DIY (Do It Yourself) is a way many Chinese students choose to apply for overseas universities. This not only saves money, but also helps them exercise their independence and problem-solving skills. This article will introduce a step-by-step guide for Chinese students to DIY their study abroad, from preliminary preparation to final admission, to help you successfully complete the study abroad application process.
Preliminary preparation
1. Determine your study abroad goals
Before you start your DIY study abroad application, you must first clarify your study abroad goals. This includes:
Choose a country to study abroad: According to your own needs and interests, choose a suitable country to study abroad, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.
Determine your major: Based on your personal interests and career plans, choose a major that suits you.
2. Understand the application requirements
The application requirements of each country and school are different and need to be carefully studied and understood. You can obtain information through the following channels:
School official website: Check the official website of your target school to learn about the specific application requirements and procedures.
Study abroad forums and communities: Join study abroad forums and communities to exchange experiences with seniors who have successfully applied.
Official agencies: Consult relevant study abroad service agencies to obtain authoritative information.
3. Plan your timeline
Applying for studying abroad is a tedious and time-intensive process that requires a reasonable schedule. It is recommended to start from the following aspects:
Determine the application deadline: Understand the application deadline of the target school and prepare relevant materials in advance.
Make a preparation plan: Based on the application deadline, make a detailed preparation plan and allocate time reasonably.
Prepare application materials
1. Academic Materials
Academic materials are the most important part of the study abroad application, including:
Transcript: Prepare transcripts in both Chinese and English and have them certified with the school's seal.
Proof of enrollment: If you have not graduated yet, you need to provide a proof of enrollment.
Graduation certificate and degree certificate: Graduated students need to provide the Chinese and English versions of their graduation certificate and degree certificate.
2. Language scores
Most foreign schools require language scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Please note the following:
Register for the exam in advance: Register for the language exam in advance according to the school's requirements.
Prepare carefully for the exam: make a preparation plan, review systematically, and strive to achieve ideal results.
Score delivery service: When applying, the language scores will be sent to the target school through official channels.
3. Standardized test scores
Some countries and schools also require standardized test scores, such as the SAT and ACT in the United States, or the GRE and GMAT at the graduate level.
Confirm testing requirements: Check your target school's website to see if they require standardized test scores.
Register for exams in advance: Register for relevant exams in advance as needed and arrange preparation time reasonably.
4. Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important document to show your characteristics and advantages, and needs to be carefully prepared.
Highlight personal strengths: Combine your own experience to highlight your academic ability, leadership, and interests and hobbies.
Clarify your motivation for applying: explain why you chose this school and this major, as well as your future career plans.
5. Letter of Recommendation
Recommendation letters are written by teachers or mentors who are familiar with the applicant and evaluate the applicant's academic ability and personal qualities.
Choose a suitable recommender: Choose a teacher or mentor who is familiar with you as a recommender.
Advance communication: Communicate with recommenders in advance and provide necessary background materials and writing suggestions.
submit application
1. Apply online
Most foreign schools use an online application system. Please note:
Register an account: Register an account on the official website of the target school and fill in your personal information.
Upload materials: Upload application materials as required, including transcripts, language scores, standardized test scores, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
2. Pay the application fee
You will need to pay an application fee when you submit your application. Please note:
Confirm payment method: Find out what payment methods the school accepts, such as credit card, bank transfer, etc.
Prepare funds in advance: Make sure you have enough money in your account to pay the application fee.
3. Track your application status
After submitting your application, you can track the status of your application through the online application system.
Check regularly: Log in to the application system regularly to check the application status and message notifications.
Supplement materials in time: If the school requires additional materials, submit them in time as required.
Interview Preparation
Some schools may arrange interviews to learn more about the applicant.
Understand the interview format: Find out the school’s interview format in advance, which can be an online video interview or a telephone interview.
Prepare for interview questions: Prepare common interview questions and conduct simulation exercises based on your own situation.
Pay attention to interview etiquette: During the interview, you should pay attention to your appearance, be polite, and express yourself clearly.
Get an admission letter
After the application is successful, the school will issue an admission letter.
Confirm your intention to accept the admission: After receiving the admission letter, you must confirm whether you accept the admission within the specified time.
Pay a deposit: Some schools may require a deposit to confirm admission.
Visa
After receiving the admission letter, you need to apply for a study visa. Please note:
Understand visa requirements: Check the visa requirements and application process for your target country.
Prepare visa materials: prepare visa application form, passport, admission letter, deposit certificate and other materials.
Make an appointment for a visa interview: Make an appointment for a visa interview in advance and attend it on time.
Preparing to go abroad
Before going abroad, you need to make the following preparations:
Purchase your flight tickets: Purchase your flight tickets in advance to ensure that you have enough time to complete the admission procedures.
Arrange accommodation: Contact the school or arrange accommodation abroad through other means.
Packing: Prepare necessary daily necessities and study materials, and pay attention to the weight limit of luggage.
in conclusion
Although the process of DIY studying abroad is cumbersome, with detailed step-by-step guides and sufficient preparation, you can successfully complete the application and realize your dream of studying abroad. I hope that the guide provided in this article can help more Chinese students successfully apply to their ideal schools and start a wonderful study abroad life.