The Ultimate Guide to Shortlisting Universities: Factors to Consider

When it comes to selecting universities, there are many factors to consider. This process can be overwhelming, but it's important to make sure you select the right university that suits your needs and preferences. In this article, we will go through the process of shortlisting universities and the factors you should consider.

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How to start shortlisting?

University selection is subjective, so it's crucial to shortlist universities based on your personal preferences. You can begin the shortlisting process by listing out all the universities you know, such as the universities your friends, relatives, seniors, or social media have selected. You can then filter these universities based on the factors we will discuss.

How to categorize universities?

Before shortlisting universities, you should create three categories. The universities that you are likely to get admitted to can be considered Safe Universities. Mediocre Universities are the ones with a high chance of admission. Finally, Dream Universities are those with a low probability of admission but are still worth considering.

Factors to consider:

Fees

For many people, fees are an essential factor. You can note down the tuition fees of each university that you selected. You can search for the average tuition fees on Google. Keep in mind that this estimation is not always accurate, but it can give you a rough idea.

Ranking

Many people shortlist universities based on rankings. You can check the university rankings on various websites such as USNEWS, QSWORLD, and Forbes. USNEWS rankings are based on research output, while QSWORLD rankings focus on academic reputation. Forbes ranks universities based on finances. Choose a university based on your caliber and work hard towards your goal.

Weather

Climate can be a significant factor to consider when shortlisting universities. You should consider whether you can survive extreme winters and summers. Before selecting a university, check the climate conditions in the surroundings and whether you can survive there.

Location/Neighbourhood

The surroundings of the university are also important. Check if you can get accommodation near the university, facilities, transport, groceries, etc.

Cost of Living

The university's location can affect your expenses. For example, New York is an expensive city, and you may need to spend at least $1000 on basic expenses. In contrast, cheaper places may cost around $500-$600. Your expenses depend on the location you select.

Scholarships/Assistantships

Check if the university offers any scholarships or opportunities for assistantships. On-campus part-time jobs should also be considered. The university website contains all the information you need. You can also contact alumni or seniors for more information.

Research Opportunities

If you plan to pursue a Ph.D., research opportunities and research output are crucial factors to consider before applying to the university.

Opportunities

Check if there are any job opportunities nearby after completing your studies. You should also consider the companies in the area and the packages they are offering.

Return On Investment (ROI)

This factor indicates how long it will take you to recover the amount you spent on your master's degree. Forbes has ranked universities based on their ROI.

Course Curriculum

Make sure to check the course curriculum on the official university website to see if it suits your interests and abilities. Check the difficulty level and how much effort you're willing to put in. Also, consider whether the course is thesis or non-thesis. A thesis-based course is research-oriented, while a non-thesis course is more job-oriented.

Friends/Relatives

It's essential to have emotional support when you move to a new country. Check whether you have friends or relatives near the university you're planning to attend. Having someone to turn to during unexpected situations can be helpful.

GRE

Some universities are now accepting admissions without GRE scores. However, it's crucial to check whether the university you're applying to requires the GRE or not.

English Proficiency Test

Many people now use Duolingo as a proficiency test, but not all universities accept it. Make sure to check whether the university accepts Duolingo or requires TOEFL or IELTS.

Application Charges

Along with the cost of attending the university, it's important to consider the cost of the application.

Eligibility Criteria

In the US, universities evaluate your whole profile for admission, including your GPA, GRE, IELTS, LOR, SOP, Projects, Internships, and work experience. This approach is known as a holistic approach. Check whether your profile meets the eligibility criteria for the universities you're interested in and apply to those universities.

Resources

Websites such as Yocket and admits.fyi can help you shortlist universities and check profiles of students who attended those universities.

Key Points

If you have joined any consultancy, When it comes to choosing a university, the advice given by consultancies can be helpful, but it's important to ask yourself if their recommendations are in your best interest or if they are motivated by their own commission. To make the right decision, it's crucial to consider your priorities, whether it's the return on investment or research opportunities.

It's important to remember that different people have different priorities, so before applying to any university, question yourself and the consultancy. With competition increasing day by day, shortlisting more universities and filtering them based on your priority factors is a smart strategy. If you're applying for a competitive course, it's recommended to shortlist at least 25-30 universities.

To gain a better understanding of a university, try to contact seniors who have studied there. They can provide genuine and valuable information about the university. You can reach out to them on Yocket, LinkedIn, and the university's Facebook groups.

Remember that university selection is subjective, so take your time and shortlist universities according to your profile. This process may take time, but investing your time correctly is crucial. Ultimately, no one knows what's best for you better than you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right university can be a daunting process. However, by considering the above factors, you can shortlist universities that best suit your preferences and needs. Remember, ultimately, it's your skills that matter the most. Work hard towards your goal of attending the university of your dreams.