Should you pursue an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree abroad? 

Banker, lawyer, engineer, fashion designer, animation, film making, and architect --- you can choose a career of your choice. 

In India even a single point difference in your percentage makes the difference between your dreams of becoming an engineer or not.  But you significantly increase your chances of pursuing the career of your choice by choosing from thousands of international universities.  And only your percentage does not count.  You can present a number of other factors in your quest for admission.

With the 12th grade being one of the most challenging academic years, we recommend that you explore the options of pursuing the Bachelors degree overseas, right after the 10th grade board examinations and pursue the application process with determination through the course of your 11th grade.

The two year advantage will enable you to plan the application process well in advance, assist your parents in their financial planning and ensure that you do not loose focus in the final months of the run up to your 12th grade board examinations.

In selecting the Universities you would like to apply to here are some factors to consider

• Length of the program – UK and Australia like India, follow the three year program.  In the United States and Canada, all Bachelors degrees are four year programs.  Programs in medicine, pharmacy, law, nursing, architecture involve state licensure and hence extend beyond four years. 

• Major – The best part of studying overseas is the flexibility in the curriculum.  You could be a business major with a minor in computer science or an engineering student with electives in classical music or a psychology student with electives in law or astrophysics.   As an engineering student, you can enter into the undergraduate program as an ‘Engineering – Undeclared’ major if the program allows it.  When selecting your Universities, check if all of the options that interest you are available.

• Rankings – Review the rankings to see how well the program is placed for your major.  However Rankings are not the only criteria to consider when choosing your college. 

• Deadline – If you are looking at Top Universities, some Universities such as the University of California may have a Nov 1 application deadline.  Some Universities may have deadlines as late as May 1.  Others may have special scholarship and financial deadlines between the months of Jan-Feb-March.  Make note of these and turn your application in early.

• Regular or Early Decision – You may apply to only one university as an early decision candidate. If accepted, you are bound to accept the offer and withdraw all other applications.   We recommend you opt for an Early Decision only if you are sure you will be able to afford and accept the Universities offer.

• Test Requirements – Most of the US / Canadian universities would require you to submit the results of the SAT (Standardized Aptitude Test) that measures your verbal and mathematical skills.  A few programs may also require the SAT II subject tests. You may need to take at least 2 SAT- II though there are a couple of Universities which ask for 3 SAT-II tests. 

• Accredited – Ensure that the university you are applying to is accredited. 

• Costs – The cost of a four-year program can be pretty prohibitive.  Hence, plan the extent to which your family can finance your education for the next four years.  With this in mind, you can then choose which programs you will apply to.  Also check for information on scholarships and financial aid awards for international students.

• Location – If there is a preference in location, make a note of colleges in that specific area.  However, it would not be advisable to restrict your university selections based on location.

• Academic Grades – When you apply, you will need to send in your mark sheets from the 8th grade through the 11th grade.  If you have always been an A grade student, ensure that you maintain your stand even in the 11th grade.

• Other factors would be class size, research facilities, international student population, co-curricular activities, and graduation rate and placement services.

• university Selection & Financial Aid Service - When you enroll with us, we will research and shortlist Universities based on academic grades, interests, preferences and budget.  We research and advise on which Universities you should apply to for aid and admissions - by 2008 we will have 18 years of experience.  Once you have gained admissions we advise which might be your final choice.