Jul 03, 2003 12:18 PM
5409 Views
(Updated Jul 20, 2003 07:54 AM)
Applying to the Universities in US? Wow!!!!!!!! I say you guys are prepared to face anything.. Did I scare you? Not yet? Let me know after you finish reading the review. Personally I think you should keep in mind the following details when applying to US Universities.
1) Know your Field not University.
When applying to the Universities, don’t just go after top ranking schools. You should first analyze what field you want to work and continue your further studies. Not all top ranking schools will have same research going on as your field of interest. Once you finalize that, try to find out which universities has professors who are masters in that field and then apply. For listing of the universities and other info you can visit https://usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/rankindex_brief.php.
2) Check for Financial Aid
After you have short listed your universities depending on your interest, try finding out about financial aid from that university. This you will come to know by checking the website of individual Universities, number of students graduating every year and on going research by individual professors. How to apply for financial aid please read my review on that topic.
3) Know your Professor/Advisor
Say you have short listed the universities and field, now important thing is how good your professor is. He or She might be intelligent and pioneer in that field but if he/she does not get along with students then I suggest don’t work with him. Try considering other options. This is because if for any reason, he does not get along with you, then chances of you graduating are slim or he will be big pain in the Ass. The way to figure out that is by contacting the students who are working under him as well as in that department. If you know anybody in that University take his/her opinion about that Professor.
4) Know your Health
Surprised??? Must be wondering what health has to do with the Universities.. But yes it is important. If certain climate does not suit you, then please check about the climatic conditions where the University is located. If you cant bear cold, don’t apply to Northern part of US where it snows heavily and its damn cold. If you cant sustain heat, don’t apply to Arizona which has desert climate. Trust me, it will make your life miserable as you will be under pressure to work while your health won’t support you.
5) Prepare for the Worst.
Ohh yes!!! You might have chosen best University, best professor and has financial aid, and weather is just fine for you but at the end if you don’t have peace of mind, its not going to help. When doing your research one should not have any other tensions in his/her mind. So if you think you cant live without Indian food or without Indian community then don’t choose that university where you cant find those things. Also, when in trouble, say you lose financial aid, you should be able to sustain yourself without getting any help from your parents and loved ones. Be prepared that you will have to face those problems and you have to come out of it of your won. Try to get little detach from your loved ones (I can see angry faces!!!). This will help you in accepting the problems back home, than getting tensed and more emotional about it.
Thats all I have to say folks...
All the Best !!!!!!!
