Indian students continue to go abroad year after year. And 2008 should be no different. But if you plan to be a part of this group your time to start is now.
Do you know how you should begin applying to US universities? Which programme is right for you? What exactly is the difference between an I-20 and F1 visa?
What kind of check list should you make before going abroad? How to deal with the life in the univesrities abroad?
Career consulting expert Manisha Zaveri chatted with GA readers on September 19 and discussed these issues and many more.
For those of you who missed the chat, here's part one of the transcript:
HK asked, I want to study abroad for higher studies (read MBA). I ham having experience of 3 years. I would like to know the visa requirements for the students. I am intending to work along with the studies. I already have B1-B2 visa (USA).
Manisha Zaveri answers, If you have finished a bachelors degree in India and have 3 years of work experience, all you need is GMAT and TOEFL score and you can apply to USA for MBA. After you get admission, you can apply for F1 Student Visa for USA. You can only work legally for 20 hours a week on campus along with your studies.
mm asked, If I have some health problem, can I do higher studies abroad?
Manisha Zaveri answers, So long as you clear the Health and Immunization record requirements of the University, there should not be a problem.
navaneeth asked, I have 2 years of marketing experience part-time and 2 years of software experience. I want to go in to management by studying in abroad which collage is good I don't want to write any g-mat so some think like that
Manisha Zaveri answers, If you have finished bachelors degree in India, then you can find universities in USA that offer admission in MBA without GMAT. For specific info on American Univs that offer admission without GMAT, you can contact for consultancy via www.careermosaic.org
vasini asked, hi i am an engg graduate due to take my gre on the 15th of oct .i wish to pursue my pg in the field of management . What is the best time to apply??? i got a job with tcs, will work ex help in any way
Manisha Zaveri answers, I presume you are going to MS Management since you plan to take GRE. You can apply immediately on getting your GRE score for the Fall 2008 term. If you have taken TOEFL, send your scores in application. If not taken yet, then take it after GRE exam and report score to univ "after" sending your application documents.
sarika asked, my gre score is 850 and toefl score is 54. Can i apply in US university
Manisha Zaveri answers, You can apply to universities that are willing to accept students on low GRE. There are some universities that don't need GRE at all. Due to low TOEFL, you will have to take up ESL course (English as a Second Language) at the university that you join, along with your MS studies.
kishore asked, hi i have a gre score of 1340 and academics with 80%. I want to apply in biomedical. Is it being too risky by applying only for the top 10 universities
Manisha Zaveri answers, Excellent scores! If budget is not a constraint, then apply to the best colleges that offer Biomedical. But I would suggest you select few other options to for fall back.
As a grad applicant, scholarships for international students are very limited. You should first secure admission in MS and then apply for financial aid - preferably in the form of teaching assistantship.
ashish asked, Hi Manisha, please tell me American universities accept 15 years education background? If NOT please suggest me A WAY?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes they accept students with 15 years of education background, but this is true in only selected Univ. cases and usually just for MBA. You have to take extra classes on campus to make up for lack of credits.
john asked, I am a dentist will I face any problem during visa if I go for a PhD abroad
Manisha Zaveri answers, Considering that you have secured admission already, then you have to justify to the visa officer the purpose for doing PhD and whether you have the resources to pursue your studies.
santosh asked, I Have 2+ years of experience . Can I go for Management courses in USA/ can u tell me what are the courses available?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Many management courses are available, this forum is limited to discussion. You can contact for guidance via www.careermosaic.org.
flupy asked, Hi my self harinder Kumar recently cleared exam of CA, but my CV is not very attractive as I have got 50% marks in B.Com and it took me almost 14 years to clear CA, because I m working side by side. I have a exp of total 10 years, my age is 35 years. wud u think I have any scope in MNC or should a go for further study to make my resume strong. Or apply for Immigration such as country like Aus.
Manisha Zaveri answers, Well you are eligible for admission into MBA program in USA, so try that.
santosh asked, Can u tell me How much amount I should have If I am going for (MBA). Can i get loan?
Manisha Zaveri answers, This depends on the tuition fee of the university you choose and living expenses in that region. You can get a bank loan after you secure admission letter from US University.
Harunesh asked, Hi Manisha, i have a small question. I had secured admission into Georgian College in Canada for PG Diploma in Cyberspace security. I am a B E Mechanical engineering student and I have 2 1/2 years experience in networking (IT Field) . My study permit was rejected with reasons that my proposed studies was not reasonable in light of one or more of my qualifications or experience, does such incidents happen?
Manisha Zaveri answers, rarely, but it happens. Only addressing US inquiries on this forum
deepa asked, sir i will be finishing my mba in the moth of June next year. I m planning to continue my studies after one year. but I am planning to start my preparation for GRE by next year may. Is it enough if i start my preparation from May onwards. do these foreign universities have MS or PHD programmes in the field of HR or Marketing.
Manisha Zaveri answers, refer to my article on "Admission In 2008? Your Time Starts Now" on rediff.com to understand how to plan.
sanjeev asked, If i do my graduation in USA will i get a job in India?
Manisha Zaveri answers, yes why not, US degrees are globally accepted
jarod asked, hi maniahs, I haven't yet taken up my gre. Am undergoing coaching for it as of now. i am not able to find many automobile colleges in the us. am from industrial engg and mgt background. am taking up gre in dec. can i go for fall 2008?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes you can get admission in Fall 2008. For univ searching and course selection, you can contact via www.careermosaic.org
john asked, what if parents are retired? can sponsors be uncles or aunts from US will it be a problem during visa
Manisha Zaveri answers, your parents can show their assets. Uncle, Aunts, grandparents can sponsor - you must justify why they are sponsoring you
shrinjoy asked, Hi manisha, I want to pursue MS Banking and Finance, may I know the best universities in US who provides this course to students without work ex. Thanks
Manisha Zaveri answers, There are many options. you may refer to US News or contact personally via www.careermosaic.org
hh asked, Hi! I have a cgpa of 7.68 and a GRE score of 1300. I want to apply for MS in EE.DO i stand a chance to get into the top univs?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes, but more importantly, refer to all Accredited univs that are reputed for this program. Ranking should not be the only criteria for univ selection
vidhu asked, Hi Manisha! I have completed my B.Tech & want 2 know about PG courses being offered by universities abroad. Moreover I would like 2 have an overview of total expenditure that it would take up.
Manisha Zaveri answers, Average annual tuition cost in USA could range between 9-12 lakhs. Plus livings expenses based on where you are located. There are many MS option, first decide what you want to study.
sunny asked, Hello. I have been to the US on an F1 visa but didn't like the university and took a transfer to another one after 8 weeks by following all the requisite transfer procedures. I spent about 3 weeks at my new university, when due to personal circumstances I had to return home after communicating this to the concerned university authorities. The asked me to re-apply for the spring term and I wanted your opinion on how seriously would that be viewed as well as what are the implications of me being offered a new f-1 student visa?
Manisha Zaveri answers, You can apply to your new univ for spring 2008, but make sure you have all documents, including new I-20 and letters from Univ that mention their request for new visa application.
jimmy asked, hi manisha I m B.E(MECH) and right now working in Merchant navy and i have 3 year of work experience i want to pursue MBA from USA or Canada.What will be the profile and gmat score university accept to get scholarship
Manisha Zaveri answers, Scholarship for international students are very limited and offered on basis of univ policy, academic profile and need. I suggest you secure admission in MBA first and apply for financial aid later in second semester.
flupy asked, I am chartered accountant and want to do MBA i have total exp of 10 years can i do this under executive programme and from which university
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes you can pursue executive MBA or fast-track MBA meant for working professionals. There are many universities that offer this.
askbalancer asked, Good a/noon madam! I have 710 as GMAT score and have 3 yrs wk exp in IT. R there any MBA prog. In west (EU,US) offering less than 2 yrs duration? Thanks.
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes there are many univs on west coast that offer fast-track or executive MBA for working professionals.
Ghazal asked, Dear Manisha,, tks a ton this kind of informative session.. I had MA(eng) and presently i am doing MBA, I would like to go USA for further studies. Kindly advise post MBA
Manisha Zaveri answers, You can either take up a second MA or MBA. Your specialization must be aligned with your career objectives.
deepa asked, One more query Sir, Which elective offers me a plenty of job opportunities in US. Is it HR OR Marketing? Can you recommend some universities to continue my MS or PHD study?
Manisha Zaveri answers, There are plenty of opportunities in HR and Marketing both. Select your program based on interest and aptitude.
asha asked, I am a BTech student completing in 2009 March. Want to do an MBA from US as soon as my BTech is over. Can I do that with out any work experience? If yes, when should I start preparations?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes you can get admission in MBA in USA without work experience. Make sure you finish GMAT and TOEFL by Oct 2008 and apply. Your final year transcripts can be mailed to university after March 2009 when results are announced.
chandra asked, sir, what evidence we need to provide for agriculture income to visa officer.
Manisha Zaveri answers, IT returns and bills of agricultural income are considered.
sanjeev asked, If i go for graduation in usa, how long will it take me to get its citizenship, or i will remain an Indian citizen?
Manisha Zaveri answers, you can apply for green card after getting H1 visa. There are specific procedures for USA
shivachennai asked, can u suggest me apt university for pursuing M.S in Computer (data) (information) security and wireless networking ?
Manisha Zaveri answers, There are MANY options in USA for these programs, for specific university guidance, contact via www.careermosaic.org
enggr asked, hi manisha what will be the cost of doing MBA from USA i have 4 year bach degree in engineering with 4 year experience. can we avail loan from university
Manisha Zaveri answers, You can avail loan from an Indian bank. Cost of MBA varies; average would be 12 lakhs a year
shivachennai asked, wat are the main factors which the universities look for?
Manisha Zaveri answers, academic profile - including percentage in past studies, GMAT, GRE or SAT score as applicable and TOEFL. Your statement of purpose is also very vital.
jarod asked, hi manisha, i haven't yet taken up my gre. Am undergoing coaching for it as of now. Am from industrial engg and mgt background. Which do you think would be a batter option since automobile coll are very less? Would it be feasible for me to change from iem to automobile midway?
Manisha Zaveri answers, chose as per your interest and aptitude. Many univs are available for both
vidhu asked, Hey Manisha! Which university or country is the best option for PG programmes in terms of fees structure?
Manisha Zaveri answers, finalize a budget first and then search universities.
seyyadri shiva asked, What is the average score required in SAT, to choose the top best colleges in US, is it ok if I give the test in November or December, for 2008, please advise
Manisha Zaveri answers, Nov-Dec is okay, but check SAT schedule before planning and book a test date immediately. Aim to get at least 60%
query asked, what is the criteria for getting assistantships or scholarships for ms pgms?
Manisha Zaveri answers, past percentage, undergrad work, GRE, overall academic profile.
shivachennai asked, wat are the important qualities one should possess to have an edge over others ??
Manisha Zaveri answers, Good percentage, high GMAT or GRE score, good TOEFL. Statement of Purpose and early application.
askingspark asked, Hi Manisha, I wanted to know how is UT Arlington for Masters in Computer Science. Does it have decent reputation?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Yes, very good University.
Vijay asked, Can I get a chance to get Admission in MS in Computer Science, If one has the MCA Degree from IGNOU in 2006 Passout?
Manisha Zaveri answers, If your undergrad in India is 12+4 years, you can get admission. Distance learning is recognized by some univs in USA - not all.
jarod asked, is it possible to do SAT here and go to usa, complete GRE and complete gre since am having a 15 year education? Can i be there in fall 2008???
Manisha Zaveri answers, If you have 15 years, you can try for MBA in USA, provided you want to study management. No need for SAT.
h asked, what all do i do i consider apart from ranking for univ selection?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Accreditation of univ, whether you match its admission criteria, quality of coursework among other factors
chandra asked, sir, i heard parents sponsoring is given weightage more than the brothers and sister sponsoring for education. Brothers and Sisters sponsoring is considered as a favour and they may take it any time back. Is it true?
Manisha Zaveri answers, Your family can sponsor so long as they are financially sound and do not have many other dependents on them
Part II: Tomorrow