Step 1: Make a study abroad plan.
Success in studying abroad must be planned in advance. The so-called success in studying abroad, everyone's understanding is not necessarily exactly the same, including at least two aspects:
First, successfully apply for admission to foreign institutions and obtain study visas for ideal countries and institutions;
Second, it can truly achieve the purpose of studying abroad, including the substantial improvement of foreign language ability, professional academic level, ability to think and do things, international career, more and better employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.
To achieve the above goals, it is generally necessary to objectively evaluate one's own conditions and make preparations in all aspects 65,438+0-2 years or more in advance, including preparing funds in advance, taking various necessary exams, planning and implementing one's own extracurricular activities in a targeted manner, and consciously cultivating one's ability of independent thinking and independent learning. At the same time, if possible, first-hand information from foreign universities and majors or professional advice should be obtained to determine the application for studying abroad.
Step 2: Screen the information about studying abroad.
In today's Internet age, it is more convenient for people to obtain information, but it is more and more difficult to screen information. At present, the channels for students and parents to obtain information about studying abroad are: visiting educational exhibitions, consulting study agents, visiting online forums, and asking relatives and friends. It should be noted that whether it is an education exhibition or obtaining information through an agent studying abroad, there must be a spirit of doubt and no prejudice. The author once read an article about several ways for high school students to study in the United States on the Internet, and found that it was published by a study agent, and the content was actually a summary of their study abroad projects, which did not really meet the American education system and the general admission requirements of universities. Students and parents should avoid this kind of thing that regards individual situations as universal laws.
Step 3: Take the necessary exams.
Usually, the application for studying abroad requires an examination. We have reason to question the so-called study abroad programs that don't require any exams, because many students caught in the trap of studying abroad have encountered such a "good thing"-they can be admitted without exams.
No matter what kind of study abroad exam you take, we suggest that you prepare and plan two exams in advance to get the best results. The examination time should be arranged as early as possible, and it is best to have a satisfactory result when submitting the application for admission. Even if you want to apply for double admission, don't relax the requirements for the exam, because scores close to the requirements of the college entrance examination are more conducive to obtaining "double admission", which can also save time in learning languages and is also beneficial to applying for visas.
Step 4: Prepare relevant application documents and complete the application before the deadline.
According to the requirements of foreign institutions, the application documents must be complete but not too complicated, because there are too many documents unrelated to the application for admission, and institutions simply don't read them. The principle of preparing application documents is: you must have everything, try to reflect your true self in limited materials, and make the school feel that you are so different but just the student they need. This is the most ideal state.
The materials needed to apply for studying abroad generally include: transcripts and academic certificates, and foreign language test certificates (such as TOEFL scores). ), recommendation letter, personal statement or resume, study plan, proof of funds, etc. And related works may need to apply for art majors. Except Chinese, the language text of the materials generally needs to be translated into the official language (or English) of the destination country.
In addition to the traditional paper application, online application has become the mainstream application method adopted by more universities. Compared with traditional application methods such as filling in application forms and mailing materials, online application methods have great advantages, such as: information and materials are safer and easier to obtain, and the process of filling in and submitting materials can be saved and interrupted at any time, and it is very convenient to continue when you want. However, how to skillfully use the online application system is also a big challenge for some students. It is suggested to apply in advance as far as possible in order to have a certain understanding of online application.
Step 5: Keep in touch with the school to prepare for the interview and other possible further tests.
After receiving the application materials, the school will generally reply by letter or email. If the student fails to receive the reply in time, it is recommended to check with the school to confirm whether the other party has received it. While waiting for admission, you need to keep in touch with the school. For students with other educational levels who apply for postgraduate or prestigious schools (such as applying for top private boarding schools in the United States), they should be prepared for school interviews, which can be telephone interviews or on-site interviews. Especially for students applying for doctoral degrees, it is very beneficial to get admission and even grants if they can maintain certain communication with their favorite professors. But this kind of communication needs good language expression and communication skills, as well as the truth in the professional field. So you need to do a lot of homework in advance, which is called "touching porcelain"-it's very difficult.
Step 6: Apply for a visa and start studying abroad.
Being admitted to a favorite institution is lucky, and being admitted to many institutions is a happy worry. It is very likely that you will be accepted by more than one institution, and they will come one after another. In this case, in addition to properly waiting for the admission of the most ideal institution, you need to carefully decide to give the school an answer before the school asks to confirm the date of admission. If you don't accept the admission of a school, you should inform the other party in time and leave the opportunity to others. This is a sign of honesty and trustworthiness.
If you finally get a visa, congratulations on your successful flight to the ideal university and starting a new chapter in your life.
The study abroad supervision network has developed a reference system for volunteers studying abroad. Just enter your own information, such as GPA, language scores, majors, etc. The database of the system will automatically match cases similar to students' applications to see which colleges and majors they have successfully applied for, which will be a great reference for students' applications.