Variety galore

With a flexible course structure, you can get the best programme to suit your needs, says USEFI educational advisor Vijaya Khandavilli.

With a flexible course structure, you can get the best programme to suit your needs, says USEFI educational advisor Vijaya Khandavilli.

What important points should aspirants keep in mind before seeking admission to US colleges and universities?
Students should identify their academic needs and accordingly choose the best course that matches their interests as well. Typically, one needs to start the process at least a year before the intended date of enrolment.
The US and Indian education systems are very different. Cut-off scores or ranks are not the only factors that determine admission.

HT Image

What kind of misconceptions do applicants have?
Students lay too much stress on GRE/GMAT scores alone. Other requirements like statements of purpose and recommendation letters are equally important. For admission to graduate courses, often these, along with professional qualifications, can make-up for weaknesses elsewhere in the application.
Besides, many times, students do not understand the decentralised nature of graduate admissions fully. It is better to go by the reputation of the department rather than the university.

A British Council official claimed that the quality of higher education in the UK is quite uniform whereas in the US "some (institutes are) fantastic and some not so good". Comment.
Variety and flexibility form the bedrock of US education. To me as an adviser, variety is more important than uniformity. It increases choices for a student and infuses competition among institutions leading to quality enhancement. It is also unrealistic to expect all universities to offer 'fantastic' programmes in all fields. In the US, quality is measured in terms of accreditation by different accrediting bodies.

Does work experience help in securing admission?
Work experience is considered a positive factor. So, if you have been spending your summer breaks on project work, or picking up computer skills, you stand a better chance of being selected as compared to someone who scored more in the GATE examinations (TOEFL, SAT, GRE or GMAT).

For more information contact USEFI offices in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai or log on to www.fulbright-india.org

Interviewed by Rahat Bano