From preparing your applications in advance to creating a budget, there are lots of well-known study abroad tips. However, we’ve decided to go one step further and ask top staff at American universities for advice they’d offer international students.
If you’re interested in studying in the United States (US) or planning to submit your application soon, this advice is made for you! Read on to learn more about some of the biggest mistakes international students make, Statement of Purpose (SOP) suggestions, important reminders, application tips, and advice about changing careers.
Studying abroad can come with exciting benefits as well as challenges. Prepare by reading our blog about six common challenges faced by international students, and how to overcome them.
On the Biggest Mistakes
We’ve all made mistakes before. When trying something new, it’s especially common to make a few blunders here and there. To lighten your load, we’re sharing some study abroad tips from representatives of Washington State University and DePaul University about the biggest mistakes they’ve seen international students make:
“International students apply late and wait to graduate from their current institution before applying to [WSU]. Rather they should be applying in their last year of school.”
– Daniel Saud, Director, International Programs Admissions, Recruitment and Marketing, Washington State University
“Students do not fully understand the cost of attendance (tuition, living expenses, insurance, books) and assume the university will provide beyond the scholarships already awarded. More often than not, the scholarship we award students is the amount they qualify for and no other scholarships are available.”
– Dino Pruccoli, Director, International Admissions, DePaul University
SOP Suggestions
A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is a short essay that highlights your education, achievements, and experiences, as well as why this institution is the right one for you. A great study abroad tip is to have a good SOP. It’s one of the best ways to stand out. To help you write a good SOP, we’ve included some study abroad tips from leaders at the University of Arizona and California State University Chico.
“It’s important to carefully plan, write, and review your statement of purpose. This is your chance to make an impact—tell us who you are and what experiences you’ve had, but also demonstrate the research you’ve done about the University of Arizona.”
– Salil Gupta, Chief Advisor for South Asia, University of Arizona
Here are some of the specific SOP tips Salil Gupta shared:
- Tell us why the University of Arizona appeals to you.
- Relate your past study, interests, and your future career goals to your preferred study area.
- Reflect on the university’s research and academic initiatives in that discipline to demonstrate your passion.
- If you haven’t chosen a major, be honest about that. Discuss your drive to explore your options in your first year.
- Tell us about your extracurricular interests and how you’re looking forward to joining campus and student life activities.
“When writing your statement of purpose, focus on answering the three W’s: why this program, why this university, and why you? This information will help you with the visa interview down the road, too. Consider your recent academic or work history and interests. Don’t discuss primary school, unless you have a very unique childhood experience when describing what makes you unique and a good candidate for the program. The statement of purpose may be the only chance for the reviewers to get to know the real you—be authentic.”
– Dr. Jennifer L. Gruber, Associate Vice President, International Education and Global Engagement, California State University, Chico
Read our blog to find out why an SOP is important, and learn how to write one that stands out to academic institutions.
On Important Reminders
Sometimes, it can be helpful to zoom out and look at things from a different perspective. Things like your reasons for choosing a specific institution, and key deadlines are all important factors. Read on for some important study abroad tips from admissions staff at the University of Delaware and Iowa State University.
“I have studied at different levels in China, Australia, and the US. From my personal experience, the American education system offers the most diversity, flexibility, and innovation. This means you have more choices when it comes to location, course offerings, classroom, and research opportunities, and of course, internship and job opportunities upon graduation. It also means you do not have to start with a fixed mind in one area, please come in with an open mind that things will change, and doors will open for you throughout your experience on a[n American] campus.
And you CAN make that change by switching majors, adding on majors and minors, and trying out the research opportunities offered at the undergraduate level. If things do not work as planned, there are also so many resources you can utilize from international, academic, and mental/physical-focused programs on campus. Be flexible and remember you are not stuck and shall never be stuck within such a flexible and dynamic higher education system in the US.”
– Song Hoffman, Director of International Admissions, University of Delaware
“I’d like to remind students to pay attention to deadlines. Every institution has its own deadlines when it comes to admissions and scholarships. At Iowa State, we even have a priority scholarship deadline which can give students a higher chance for a scholarship. So deadlines are very important!”
– Kimy Moothart, Assistant Director, International Admissions, Iowa State University
Application Tips
Guidance on application tips can help students understand the specific requirements needed for them to study in the US. We’ve connected with experts who have seen all sorts of applications. Below, they offer tips for international students wanting to increase their chances of admission.
Have everything in order—meaning your test results (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), and for grad [students], GRE/GMAT, and know the requirements of each program you’re applying to. If you don’t meet the requirements, contact the university to ask about conditional admission or other opportunities for entry.
“When a student has done their research about the program or location of the university and references it in their essay or personal statement, it shows that the student is doing more than just applying, it expresses their interest.”
– Dino Pruccoli, Director, International Admissions, DePaul University
“Each program and university are unique. For some, standardized tests will be considered more heavily. For others, your statement of purpose or work experience might be more important. Consider the requirements carefully and make sure your application clearly shows that you meet those requirements. If work experience is required, make sure you demonstrate that your experience is meaningful and relevant. If letters of recommendation are required, make sure your recommenders know you well and provide individualized letters that demonstrate their familiarity with you as a student or employee.”
– Dr. Jennifer Gruber, Associate Vice President, International Education and Global Engagement, California State University, Chico
Sorting through documents to prepare for your application can be stressful. Check out our blog with our best tips for international students applying to Canadian and American schools.
On Changing Careers
Sometimes, career changes can accelerate your personal and professional growth. However, it can be tricky to navigate the next steps when wanting to change your academic path. For some career guidance, read on for advice from leaders at Washington State University and the University of Arizona.
“Students should show that they have taken coursework that will prepare them for the degree. For instance, if a student completed a Bachelor’s in Political Science and wants to do an MS in Computer Science they should take courses in algorithms, math, computer language, and other computer science courses that will qualify them for admission.”
– Daniel Saud, Director, International Programs Admissions, Recruitment & Marketing, Washington State University
“For students looking to change career paths, you’ll need to emphasize what experiences you have in the new subject matter. What ultimately led you to this new career? Was it previous work experience? Did you take a course that sheds light on future job opportunities? Often students making the switch will need to take some coursework to supplement their graduate application, so be sure to look up program requirements and how to best prepare.”
– Katie Van Wyk, Director of International Admissions and Enrollment, University of Arizona
We hope these insider study abroad tips help you prepare for your study abroad journey to the US. We wish you the best of luck in your studies and in your future!
