Common mistakes when applying to the USA/UK

Applying to universities in the US and UK is an important step in the lives of many students. However, the application process can be complex and confusing, which leads to common mistakes. This happens for various reasons: lack of understanding of how the education system works in the chosen country of study, failure to comply with the deadlines and the procedure for processing documents when applying to a university, lack of knowledge about the requirements for the necessary documents for obtaining a visa. Unfortunately, these and other mistakes can serve as a reason for denial of admission and issuance of a student visa. In this article, we will consider the main ones to help applicants avoid common mistakes and increase their chances of successful admission.

1. Choosing the wrong universities

One of the most common mistakes is not researching universities and programs enough. Many students choose educational institutions based on their reputation or rankings, without taking into account their own interests, goals and preferences. It is important to thoroughly research the programs, departments and culture of the university to find the right place for your studies. Not taking the location of the institution into account is a mistake that is not directly related to admission, but can greatly affect your studies. Is this or that country right for you? The climate of the region where the university is located? The pace of life of the city where the campus is located? Does it have all the necessary infrastructure? How expensive is it to live there? Finally, too high prices for housing and food that you are not prepared for may simply lead to the fact that you will not be able to provide for yourself during the entire period of study.

2. Ignoring admission requirements

Each university has its own unique admission requirements, including exams, documents, and application deadlines. Often, students do not pay attention to these requirements or do not read the instructions carefully. This can lead to missing important details or having to re-submit documents.

When it comes to admission requirements, every detail is important:

• If you are required to provide a TOEFL result, do not provide IELTS results, because you think that they are interchangeable and this test suits you better;
• Some specialties require passing specialized tests and exams, preparation for which takes time, and registration can take place long before the exam itself;
• If your result is below a certain minimum, it would be a mistake to think that a miracle will happen this year. Moreover, hoping for the minimum threshold is also not the best idea, because according to statistics, passing scores only increase every year;
• The university may require that letters of recommendation be translated and notarized. And sometimes translations are not accepted at all - the letter must initially be written in English, and the envelope must be sealed and contain the author's signature at the gluing point.

And this is only a small part of what students often attach too little importance to. All requirements vary depending on the university. And given the fact that applicants usually apply to several educational institutions, it is necessary to prepare several packages of documents, carefully studying the requirements of each university. Sometimes a small detail, be it a missing signature, an incorrectly filled out form or a typo in the application, can cause a refusal.

3. Bad essay writing

An essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your individuality and motivation. Many applicants make mistakes by using template wording or not paying enough attention to the structure and content of the essay. It is important to be sincere, unique, and clearly express your thoughts, as well as carefully edit the text. It may seem that an essay or letter is the easiest thing the university requires. In reality, it may turn out that you write three essays in one evening and none of them will be final, or even just good. This is a fundamentally wrong approach to writing an admissions essay. An essay should demonstrate your ability to analyze and think critically, each idea here should be clearly described and argued.

4. Neglecting recommendations

Letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process. Some students do not pay due attention to the choice of recommenders or do not provide them with enough information about their achievements and goals. It is recommended to discuss your plans with recommenders in advance and provide them with materials that will help you write high-quality letters. A motivation letter or essay should not be written by parents or teachers. In the case of letters of recommendation, on the contrary, it is better if they are written by teachers, and not by the applicant himself. Of course, in Russian educational institutions, recommenders often instruct students to write letters themselves, which they then sign. But even in this case, the final text must be approved by the author - the recommender's contacts are indicated in the letter, and they may well be contacted to prverify the authenticity of the document.

5. Insufficient preparation for exams

Universities in the US and UK often require standardized test scores such as the SAT, ACT, or IELTS. Some students start preparing too late or do not devote enough attention to this stage. It is recommended to create a preparation plan and devote time to practice tests.

6. Missing application deadlines

Application deadlines can be strict and vary from university to university. Some students miss out on admission because they fail to submit their documents on time. It is important to create a calendar with key dates and follow it. Not many applicants and their parents know that the application process, for example, to the most highly rated universities or boarding schools, should be started 1-1.5 years in advance. Our mentality works here, because in Russian universities the submission of documents takes place at the end of June-July, so it is difficult to understand the fact that in March, for example, an applicant is already late for submitting documents.

7. Ignoring financial aspects

Entering foreign universities can be expensive. Many students do not take into account the cost of tuition and living expenses or do not explore the possibilities of receiving financial aid and scholarships. It is recommended to create a budget in advance and study the available financing options. Most universities have an entrance fee, which should not be forgotten. Failure to pay may result in a refusal to accept documents. The fee is usually 15-150 USD. To be sure, it is better to attach a receipt for payment to the main package of documents.

8. Hoping that the language will “come” during training

If you do not speak the language well, you need to improve it to a level sufficient for studying in a particular country. Sometimes even good TOEFL results do not mean that you will be able to overcome the language barrier without real communication experience. Before starting your studies, you can take language courses or complete a preparatory program in the country where your future university is located.

Entering universities in the US and UK is a serious step that requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By avoiding common mistakes, applicants can significantly increase their chances of successful admission and begin their journey to receiving a quality education abroad. It is important to remember that each stage of this process is an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual.