7 Points Not To Miss While Making UCAS Application

UCAS Application - Your pathway to undergraduate study in the UK

Hoping to study undergraduate in the UK? Admissions to UK Universities require you to make an application through UCAS to a maximum of 5 Universities at the start of the application process.

Here are some crucial points you must not miss while considering to apply through UCAS: 

1. Register Your Referee: Only once your referee submits the recommendation letter online, will you be able to pay the UCAS application fee to finally submit your application. Thus, if you have not contacted your referee timely enough, it may cause you troubles. You must register your referee as soon as you begin with the UCAS Application. Your referee will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the reference letter online
2. Oxford and Cambridge Applications: 15th October in general is the date by which you must submit your application if you are applying to Oxford University or the University of Cambridge. You can also only apply to ONE of TWO Universities--not both. Any course in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine/science should arrive at UCAS by this deadline only. Remember, this also means that your referee should submit the recommendation letter before 15th October
3. Personal Statement: Very popularly known as Statement of Purpose (SOP) in the Indian sub-continent, you can only enter up to 4000 characters (including spaces) and 47 lines of text (including blank lines) in the space available. We recommend you write the personal statement offline (in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Apple iWork Pages or Notepad) and ensure that you are within the character and line limit. Later, you could paste the personal statement while doing the online application. Remember--it is not essential to consume all the space while writing the personal statement. Not writing about your selected University is just fine. The same personal statement reaches out to all 5 Universities and writing 'your University' is not helpful
4. Missed out on the UCAS Application Deadline -- Don't Panic: While it is a good lesson to not miss out on deadlines in the future, if you did however miss out on applying timely to UK Universities through UCAS application, you can still submit your application. UCAS will still send your applications to your selected UK Universities but it would mean that the Universities do not have to essentially consider you for the targeted intake. Applications made through UCAS after 30th June in general will directly go in to UCAS Clearing
5. UCAS Application | UCAS Extra | UCAS Clearing: You did not secure admissions at any of your 5 selected UK Universities, you will have an opportunity to select an additional University through UCAS Extra. You still do not secure an offer, you will find UK University websites displaying information on Clearing Courses. This means that there are places still available on the programmes that are displayed in the Clearing. You must contact the University and as they instruct, submit your documents to them for a review. If the University indicates that you will be accepted, then you can use UCAS Clearing to officially apply to that UK University and secure your admission
6. Selecting Firm Choice and Insurance Choice on UCAS: Assuming you have received more than one offer from UK Universities, you must make a wise choice while selecting Firm and Insurance Choice. Once you have chosen, automatically the other University choices cancel out, which means even if you want, you cannot reapply to those Universities. Once you meet the condition of the 'Firm Choice', you will have to only accept it and in the event that you thought you can also go to the 'Insurance Choice' since you meet their academic conditions too, you will not be able to select that again. Select the 'firm choice' and the 'insurance choice' after spending enough time and be realistic about the selection
7. Sending All Documents: Although academic scores play the key role in your admissions to UK Universities especially at the undergraduate level, if you are great at extra-curricular activities, it is wise connecting with Universities and sending out all the documents pointing out key highlights on what you have achieved apart from your academics. Emails are a great way to connect with the Universities

Quick tips and information:

• Do follow the "Key Dates" available on the UCAS website. All deadlines are listed
• Always keep one back up (safe) option of a University while applying through UCAS
• Never miss your deadline on accepting admissions
• Prepare and appear for your English Language Proficiency test (eg. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic) at least one month in advance to the application deadline. The validity of all these scores is 2 years. Take the test as early as possible
• Keep tracking your applications through UCAS Track. If you go to 'Choices', you will see the updated status on your admission

Good luck!


Did you know?
ILW helps you for free (absolutely no charge for counseling) with your UCAS application right from start to end ie. from shortlisting right set of Universities to helping you with applications, making a timeline, liaising with Universities if required, helping you make the final decision, selecting your firm and insurance choices, visa guidance, connecting you with other students, accommodation booking, flight tickets and forex. Connect with ILW.

Finished Overseas Education? Simple work permit policies

Finished Overseas Education? Here are your job options abroad…

Where to study abroad? The post provides a simple explanation that can facilitate a decision-making for students while selecting the right Country to study in based on work permit policies.

Different visa extension rules in the USA, the UK, Canada, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland are explained briefly, thus helping international students to take the most appropriate decision while selecting different Universities across these popular study destinations.

Check out the blog post (click)

Masters in Social Media, Marketing, Management in the UK

Masters in Social Media in the UK

Here's a list of Social Media programmes (Masters) in the UK including the exact course name and tuition fee (as collected from their respective websites as on the date of this post for 2012):

To apply to all UK Universities listed, connect with ILW for free applications, university selection, admission, obtaining available scholarships, student visa guidance, meeting other students and much more. All services are free of cost

Birmingham City University, UK 
MA Social Media
Course Fee: £10300
Course start: September. February intake is available

The University of York, UK 
MSc in Social Media and Management
MSc in Social Media and Interactive Technologies
Course Fee: £12720
Course start: September (both programmes)


Goldsmiths University of London, UK 
MA/MSc in Creating Social Media
Course Fee: £14900
Course start: September


City University London, UK 
MSc Social Media
Course Fee: £11500
Course start: September


Imperial College London, UK 
MSc Strategic Marketing
Course Fee: £19950
Course start: September

We specifically include the MSc Strategic Marketing programme at Imperial College Business School London in the above list because of the nature of the programme offered. The course claims to have incorporated Social Media and new digital technologies at the centre of the said programme. Students are provided an iPad2 to carry out their studies. Read about this news here: Digital and social media at the heart of new Master's in Marketing on the Imperial College London's website


Middlesex University, UK 
MA e-Marketing and Social Media
Course Fee: £11700
Course start: September


University of Salford, UK 
MA Social Media
Course Fee: £9790
Course start: September


Social Media and the varied avenues that the field has created including social media marketing, branding, strategy and within internet marketing and social networking, every business and organization is taking social media seriously. Consider Facebook, possibly the most popular social network, if one considers in terms of population, is the 3rd largest population in the world (after China and India). Other popular social networking sites and micro blogging spaces like Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and such others are some of the most valued Companies in the world invariably eyeing at hiring the most talented individuals. Needless mentioning, a Masters in Social Media and a related degree facilitating a career in social media consulting will be sought after sooner.

All above listed course are of ONE year duration (in general) and the fee listed is for the full length of the course. Direct Scholarships are made available by many of these UK Universities for international (Indian) students. To apply for the same, contact ILW 

Note: Please check the individual university websites for exact fees

To apply to all UK Universities listed, connect with ILW for free applications, university selection, admission, obtaining available scholarships, student visa guidance, meeting other students and much more. All services are free of cost

You may also wish to read:
Marketing Communications Masters at UK Universities

Marketing Communications Masters at UK Universities

Masters in Marketing Communications in the UK

Here's a list of Marketing Communication programmes (Masters) in the UK including the exact course name and tuition fee (as collected from their respective websites as on the date of this post for 2012):

To apply to all UK Universities listed, connect with ILW for free applications, university selection, admission, obtaining available scholarships, student visa guidance, meeting other students and much more. All services are free of cost. Check out this short 2 mins VIDEO on how ILW can help

University of Westminster, London, UK 
MA Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £15000
Course start: September. January intake is available

London South Bank University, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £10465
Course start: September. January intake is available

Birkbeck University of London, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications 
Course Fee: £14075
Course start: September

Bournemouth University, UK 
MA Advertising and Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £13000
Course start: September

University of Birmingham, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £14490
Course start: September

University of Brighton, UK 
MSc Marketing (Branding and Communications)
Course Fee: £12750
Course start: September

University of Bedfordshire, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £9600
Course start: September. January intake may be available

University of East London (UEL), UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £9990
Course start: September. January intake is available

Kingston University, London, UK 
MA Marketing Communications and Advertising
Course Fee: £11880
Course start: September

London Metropolitan University, UK 
MA International Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £13500
Course start: September

Middlesex University, UK 
MA Marketing Communications (Post graduate Diploma also available)
Course Fee: £11700
Course start: September

University of the West of England (UWE), UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £11250
Course start: September

Manchester Metropolitan University, UK 
MSc Digital Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £14866
Course start: September

University of Chester, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications and Public Relations
Course Fee: £9500
Course start: September

University of Huddersfield, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £11500
Course start: September. January intake may be available

University of Greenwich, UK 
MA Strategic Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £9500
Course start: September. January intake may be available

Buckinghamshire New University, UK 
MSc Marketing Communications
Course Fee: £9400
Course start: September. January intake may be available


All above listed course are of ONE year duration (in general) and the fee listed is for the full length of the course. Direct Scholarships are made available by many of these UK Universities for international (Indian) students. To apply for the same, contact ILW 

Note: Please check the individual university websites for exact fees

Similar Programs: 
University of Surrey, UK 
MSc Communication and International Marketing
Course Fee: £12705

Edge Hill University, UK 
MA Marketing and Communications
Course Fee: £11500

If you have liked this post, check out this short 2 mins VIDEO of how ILW helped April.

You may also wish to read:
Masters in Social Media, Marketing, Management in the UK

10 mistakes while applying for MS in US Universities

Waiting for GMAT/GRE + TOEFL Test Score and then applying: 

Don’t wait for your GMAT score, GRE score, TOEFL score to arrive. It’s pointless. You may miss the deadline to apply to US Universities (also especially if your first score is not up to the mark). It's wise to take the test early but your selection of US Universities should be done in a way where you do have a combination of a. dream Universities (ambitious), b. very good Universities and c. back-up Universities (in case you do not get through to the first two categories). US Schools allow you to apply in advance and you can provide them with a test date.

Three quick recommendations (the fourth one is free): 
1. Apply to 8 Schools (3 dream, 3 very good, 2 back-up) (max. 10 US Schools)
2. Apply in October/November in the year before your course start eg. If you plan for Fall 2015, apply in October/November 2014. Many Universities for specific programs only accept admission applications (with all application documents) until mid-December. Don’t fret if you only reviewed this blog post in December or January since (nearly) a large number of US Universities accept applications until mid-January. Many Universities will have rolling admissions too
3. Prepare yourself for GMAT/GRE test for two weeks and assess your abilities to score (may be with your tutor if you have one). Then, book a test date and work towards that date instead of endlessly preparing for the test
4. Check the entry requirements of the shortlisted US universities well in advance so that you could keep the documentation ready like essays, personal statement (SOP), etc. 

One problem is certainly solved with this approach of ‘not waiting’ – a good GMAT/GRE score means your chances to (possibly) secure admits from dream and very good universities rise and if not, you already have applied to your back-up universities.

Waiting for the hard copy of the test scores (like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS): 

No. You don’t need waiting for the hard copies of these test scores. US Universities will not accept these from you. These are reported by the testing agencies (eg. ETS) directly to your selected Universities. a. when you register / appear for the tests (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL), you select up to 5 Universities where your scores are reported for free (included in the registration fee) and b. you can use your online account to send out your score reports. The best is to report your score 30 days in advance to the application deadline of the university (or earlier)

Overestimating your test scores: 

Practice tests are different from real tests (specially on the day of the test). Besides, nervousness sinks in for most students on the test day. Your target score must generally be 10% higher than your required score. And you can easily reduce your actual score by 10% to 15% as against what you find during practice tests. Never overestimate your scores; otherwise you will only have applied to back-up universities. We laugh sometimes suggesting typically that every GMAT applicant believes to be good at English and every GRE student believes to be the best at Math.

Realistically estimating your test score will also allow a. selection of right universities and b. reporting your scores to the right universities (saves money)

Randomly applying to as many Universities: 

You’ve finalized your university list (that you are going to apply to finally). Then you hear about your friend applying to another set of universities. While applying to one university may seem a costly affair (you spend about Rs 5000 to apply to one—reporting TOEFL, GMAT, GRE scores, application fee, courier charge, others), more importantly, it suggests that you are unsure of your future plan of studies or have not previously researched well enough to be spending vast amounts of money. Thus, unless you come across one super program option (which seems like coming out of serendipity only), you may wish sticking to your university options

How to fill the University application form? 

Spelling mistakes – bad. Entering incorrect academic details, scores, and reluctance in entering all details (if you have a long list of activities) – seriously, you must be crazy. It is wasting your time and money, the university’s time and you only have applied to one university less (for each university that you repeat that mistake).
Oh! And yes. An address, a statement, other descriptions -- (all) start with a capital letter eg. "I have worked with....", "ILW, 21 Pitruchhaya Building...Vile Parle (W)" -- it cannot be "i have worked with...."

Common Personal Statement: 

This is typical. Often times you do not even require a personal statement. Commonly popular as a statement of purpose (SOP), students tend to make one common essay. You are better off collecting the requirements of all universities you are planning to apply to. Make a list of essays (different from SOP) and start working on the toughest essays first. Quite interestingly, you may find that essay answering many of your other essay questions. Each University may have a set of questions asked through their application form (or may be listed on their website in the admissions or entry requirements sections) and these questions are important to why you as an applicant fill in to their class. Each essay requires individual attention. For some uncommon errors that students make while writing essays, check this post

Heavy concentration on subject / technical knowledge: 

Especially distinct to MS applicants, each piece of information they wish discussing with a university is technical (mildly perhaps for business/management applicants). While academic achievements are important, it’s a waste if you do not highlight other personal traits and achievements like displaying experiences that has brought out in the (recent) past, your leadership qualities, social activities, sports participating, and such others. Sometimes even critical assessments about yourself are important. It’s wise to point out your shortcomings so that you realize you are spending money on entering a class where you can contribute too. Your higher studies must teach a whole lot of other characteristics which will be required in the real world. Here’s an interesting post suggesting 11 skills that every graduate must concentrate on developing

Work experience: 

While for most MS programs, work experience is not essential, having one always helps and boosts your admission chances. However, to build up work experience like part-time experience during your course—that’s just not required. And if you imagine being able to prove that you’ve worked as a manager in only 1 year post your Bachelors (in India), you must be kidding. Surely, highlighting your internships, real-time work experience is a must even if it brings out minimal learning that you could highlight (on your resume)

Resume Building: 

Include all information. Keep it short and simple. You can get creative and there are many websites that help you facilitate that. You don’t need a 4 page CV and bore the busy admissions committee

Expecting all universities to reply in the affirmative: 

Indeed. Sounds weird. However, most students would anticipate that all universities will provide only a positive reply and you may have 8 I20s to finally decide from. The fact that you are applying to 8 universities is because you have some dream university options. Don’t hesitate to receive reject letters

Lastly, some useless errors' list:

a. Your email id should be correct, must be checked regularly and is largely the only method most universities will contact you

b. Believing 'rolling admission' means you can apply anytime. You must apply timely

c. Not submitting financial documents' proof (that you can fund your studies), when you have applied for scholarships. You must submit financial proof

d. Not applying for transcript timely. All US Universities require transcript (different from marksheets). These need to be made available to all US Universities you are applying to

e. Not checking if your university requires transcript evaluation. Many US Universities require your transcript and degree to be evaluated by a testing agency like World Education Services and others

Good luck applying!

You may also wish to read: US University Essays and Mistakes

Indian students will face UK visa interview from 31st July 2012

UK Border Agency may invite Tier 4 UK (Student) Visa applicants for an interview to determine whether to award an entry clearance (or grant you a visa to study in the UK). UK Visa interviews will begin on or after 31st July 2012. If students do not attend the visa interview, they may face a visa refusal.


Full ministerial statement about student visa interviews and genuine student rule is available here.


Students joining UK Universities in September / October 2012 intake will possibly be the first ones to face these interviews.


The 9th July 2012 update on the UKBA website suggests that a student could be asked numerous questions about a student's immigration and education history, study and post-study plans, and financial circumstances. Student may face a visa refusal if the visa officer is not satisfied with the genuineness of the student. The update also mentioned that up to 14000 students are expected to be interviewed over a one year period.


We believe that the visa interview will primarily have the following key objectives:
a. whether the student is able to communicate well in English
b. whether the selected course of study at the selected UK Institution is justifiable
c. whether the student's objective is to genuinely study (and not work)
d. whether the student's documentation is appropriate (genuine)


The UK visa interview will NOT be for all (Indian) students.


Thus, students having good academic scores, good IELTS score (typically -- 6.0 overall and above for Masters, MBA, other PG courses; 5.0 overall and above for Bachelors and other UG courses), and meeting the financial requirements (of being able to prove having adequate finance covering the full tuition fee and maintenance funds) may not even face an interview. (Note: these are perceptional thoughts; there may certainly be more factors that the British High Commission may wish to assess in an applicant).  


Students with long gap years between studies (barring MBA programmes that require adequate work experience) or students having low academic and/or IELTS score or who have selected a different course progression (eg. BCom students applying for MSc Hospitality Management) may have a higher chance of being called for a UK visa interview.   


Again, the fact remains, if a student has wisely selected the study option, ideally the student need not worry about the interview. Really, what they wish to assess is your true motivation (to study) and that you have not lied on the UK visa application form.

Here is what we expect the UK Tier 4 visa interview questions to be (random questions order):

1. Why did you select the UK for higher studies?
2. Isn’t this course offered by any university or college in your country?
3. Why did you choose this UK university and how did you find about it?
4. Why have you selected this course? Is it relevant to your previous studies?
5. What is the location of the university/college?
6. What is your IELTS score?
7. Your score is low. Will you be able to understand the studies?
8. Your academic score seems to be very low. Why do you think your University has offered you an admission?
9. What is the scope of your course?
10. Why are you taking this course?
11. What is the course structure? (Course content)
12. Do you intend to work in the UK after completion of your studies?
13. What do you intend to do after completion of your studies?
14. What are your future plans?
15. What benefit will this course bring to you?
16. How much money can you earn after your completion of studies?
17. Are you aware about the part-time work rules in the UK for students? Will you be willing to work part-time if you get an opportunity?
18. How many hours of study per week is suggested by your University?
19. Where will you stay in the UK? Are you going to live in private accommodation? Have you booked any UK accommodation?
20. Who is your sponsor? How much do they earn in a year?
21. What is the source of income of your sponsor?
22. Do you have any relative or friend in the UK?
23. What is the course commencement date?
24. What will be the total cost of studies per year?
25. What will you do during the off period/semester?
26. How much money is available for your stay in the UK?
27. Have you researched your career prospects?
28. Tell me about some Companies that can hire you after finishing your course in the UK
29. Tell me about the place where you university is?
30. If you get an employment opportunity in the UK after your studies, will you be willing to take that up?

Good luck to students!

Study in Australia. Free Admission Services in Mumbai

Study in Australia

UK Student Visa Rule Changes. Tier 4. 6 April 2012 is the date

April 6, 2012 is the date that the new UK visa rule changes for the Tier 4 (students) comes in to effect. And also come along a list of changes to Post Study Work (PSW) Visa, maintenance fund requirements, new graduate entrepreneur route and more.

Synopsis - some concrete changes to note:

UK Student Visa - Maintenance Funds Requirements
Main Applicants (students who have a CAS): Previously, students had to prove they had:

• £7200 (£800 multiplied by 9 months) if the UK University was in London (inside of inner London boroughs) and 
• £5400 (£600 multiplied by 9 months) if the University was outside London (outside of inner London boroughs)

Apart from the programme tuition fee at respective Universities, the living cost stated above remained constant irrespective of the course duration (for UK student visa purposes only). While that understanding remains unchanged, the new fund requirements for UK student visa maintenance funds are as follows for students (main applicants):

• £9000 (£1000 multiplied by 9 months) if the UK University is in London (inside of inner London boroughs) 

eg. if you have a study offer and CAS from University College London (UCL) or University of Westminster or any London Colleges, you will need to show £9000 towards living costs

• £7200 (£800 multiplied by 9 months) if the University is outside London (outside of inner London boroughs) 

eg. if you have a study offer and CAS from a British University (including a University in England) outside of inner London Boroughs like the University of Manchester, University of Birmingham, Durham University, Aston University, or from a University in Wales (like Cardiff University, Bangor University or other Universities in Wales) or from a University in Scotland (like the University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh, and other Universities in Scotland), you will need to show £7200 towards living costs.

Thus, any applicants applying for Tier 4 UK visa after April 6 (2012) must adhere to the new rules.

For (adult) dependants, the following fund must be shown:

• £5400 (£600 multiplied by 9 months) if the University of the main applicant is in London (inside of inner London boroughs)
• £4050 (£450 multiplied by 9 months) if the University is outside London (outside of inner London boroughs)

Working in the UK. Work Visas: Students in perspective
Post Study Work (PSW) Visa to be replaced:

• PSW Abolished: The post study work visa under Tier 1 visa category where students used to get a two year work permit to work in the UK after successfully completing their Bachelors degree or Masters Degree (in general) has been abolished. A more "selective system" will come into effect allowing retention of only the most talented international graduates who can apply for work permit to stay in the UK for work purposes
• Graduate Entrepreneur Route: A new graduate entrepreneur route opens up with up to 1,000 places for students working on world-class innovative ideas who want to stay and develop them but do not meet the requirements of the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route
• Young entrepreneurs or small company directors can stay on in the UK after their studies if they have £50,000 to invest in their business thereby boosting the UK economy favourably
• Graduates from a UK University with over £20,000 salary (or more in some cases) can continue to live and work in the UK. The job must also be offered by a reputable employer accredited by the UK Border Agency (UKBA). Ideally, this would mean that students can then convert their visa in Tier 2 later

Read the full visa rule changes document: 
UK government's plans to make changes to Tier 4 (Students) and Tier 1 (Post-study work) of the points-based system are available to read in the following document.
Source: UK Home Office Publications

You may also wish to read:

UK Student Visa Rule Changes. BID Introduced. Effective March 2015

Indian students will face UK visa interview from 31st July 2012

How to apply for a visa? UK Student Visa. Tier 4 (Students) Category

LSE courses that do not require GRE or GMAT

Masters courses without GMAT, GRE requirement at LSE 


So many students keep asking if they ever had a chance of getting through to studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science. While graduate admissions at LSE are completely merit-based (and of course the quality of your overall application), we wonder why would a student want to think that they didn't have a chance at all.


The interesting question that comes up often times is if there are programmes at LSE that can be studied without appearing for a GRE or a GMAT test. We strongly do believe that students who really prefer studying at the like of LSE, London Business School (LBS) and such other top UK Universities should really be willing to take up and score well in the test. Nevertheless, there are some course options at LSE that we have been able to identify (as on date) that may not require you to have a GRE and a GMAT score:



MSc Urbanisation and Development (at LSE. GMAT,  GRE requirement: None)
MSc Media and Communications (at LSE. GMAT,  GRE requirement: None)
MSc Media and Communications (Research) (at LSE. GMAT,  GRE requirement: None)
MSc Accounting, Organisations and Institutions (at LSE. GMAT,  GRE requirement: None)
MSc Development Studies (at LSE. GMAT, GRE not required. But will be considered if submitted)
MSc Development Studies (Research) (at LSE. GMAT, GRE not required. But will be considered if submitted)
MSc Development Management (at LSE. GMAT,  GRE requirement: None)
Diploma in Accounting and Finance (at LSE. GMAT,  GRE requirement: None)


When you apply online for LSE courses (MSc level), you can make a choice of three programmes that you may wish to study. It is not essential to use all three choices though. Make sure that you apply early as LSE has rolling admission. The sooner the course fills up, the course is closed down for further applications.


Just for information:
LSE has examined and provided the academic direction and support to a wide range of degrees and diplomas offered by the University of London International Programmes. The LSE, as a college of the University of London, is responsible for all academic aspects of the qualifications offered.



Human Psychology makes us believe that students looking at LSE generally tend to check London Business School (LBS) and unfortunately, there are no programmes at LBS that do not require either GRE or GMAT.


Suggestion:
Studying at a top Institution is tempting. However, changing your course choice for not believing that you could do well on GMAT or GRE is not much appreciated. 

Tattered Thoughts - The Education Addiction

The thought process of youth

US University Essays and Mistakes

Students are often stumped when they hear about essays. Essays are an integral part of the US admission process and nearly all Schools pay extreme importance to it. Most importantly, essays allow you to put forth your thoughts, compensate for any irregularities or downsides during your academic studies and / or work.


Some non-typical mistakes that students make while considering to submit quality essays are listed here:

1. Reviewing sample essays: When you start reading others' work (generally online), remember that 1000s of others are also reviewing the same. You will begin to lack originality. Essays must be right from your thoughts, past experiences and future plans (goals). You will invariably end up losing too much time if you start reading others' essays. Further, you will keep comparing your completed essays with what's available in the market and it sure will present more dilemmas whether your work's come out better than others'. Keep it natural. Then edit them, proof-check them. As long as it matches to what you are thinking, go ahead and submit them. You want to end up in a class of students and lecturers who understand you!
2. Stubbornness on reducing the size: Academic essays generally come with a word limit (eg. not more than 500 words). You do not have to essentially consume all the words. It's tempting, but you can do away with this thought as long as you feel your essay is clear and to the point. It always happens that discarding information that you've written is painful and the art of writing well is to know what to remove. Never hesitate discarding useless or repetitive information
3. Picking from personal statement / SOP: Often students end up writing a personal statement (statement of intent, statement of purpose). Essay questions are formed in a way where answers are required to be your own, unique in it's own way and requires clearly answering the question raised. Picking everything from your personal statement does not help. You may end up not answering the main question at all. Justify writing each essay separately
4. Procrastinating writing difficult essays: Delaying writing the most difficult essays is foolish. Rather, once you finish the most difficult ones, the others (lesser engaging or difficult essays) become automatically easier and run with a flow
5. Displaying weaknesses: Students are often hesitant in displaying weaknesses. The best is to accept them and write about them. If you have not paid attention (ever) to what your weaknesses are, take time to evaluate and assess them. It's best to tell the school (where you will be studying) about what you've come to learn
6. Flowery Language: No. Keep them simple. Reduce the size of the sentences after you've written your essay. Writing rosy words don't help and by far does not raise your chance of getting through with admission. Essays that are simple, to the point and natural are winning

Really your target should be to end up in a school which accepts you the way you are and changes you for the better rather than anticipating that you are an Einstein and talks about the Physics that you helped evolve that changed the world! The word's 'natural'--stick to it!

MS in US. MBA in US. Steps to apply to USA - Admission Process

US Admissions need a track of deadlines, fees, application process, documentation, writing of essays, personal statement, requesting referees to send out recommendation letters, scholarship information and much more. 

There's a clear step-wise US admission process written out by ILW. Hope this is helpful. 

Clinical Psychology Masters in the UK

Masters in Clinical Psychology in the UK

Students interested in studying psychology in the UK, especially Clinical Psychology (or similar), here's a list of courses that you can apply to. Largely, these are the only taught courses that will be available as a complete list in the UK. All courses will start in September each year.

Universities in the UK offering Clinical Psychology (or related) courses at a Masters Level:

Foundations of Clinical Neuropsychology MSc - Bangor University, UK
Foundations of Clinical Psychology and Mental Health - University of Sussex, UK
Applied Neuropsychology MSc (MedSci) - University of Glasgow, UK
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology MSc - University of Glamorgan, UK
Neuropsychology MSc - Bristol University, UK
Cognitive Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation MRes - University of Birmingham, UK
Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology MSc - University of Kent, UK
Lifespan Neuropsychology MSc - Bournemouth University, UK
Human Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc - University of Edinburgh, UK
Research Methods in Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc - University of Hertfordshire, UK
Cognitive Neuropsychology MSc - University of Essex, UK
Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology MSc - University College London (UCL), UK

Note: 
The courses listed above are a part of the list created at the time of publishing this post and may change in the future
The list is generated keeping in mind a tentative list of Universities that international students may wish to apply to (or select a final list of Universities from) 

To make an application to all Universities at one go and also obtaining help with editing of personal statement and / or any other such application information or documentation, please contact ILW.

Best time to apply: November (the previous year to the course start date). This date is also keeping in mind that students will have a chance to apply for some University scholarships as well as external scholarships timely. It's never wrong trying to get lucky, is it! Contact ILW for more information on scholarship applications

All services are free of cost for students at ILW.

Duration: All Masters courses in the UK are generally ONE year in total

Documents (general list) required to apply to all UK Universities listed above for Clinical Psychology: 

1. Completed University Application Form
2. Resume 
3. Academic Documents (attested copies)
• All marksheets and certificates from 10th std. to final year of studies
• Deg. Transcripts (optional - may be required at a later date)* - If you do not have these yet, do not wait until you get these (these are not compulsory for all)
4. 2 Recommendation Letters (from College / School / Employer - on the letter head of the Institution / Organization; signed and stamped)
5. Statement of Purpose (Not more than 2 page 'essay' describing your interest in studying abroad)
6. Work Experience Letters (if any)
7. TOEFL or IELTS Score (could be submitted at a later date)
8. 1 Passport Copy (first and last page)
9. 1 Photograph (passport size)
10. Extracurricular Activities Certificate (s) (if any)

Note: Do NOT wait for your final year mark-sheet OR IELTS test score for application. You can apply even before you have these and secure a 'Conditional Letter' from the University

Contact ILW for more information or applying to these Universities at one go and make use of the free services -- right from start to end in the process of studying abroad.

Good luck!

Internship Courses UK. January 2012

Placement Programmes in the UK. January 2012 Intake

Many students have been asking about internship courses (study and work courses) in the UK. Here's most of them listed for your review, all starting in January 2012:


Nottingham Trent University
MSc Chemistry*
MSc Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications)*
MSc Engineering (Electronics)*
MSc Engineering Management*
MSc Multimedia Engineering*
* all contain optional one year placement


University of Plymouth
MSc Network Systems Engineering (1 Year optional Placement)
MSc/MRes Computer and Information Security (1 Year optional Placement)


Leeds Metropolitan University
MSc International Hospitality Management 
The course duration is 2 years in total, of which the year 2 is the paid placement year


University of Bedfordshire
MSc Hospitality and Hotel Business Management
The course is 18 months, with a 6 months placement


Sheffield Hallam University
MSc International Hospitality Management
The course is 18 months, with a 6 months placement


BPP University College
MSc Management
The course is 18 months, with a 6 months placement


University of Greenwich
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The course duration is 2 years, of which the year 2 is the placement year. This programme is available to students who are fresh graduates


South Thames College London
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
The study part of the course is 2 years, to which add 6 months work in each making it a 3 year BBA course with placements


Notes:

• Please check the University websites and course details for more information on the terms and conditions of the getting the placement
• The list is true as of date when this post is published
• You may contact ILW for complete information. ILW can help you apply to all courses listed above. All services are free of cost for students at ILW

Visa Duration:
Tier 4 Visa: In general, a student gets an additional visa period of 4 months over and above the number of months of course duration. eg. If your course is 12 months, you may get a visa for 16 months. Thus, in case of Leeds Metropolitan University above, you may get a study visa valid for 28 months (24 months study duration + 4 months additional period)