10 hacks to help you succeed in Grad School and College

After spending so much time in study abroad applications, you want to ensure that you succeed in grad school or college. What does success mean? – Making the most of what your program offers + landing a great internship/job in the end. So, how to do this? Read on.

While you will be taking many jobs after this and spending next 30-40 years in professional life, the freedom and opportunities of student life shall never be back; even if it does, it probably will be the two years you spend in a business school. And the worst part is that the time in school flies by. Before you know it, the school will be over and hopefully, with a job offer in your hand. But, if you just land a job and never really bonded with your classmates, I feel it is an opportunity wasted.

You need to make efforts to ensure you achieve what you had set out seeking when you entered the school.

How to succeed in Grad School and college?

1. Start early

Between settling in an alien setting, dealing with the course load and making new friends, first semester will fly by and before you know, you will be standing clueless at career fairs. Focus early on, get a hang of recruiting calendar and be prepared for a long and grueling internship and job hunt. This is where our Internship Masterclass program positions you perfectly to succeed in Grad School and colleges.

2. Seek what you want but respond to opportune moments

There is a reason why good schools ask you to write an essay on your short and long term goals. If you do this part diligently, you will be more grounded in the school. With various people recruiting for different fields, it is easy to fall for herd mentality. Knowing what you want is very important so that you don’t start chasing things that seem lucrative but are not what you want.

On that note, a good career is a balancing act of planning and serendipity. There will be opportunities coming your way which may not be part of your plan but if they look right for a reason and appeal to your passion, perhaps you can give it a try. Now, this may sound contradictory to what I said in the previous paragraph but if you follow closely, you will understand.

For example, there comes an opportunity where a team is looking for one more member for a startup pitch contest. You meet them and let’s say you like their idea – you can try it out. Who knows what it might lead to? Grabbing opportunities on the way ensures you expose yourself to what is out there but it does not mean trying things which will suck all your resources and may cost you your original dream. The key is to be nimble and only you can find the right combination for you but you get the idea.

3. Have a hearty breakfast before starting your day. Never eat alone

Expect long days out and getting a healthy fulfilling breakfast will ensure you have the stamina required for it. For your other meals, try to always go out with other person or a group. Preferably try to meet at least one new person every three days. Lunches are a great way to help you make friends!

4. Do not take menial jobs to pay bills that do not add to your skills

A lot of students end up taking demanding on-campus jobs and assistantships that do not add much to their learning just because they pay something. You are already spending time and money to attend the school. Understand the value of your time and resources. Make sure you spend those on something worth engaging in.

5. Work for free if you get to learn

You are here to learn and grow. If an exciting opportunity is knocking on the door but it is not paying you, work for free. Yes, working for free in a research lab or an unfunded project is better than cleaning cafeteria tables.

6. It is okay to feel lost

Many students feel overwhelmed in first few months so much so that they lose track of what matters and what not. They put so much pressure on themselves to find the right assistantship or the courses or friends that it becomes disheartening when things move slow. Remember, it is okay to feel lost. Give yourself time to settle in the new surroundings. You will be fine, don’t panic.

7. Invest in relations. Connect with people from diverse backgrounds

You will probably never make as good friends as you can find in your classrooms. Go, talk to people. Hang out with those who are interesting, inspiring and make you think. Meetups are a good way to do this. Build bonds that can last a long time. Of course, you have to nurture every friendship and relationship but to start with college friends is way easier than making friends in professional circles. This is also the time to widen your lenses. Talking to people from other backgrounds will give you humility and lessons in open-mindedness.

8. Experiment in your internships. Take those jobs that will teach you helpful skills and not the highest paying ones

Another big mistake students make is to choose the highest paying job after graduating. Remember, you are recruiting your employer as much as he is recruiting you. The cost you will pay by taking up a job that will not help you advance in the direction you wish to go is way higher than what any employer can ever pay you. Do not give yourself away for a salary. Your future is worth much more. Do you dream of being an executive of a tech company someday? If so, do you think that job in a big MNC with no hands-on learning is the best way to learn how a company is operated? If not, think what will get you closer to your dream and take jobs where you can develop those skills.

9. Engage in clubs and extra curricular activities. Travel and have fun

A lot of learning comes from outside the classroom – learn on street, hone new talents, experience life because this time will never come back. While a lot of emphases is on building good relationships and connecting with people, it is useful to spend quality time alone to introspect and reflect upon this splendid journey.

10. Take classes with Professors who teach well as opposed to a course that looks great on paper but has an uninspired Professor

Ask your seniors for recommendations. You can learn more from a good professor even if the subject is slightly off track. I have personally experienced that being knowledgeable and a good teacher are two separate things. Look for people who know how to teach and communicate a concept. Choose your electives wisely. Engineering Professors can be quite drab and what seemed a relevant curriculum is reduced to awkward lectures and tiresome assignments.

And, those are a few easy hacks in a nutshell that will help you succeed in the Grad School without breaking much sweat. Which ones resonate with you the most? Reply in comments!

Img credits: Trusty Joe

FAQs for MIS and MEM programs

FAQs for MIS MEM

We are getting lot of interest from MIS and MEM programs’ applicants. Plus, those who are interested in Data Science and Analytics specifically. Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked questions.

See our elaborate post on MIS/MEM and other techno-management programs for details on these curriculum, rankings and their job prospects.

Frequently Asked Questions on MIS programs

Should I go for MIS only if my profile is not good enough for MS in Computer Science (and other branches respectively for MEM)?

This is a misconception that MIS stands second to core engineering MS programs. I have known students with excellent profiles and a shot at top MS in CS programs to opt for MIS because of their career goals. It is important to understand the difference in career paths that stem from MS CS vs MIS. You should see which program aligns better with your career goals and not choose based upon its perceived reputation in your head.

If I want to do MBA later on, then should I still go for MIS/MEM?

Many MIS/MEM programs are offered by business schools (and some by engineering schools). As a result, you might be taking some courses along with the MBA students. I recommend doing MBA much later in career for either switching your career stream or to get a jump in career ladder within your industry. Doing a MIS/MEM (granted that it fits in with your aspirations now) will not rule out an option for MBA later on. You might be studying some of the courses again but you can still do it if you feel the need to do so.

Are the job prospects after MIS/MEM worse that MS or MBA?

Please understand that all these are different programs and hence comparing them is not ideal. MS and MBA have been there for a long time and have established reputation whereas MIS/MEM programs are comparatively newer and still building their base. And this is the reason that they are growing steadily in demand as well. Would you rather do MBA when fewer people were doing it and there was a higher demand or when the market is saturated and practically everyone has an MBA?

Top MIS/MEM programs such as Duke, CMU, Stanford etc are highly competitive and graduating from them is highly rewarding in terms of career opportunities. So, I feel that if you graduate from a good MIS/MEM program, you will not be compromising on any job prospects compared to other fields. Currently, there is an employment boom for engineers (especially CS related) which may change later on. Therefore, job prospects after these programs depends on the industry demands and not the reputation of these programs alone. As is true for MS or MBA, doing MIS/MEM from higher ranked schools should open lucrative opportunities for anyone.

How can I make my MIS/MEM application stronger?

Following things can help especially for MIS/MEM-
– Having at least a year of fulltime work experience. This is because management programs benefit from exposure to industry and students can better contribute to the classes if they have worked previously. Also, they are able to better understand some concepts that are applicable in real world jobs
– Get at least one LOR from the Industry. This can come from your Manager if you are employed or a project guide if you are an engineering student and did some industry project/internship.

Should I apply for MIS or not?

If you want to get into IT consulting, Analytics, Project Management, Product Management etc kind of careers, then and ONLY then you should opt for MIS and NOT because it is less competitive or easier entry for US.

Our students are joining MIS/MEM/MS Business Analytics/MS Data Science programs at Columbia, UT Austin, CMU, TAMU, Duke, Syracuse, Buffalo, NEU, UIC etc every year. Contact us if you need help with your MIS/MEM applications.

More information on these and some case studies are covered in MS Book: Smart Engineer’s Complete Guide to MS in USA.

Indian IT Male MBA Applicants chances

Indian IT Male MBA Applicants

Dear Indian IT male MBA applicants, we all empathize with you. The western world wonders how India keeps churning so many of you. Just like we wonder why most of the white males go into Finance.

Who are the Indian IT Male MBA Applicants?

Indian guy who scores 720+ on GMAT, has work experience in global IT companies, an engineering degree and same old story in his MBA applications.

Top universities look for people who are standing out but Indian IT Male look all similar – with similar pedigree and similar characteristics. To make the matter worse, they do all the ‘supposed’ things – work for NGO, highlight their problem solving and analytical skills. In the end, they all look like produced from a factory.

4 types of Indian IT Male MBA Applicants

1. Fast track career go-getter

Are you a mainstream fast track career go-getter ‘I will beat you on this corporate ladder’ person? Then you are probably eyeing top banks and MBB.

To get there, you need to get into Top 10-12 schools (lets leave the exceptions aside). Try getting 750+ GMAT, go for a year to Africa on a UN project, teach slum kids or do some eye catching social service (Gates Foundation kind) for at least a year. Do the off beat things, work for the govt may be, microfinancing, rural infra, agritech etc etc.

Pray to Lord and talk about how partition forever dismantled your family in a personal essay. Avoid talking about cricket, Infosys and food.

2. Eternal Worrier

The ones who find reasons to worry about in any situation. Just like you worried 6 years ago how you will get into a top engineering college and then into a top MNC, now you are worrying about how to get into a top MBA program.

I have bad news for you. Once you get into B School, you will worry how to get into the top bank. Then you will worry if you will get a good bonus or not. You will worry if you will get the high profile assignment or not. You will worry if you will get the perfect family, house, street address, green card and business class tickets.

Even writing that is making me dizzy. Please relax. At this rate, you will shorten ten years of life without drinking or smoking. You need a vacation and please read ‘How will you measure your Life’ by Harvard Professor Clayton Christensen now. Right now.

3. Sincere but confused guy

Are you the shy, sincere guy who has been conditioned to perform the best and doesn’t know what else to do at this point apart from an MBA?

Perhaps it is time to first reason why ‘you’ need an MBA right now.

Not why others do it but why you. And if you find a solid reason that only an MBA can help with, then prepare your best for GMAT.

4. Sincere guy with genuine desire to do MBA

If you are sincere and have a good reason for MBA – next step is to try and score as high as you can on GMAT. Apply to a mix of schools distributing your risk and go to the best offer you get. If you know what you want out of an MBA, you can do it at any good school in Top 50–60.

Also read: Best MBA programs in Canada and Europe for Indians

How to strengthen your chances?

Sorry, I did not mean to be rude and pardon if I offended anyone. I just feel we should be ‘building life and meaning’ instead of building profiles and resumes. And the joke is equally on me. I am not male but otherwise I fall into category number 3 above. Luckily, I stopped at the introspection step the first time I was considering MBA. Later on, I found my solid reason to do an MBA (4) and I eventually did. From NYU Stern. It was fun and I dropped out after first year because my purpose was solved.

So, let’s look at real ways of how Indian IT Male MBA applicants can break this conundrum and cookie cutter image that international MBA programs have about them.

  1. Genuinely introspect. Have a good clarity on what career are you targeting post-MBA. Do an MBA ONLY if it is the best way to get to your goals.
  2. Improve your profile by enhancing your leadership skills. Even if you are not in a lead position, you can take initiative in projects to highlight this.
  3. Don’t do cliche extracurricular just to enhance your resume. Look at things that genuinely excite you and do 1-2 solid things there. Eg. if you are a football fan, create your own models and a fantasy football league within your office and tell an interesting tale around that instead of uh, donating blood. You get the point.
  4. Articulate well. At the end, it all boils down to how clearly and strongly you are putting your story in the applications. This is where an expert MBA admission consultant can help you.

I personally work with select genuine candidates who want to pursue MBA abroad. I do not do hourly consulting because life doesn’t run by the hour. If I come across someone who I believe in and feel deserves it, I am happy to work with you at rates that don’t break your bank. Our previous candidates have gotten interviews and admits from Cornell Tech, Kelley, ISB, USC, TAMU, Emory, Babson, Vanderbilt with scholarships.

Whoever you are, you have my best wishes. Indian children are often at educational disadvantage because of the way our education and society beliefs are designed but I’m hopeful it will change gradually. I’m an eternal optimist. So, I know you did not choose certain things in your life (most likely your IT degree) but you can start shaping your life now by happiness and right priorities.

Applicants in categories 3 and 4 – you can find me here – MBA Admissions Counseling by MBA grads

Sample SOP for Engineers

A good SOP is well structured, well written but most importantly unique to you. Download a sample SOP and learn how to make your SOP stand out in a crowd

“I am not interested in what they did or how. I am keen to know why,” said a senior Admission Director in one of our campus visits in NYU.

SOP is where you tell that guy – why you did what you did and how it makes you the unique you.

Why do we need a SOP

GRE score can show whether you have the aptitude to understand the coursework or not. Your GPA and undergrad transcripts can show whether you have the necessary academic credentials for this program or not. Toefl shows if you will be able to communicate and hence, adjust well in an english speaking community or not.

But alas, you cannot capture the awesomeness of a human being in 3 scores. If that was the case, only the highest qualified will get admits to the Ivy Leagues. But what about that girl from small town in Africa who frickin’ fought against the societal bias and her closed minded aunts to dream of studying in USA! Or how about that IT guy from a tier 3 school in Indonesia who has mediocre grades but wants to be a data scientist!

Good schools want these super motivated candidates instead of uni-dimensional 10 pointers. And this is how, we came to the concept of SOP – its a Statement of Purpose. They want to know why you want to study this particular program in this particular school. It’s a story that tells them how you have come to this point in your life – what incidences have shaped your thinking, how you think, what will you do with your education and will you put it to a good use. And, what remains unsaid is – will you be a successful and good alum for the school?

Now that we have an understanding of what SOP is, let’s look at an example.

Sample SOP for CS

This is the real SOP of a candidate of ours who got into CMU MSIT, ASU MCS, NEU CS and TU Munich CS programs.

You can download the full PDF below.

Structure of a good SOP

There are a lot of samples available on Internet but what you will struggle with is finding out the right style for yourself. Of course, since these samples are available freely to everyone, you cannot copy them either.

So, let’s understand how to structure your SOP.

After 6 years of being in business and working with 500+ candidates, we have developed a deep understanding of what works. The problem is there is no one-size-fits-all solution here. But, to the extent that we can generalise, this is what we recommend.

Introduction

The opening paragraph should give a solid summary of your profile to the admission committee. It should answer why you are applying to this program, what makes you qualified for it and what is impressive about you.

Academic Background

Start with a brief summary of your college life. Try to cover your relevant academic details here such as grades in important subjects, accomplishments (scholarship, hackathon prizes, TAship etc). Start talking about how your interests started evolving in college. Follow up with 1-2 important academic project paragraphs.

Professional/Research Background

This is where you write about your internships, fulltime work experience and/or research experience. Talk about most relevant projects and what you learned from them.

Extracurriculars

Here, you can showcase your leadership and teamwork skills apart from anything meaningful you have done outside studies and work. People can talk about their serious hobbies, sports achievements, volunteering activities, experiences of leading a team in clubs etc.

Caveat – avoid cliches. If you were just a member of the IEEE club or volunteered for a simple event, that does not really count.

Why MS

As we discussed above, the admission committee wants to see how does MS fit in with your plan. So, this section has to convince them that you know what you want to get out of your MS. Talk about your career goals and what will you do after MS.

[pullquote]This is a good time to read our other post which shows good example statements you can use in SOP [/pullquote]

How to make your SOP unique?

As you can see, everybody can follow this structure but what is really hard is to personalize a SOP so that it stands out from the competition. It needs expert storytelling and multiple iterations to evolve a rough draft into a winning SOP. It has taken us years to perfect this process in our consulting.

Here are three pointers you need to keep in mind to make your SOP awesome-

  1. It should be genuine – Admission committee develops an eye for the fakers. If you keep telling how great you are and how you developed passion for microprocessors since childhood, no one is going to buy that. Don’t try to exaggerate unnecessarily. Keep it real.
  2. Address your salient strengths and weaknesses – Winning hackathons? Had low GPA because you went to participate in Formula SAE? Had to return to your hometown to take care of an ailing mother which caused a gap in your work? Only you can tell your story and you should.
  3. Your goals should make sense with your background – Everyone is applying for data Science these days even if they have never worked with ML or have any fundamental knowledge of statistics. If this is the case, you should ask yourself why are you applying to this program. If you cannot justify it yourself, how is the admission committee going to ever be convinced with it?

Never Use Templates

Please refrain from using templates given by counselors or websites. The whole point is to make your application stand out and by using a template (especially the ones where you just change your specific information), you are looking similar to thousand other applicants. In fact, try to write the first SOP yourself without seeing any sample SOPs. After writing the first draft, check out some good SOPs and tweak accordingly.

Don’t miss our 3 Exclusive SOP Tips

https://youtu.be/4IL-gzfHFTY

Download the Sample SOP in a PDF 

Click here to download [download id=”2941″]

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Studying in Canada: what is it like?

Studying in Canada

Studying in Canada is getting more and more lucrative by the day. So, what is it like to be a student in Canada?

Recent M.Eng. (Computer Engineering) graduate from University of Toronto, Shreya Rajput holds a specialization in Analytics. She is also working part time with a startup that focuses on ML solutions. She took Scholar Strategy services before heading to Canada. She shares her candid feedback on Canada below.

Why did you choose studying in Canada?

During my application process, I remember having applied to 10-11 schools. Out of which 8 were American Universities. Back then the only country that I had in my mind was the U.S.A. Initially, my parents weren’t completely on board with the idea of their daughter moving to a foreign land for studies. After continuous persuasion, they did agree. As my mom’s cousin stays in Toronto, Canada gave them a sense of security and they wanted me to consider it as an option. And honestly, that was the point when I started looking into Canada, as a prospective destination for my masters.

I did some research on Canadian schools and found that Canada has some of the world’s top schools. However, the number of good universities in Canada is much smaller when compared to the USA and most of these schools are competitive. I did not want to compromise on the quality of education. Having said that, Canada would have been an option for me only if I made it into the top Canadian universities. I received my admit from T.A.M.U in April, and I was going to apply for my U.S student permit, that’s when I received my admit from the University of Toronto, which led me to reevaluate my options.

Studying in Toronto
Shreya’s first day at University of Toronto

While I was deciding between T.A.M.U and the University of Toronto, I spoke to my aunt. The only thing she told me was “In your age money and American lifestyle seems exciting but do consider a few years down the lane”. I think that statement greatly influenced my decision. Moreover, Canada is right next to the States. Then, Canadian schools not only offer one of the best educations but are more affordable compared to their counterparts in the U.S.A. The University of Toronto is one of the best computer science schools in Canada as well across the globe. I am happy with the decision I took. Also, Canada being an immigrant-friendly country makes a lot of things easier for international students.

Also read: MS in Canada compared to MS in USA

What have you most enjoyed in Canada so far?

Canadians are very nice people. With one-fifth of its population foreign-born, Canada is very diverse (at least Toronto where I live). I have found people accepting of different races. My favourite thing is the food here, you can literally find everything, from Mexican to Asian to Goan cuisine.

Another thing that I like here is that students can work part-time. It not only reduces the financial burden on the students, but also helps them gain some decent industrial experience before graduation.

What have you not liked about Canada?

Canadian universities are either research-intensive or Industry experience-oriented. The University of Toronto is a research-intensive school and in fact, most top Canadian schools are research-focused. I found the courses at the university are much harder and less industry-oriented (mostly thesis oriented) when compared to American Schools. I feel this is something that differs from school to school. Again, I am talking in the context of graduate courses.

Bachelor’s here is on par with the US. The job market is good. Toronto has many companies and it’s a growing market but, when I discuss the salaries and number of opportunities with my friend in Boston, the numbers are definitely lower. Then, rents are high in Toronto and Vancouver. As a student, it sometimes becomes difficult to afford it. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment in downtown (where most companies are located), is around 3500-3800$, while median salaries in software jobs are around 4500$ per month (after taxes).

Lastly, I am not a winter person, so I do find Canadian winters extremely long and harsh. 

What advice would you give to a friend thinking of studying in Canada?

I would advise my friends to look into school ranking, courses, and the job market for the program/field they intend to pursue. Canada like any other country has all kinds of schools- good and bad, and all universities offer different levels and quality of courses/curriculum. As mentioned earlier universities could either be research-oriented or industrial experience-oriented, make sure that the courses and universities you choose align well with your goals and interests. One suggestion would be, getting in touch with the seniors, and understanding their experiences to make an informed decision.

Additionally, researching the job market before choosing a country is important if you wish to work after your studies. Hence, I would strongly suggest that you research job opportunities in Canada in your field of interest. For instance, my field of education is software and there are tremendous opportunities in the Software Industry, which perfectly align with my career goals. But I have seen my friends struggle looking for jobs in the Hardware, Aerospace and Chemical sector.

Also read: Best Courses to study in Canada for Internationals

How easy or tough is it to get the work visa/PR in Canada?

Obtaining a work visa after post-graduation is easy. The graduate students receive an open work permit which allows them to work in Canada for 2-3 years without any employer sponsorship. The duration of the work permit depends on the course/program length. A course of less than a year entitles you only a year (or less) of work permit.

PR here is based on a point system and going to school in Canada can help you strengthen your profile. From what I hear, the ranking of your university also plays a role and, gaining at least one year of Canadian work experience could be beneficial. A lot of my seniors received their PR within two years of their graduation. While things are easy, being a part of illegal activities like working beyond 20 hours/week can jeopardize your stay in Canada.

Are you considering settling there – why or why not?

At this point, I am not sure about the settlement. I would like to stay another 4-5 years here. I want to live close to my family if that were not the case, then why not! Not being a winter person, the only reason I can think of to reconsider my settlement in Canada would be the winters, else I think it’s a great country to settle in, people here are very friendly and accepting.

To summarize, studying in Canada has its pros and cons. But for someone looking to settle in a peaceful, nature filled, warm hearted country that offers great quality of living, Canada is an option that cannot be ignored.

10 best study abroad loan providers – Indian banks, NBFCs or international lenders?

best-study-abroad-loan-providers

Let’s look at 10 best study abroad loan providers in today’s post.

After securing admission into your dream university abroad (MS, MBA or BS), you must organize the finances to cover the costly expenditures of a university, including living costs, tuition fees. Even though your parents might be able to aid you in covering the cost of education, taking a study abroad education loan to smoothly sail through higher education without any financial burden would be advantageous to you in many ways. 

The principal reason for students opting for an education load is to become financially independent and reduce the workload on their parents. Getting a loan can also be due to a lack of funds compared to the high cost of renowned universities in foreign countries. Sometimes, the savings are not enough to fund your education, so taking a study abroad loan becomes necessary.

Another major cause of students taking an education loan is when unexpected circumstances occur e.g., loss in parent’s financial matters. As a result, the loan money is used to fund the student’s education without any break.

Whatever the reason for opting for an education loan, maybe, once you must consider which loan to take. A mortgage is influenced by a number of factors, such as the interest rate, type of lenders, and the repayment policy. Therefore, a comparison and a list of outstanding loans are discussed here to help you in making an intelligent decision while taking an education load for studying abroad.  

Loan Providers for Study Abroad Aspirants

1 – Loan provided by National Banks

A significant advantage of taking a loan from national banks is that they have very low-interest rates compared to the other banking systems.

However, there are two main disadvantages to such loan schemes.

First of all, national banks need security if the loan amount is more than ten lakhs. It is often challenging for students to arrange security.

Secondly, hundreds of thousands of people apply for education loans via the national bank. As a result, the processing time is very long, making the entire process tiring. Moreover, such loans usually cover only the tuition fee with a minimal amount.

2 – Loan through Non-banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)

Major NBFC’s include Auxilio and Credila. NBFCs provide a good option for taking a loan; however, the main disadvantage is that the interest rate of the loan is very high. Moreover, some of the tax benefits are excluded in their loan schemes.

These companies mainly target student education loans. Therefore, they are much more focused on providing a good option for the applicant. They also offer highly customized loan plans for the students wishing to take a loan and study abroad.

The processing time of the NBFCs loan is very low. If your documents are complete, authentic, and verified, it is likely that the decision about the loan is made within 1 to 5 days. Options of unsecured loans, home service, and flexibility in the repayment schedule are offered as well.

3 – Loans by Non-Indian Lenders

Major non-Indian organizations offering a loan to the students are Prodigy Finance and Mpower. The details of these loans can be accessed very easily as they built very user-friendly applications and websites for easy accessibility. No security is necessary for many of the loans through foreign lenders. Moreover, the rate of interest is lower than the other lenders.

On the other hand, these loans have their disadvantage as well. Usually, the loans do not cover all of the expenses associated with studying and living abroad. About 15% to 20% of the fee and other expenses have to be paid by the students themselves. These companies do not enjoy the tax benefits as they are foreign-based. Even though the interest rate is low, the amount ultimately repaid can be much higher than the original amount due to the depreciation of the country’s currency.

The processing fee is very high for foreign loan lenders. This is because they work very rapidly and efficiently, so the charges are high. Moreover, only a restricted number of universities are covered by foreign lenders.

4 – Foreign Loans

Foreign loans have a very low rate of interest, from about 2% to 5%. Moreover, no collateral is necessary for the majority of these loans.

The disadvantage of a foreign loan is that it can only be taken on the guarantor’s name. You need to get someone very close to take out the loan on his or her name.

In order to conclude about the best choice between an Indian lender and a foreign loan provider, every applicant must determine and smartly calculate the total loan needed and rate of interest that you will have to pay according to the policies of each lender.

In international lenders, the interest rate is very low compared to the Indian banks. However, the currency keeps fluctuating over time so a final calculation cannot be made about the repayment amount. On the other hand, Indian lenders have a high-interest rate, but you will be able to calculate the definite repayment amount and plan the schedule accordingly.

Therefore, every applicant must decide between the Indian and international lenders, depending on their specific situation.

Also read: How to get a Study Abroad Education Loan?

Ten best study abroad education loan providers

A number of options, Indian banks, as well as international lenders, are available for students to get study abroad education loan. Some of them are (in no particular order):

  1. State Bank of India
    It offers a maximum loan of RS 20 lakhs with an interest rate of 10.5% per annum.
  2. Axis Bank
    It is a good choice for customized loans with an amount greater than 20 lakhs. The interest rate of Axis Bank is 13.7% above 7.5 lakhs.
  3. HDFC
    Applicants can take the maximum loan of 10 lakhs from HDFC, with the rate of interest being around 13% per annum.
  4. State Bank of Mysore
    It can lend a maximum of 40 lakhs to make your dream of studying abroad come true. The interest rate varies from case to case.
  5. Avanse Financial Services
    It has no limit on the maximum loan. Applicants can discuss their specific cases with the bank representative. The interest rate at Avanse Financial Services is 11.7% above ten lakhs.
  6. Prodigy Finance International Student Loans Company
    Some students face immense difficulty in getting a goal from Indian lenders. However, many global options are present in this industry. One of the most popular ones is the Prodigy Finance Loans Company. It has various schemes and options for applicants.
    The range of the loan offered is from 10 lakhs to 1.5 crores. No major security is required in this loan scheme, and the interest rate is from 11.57% to 13.57%. A big but is – they support only a limited schools.
  7. Credila
    It does not specify any limit on the loan.An interest rate of about 12% is present above the loan of 7 lakhs.
  8. Indian Overseas Banks
    It offers the maximum loan of 40 lakhs and an interest rate of 12.25% above 7.5 lakhs.
  9. Allahabad Bank
    With the limit of 50 lakhs loan, Allahabad Bank has an interest rate of 10.85% above 7.5 lakhs.
  10. Syndicate Bank
    It offers an optimum loan of 50 lakhs and an interest rate of 12.25% for the amount of more than 7.5 lakhs.

How to score 330+ in GRE?

Score 330 on GRE

Back when I wrote GRE, I got 2320/2400. The scoring and format has changed since then but I have talked to multiple candidates who cracked 330+ score in GRE recently – I realize that few best practices remain same.

So, I am revisiting what I think works well when you are taking an online adaptive test like GRE. It’s all old wisdom packaged afresh in millennial slangs. Remember that you, yes YOU, can score 330+ in GRE.

This is what we will cover in this post-

  1. Assess your current status
  2. Take your GRE appointment
  3. Collect the GRE preparation material
  4. Planning last two weeks

1. Assess your current status

The very first step when you contemplate GRE should be to read about the latest format of the GRE test.

The first thing that will make your mind boggle is that GRE is a frickin’ long test. It is not for weak hearted and given how much social media has screwed your and my attention span, it sounds insane to sit 4+ hours and focus on a damn screen and remember what the word ‘reticent’ means!

This is what I suggest – take a practice test without any additional prep. This helps in understanding what is your current level and what are the areas where you will need to put in more efforts. By doing this, you can avoid wasting time on the areas of your strength.

a. Taking a good practice test

I would prefer taking one of the two free Powerprep tests offered by ETS since they are closest to the real test.

b. Evaluating your results

After taking any test, go over the scorecard carefully. Since this is only an initial evaluation, you want to take a look at the sections where you performed the worst. For most of the engineers, the pain lies in verbal section and mostly the reading comprehension. However, it could be math section for you and don’t be surprised to find that you ran out of time. It happens. This reality check will make you take time management more seriously.

Ok, now that you know which sections are going to be your undoing, let’s start preparing for it! For e.g. If you got 4 out of 7 text completion (TC) questions wrong, then you know you need to get your act straight there and better download that vocabulary app.

But before we dive into the books and the online tests, go and take that damn appointment.

2. Take your GRE appointment

I had a friend in NYC when I was working on Wall Street. Let’s call him Ankit. Four months into our jobs, he announced that he is soon going to write GMAT and do an MBA. Next thing I know he has his new fancy book delivered by Amazon and I am already visualizing Ankit going to Harvard with his Macbook tucked in on one side.

He gave me a proper FOMO and as it would happen, I would write my own GMAT ten months later. In between, we would meet often and I was always in awe of his knowledge on finance related topics. He is going to make a great banker, I would say to myself. He was not getting enough time in the hectic job. I asked him if we could start preparing together. But the man was too busy. I asked him if wants to book the test dates at the same center but he felt he needed a little more preparation.

My scores came out and I got busy with my business school apps and job. After getting the coveted admit to NYU 1 year later, I pinged him and enquired with excitement, “Dude, so where are you heading?”. The dude told me he is going to appear for the GMAT very soon and then apply in a jiffy. Whaaaa?!?!

As it turned out, Ankit never wrote the GMAT and while he remains a great friend of mine, I know he was just too scared to face a bad score. It happens!

So, my advice is – don’t be Ankit.

It is easy to keep procrastinating on writing this test forever. You know what is worse than a score of 300? Not writing GRE and never fulfilling your MS dreams. Don’t let that happen to you.

Book that damn date so that you are committed to it. Mark it with big red cross on your calendar. People have reported that 2-3 months is an ideal time for prep – keep it soon enough so that you don’t lose tempo.

3. Collect the GRE preparation material

You would need some essentials and then additional practice resources depending on your weak points.

a. Must-Have Material

b. Additional Practice Material

These are some of the most often recommended resources by recent candidates:

  • Manhattan 5-lb book (mostly for Math)
  • Varsity Tutors material and app
  • GRE Big Book with 27 Old Tests
  • Khan Academy for any particular topic you are struggling with esp Math

c. GRE Mock Tests

  • Official ETS Tests
  • Manhattan Review GRE diagnostic test
  • Manhattan Prep’s GRE practice test
  • Kaplan GRE practice test (considered tougher than actual test)
  • McGraw-Hill GRE practice test

d. Vocabulary Preparation

  • Quizlet flashcards
  • Magoosh’s GRE Vocabulary Flashcards
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

e. AWA

You cannot write well until you read well. GRE is a lot about how well-read you are and then doing some focused reading that can help you in improving the vocabulary, understanding proper grammar and writing the essays. Few candidates have recommended essays in Arts and Letters Daily, and The Best American Essays of the Century by Joyce Carol Oates.

I find Magoosh AWA guide to be one of the best and would highly recommend that for AWA tips and practice.

4. Planning last two weeks

I am not a good finisher and had a hard time not going psycho in the last week of the exam. There is only one way to calm your nerves – feeling more in control. Have a good 14 or 10 day plan for last few days before the exam.

a. Practice, practice and only timed practice

Many people take the practice tests in bits and pieces; I sympathize with them. GRE test is not a sprint – you cannot excel at the first section and then make excuses that your back started hurting by 3rd hour. You cannot complain that you knew how to calculate that median but time ran out. GRE is a marathon and the only way to prepare is do timed practices.

Whatever tests you take, sit down and put an alarm on your smartphone. Do it in time else it is useless. If you want to score 330 or more in GRE, you simply must take at least 10 full length practice tests.

b. Back breaking reviews

Are you jumping after getting 318 on Kaplan? Don’t be a fool. Sit down and study all the answers one by one. Not just wrong ones but also the right ones. Frankly, taking tests is again useless if you do not sit and reflect on your performance.

You should know why an answer is right or wrong. The actual result matters less than the why of it.

c. Revise

You will come across tricky questions from day one – you should keep marking them. Read the answer, understand why you got it wrong or why you did not feel confident about it even if you guessed it correctly. Keep it marked. Revisit these questions in last 10 days.

Do you get them correctly this time? If not, be alarmed. The whole point of the preparation is to know what you did not know at the beginning. This is why reviews of your practice tests are important. Don’t worry, do it again now. Review and revise after 5 days.

Why 5 days? – no point in doing it immediately because you would identify the correct answer by memory and not by logic. Let few days pass before you revisit these tricky questions.

Remember that a score of 330+ in GRE needs high precision. You cannot rely on getting most of the questions right – the key is to avoid getting anything wrong. This requires painstaking revisions. You have to review your performance and improve consistently.

What we want is to learn the underlying concept and not just the answer to this question.

d. Stop studying on the last day

It can be counter productive to take tests till last day. One day before your GRE, you should try to calm your nerves, relax, and be mentally prepared to focus. Apart from revising few areas, you should try not to study on your last day before the exam.

So, what does it take to score 330+ in GRE

As you can see, an early start followed by meticulous practice and timely test taking can go a long way in getting your coveted scores. If you have prepared and revised well and keep your cool on the exam day, you can totally score 330+ in GRE.

Lastly, know that it is ONLY AN EXAM and you can always retake it. Do not let pressure of scoring high wreck you. Good luck!

Read how important GRE is for your MS/MBA applications

MS in USA: Full Process to Apply

ms in usa guide

MS in USA course is becoming an increasingly lucrative option for international students who wish to work globally. However, with so many choices, an applicant can feel overwhelmed. 

In this post, we will cover all you need to know about pursuing MS in USA:
Why are so many people opting for MS in USA?
Who is eligible to study in USA?
What is the process to apply for MS in USA?

Why are so many people opting for Master’s in USA?

MS in USA courses consist of a number of technical courses, requirement to write a thesis or do an industry project. Sometimes, the industry oriented courses offer an MEng degree instead of MS. Someone who is interested in exploring in-depth the research problems in their fields can go for the MS (research) program. Students who demonstrate excellence in their academic performance and research potential also have the option to convert to the PhD program.

USA is the most popular study destinations for international students since it houses few of the world’s finest university systems such as Ivy Leagues. If we look at the global ranking for MS programs, the universities in USA mostly fill the top 100 spots. They offer cutting edge equipment and resources to their students. It is not surprising to see Nobel Laureates teaching at US schools.

Studying MS in USA can broaden not only the student’s educational opportunities but the cultural exposure as well.

Who is eligible to study in USA?

Most of the universities in USA require:

  • 16 years of previous education (XII + 4 years of Bachelors or XII + 3 years of Bachelors and 1 year of Diploma/MS)
  • Transcripts
  • Standardized tests score (like GRE)
  • English Language Proficiency Score (like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)

Additional requirements may apply. For example, University of Minnesota mentions that one has to possess significant background in Computer Science to apply to CS department.

Cost of doing a Master’s in USA

ItemCost in USD
(rate of 75 INR/USD)		Cost in INR
GRE$205₹ 15,375
TOEFL$180₹ 13,500
10 Applications$1250₹ 93,750
Visa & SEVIS Fee$700₹ 52,500
Flights$1500₹ 1,12,500
Tuition$50000₹ 37,50,000
Living Costs$18000₹ 13,50,000
TOTAL$71,835₹ 53,87,625

In short, the cost of doing your Master’s in US can go up to $75,000 which comes to ₹50-55 lac at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 75.

Related articles:
Cost of MS in USA in INR – can you afford it?
How to finance your MS or MBA education abroad
Study abroad scholarships for students

What is the process to apply for MS in USA?

Applications for MS in USA is much different than what we are used to in India with MTech. Let’s take a look at the process first.

Following are the components of the application process-

ms in usa process
MS in USA application process
  1. GRE, TOEFL
  2. Shortlisting schools for your aspirations 
  3. Preparing required documents for the application
    1. Writing the SOP
    2. Submitting the LOR
    3. Submitting the Resume
  4. Apply by the deadline – Once you have finished the steps above, you are all set to submit the online applications to each university. The only components not sent by you are the LORs, so ensure that your recommenders submit those on time as well.

Note: Ideally, shortlisting schools should be done before giving GRE but students prefer to get the tests out of the way and be comfortable with the score before focusing all energies into shortlisting schools and actually applying to them. A candidate is able to typically apply to around 10 universities for MS and MIS programs.

Familiarize yourself with the process well before actually starting anything so that you know what all you need to do.

What next?

Found this useful? Do you now want to know what matters more in your applications and how to actually strengthen your profile? We are not talking about generic stuff but specific things you can do to stand out. All this is covered in our MS Book: Smart Engineer’s Complete Guide to MS in USA which has been receiving fascinating reviews from readers and applicants alike.

Want to read the whole process easily in a PDF? 

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Let us help you crack your dream graduate schools (Harvard, MIT and all), check out our MS Admissions Consulting Packages

MBA in Canada for Indian applicants

MBA in Canada

Canada has quite a few B Schools in Top 100 list. Check out this thorough analysis of MBA in Canada – best programs, cost, scholarships etc.

Why consider an MBA in Canada?

Canada has one of the best educational colleges and universities in the world. It has excellent MBA programs, and the applicants often prefer Canadian universities as their dream institutes. Multicultural society, affordable education, and high quality of living standards are few of the many factors due to which students should consider applying for an MBA in Canada.

Cost of living in Canada

An MBA degree from Canada is quite expensive, and on average, regular MBA cost about $30,000. To maintain good living standards in metropolitan cities of Canada, you can expect around $2500 – $3000 of expenses per month, which includes living costs, accommodation rent, and food. It may seem very expensive, but once the students have completed their MBA, they are offered high-paying jobs with good initial packages.

Quality of life in Canada

Canada has very high living standards, which are a huge attraction for pupils all over the globe. In addition to a multicultural society, Canada has one of the best healthcare and education systems. The tuition fees of Canadian universities are much lower than in the USA, but it should be kept in mind that MBA programs are still a very costly degree in Canada.

Also read: MS in Canada compared to MS in USA

Top Business Schools in Canada

According to the Global Financial Times ranking of educational institutes, the top 8 business schools in Canada are:

  1. Rotman School of Management – University of Toronto
  2. Ivey Business School of University of Western
  3. Queen’s University- Stephen J.R. Smith School of Business
  4. Schulich School of Business, York University
  5. HEC Montréal
  6. McGill University
  7. The University of British Columbia – Sauder School of Business
  8. University of Alberta

Top Executive MBA programs in Canada

The purpose of the executive MBA programs improves the managerial capabilities of experienced business professionals belonging to different sectors. It provides the opportunity of expanding career potential, enhancing leadership qualities, and obtaining experience in multicultural international management. The majority of the Executive MBA programs in Canada are highly flexible in terms of scheduling and adapting to the working hours of the professionals.

The top Executive MBA programs in Canada are offered by:

  1. Rotman School of Management
  2. Queen’s Smith School of Business – The National Program
  3. Queen’s Smith School of Business, Cornell-Queen’s
  4. Kellogg – Schulich    
  5. HEC Montréal/McGill           
  6. University of Alberta
  7. Concordia University
  8. McMaster University
  9. University of Montréal
  10. University of Waterloo
  11. University of Western Ontario

Also read: Courses with high ROI in Canada

Cost and Duration of MBA at Top Business Schools in Canada

Institute Duration Average Fee
Rotman School of Management 2 years $84,028
York University – Schulich 2 years $99,400
Queen’s Smith School of Business 1 year $71,445
University of Alberta 20 months $53,392
McGill Desautel 20 months $89,000
UBC Saucier 16 months $60,440
HEC Montreal 1 year $33,200
Ivey Business School 1 year $101,500

Eligibility to pursue MBA in Canada

The following things are necessary to get enrolled in an MBA program in Canada:

Bachelor’s Degree

The candidates wishing to pursue an MBA from Canada must have a Bachelor’s degree or an equal qualification of 14 years from a recognized educational institute.

Work Experience

The majority of the universities in Canada give preference to candidates who have work experience of at least 12 months in any field related to the business. Having work experience is not an obligation for the candidates, but it increases their chances of getting admission in the desired MBA program in a Canadian university.

Command over the English Language

Candidates whose first language is not English, as the students from India, are under the obligation to prove their proficiency in the English language by passing standardized language tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

GMAT

GMAT is the standardized admission test for admission in postgraduate programs in most of the foreign universities. A good GMAT score is necessary to get admission to a top MBA program in Canada.

University GMAT Score
University of Toronto 672
McGill University 655
University of Western   655
Queen’s University 650
University of British Columbia 646
HEC Montreal 630
University of Alberta 623

Also read: Best MBA programs in Europe for Indians

Application Process

The application process of seeking admission to an MBA degree in a Canadian university is extensive and quite exhaustive for many candidates. However, if you start planning early and acquire all the information necessary to get admission into your dream university, the whole procedure can become easy for you. You should start the application process at least 14 to 19 months before the start of your decided session. Admission forms are available on the official websites of the universities. If you face any problem in getting the form or other required documents, you should contact the admission office of the university immediately.

Documents Required

In addition to any documents that may be asked by the respective universities you are applying to, the documents that are generally required by all institutes are:

  1. Academic Records: All of the necessary documents and certifications required to verify your record, especially related to the most recent graduation degree.
  2. English Proficiency tests: IELTS or TOEFL scores are required to determine your command over the English language.
  3. Standardized Admission Tests: For postgraduate programs, like MBA, GMAT scores are the basis of application.
  4. Work Experience: If you have work experience in any field, you must produce a certification or some kind of document to prove it.
  5. Financial Records: Bank statements and other financial records are required as proof of your financial health.
  6. Recommendation Letters: These letters work as the testimonial of your behavior and work ethics. They can be produced from your previous supervisor or your former university faculty who have observed and worked with you.
  7. Essay: Personal essay or statement of purpose play a significant role in the admission of a candidate. The admission committee assesses the candidates on the basis of their personal essays and finalizes their admission on its basis as well.
  8. Visa and legal documents: Legal documents related to visa and citizenship.

If you have managed to get admission to the university, a ‘Letter of Offer’ will be sent to you, and a response will be expected from you as well.

Financial Aid & Scholarships in Canada

There are very few and limited scholarships available for MBA programs in Canada because the MBA is a professional degree. However, candidates with exceptional academic records and achievements like extraordinary extracurricular activities can get scholarships.

Candidates with impressive achievements and an excellent score in GMAT are usually given a 50% scholarship off the total fee.

Similarly, numerous financial aid programs are available to help the students who have financial hurdles in getting an MBA degree from Canada. Some of the most popular financial aid schemes in Canada are:

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

OGS is funded by the Canadian government. It covers the master and doctoral programs and helps many students in getting a good financial aid plan.

University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship

The University of Waterloo offers scholarships at the graduate level to the deserving and exceptional candidates. It is a highly-competitive scholarship as a large number of candidates apply for the scholarship.

Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship

Central Sector Scheme is an initiative by the Government of India. It gives scholarships to the meritorious students who wish to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. in a foreign university. All of the major countries are covered under this scholarship expect the United Kingdom.

Also read: Study abroad scholarships for students