Study abroad: 'How to prepare for GRE?'

In a first of a weekly series, CollegePond.com will try and answer all your queries related to pursuing an education abroad.

Do you have a question for them? Write to us!

The decision to pursue an international education demands a lot of patience, research and discipline.

If you're applying to more than one university in different countries, you need to be prepared to appear for multiple entrance exams, adhere to their eligibility norms and deadlines.

For beginners who have no mentors to guide them, this can be an exhausting experience.

As an immediate solution, CollegePond.com, a career guidance organisation, has agreed to take on your questions and help you make an informed decision.

In the first of an ongoing weekly series, we publish their responses to some of your questions we received in the last few days.

Raymon Gibbs: I have finished post grad in product design and development (related to mechanical engineering). Can you suggest any good diploma courses to pursue abroad so that I could land a job there?

Also I am looking for MBA as an option in Canada or Australia, will it be easy for me to find a job there after doing the course? Thank you.

Collegepond: What are you currently doing???

If your goal is to pursue a career abroad, there are two approaches: (a) lateral hiring and (b) further education.

The easiest way to secure a job abroad is to first pursue further education and then look for a job. This way, you are able to gain local educational recognition as well as secure a great platform to look for jobs (i.e., career fairs, on-campus recruitment, alumni, etc.).

Based on your career profile and interests, we need to discuss whether a diploma or another post grad degree would make sense.

With respect to your MBA aspirations, it is necessary to first determine your career objectives and then peruse through the college websites to determine whether the specific school offers placement opportunities in that specific field.

Some schools like Rotman School of Management and Melbourne Business School are great schools and offer strong career placement statistics.

Smita Erande: I am having total 16 years of education and 10 years of IT experience.

Need to know if I will be able to get admission in US for MBA and what will be the total cost of education, eligibility for scholarship if any.

Education: 10+2; Diploma in mechanical engineering (3 years diploma course BTE)

Bachelor in computer science (BCS) (3 years degree Course Pune University)

Collegepond: Having completed 16 years of education and 10 of IT experience, you definitely are a good candidate to apply for a MBA programme in the US.

The first step would be to take the GMAT. The total cost will depend on the school you attend but can vary anywhere from USD $35,000 per year to USD$65,000 per year.

This does not include living costs and incidental expenses.

Scholarships are available but will depend on the strength of your application and the GMAT score.

laishram kenjit:Along with this email I am expressing my great interest in studying abroad.

My preferred destination would be Canada (Alberta/Calgary Province).

The reason why I am sticking my destination is some of my relatives are settled down there. Let me introduce my educational qualification.

I have completed my Bsc in Biotechnology from Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu in the year 2009.

I too have completed Msc in Clinical Research Management from PRIST University Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu (whilst this University is listed as Non- accredited university or Deemed University under UGC).

Currently I am working as Clinical Data Analyst in one of Global CRO (Contract Research Organization) for over 2.8+ years of experience.

Here is my question that needs to be resolved.

1. Will it be a problem to purse any course in any of the Canadian University? Because one of my friends got received educational assessment report form WES Service as He pass out his Master in Non-accredited University )

2. I want to pursue only 1 year diploma course. Any suggestion with Re to my interest Health and services? And also please let me know what are the advantages and disadvantages of 1 Year course. As soon I want I wanted to get a job over there to support my financial.

Your piece of suggestion will make a huge change in my career. Thanks in advance for your kind cooperation.

Collegepond: With respect your first question, you should not have any problem to pursue a graduate or diploma course in Canada.

In response to your second question, the advantage of a two year is that there is usually an opportunity for an internship. One year courses are more intensive and you may not get opportunities for internship or the like.

zubair.ibrahim: How to prepare for GRE?

Collegepond: Usually GRE requires planning of about 200 hours to crack it.

The plan of action varies from person to person depending on whether you are weak in Quants or Verbal.

The best approach is to give a mock exam to see where you stand and where you are weak in. Accordingly focus on those areas.

The ETS website has sample questions and essay topics which will give you an inkling as to what to expect.

There are various books and online resources as well as coaching classes which will help you with the tricks and techniques to solve.

Most importantly, practice and mock exams will be the key to your success. We recommend at least 8-10 mock exams to help you prepare for the D-day.

Do you have questions related to pursuing an education abroad?

Simply write to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject: Study abroad query) and we'll publish the responses right here on Rediff.com.