How to prepare for an international university

Overseas education consultant NNS Chandra shares advice on entrance examinations, admission procedures at international universities.

In an online chat with readers every Friday, overseas education consultant NNS Chandra offers advice on how to pick the right course and career abroad.

For those who missed the chat on March 3, here's the unedited transcript:

Principal IB: Mr Syam, I read your article and liked it. Can you let us know how should a student prepare themselves before joining a foreign university? I want you to come and talk to my students.

What are your schedule to India? Please let me know. Also can I have address of your India office.

NNS Chandra: Thanks so much sir. Appreciate your interest. In the world one live in we constantly interact with people from other culture. This can be when you go to one place to another to study. Or just travel. Or some one from where is in your neighbourhood.

shreekanth: Age : 22 years; Work : 1 year of experience (and counting) in a US Bank Percentage: 1)10th grade- 56 per cent (ICSE) 2)12th grade (PUC) 59 per cent) Degree : B.Com - Average- 58.4 per cent.

I want to pursue my Masters in banking and finance anywhere abroad I have always been skeptical of approaching any university abroad because i guess the cutoff is 60 per cent.

NNS Chandra: Dear Shreekanth, Yes. For most most universities, the entry cutoff would be a high first class. That being said, there are ways you can demonstrate to universities that you are more than your academic score in your undergraduate diploma. Take bridge courses and earn additional credits that is one way.

Take a full-time course work work in a community college associated. Accreditation is another.

M Shah: What about American Math Olympics? How to attend American Science Fair?

NNS Chandra: Mr Shah - Math Olympiad organised by AMC is mostly restricted to American citizens. Science fair - international students can participate. But it will have to start from school level.

Salman Khan: Dear Sir, I am starting in spring, and I plan on taking a summer course. But I will have time in hand. Can I do an internship? If yes, how to proceed?

NNS Chandra: Mr Khan, Good you are back. How are you?

Yes, you can and must do internship. Process start once you are here in the campus.

Lead image published only for representational purposes. Kind courtesy: CollegeDegrees360/Creative Commons

Have questions for NNS Chandra? Post them here!