Applying in foreign universities? Follow these 8 essential tips to build a great student profile

In the past decade, there has been an exponential spike in the number of students from India who wish to pursue their higher education abroad. This attitude of students has undoubtedly resulted in the hike of marks gained in 10+2 and undergraduate studies.

As a result, reserving a seat in elite colleges and universities abroad is comparatively more competitive than ever. It is because many students compete over a few seats. The second-largest nationality on university campuses globally is Indian, with over 750,000 students from India pursuing higher studies in education institutions across continents.

Different aspects of a great student profile

Now the question is the factor that makes a student stand out of the crowd. What parameters make a student unique?

The answer is singular: the profile they present to the admission committee of a university or college.

It is easier to think that the profile presentation is a cakewalk, and precisely at this point, many students go off the rails. Therefore, it is essential to pay undivided attention to the preparation and submission of the profile.

Hence, to become unique amidst numerous applications, it is necessary to develop a profile that instantly attracts the selection committee members' attention. Here are some of the tips to build a great profile to apply to top colleges abroad.

Guide to building a solid profile

1. Place the USP (Unique Selling Point) - It is necessary to place the unique selling point and make your academic record noticeable in front of the university admission committee. In this case, one must begin with jotting down the strengths. Instead of mentioning the USP blandly, it is helpful to quote the instances or examples that support the mentioned quality perfectly and build a backbone for academic and professional life. The qualities mentioned should also be the ones which will help in the future too.
2. Build Concrete Resume - The University committee has to consider a massive pile of applications and choose the most suitable candidates as per the particular program. Therefore, it is a must to create and present an effective resume to the selection committee. It is a necessary parameter of the university application. The resume must address everything that makes a candidature worthy. It improvises the evaluation of one's candidature.
3. Opt for shorter sentences and be alert with the grammar- The resume should give a crystal-clear picture of academic achievements. The resume should contain the topics like academic achievements, certifications, work experience, research publications, extracurricular activities, community services, and other relevant details.
4. LOR (Letter of recommendation) is equally essential and advisable - As it is mentioned that jotting with the strengths is a priority to mention USP, it is even primary to mention the recommendation made by people to one's candidature based on the skills. The recommendations are based on skills such as academic records, achievements, communication skills, creativity, motivation, integrity, and other skills. The professors of school and college help in providing the letter of recommendation as they truly qualify to assess the performance and academic credentials of a candidate.
5. Build a Well-rounded Personality - Universities and colleges aspire to admit students who reflect well-rounded and holistic personalities. If the candidate holds an impressive academic record and professional experience, it is high time to develop an all-rounder personality. Qualities like sports enthusiast, leadership skills, possessing entrepreneurship skills, or other relevant skills may join the social cause. Highlighting the skills improvises the impression on the selection committee.
6. Diversify Profile - Besides the technical skills as per the profile, mention the other new skills through certification courses and mention any experience that adds value to the profile, such as volunteering for any particular project or participating in any conferences/ competition. These unique attributes amplify the value of the profile and increase the chances of admission.
7. Statement of Purpose- This is the ultimate safeguard and can either break it or make it. It includes the interest in the university and course, the reason behind choosing it, its aid to the career, reason for selecting the particular college, etc. The Statement of Purpose consists of dedication, passion, aspiration, and inspiration behind the next step. Therefore, be sure to induce good words enough to sway the admission committee off their feet.
8. Portray the Goodwill- It is essential to show the moral values on the profile as well. Working with NGOs will improvise the intention of being altruistic. It should not only portray that the work is done for the sake of college admission. Universities are highly impressed and appreciate the students who are involved in such community services. The pros of this point are more over the others. It is recommended that the deed is taken up to 6 months.

Verdict

Profile construction needs the understanding of the student. The main aim is that the application looks "more desirable" for admission. There are some study-abroad firms that cater to the students in order to give them a solid chance to get selected by their dream college.

The second wave of pandemic caused travel restrictions enforced by several countries. This has put students aspiring to study abroad in a fix. Explaining this, Mr. Ravi Lochan Singh, MD of Global Reach, which is one of the leading counselling organizations said, “Until recently, about 70% of Indian students applying abroad were for master’s degrees in the US. But now job prospects are better in Australia, Canada & New Zealand.”

These study-abroad firms work on how the student can reach and grab their dream college. The consultants are experienced and are great leaders. The profile is brainstormed along with the student by asking them relevant questions to understand their past, present, and future details.