With so many options and each decision having a direct impact on your future, applying to university can be a challenging experience, especially if you intend to study abroad.

University Preparation starts as early as from grade 8. At Oakridge Visakhapatnam, through the guidance of a career counselor, students are made to understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This is done through psychometric testing, participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, through constructive feedback from teachers and the counsellor.

Every stage of the university application process is important. With careful planning and research, applying to university can be an exciting and rewarding journey landing you into your dream university!

Here are few things that one must follow while planning for the higher education and university applications: 

1. Explore Career Choices and the Right Course:

Choosing the right course for you is the first step for planning higher education. Students should explore all the possible career options available for them as per their own interests in subjects, internship, research.

At Oakridge, our student counsellor has a series of sessions with the students and their parents to understand the interest of the child and expectations of the parents. This helps them explore the available options to pursue their career of choice.

2. Identify the University Destination:

Once you finalise your course then start working on identifying the best university destination based on your course and cultural preference. It is always suggested to consider the rankings for the courses which you have applied for rather than selecting a university or college with high ranking. Choose the University where your desired program is ranked high and meets your study needs; and you will have a better learning opportunity.

At Oakridge, based on the subject choices of students our counsellor identifies the best universities and colleges suitable for the child. Considering the universities acceptance rate and student’s predicted grades, universities are marked as aspirational or best fit or safe.  

3. Prepare your own application timeline and meet deadlines:

Students should prepare their own calendar for filling up their applications. Check for the relevant examinations required to apply for the university or college like SAT, BMAT, LSAT etc. and mark the months when you plan them. Also, utilise your vacations to take internships, certification courses in your field of interest to build a strong student profile.

 Students at Oakridge have an added benefit as they get an opportunity to intern with various organizations, based on their filed of interest, during vacations.

4. Write genuine essays and personal statements:

To write an impressive essay, carefully read the instructions and have a clear plan for the structure of your essay to ensure you stay on topic. To make your essay captivating maintain authenticity and avoid using clichés. Your personal statement should be as unique as you are. Highlight your abilities, accomplishments, and even work experience, particularly those that are relevant to your intended programme of study.

Oakridgers essays and personal statements are reviewed by our teachers and career counsellor who ensure that they are brief and truly reflect students’ personality. Demonstrate why they are an excellent candidate for the intended programme at the university.

5. Check for Scholarships and Financial aid:

Studying abroad can sometimes be expensive and hence planning your finances is very important. Many Universities offer substantial scholarships and financial support for the deserving students. By checking the eligibility criteria to avail the financial aid, students can save a lot on their fee. Students with good academic records can apply for the various scholarships offered by the Universities. Also, a lot of organizations offer scholarships for students who wish to study abroad. Do your research on which scholarship criteria you meet, and which are the best for you. Few of our students at Oakridge received about 20% Scholarship on annual fees for 2022-23 placements.

You’ve made it this far; means you’ve already done a lot of hard work. Well done!

A great university application is an important first step towards a potentially life changing experience. Follow these steps and be proud of what you’ve achieved so far. Have the confidence in your university application to express that you can do whatever you set your mind to.