SL2College

 

 

 

The higher education options available today make choosing one particular path difficult. First research the local and international options and weigh the pros and cons of each against your circumstances. Perhaps your academic interest is not currently available in Sri Lanka or family circumstances require you to stay home. Financial concerns may require you to search for scholarships or the option of a  2-2 or 3-1 program that allows you to complete part of the program in Sri Lanka. Consider your personal situation carefully and decide whether an overseas education is for you.

 

 

 

Consider the geographical location that suits you best when exploring foreign universities. Contact students who are currently studying in the countries you are interested in for information -  Australia might be the best place for post-graduation work opportunities, or the USA gives you the most flexible curriculum, or the UK offer the best financial aid. Each country has its pros and cons. If you decide to apply to the U.S, read on... (check future columns for a checklist of steps for applying to college or graduate school in other countries)

 

 

 

U.S. institutions require certain standardized tests. Some colleges accept applicants with just the TOEFL; most require the SAT and some a certain number of SAT Subject Tests. Graduate schools in the U.S require the GRE, MCAT, GMAT, or LSAT depending on educational preference. Identify the tests you need to take and register early. Registration is possible online or by mailed money order. Several graduate level tests are not administered in Sri Lanka making it necessary to take it at a foreign center. India and Singapore are the closest test centers; early registration will increase the possibility of being assigned your preferred testing site.

 

 

 

Preparation is key for doing well on standardized tests. Countless test prep books and websites provide insight on how to do well. You may also find tutors in Sri Lanka who specialise in preparing students for the tests. However, the best 'tips' and 'strategies' are usually no substitute for taking actual practice tests. Test makers publish past tests; these should be attempted as many times as possible under strict time conditions.

 

 

 

When choosing schools, some tend to rely on word-of-mouth while others on published school rankings. Neither is a substitute for focused research! Identify factors that are important to you-- choice of curriculum, location, student: faculty ratio etc, and create a list of schools that meet your criteria. Consult the Sri Lanka-Fulbright Commission for information on schools or research online. Determine if you are a good match for the school's admissions criteria, and compile a list of 'mix' schools-- 'dream' schools, schools where you are a solid candidate, and schools you are almost certain to be admitted to.

 

 

 

Different schools follow different application processes. Most undergraduate level schools follow the Common Application Process or something similar - you can review the multiple stages of the application at www.commonapp.org. Most schools will require additional submissions - an essay, a graded writing sample, an institutional data or financial aid form for international students- research the universities on your short list and note down any supplemental parts that are necessary. Ensure that all parts of your application are complete.

 

 

 

Most universities will require a 'personal statement' that tells the admissions committee about who you are, beyond test scores and resume. Universities provide a choice of essay 'prompts' - sometimes to describe yourself as a person, or reflect on a meaningful experience, or significant influence in your life, or a similar topic - and a word limit. Some colleges will require a response to a mandatory question; so be prepared to adapt a general statement or write separate essays as needed. A strong personal statement is key to a strong application; start working on the personal statement early and improving it with feedback from friends and family.

 

 

 

Teacher recommendations are an integral part of the application packet. Select teachers who can assess you overall, and make personal observations about you as a person and a student. Colleges care more about the personal tone of the recommendation than the official title of the writer; so select your recommender based on familiarity instead of designation . Ask teachers if they are willing and able to write you a positive recommendation and give them enough time. Provide your recommenders with envelopes addressed to each school you are applying to so they can sign and seal the envelopes personally.

 

 

 

The school profile is a brief overview of your school--history, current status, rigour of curriculum, available co-curricular activities-- that helps the admissions office put your school achievements and record in context. Some Sri Lankan schools--almost all the international schools-- have official profiles in place. If your school does not have one, work with the school officials to create one. This should be limited to two pages.

 

 

 

You have now finished the main 'parts' of the general application. What remains is tailoring each one for each school. Check the admissions requirements and application checklist on each school's website. Don't rely on books for a checklist--school requirements change and you are expected to keep abreast of changes. Determine the supplements that are required (see number 6 above)  by each school early and budget time to meet deadlines. Remember that supplement deadlines may be earlier than application deadlines.

 

 

11)  FILE THE APPLICATIONS AND, IF APPLICABLE, FEE WAIVERS

 

Filing the applications is a time consuming process. Make sure that all the parts of the application are completed. Most schools allow online filing of applications, but if you choose to submit paper copies, remember the filing deadline is the postmark date. If you require, your school principal or an advisor at the Fulbright Commission may be able to provide the request for a fee waiver. If you qualify for a fee waiver, the waiver letter should be submitted with the applications. Most schools have a January 01 filing deadline, some a January 15 deadline, and some a rolling admission process.Regardless, early submissions are recommended.

 

 

 

Most schools require the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), CSS/PROFILE or the NeedAccess financial aid application. Some additionally require an institutional financial aid form. Generally, these applications need personal and parental asset information, and (translated) copies of your parents' income tax forms. General deadline for this applications is February 15, but may vary by school.

 

 

 

Most undergraduate colleges have a notification deadline of April 01 while most graduate schools adopt a rolling admissions process. On receipt of offers of admission and notifications of any financial aid awards, decide which offer to accept and decline all the others. Your decision will be a very personal one based on many factors. Avoid basing your decision solely on the financial aid offer or the school ranking; eventually, you should choose a college where you will be happy.

 

 

 

The admission process doesn't end with your acceptance. You will receive more forms to fill and tasks 'to-do' by the school. Signing-up for an admitted students website, filling in housing applications, submitting medical and immunization records, and filling in a declaration and certification of finances in order to be issued a visa are just some things to expect. Maintain a checklist of items and deadlines so that you stay ahead.

 

 

 

Your college will issue you an I-20 when they receive the Declaration and Certification of Finances from you; the I-20 is mandatory for student visa applications. International students in the U.S. can have varying visa statuses, although the F and J are the most common. Check the U.S. Embassy website to ensure you have all necessary documentation before you apply for a visa. Apply early, as the wait for a visa appointment can be several weeks during peak periods.

 

Once you receive the visa all you need to do is pack your bags and get ready for college.