience for them through this difficult, strenuous process of college applications?

• It’s important to treat your child’s consultant as an ALLY—as study-abroad mentors, they’re almost second parents to the kid, and they also have the child’s best interest at heart. It’s the counselor’s job to give you real information about the likelihood of your child’s admission possibilities based on their grades. It’s NOT judgment, but fact. Please take it in that sense.
• Don’t wait for a crisis to meet the counselor. Use their time effectively to convey any important information about the child, and take invitations for meetings seriously. Respect their time, as much as you respect any of your child’s teachers’. While they might be providing a service, they ARE professionals. They don’t need to be constantly reminded, or be contacted outside business hours.
• The education consultant knows what they’re doing. They have access to current information and trends, connections to colleges around the country, and the responsibility to do what’s best for each mentee. Enter this relationship with a positive attitude—don’t question their knowledge. Definitely ask questions if you’re unsure about something, but respectfully.
• Help the agency and the student coordinate, but also ensure that your child is taking ownership of their activities. It’s neither your’s or the counselor’s responsibility to do the child’s work for them—it’s the child’s application, and they MUST be held accountable for it right from the beginning. Remind them of deadlines, help them prioritize tasks, proofread and provide suggestions, but they must do their own work and stay ahead of their tasks.
• Don’t pressurize the child into your dreams. This also means, in all honesty, don’t hover over your children, even if they’re applying to YOUR field. This makes it difficult for the abroad-education counselor to provide the right advice or lead them down the path that’s best for your child. Guide them, but let them find their own way. It’s imperative to their success.

Having a good relationship with your child’s college counselor goes a long way toward smoothing out the rough pavement on the road to college. You’ll be glad to have had the support at the end!

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As a high-school student interested in education abroad, you must have heard from your college counselors  or high-school counselors about the daunting admissions process. It’s a long, often frustrating process with one of the most difficult questions you have probably ever asked yourself—how do you know which college is the right fit for you?

Some of the best abroad education consultants will tell you that college tours are one way to show your interest in a college before or during the admissions process, alongside discovering the answer to this question. It’s also a foolproof way to get real information about resources, facilities, and college atmosphere, and a chance to talk to someone who is already there. More often than not, these tours are led by a student, who can directly respond to your questions about student life.

Here are some things you MUST check on a campus tour to make the most out of it:

● Academics:

• How popular is here on campus?
• How accessible are the faculty on campus for office hours?
• How big are classes? Are classes lecture-based or discussion-based?
• How satisfied are you with academic advising?
• Are professors available for research with students?
• What are the attendance policies like?
• Do students use any on-campus tutoring programs or writing centers?
• What kind of labs and research centers are available and accessible to undergraduate students?

● Campus Life:

• What is it like to be a first-year on campus?
• What kind of support is available to international students?
• What do you do when you’re not in class?
• What kinds of things are there to do in the school’s hometown?
• Which clubs and organizations are popular? Is there a club on campus?
• How’s the food ?
• Is it easy to get around campus? Is it disability-accessible?
• Do most students live on campus? How are the dorms?
• How safe is the campus? What measures are in place to protect students and staff?
• What resources are available for students to access in case of safety emergencies?

● Student Body?

• What makes the student body unique?
• Do students of different races and classes interact easily? Are the cliquish?
• How do student politics work here?

● Career Services:

• Are internships available? How do you find them?
• Is Career Services helpful?
• Does the school have a co-op program ?
• Are there opportunities to build leadership skills on campus?
• What options exist for service learning in the community?
• Do employers recruit students on campus?
• How easy is it to find summer jobs and other kinds of work through the school?

However, please do some basic research about the school before you go on a campus visit; do not depend on the guide for ALL the information. Carry some water and snacks with you; tours can get slightly overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to take pictures, as long as you take permission from the tour guide. While your excitement is valid, please don’t interrupt the tour guide while they’re speaking, and wait for the right moment to ask questions. Usually, there is time allotted at regular time intervals during the tour, or at the end, to ask questions. Follow-up the tour with an email, thanking the university and the guide for their hospitality!

Don’t forget to have fun, and Bon Voyage!

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My mom finds a baffling delight from drinking from glass, hotel-grade water dispensers. Even when three-day-old lemon rinds float in stale water, drinking from the dispenser remains luxurious. Last year for her birthday, I saved enough to buy a water dispenser for our kitchen counter. However, instead of water, I filled it with handwritten notes encouraging her to chase her dreams of a career.

As I grew older, I noticed that my mom yearned to pursue her passions and to make her own money. She spent years as a stay-at-home mom and limited our household chores as much as she could, taking the burden upon herself so that my brothers and I could focus on our education. However, I could tell from her curiosity of and attitudes toward working women that she envied their financial freedom and the self-esteem that must come with it. When I asked her about working again, she would tell me to focus on achieving the American dream that I knew she had once dreamed for herself.

For years, I watched her effortlessly light up conversations with both strangers and family. Her empathy and ability to understand the needs, wants and struggles of a diverse group of people empowered her to reach the hearts of every person at a dinner table, even when the story itself did not apply to them at all. She could make anyone laugh, and I wanted her to be paid for it. “Mom, have you ever thought about being a stand-up comedian?”

She laughed at the idea, but then she started wondering aloud about what she would joke about and how comedy shows were booked. As she began dreaming of a comedy career, the reality of her current life as a stay-at-home mom sank in. She began to cry and told me it was too late for her. I could not bear to watch her struggle between ambition and doubt.

Her birthday was coming up. Although I had already bought her a present, I realized what I actually wanted to give her was the strength to finally put herself first and to take a chance. I placed little notes of encouragement inside the water dispenser. I asked my family and her closest friends to do the same. These friends told her other friends, and eventually I had grown a network of supporters who emailed me their admiration for my mom. From these emails, I hand wrote 146 notes, crediting all of these supporters that also believed in my mom. Some provided me with sentences, others with five-paragraph-long essays. Yet, each note was an iteration of the same sentiment: “You are hilarious, full of life, and ready to take on the stage.”

On the day of her birthday, my mom unwrapped my oddly shaped present and saw the water dispenser I bought her. She was not surprised, as she had hinted at it for many years. But then as she kept unwrapping, she saw that inside the dispenser there were these little notes that filled the whole thing. As she kept picking out and reading the notes, I could tell she was starting to believe what they said. She started to weep with her hands full of notes. She could not believe the support was real, that everyone knew she had a special gift and believed in her.

Within two months, my mom performed her first set in a New York comedy club. Within a year, my mom booked a monthly headlining show at the nation’s premier comedy club.

I am not sure what happened to the water dispenser. But I have read the notes with my mom countless times. They are framed and line the walls of her new office space that she rented with the profits she made from working as a professional comedian. For many parents, their children’s careers are their greatest accomplishment, but for me my mom’s is mine.

YSC Team’s Comments

This essay is in response to an interesting question a student asked me two years ago –  does the essay HAVE to be about me?

My response was, and remains: ultimately, yes. But the story through which you portray yourself? Maybe not.

Here, Zoya narrates this tale of how she inspires her mother to pursue her dreams of independence. By recognising her mother’s strengths (“empathy and ability to understand the needs, wants and struggles of a diverse group of people”) and her challenges (“her struggle between ambition and doubt”), she creates a support network for her mother by collating 146 notes of inspiration from her family and friends.

What do we learn about Zoya?

The very ability she identified in her mother – the empathy, and the ability to understand the needs, wants, and struggles of a diverse group of people. The drive to take any step required to help them address their challenges. The emotional maturity (beyond her years) required to understand and inspire. And hope. In people, in the universe, in herself, to achieve their dreams.

And all this through the humble metaphor of the watercooler; a seemingly mundane object. But observe the initial paragraph that personally sets up the context for her mother’s American dream. It’s the level of specificity and personal connection that AOs enjoy. Rule of thumb: if you don’t feel it as much as Zoya in this essay does, don’t write it!

Through the story of her mother’s dreams, Zoya gracefully highlights her own! Kudos!

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Before choosing, students must fully comprehend all of their options because each has its own set of guidelines, benefits, and factors to take into account. An Early Decision (ED) is a legally binding contract that the university and the student sign. When students apply through Early Decision and are accepted, they are obligated to withdraw all other applications and enroll in that specific university. This is the best choice for students who know exactly which school they want to attend if accepted, and who know it is their first choice. Early Decision applications are typically due in November, and students usually receive admission decisions by mid-December.

Students can apply to universities and receive early admission decisions through Early Action (EA), a non-binding early application plan, without having to commit to enrolling. This option provides the advantage of early notification, typically between mid-December and mid-February, while still allowing students to consider other universities and compare financial aid packages.

While it has limitations, Restrictive Early Action (REA) is comparable to Early Action. Students are not permitted to apply Early Decision or Early Action to private universities under REA, but they are permitted to apply early to public universities. Similarly, some universities, such as Princeton, Yale, and Harvard, offer a restricted early application plan called Single Choice Early Action (SCEA). Early Decision or Early Action applications to private universities are not permitted for students applying through SCEA, but early applications to public schools are.

Many students opt for early application plans due to perceived statistical advantages and benefits. Students can show a university that they are very interested in and committed to it by applying early. Additionally, some universities tend to have higher acceptance rates for early applicants compared to their regular decision pool. Early notification also provides students with a clear understanding of their college plans sooner, potentially reducing stress associated with the application process.

Before making a decision right away, students must, however, carefully weigh the consequences. This option is binding, meaning that if students are accepted, they are obligated to enroll at that specific university and withdraw all other applications. Factors such as financial considerations, fit with the university, and the ability to compare financial aid packages should be carefully weighed before making a decision.

Ultimately, the choice to apply through Early Decision should be based on thorough research, personal circumstances, and a genuine desire to attend the specific university. Students need to review each university’s policies and requirements to make an informed decision aligned with their goals and preferences. An Early Decision Agreement detailing the terms and conditions, including the requirement to withdraw applications to other colleges upon acceptance, must be signed by applicants and their counselors.

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For international students, dealing with the US college application process can resemble setting out on a journey into the unknown. Each step along the way requires careful consideration and thorough preparation to ensure a smooth and successful application experience. First and foremost, building a college list is where it all begins. With thousands of universities to choose from, international students may feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options. There can be a lot of uncertainty regarding which universities will best meet their financial constraints, cultural preferences, and academic goals. Researching options carefully is essential, taking into account things like tuition costs, acceptance rates, standardized test scores, and GPA requirements. Striking a balance between reach schools (where admission is a stretch), target schools (where admission is achievable), and safety schools (where admission is highly likely) is key to crafting a well-rounded list of 8 to 10 colleges, or perhaps more for those aspiring to attend highly competitive institutions.

Once the college list is finalized, the next step involves ensuring that academic credentials meet the standards expected by US colleges. For international students, this often entails having transcripts evaluated to verify their equivalency to US education standards. Seeking recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can provide insight into the student’s academic abilities and personal qualities is also critical. These letters serve to paint a holistic picture of the student beyond their grades and test scores, offering admissions committees valuable insights into their character and potential for success.

Another crucial factor for international applicants is language competency. The majority of US colleges want evidence of English language competency from standardized assessments like the TOEFL or IELTS. Understanding the specific language requirements of each college and preparing accordingly is essential to ensuring that language proficiency does not become a barrier to admission. Depending on the college and program requirements, international students may need to take exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, or GMAT. Researching which tests are required by each college and preparing accordingly is needed to ensure readiness for the application process.

International students must wait apprehensively for acceptance letters after filling out application forms and sending them in with the necessary paperwork and fees. Students may experience a great deal of anxiety and excitement during this waiting period as they anxiously await word on the status of their applications. Throughout the entire process, staying organized, meeting deadlines, and seeking guidance when needed are essential strategies for success. International students can position themselves for admission to their desired US institutions and start an exciting educational journey abroad by carefully managing each phase of the college application process.

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To maximize your chances of a successful college application and enhance your competitiveness for admission, it’s crucial to engage in the college application process well in advance of the deadlines. Whether directly or indirectly, this process can start as early as your freshman year, especially if you aim to apply to selective colleges.

Start Planning Your Course Selection

Your high school course selection plays a significant role in demonstrating your readiness for college to admissions officers. Prestigious colleges seek students who have challenged themselves academically and are motivated to excel. While you don’t need to enroll in every course available, it’s essential to showcase your ability to thrive in rigorous academic environments if you aspire to attend a top-tier college. Take the time to carefully evaluate which classes align with your academic interests and college aspirations. Consider courses in science, math, history, foreign languages, English, and electives. 

It is best to begin thinking through your course options even before you start high school. We recognize that choosing a career path before starting high school can be difficult. Examining your interests and prior academic performance, however, can help you make a decision. For example, if you excelled in junior high math, opting for honors math in high school might be a suitable choice. Similarly, if you found seventh-grade biology labs captivating, enrolling in honors biology could be a natural progression for you.

Prioritize Academic Excellence

Getting excellent grades is essential to strengthening your college application. While colleges primarily scrutinize your junior year performances, your freshman and senior year grades also hold significance. Furthermore, your four-year high school GPA is a critical predictor of your academic potential for college. If you decide to take classes, make an effort to do well. Achieving success in these classes indicates to colleges that you are capable of managing coursework at the collegiate level.

Excellence in Extracurriculars

The quality of your college application is greatly influenced by your extracurricular activities, in addition to your academic standing. Colleges, particularly the most competitive ones, seek students with notable accomplishments beyond the confines of the classroom. They value individuals who invest their free time in pursuing their passions. Engaging in extracurricular activities throughout your high school journey is crucial. Colleges appreciate a sustained commitment to your pursuits. Demonstrating continuous growth and dedication in one activity over four years holds more weight than participating in multiple activities for short durations.

Master Your Standardized Tests

Although the significance of standardized tests in college admissions has been somewhat reduced by some institutions, your scores still hold considerable weight in most college applications. If you fall short of your target score initially, you can dedicate more time to studying and retake the test in the spring of your junior year. Achieving your desired score by the end of junior year affords you more time during senior year to focus on academics, extracurriculars, and college applications. If you remain dissatisfied with your score by then, you have the summer to study further and retake the test in the fall. Reviewing each school’s admissions website is crucial to ensuring you understand the specific application deadlines.

Explore College Options

Finding the colleges that are the best fit for you is essential before starting the application process. Although you can begin acquainting yourself with colleges as early as your freshman year, you should start conducting active research no later than your junior year. Utilize college search websites, finders, guidebooks, and ranking lists to discover potential college options. Attend college fairs and tours to gain exposure to different institutions and gain insights into the variety of schools available. Consider your priorities as an applicant, along with your academic strengths and interests, to identify schools that align with your aspirations as a prospective college student. This process will help you narrow down your list of colleges to apply to. Try to have a finalized list of colleges to apply to by the start of your senior year.

Secure Outstanding Recommendations

Letters of recommendation are a vital component of your college applications. Typically, colleges request two to three letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors who can provide insight into your character as both a student and an individual. To prepare for this aspect of the college application process, it’s essential to understand what constitutes a strong recommendation and how to request one. It’s advisable to approach teachers for recommendations in the spring of your junior year to ensure thoughtful and well-crafted letters. By initiating the request early, you can secure their agreement before they are overwhelmed with requests during your senior year, allowing them ample time to reflect on their endorsement.

Choose the people you want to write your letters to carefully. For instance, you could ask your calculus teacher for a recommendation letter if you are a math enthusiast who excels in the subject and follows a focused approach. As you commence your senior year, you can formally request your recommendation letters.

Nail Stellar Recommendations

Letters of recommendation play a pivotal role in your college applications. Typically, colleges request two to three letters from teachers, coaches, or mentors capable of offering insights into your character as both a student and an individual. To prepare for this aspect of the college application process, it’s crucial to understand the components of a strong recommendation and

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Starting the process of applying to American colleges can be an exciting as well as intimidating experience. With thousands of colleges to select from and a plethora of requirements to meet, it is critical to approach the application process thoughtfully and prepared. We will walk you through the essential elements of the US college application process in this in-depth guide, provide advice on how to write an exceptional application, and offer helpful resources and support to help you along the way. Every step of the US college application process is vital to the admissions decision and usually consists of multiple components. These components include standardized tests, transcripts, essays, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. The college application process typically begins during junior high school, although some aspects may start earlier. 

To make your application stand out among the competition, one must: 

1. Be genuine. Compose essays that accurately capture your character, principles, and goals. Admissions officers value authentic narratives.

2. Emphasize uniqueness. Emphasize the experiences, viewpoints, skills, or achievements that make you stand out from the competition. What makes you special?

3. Make the most of your strengths. Highlight all of your achievements, whether they be extracurricular, academic, or personal, in your application. To show off your skills and success potential, give examples.

4. Personal statement dos and don’ts. Do focus on a specific aspect of your life or identity that is meaningful to you. Don’t try to cover too many topics or write what you think admissions officers want to hear.

In the college application process, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could hinder your chances of admission, such as procrastination. Waiting until the last minute to complete application materials can lead to rushed and subpar submissions. Start early, and give yourself plenty of time to revise and polish your essays.

Fortunately, students can get assistance navigating the college application process from a variety of resources and support systems. Guidance counselors in high schools can offer invaluable counsel and support during the application process, covering topics such as choosing a course, preparing for tests, and application assistance. Websites for college admissions offer extensive information about their application procedures, due dates, and campus life. Use these resources to learn more about possible colleges so you can choose wisely. You can prepare for standardized tests like the SAT and ACT by using test prep resources like study guides, online courses, and practice exams. 

Careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail are necessary to successfully navigate the US college application process. You can improve your chances of getting into the college of your dreams by being aware of the essential elements of the application process, adhering to a schedule, creating an exceptional application, avoiding typical mistakes, and making use of the resources and assistance that are available.