The Indian Students Guide to Pursuing New Higher Education

The United States is the top choice for Indian students looking to study abroad, with nearly 270,000 students enrolled in its colleges and universities. Many of them follow in the footsteps of Indian-origin CEOs who have led U.S.-based tech behemoths after earning their degrees there.
Students must reflect on their lives and set academic and career goals to understand why they want to pursue higher education in the United States.

Tip 1: Do not underestimate yourself.

My first tip for students is to never underestimate themselves.

As an average student, I never considered pursuing higher education in the United States, believing that only the brightest could do so. I applied for doctoral programmes solely for my brother, and I was accepted by several universities in the United States.

There may be something on your resume that you overlook, but admissions officials in the United States are looking to build a diverse class.

In my case, I discovered that the small research projects I conducted during my undergraduate studies at St. Xavier’s College piqued the officials’ interest.

Your goal in pursuing higher education in the United States should be to prepare for a future career. You are not expected to be an expert when you apply. One should demonstrate genuine interest and passion for learning, both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as the mindset of a global citizen.

Tip 2: Do your own work.

Shortlisting eight to ten institutions from the 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States can be difficult. Students rely on a variety of resources during the application process, including senior students, friends, family, relatives living in the United States, and so on. Although these can be useful starting points, each student must take responsibility for the shortlisting and application process.

I applied to colleges, and they sent me their application materials at my brother’s request. I didn’t do any research. Conducting proper research can ensure enrollment at the appropriate university campus. Students should ensure that the universities they are applying to will provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their careers. Because they know themselves best, they must take control of the process rather than relying on others.

Tip 3: Understand that help is available.

The application process for higher education in the United States takes time. Students should begin the process 12 to 18 months before joining.

Students can make the process easier by creating an Excel spreadsheet with their shortlisted universities. It must include all university application details, such as the application deadline, course, faculty, university-required essays, and so on. Once the spreadsheet is complete, it is easier to track progress and avoid missing deadlines or other important requirements.

Knowing where to seek assistance during this process is also critical.

If students are unable to find the necessary information on a university’s website regarding admission criteria, they should contact admission officials or representatives.

However, remember that asking university officials for materials that are easily accessible on the university’s website may reflect negatively on you as a potential applicant.
Do your homework on the university’s website before contacting a representative.