Admission to Universities

Admission to Universities in the U.S. – Student and Parental concerns

Okay, the decision has been taken to send one’s children to study abroad in an American university. The aspiration level among the children and the parents are high. The lure of a great future and the idea of settling down in the land of opportunity is quite compelling.
Most parents start to worry about safety and cost issues, while the students think about the course and the University. The question now is: how do we bring about a balance which meets all concerns?
One way is to connect with relatives – the maama, the chaacha who have made it to the U.S. and seem to be doing well. The other is to conduct self- or aided research on Universities based on information published on websites or literature circulated by admission agents.
The issue becomes acute when it is the first generation attempting to travel abroad to study and there is no assuring word from the other end. Am I doing the right thing? Are my choices correct? Should I join this university or the other? Are the course fees high here? These issues and more seem to trouble the aspirants.
I often have many parents ask me the question as to what should they be doing in this situation.
My advice is this: in either case, it is important to rely on experience. What you see is what you get. You are investing in your children’s future. Your hard earned money and years of efforts are at stake. It is best advised that the family spend a few dollars more and have the students visit the university campus of choice.
While at the university students have to seek the answers to the following questions:
1. Is the University location and campus appealing? Will I fit in and be comfortable, from a social standpoint?
2. What are the courses available? How good is the facility? How good is the faculty? Do you get value for money, and is the university fee affordable?
3. How do I successfully secure a seat in the university? What is the prep work that I need to make? How do I present myself?
4. What is the teaching methodology? What is expected of a student in U.S. universities?
5. Which of these universities fits my academic requirements and will help launch my career?
So if you’ve decided to study abroad and your parents are keen on ensuring that you make the right choice, go ahead and make all the right preparations.

Roopa Rangaswamy
Student Counselor
You can write to the author: rooprang@gmail.com