You've been admitted! Now what?

Originally Published in Hindustan Times Education Supplement

For undergraduates who applied to the US, the official notification cut off for
admissions letters is April 1st. That is only three days away! (MBA and Post-grad
applicants are also in the midst of regret/accept letters)  How can you prepare
yourself for the experience of joy, disappointment and ultimately decision?
Below are a few things to keep in mind as you navigate your way to the end of
April when you’ll have to confirm your attendance and pay your deposit.

Post College Plans

Originally published in Hindustan Times, Education Supplement

The question I most often get asked by readers of my HT column is about what to do after college – MA, MBA, work experience?  As I see it, these queries stem from 2 different situations – 1. Students who joined a course in a subject, which, after 3 years of study, they have discovered they do not enjoy, and they do not want to pursue higher studies or work in the same field; and 2. Students who want to pursue a route consistent with their college studies, but who do not feel they have enough experience or knowledge to get the job they want after college.

Know Your Resources

Originally published in Hindustan Times, Education Supplement

There are an impressive number of free or low-cost resources available to Indian students who want to study abroad. However I find that students are often unaware of the help they can get. Below is a review of the valuable study abroad information services in English-speaking countries. You should look into these if you are planning higher studies outside India in the future.

Following Up

Originally published in Hindustan Times, Education Supplement

Happy New Year! Most college applications for the US and the second round MBA applications have been submitted by now. There are a few stray applications that are due in Mid January or February, but for the most part all should have been submitted. And for UK universities the UCAS deadline is on January 15^th. So now, with the bulk of the work behind you, what should you be doing until April 1^st when you get the decisions?

Planning Ahead in Jan for Class 11

Originally published in Hindustan Times, Education Supplement

If you are in class 11 and planning to study abroad in 2014, there is a lot you can do now, in early 2013, to enhance your application. A common question at this point is, “What should I do over the summer before entering 12^th? Take an internship? Start a new extra-curricular activity? Publish a book?” 

Moving On After December

Originally published in Hindustan Times, Education Supplement

The last few weeks of December is an emotional roller coaster for some applicants. Since at least December 10^th admissions decisions have been coming in for undergraduates who applied in early decision or early action programs and for MBA applicants who applied in the first round. I use the roller coaster metaphor because whether you have gotten good news or bad, you must now shift gears and think about what’s next.