How to Shortlist Universities for Studying Abroad: 7 Game Changing Tips (for USA, CANADA, UK)

Summary

In this video transcript, the speaker shares their experience of selecting universities for a master's degree in the US. They provide guidance on how to choose the best university based on personal needs, aspirations, and a detailed analysis of factors like admission mode, course offerings, national rank, fees, deadlines, acceptance ratios, and location. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions and not taking unnecessary financial risks, offering a comprehensive approach to university selection.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the difficulty of selecting universities for a master's program in the US and offers guidance on how to choose the right one.
• 🗂️ The speaker created a detailed spreadsheet to help in the selection process, including factors like university name, admission mode, course, national rank, fees, deadlines, acceptance ratio, location, specific requirements, and additional notes.
• 📈 The spreadsheet included admission modes, distinguishing between rolling (first-come, first-served) and non-rolling (all applications reviewed before decisions) admissions.
• 🏫 The speaker shortlisted 32 universities but only applied to 10, based on their suitability for personal needs and aspirations.
• 💼 The importance of considering the national rank of universities was highlighted, to avoid applying to less prestigious institutions.
• 💵 Financial considerations were crucial, with the speaker advising against taking financial risks that could jeopardize one's or one's family's financial stability.
• ⏰ Deadlines were noted to manage the application process effectively, especially considering rolling admissions where early application can be advantageous.
• 📊 The acceptance ratio was considered to gauge the competitiveness of different programs at various universities.
• 📍 Location preferences were noted, with the speaker having a preference for the West Coast but also considering other regions.
• 📝 Specific requirements such as GRE, TOEFL, and GPA scores were listed, acknowledging the varying importance of these factors post-COVID.
• 📝 Personal notes were included in the spreadsheet to track thoughts on each university, such as the suitability of certain programs and application deadlines.

Q & A

What was the speaker's challenge when applying for a master's program in the US?

The speaker had a tough time selecting universities and received many queries from others on how to choose the right university.

What approach does the speaker suggest for choosing a university?

The speaker suggests creating a detailed spreadsheet to compare various factors such as university name, admission mode, course, national rank, fee, deadline, accept ratio, location, specific requirements, and additional notes.

How many universities did the speaker shortlist during their application process?

The speaker shortlisted 32 universities from the US for their master's program.

What is the difference between rolling and non-rolling admission modes according to the speaker?

Rolling admission reviews applications as they come in and offers admission on a first-come, first-served basis, while non-rolling admission reviews all applications before making decisions.

Why is it important to consider the national rank of a university according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that the national rank is important because it plays a significant role in the university's reputation and the value of the degree.

What financial advice does the speaker give regarding university fees?

The speaker advises to gauge one's financial capacity and not to take financial risks that could put oneself or one's family in danger, suggesting taking calculated risks instead.

How did the speaker use the deadline information in their application strategy?

The speaker used the deadline information to prioritize applications, applying to universities with earlier deadlines first and potentially stopping applications if admitted to a preferred university.

What is the significance of the accept ratio mentioned by the speaker?

The accept ratio indicates the percentage of students accepted into a particular major at a university, which helps the speaker understand the competitiveness of the program.

Why did the speaker consider both East and West Coast universities despite a preference for the West?

The speaker considered universities on both coasts to keep options open and increase the chances of getting admitted to a suitable program, even though they had a preference for the West Coast.

What was the speaker's strategy for noting down specific requirements for each university?

The speaker documented specific requirements such as GRE/GPA scores and other criteria for each university to ensure they met the eligibility before applying.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of personal decision-making in the university selection process?

The speaker stresses that while they can provide guidance, the final decision must be made by the individual as they are the ones who will be pursuing the degree and responsible for its outcomes.