Archive for December, 2007

Submit online application earlier than offline packet

Wednesday, December 26th, 2007


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The deadlines for applying to US Universities are very close now. Most applications are submitted online, but one still needs to send a lot of materials offline including transcripts.


It is tempting to wait until last date to submit the online application because you may think it is instantaneous. Well, it is not always the case. The servers of online applications experience very heavy traffic in the last few days and are likely to be down.


Here are other good reasons why we recommend that you not only submit your online application early, but do it BEFORE you mail your offline materials.

  • Your online application has a application ID which you should mention on your offline materials and envelopes.
  • The last page of online application often has info on what all is needed offline.
  • The payment online may fail for some reason and then you may have to include a UD Dollar draft in your offline packet.

Posted in Applications | 1 Comment »

MS PhD Applicants, checklist this month

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007


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For MS and PhD Applicants targeting fall 2008 admissions, this is the time for last minute application activities, including sending out the packets. As you may have found out by now that even if most applications are online, you do need to send one (and sometimes two) physical packets to your target Universities.


Complete your online application. Prepare to send the offline materials at least 10 days before the deadline, even if you are going to use a reliable service like DHL. Courier packets get delayed during the peal holiday season. Make sure your online and offline materials reach before the deadline. The deadlines for top Universities are in December to January. If you are still not ready, do not target one of the early deadline ones. If the deadlines for your target Universities are in February or March, this is a good time to improve your SOP and compile all your letters of recommendation.


Make sure to include a photocopy of your GRE and TOEFL score in your offline packet, even if not specifically asked. Track through ETS whether or not your official scores were actually reported to your target Universities. You can even make a phone call to ETS; it should be affordable with the falling phone charges.

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Scholarship alert: The Paul Foundation

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007


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The applications for the 2008 Paul Foundation Scholarship is now being accepted. The minimum requirement is a first class degree at the undergraduate level. Scholarships are open to students who have completed their undergraduate studies and have already applied for admission for post graduate/doctoral studies.


The last date of application is Feb 15th, 2008. Visit the Paul Foundation website for detailed information.

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Recognition for Accreditation system of Indian Medical Education

Saturday, December 15th, 2007



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I came across this headline at msn:US grants parity to India’s medical education


The United States has recognized that the Accreditation system for India’s under-graduate medical courses is at par with theirs.
If you read the news item carefully, it would be clear that the US body has merely recognized that India’s Accreditation system of the Medical education, not the education itself.


Unfortunately, many leading newspapers and sites like the Tribune, The Hindu, Rediff have propagated the story as a big achievement for India’s Education system. While it is a positive development, I do not believe this is going to be of a great value to doctors who apply for US Universities.


The US Department of Education website mentions that the Indian system is considered at par since 1997!

Posted in US Education, Admission News | No Comments »

Common Application Mistakes: Using Acronyms

Saturday, December 8th, 2007


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We are starting a new series where we highlight the common mistakes while applying to US Universities.


Consider this hypothetical profile as written in first person: I scored 90% marks in ICSE and 95% marks in CBSE. I had been an NTSE scholar. I won the silver medal at INMO. I studied at IIT KGP and my CGPA was 9. I was active with NSS.


There is a huge problem with the above profile; none of the acronyms (except IIT) are understood in USA. The applicant is not likely to get recognition for all her achievements, because the admission committee may not be familiar with so many acronyms specific to Indian vocabulary. There are some acronyms which are widely understood in some countries but in general one should write the expanded notations while completing the application or writing the statement of purpose.


Consider this hypothetical profile again eliminating all acronyms: I scored 90% marks in class 10 and 95% marks in Class 12. I was awarded the prestigious National Talent Search Scholarship on the basis of an all-India competitive examination. I won the silver medal at Indian National Mathematics Olympiad. I studied at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and my Cumulative GPA was 9 out of 10. I served as a volunteer with the National Service Scheme.

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PhD in Finance

Saturday, December 1st, 2007


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PhD program in Finance equips students with knowledge in the theoretical and empirical tools of finance. The degree prepares students for careers in research and teaching or for the corporate world in the areas of Corporate Finance, International Finance, Portfolio Management, etc. Candidates with a PhD in Finance are much sought after both in industry and academia and are highly paid.

All leading business schools offer a PhD program in Finance. An MBA degree is not a requirement, but is helpful if you have one. The candidate should have an undergraduate degree in a quantitative field or other wise demonstrate high quantitative aptitude. According to Wharton website, “Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines have an ideal background for doctoral studies in this field”. Either GRE or GMAT is accepted, but it is always good to check the website of your target program. Relevant work experience may add value but is not required.
Some of the reputable PhD in Finance programs are offered by the following Business Schools:

Posted in US Education, MBA and GMAT, Business Education | No Comments »