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 STUDY ABROAD: A GUIDE FOR WOMEN
Introduction • Access to Information • Where to Find Information on Study Abroad
Other Important Considerations • The Testing and Application Process
Selection/Interviewing Issues • Terms and Conditions of Your Scholarship • Going Abroad
The Testing and Application Process
Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are required by many programs. For example, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standard English-language examination which most U.S. universities require of international applicants seeking admission. Typically tests such as TOEFL, Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) are offered on a regular schedule, no more than once every few months and less frequently in some countries. Find out when and where they will be offered, either from the local registration site or by writing directly to the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey (see address below).
Testing situations are inherently stressful. To make the experience easier, and to build up your confidence, give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the test. Make sure that your language skills are adequate. Also keep in mind:
- There are "cram" schools in many countries, although price and quality vary.
- Practice books are much cheaper and are often equally useful tools; they include sample exams to help you prepare.
- Do not assume that multiple choice tests are easy—they are not. Be sure to practice on sample exams if you are not familiar with such tests.
- You may take these tests more than once if you are not satisfied with your scores, but tests are costly—utilize practice books first.
- Language tapes are available for sale or rent to prepare for oral comprehension tests.
- Most U.S. standardized tests have a free information bulletin you are entitled to receive, either from USIS educational advising offices or other organizations responsible for administering the test in your country. Bulletins contain sample questions and good advice about preparing for the examination. If the information bulletin is not available for U.S. TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, or SAT exams, write for a free copy to The Educational Testing Service, Princeton NJ 08541, USA.
Applications to Foreign Universities
The application process varies from program to program. It is your responsibility to make sure that your application is complete, including test scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and all narrative and financial information. Deadlines are critical and usually non-negotiable. Many universities and scholarship programs simply will not accept applications that arrive after the stated deadline. So try very hard to meet the deadline, or even submit early to compensate for the slow postal system and to give the university time to correspond with you if there is a problem with your application. If there is no possibility of getting your application in on time, send it in late with a written explanation of why. It is possible, though not likely, that the university may be flexible.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of the application. A number of factors may influence your choice of who to ask. Among the traits you should look for in potential writers of your letters of reference are:
- those who know you well personally, professionally, and/or academically;
- those that know your work, your publications, or research if applicable;
- those who have a fairly good command of the host country's language;
- those who hold key positions in your field and know you; and
- those who have personally participated in international education programs, and thus are familiar with the expected content of such letters.
To ensure that your references will promote you strongly by providing the most effective and informed recommendation letter possible, you should meet with the letter writers in advance if possible to give them the following information:
- Why you want this scholarship and how it will meet your professional goals.
- Your qualifications and achievements, including a written summary.
- A copy of the program description, indicating how it meets your needs.
- An updated copy of your resume, for use in writing the letter.
- Make it as easy as possible by giving them any required forms and complete information on where and to whom to send the letter. Remember that some letters must be mailed directly to the scholarship office while others must be put in a sealed envelope and returned with your application form. Check the instructions and tell your letter writer exactly what to do.
- Give them plenty of time to write and send the letter before the deadline.
- A week before the deadline, check with them to see if the letter went out. Check again after the deadline and thank them for sending it (or remind them to do so if it hasn't gone yet).
Tips for Better Letters
If your reference was once your employer or professor, but no longer holds that position, their current title may appear less relevant to your application. To avoid this possible confusion, make sure that their letter, in the first paragraph, clearly indicates their former relationship to you and their relevance as a reference.
In addition, be sure to write your own letter to the scholarship program indicating everyone from whom you've requested references. Include their names, addresses, telephone, and fax numbers if available. It may also be helpful if you indicate your reference's relationship to you (teacher, former employers, etc.), especially if it is not obvious from their title and current position. This way, if one of your reference letters does not arrive in time, program staff can follow up if they choose.
If a program requires a support letter from a specific person (e.g., your immediate supervisor, your department chair, or a particular government official) do your best to follow the program guidelines and obtain this letter. However, sometimes these situations can be very sensitive politically or personally, and you may find that the very people you need may not be willing to help. Again, persistence is the key. If you cannot convince them to help you, develop an alternative strategy. Perhaps you can approach another person of equal rank or stature. Contact the scholarship program staff and tell them your problem. If you are a strong candidate in all other ways, it is possible that they can be flexible about this requirement.
Common Pitfalls
Do not choose someone as a reference who does not know you simply because s/he is an important person in your country. The program is seeking information about YOU and it may hurt your application if your reference is not actually familiar with you or your work, but has only an impressive title.
Make sure your reference is specific about your academic and/or professional qualifications and achievements. Comments such as "she's very sweet," will distract from your more substantive qualities and thus may weaken your application.
Sometimes your reference may request your assistance in crafting the letter, particularly if their foreign language skills are rudimentary. If you are asked to provide a draft text for letters from more than one reference, try to make sure that the final letters are not identical in wording. The program staff will immediately assume that you, and not the reference, actually wrote the letter and your application will be less successful.
A Word About Contacts
There is no doubt that contacts and connections can be very helpful. In some countries, however, they are more important than in others. If it is clear that using personal connections will enhance your situation, you should certainly take steps to ensure that those individuals know of your plans and will agree to help you should you need their assistance.
Although you may think you don't know anyone of potential influence, you may surprise yourself. Make a list of everyone—family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances—you think might possibly be helpful. Ask their opinions. Don't be shy. If there are particular people you think would be helpful, but you do not know them, try to put yourself in situations where you can meet them. Be persistent. They may be flattered by your inquiries.
But even if you are not successful or lack any contacts, do not despair. While contacts may smooth the way, they are not necessarily required. Most international scholarship programs make awards strictly on merit, and do not expect applicants to use connections. At U.S. universities and those in many other countries, personal contacts are rarely a crucial factor in the admissions process. And, indeed, although connections may help you gain acceptance, your own skills and talents will ultimately define your success.
Remember: It is not who you KNOW but who YOU are.
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