Select at least eight colleges that match your requirements and goals. Out of these two should be your dream colleges – one which you have always wanted to be apart of. Select four colleges where you have 50-50 chances of getting admission. The last two choices will include sure bet colleges – where you have 100 per cent chances of getting in.
Identify about their programmes and recognize the biases and limitations of each. Focus on issues such as differences in curriculum, teaching approaches, placement, and financial aid.
The World Wide Web
All schools have a web presence. Look at each school's web site for information on programme types, selection criterion, eligibility, faculty, financial aid, etc. While some schools offer on-line applications for admission; others provide downloadable admissions materials from their web sites.
Accreditation
Most universities and degree awarding establishments are accredited or licensed by a Government or Government agency to offer degree programs and award degrees (eg through the powers of a Royal Charter in the UK). In many parts of the world independent accrediting organisations have been set up. Accredited colleges offer high academic quality and excellence. It is easier to transfer from accredited institutions and getting better job opportunities
Rankings
Remember rankings are not exhaustive listings-they do not examine all programmes options available. Some colleges, by virtue of small size, age, etc., may not be ranked. Remember to keep rankings in perspective. Read explanations of how data are gathered and reported. Statistics can be misinterpreted easily when taken out of context.
Study Abroad Counselors
Your decision to study abroad is a major one involving a lot of money and time. It will also influence your future career paths.A good consultant should help you identify your best personal strategy to gain admission and steer you towards the institutions best suited for you. Besides, they will help you write the essay and structure the recommendation letters which will ease your stress during this taxing time period.
Current Students and Alumni
Students and recent alumni are valuable sources of information about the culture and learning environment of a particular school. Students and alumni can provide useful anecdotal information about life at the college school. Ask the following questions:
How is the faculty?Did the programme meet your expectations?
Though students and alumni of a particular college are not expected to be authorities on application requirements, deadlines, or school policies they are still your sources of correct information.
Friends and Relatives
It is advisable to seek the opinions of professionals you trust and respect in the business world. Discuss your plans, not just your prospects of getting the degree, but your expectations once you graduate.
Human Resources Professionals
Contact HR professionals of particular companies (especially the ones you are interested in). Recruitment officers can be valuable sources of information. Describe your background and intentions for further studies and ask what advice they have for you and what qualifications they seek.
Financial Aid
Your decisions about studying in a particular college will depend on cost of education in that school and how expensive it is to stay there. The total cost for you to obtain a degree will vary from school to school .Consider availability of loans, scholarships, etc. Consider both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are those associated with your enrolment in a graduate management program and fees that you normally pay directly to the school-i.e., tuition, fees, books, and school supplies. Indirect costs are those expenses incurred while attending business school, i.e., housing, utilities, food, personal expenses, transportation, and other living expenses.
Academics
Choose a college which has a wide variety of majors, its easier to switch fields or even opt for a dual major. Most colleges require a good academic record. Students with brilliant academic track record have a better chance of getting into the most competitive colleges. As for the standardized admission tests such as the TOEFL /GRE /GMAT /SAT and IELTS, your test scores must meet the average requirement of the college
Student Services
Here the focus should be on the international student office and the facilities provided by it. Facilities could include guidance in career planning, recruitment services, health care, recreation, campus security services and cafeteria facilities.
Location
choosing the state you would like to study in could depend on various factors like the climate, geographical features and relatives residing in that state. Remember that in a competitive application process, you must use your personal judgment to determine which schools are worth your investment of time and money.
