Always aim for the best

Abhishek Singhal   

Q.It looks like I may not be able to get into a top school. Should I apply to tier-2 schools overseas?  — Urvashi Sahni

A.Upfront, no-one can say that you can or cannot get into a top-school. Generally speaking, if you have done interesting things in life, have decent scores in generalized tests (SAT/ GMAT/ GRE, etc.) and are ready to commit to hard work, you have a good shot at getting into an IVY or top school. I myself have got a fairly average 82 per cent in grade X and XII, yet I managed to get into the super-selective MBA program at MIT Sloan — only because I was ready to commit time and energy to this cause. Also applying to tier-II schools is a poor investment of your money and time and in many cases much inferior to choices available at home. Aim for the stars, you will surely reach the treetops!

Build a strong profile

Q.How do I build my profile for application to undergraduate programmes overseas? When do I start?  — Prabhdeep Singh

A.There are many ways to build your profile — building your extra-curricular, social or sports-based narrative, your academic credentials, participation in leadership positions and activities, summer internships and workshops aimed at building specific skillsets, demonstrated commitment to causes that you care about — are some of the ways of building your profile. 

However, choose things that are a natural fit to your strengths and aligns with your interest in a unique fashion. Don’t just choose things that ‘everyone else’ is doing. Further, since you are allowed to report activities from Class IX onwards, it is best to start around that time — slowly at first and then gradually picking up speed in as you move to higher grades.

 — Abhishek Singhal The expert is Co-founder, UnivAdmitHelp