5 step guide to choosing right college

5 Step Guide to choosing Right College - Hundreds of thousands of students get enrolled in institutions abroad every year, but there are many aspiring students who fail to make it. And even among those who get a chance to travel to a university abroad, a rude shock may be waiting when they arrive on campus and their expectations don't match with reality. Despite a wealth of information, trusted resources are still very limited for students. Horror stories such as Tri Valley University, University of Northern Virginia and London Metropolitan University where students were enrolled in unaccredited institutions, which were violating visa norms, are fresh in the minds of many who were not only duped of their money but found that the degrees had no value. Falling prey to any of these unscrupulous institutions can not only cost students money but their careers as well.

Here are the 5 Step Guide to choosing Right College you should follow while choosing a college:

Go beyond traditional favourites

Rankings may be a good starting point but a student may improve his or her chance of acceptance by considering institutions outside traditional favourites. Students should look for institutions which fit their academic requirements. In the US, the number of offers by institutions outside the top-100 has increased by 12%, according a report. So look at them as well.

Think beyond rankings

Students should do proper research while determining the right university as accreditation is extremely important. Students coming to the US should make sure the institution at which they plan to study is listed on the Department of Education’s website and they can find additional student information at studyinthestates.dhs.gov

Do not be misled by the city’s halo-effect

More often than not, students get swayed by the name and excitement of big cities such as Chicago or Boston while there are several institutions in lesser-known cities such as Denver or Albany which are providing quality education. Though the city plays an important role while networking or finding jobs, students should not let that be their only deciding factor. Students should give more importance to quality of institution than the location of the city.

Showcase your academics

Over the last few years, there has been a spurt in the growth of institutions offering higher education system. In India alone, engineering institutions alone have doubled to 3,000 in five years. There are several recognized and unrecognized institutions across the world, which make it even more difficult for admissions officers to comprehend the credibility and academic performance of an applicant passing out of these institutions. In the US, independent credential evaluation organizations such as World Education Services assess the equivalency of foreign degrees and assist students in communicating the value of his or her credential to admissions officers.

Leverage communities of current students and alumni through social media

Students should research the institution they plan to attend through social media and online forums. Since it is not possible for most students to visit the institution before joining, these interactions provide authentic experiences from students and alumni about campus life and academic excellence. They can also serve as a cross-check for any over-the-top promises made by agents or institutions.

There is no doubt that international education system provides quality learning and advancement opportunities. But it is also an expensive and at times a risky investment. Students are , therefore, encouraged to undertake extensive research from several formal and informal sources, with extreme caution before making a decision of their life time. Studying abroad is a dream for many and every effort should be made to ensure that it does not turn into a nightmare as it did for students of Tri Valley University and similar other institutions.

Stay tuned to www.studyabroad.careers360 for more news and updates on us universities.

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