Over the last couple of decades, various countries have begun to stand out as “popular destinations” for post graduate studies aspirants. Among the countries that offer various post-graduate and doctoral programs for students across the globe, two countries have established their eminence. One of them is known for snow-capped mountains, its love for ice hockey and everybody’s favorite Prime Minister. The other is renowned for its booming job market, high standards of living, and its thriving multicultural atmosphere. We are, of course, talking about�� Canada and the USA. Two vastly different countries with several striking similarities; one of which is the primarily unsurpassable quality of secondary education.

Since the Internet boom in the late 1980s, the US has been the ultimate study abroad destination for aspiring students. A combination of factors like cutting-edge infrastructures, R&D opportunities, and better employability has firmly cemented the US’s position as the first choice for a vast number of students wishing for quality education. However, in recent times, Canada, US’s friendly neighbor, has emerged as a competition to the US as an excellent alternative, with high-quality education that doesn’t pinch your pockets. Also it’s important to note, Canada has not just improved its stature in terms of its MS, or more generally the post graduate studies, but also work related opportunities across the globe.

One must keep in mind, that course selection, is the first and foremost step in moving forward for studying in the US or Canada. Following that, preparing for your 91�ȱ�/TOEFL is the most important step to take the first step towards a successful admit in these 2 countries.

So, here is the big question- should you apply to both the US and Canada for your postgraduate studies? Or should you simply stick to one? 

This is a question that leaves many students scratching their heads, so let us try and get some clarity on it.

Why Canada or USA?

Now, here’s another question, what makes Canada or the USA stand out, out of all the study abroad destinations. Let us now understand it better, to make better choice of study destination. USA has long been the ideal, or rather, the ultimate study destination for predominantly MS and other master’s programs. Over the decades, it has established its own reputation as the global research hub. From the earliest stages of Silicon Valley, back in the 1970’s, through the “dot-com boom” in the 1990s and early 2000s, up to the Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning trend in 2019, there has been innumerable technological advancements that have occurred in the USA.�� Lately, due to improvement in various facets, Canada has become a hot favorite among students, as their preferred destination for pursuing MS.

Let us get some more insights as to why are students preferring to study in Canada. The following reasons stand out

• Lower average tuition fees in comparison to US universities for international students. As on 2019-20 based on reports from Statistics Canada, the average tuition fees for international post grad students who wish to study in Canada, was approximately $17,714 CAD($13,437 USD). Whereas, based on the reports from College Board, USA, average tuition fees for 2019 was reported to be around $26,290 USD ($34,860 CAD).��

“For Example: Tuition fees for Masters at the University of British Columbia,globally ranked 51 was noted to be approximately $8,777 CAD ”.

• Wide availability of discipline specific scholarships and co-op programs, or co-operative education which essentially allows the students to integrate their studies, by alternating one semester of studying abroad with one semester of work in a field related to their studies. University of Toronto, University of Waterloo are some of the universities to offer co-op programs.
• Comparatively easier to pursue part-time jobs in Canada, due to the flexibility of study permit.
• Ease of immigration to obtain Canadian citizenship. Students�� are also eligible to stay up to 180 days, after their Post-Graduation, to apply for a Canadian Work Permit.
• Excellent healthcare policy.

Despite these pros associated with studying in Canada prompting aspirants to study in Canada as opposed to the USA, there are a few key aspects that still make USA the number one preferred destination for pursuing studies abroad.

• Broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate study programs, with the following top trending specializations
  • MS in Computer Science, with upcoming fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and so on.
  • MS in Electrical and Electronics, with trending fields like Mechatronics, Embedded Systems and Robotics, which are also interdisciplinary master’s programs themselves.
  • MS in Mechanical Engineering including upcoming fields like Nano Engineering, Marine Engineering, Acoustics, Bio-mechanical Engineering
  • MS in Biology with specializations such as Biomedical computation, stem cell�� and regenerative biology and various other specializations
  • Business Studies

There are various interdisciplinary programs such as Human Computer Interaction�� Program(Stanford University), Mathematical and Computational Science(Data Science Program by Stanford University) to name a few. Universities across the USA, have stood the test of time, and stand as a self-testament of their technological prowess and research capabilities. Based on a recent report by The Global Innovation Index, it is natural to claim that the US has underscored its research depths. The following facts substantiate the same

• ��The US has ranked��
  • Number 1 Public and Private R & D Expenditures, with over $510B being spent on research and development
  • Number 3 in Global Innovative Index rating (2019)
  • Approximately 18 billion in Global App Downloads produced by local companies (2018)
• Every year, universities across the USA are funded heavily for the purpose of research and development.��

“Fun Fact: As on 2018,Johns Hopkins University spent a record $2.56 Billion and led the research spends amongst all US universities for the 39th  consecutive year – National Science Funding Reports ”.

• Vast numbers of mid-level universities, providing aspirants with more opportunities to pursue their studies in USA.
• Huge career opportunities for fresh graduates, ranging from successful Silicon Valley startups to Fortune 500 companies
• A broad set of choices of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) degrees, with a vast set of sub-disciplines, ranging from Aerospace Engineering, Statistics, Psychology and many more are available for students who wish to study in the US, with most STEM options eligible for 17 to 24 months of OPT(Optional Practical Training)
• A report from Startup Outlook Survey, USA (Silicon Valley Bank), with over 1,300 respondents states that more and more research innovations are cropping up in the fields of AI, Big Data, Cyber Security and so on, and claim that, fundraising for startups has become easier in the last two years

Below is a small graph representing the number of universities in various rank slabs in case of both the US and Canada. This graph was based on parameters such as quality of education (awards won by alumni and faculty), quality of staff (the research prowess of the staff, across 20+ broad categories) with reference from Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) reports.

These graphs indicate the vast degree of presence of US universities in the top ranks,would definitely help identifying the ocean of opportunities for the students who aspire to study in the US or Canada

See how to write the perfect SOP that wins you Top MS Admits!

What parameters should I consider?

Besides top-notch education and excellent faculty, there are several other parameters you should take into account while considering your postgraduate options. Remember: this is the place where you will spend two years of your life, so it is equally important to consider other factors such as the cost of living, public safety, employment opportunities, weather, student-friendliness etc.

Quality of Education

First and foremost, of course, is the quality of education offered by American and Canadian universities. This factor is paramount to your decision-making process- after all, it is a decision that will affect your life and career. 

While it is true that the US has a monopoly in the education market, Canada is not lagging behind. With several top universities like the University of Toronto University of Toronto, McGill University and the University of British Columbia, Canada is slowly but surely catching up with the US. In terms of course structures, both the countries are very similar. Universities in both the US and Canada offer research-oriented (thesis-based) and course-oriented (non-thesis based) Masters programmes. Depending on your academic aspirations, you can choose either – normally, students wishing to embark on a Ph. D. opt for the research-oriented Masters. In both countries, students pursuing their MS are required to complete 36 credit hours in order to graduate.  

In terms of the quality of education offered, there is little difference between the two. When we consider the PISA(Program for International Student Assessment) scores run by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), Canada is found to be ranked 10th, whereas the presence of the US is in the 40s. In the case of the USA, research has stood the test of time, students who prefer research and duly want to commit themselves to producing genuine scientific breakthroughs, prefer studying in the USA over Canada. With most US universities having a strong foundation in research, with alumni being laureates of prestigious awards like the Nobel, Fields Medal and so on, US can be claimed duly, as a haven for research aspirants, in terms of their education.

“Fun Fact: As on 2018-19 Massachusetts Institute of Technology is associated with 94 Nobel Laureates”

“Fun Fact #2: As on 2018-19 Canada has the highest proportion of Working Age Adults among OECD Countries, at a staggering 55%”

Education in Canada is much cheaper than in the US, thanks to several laws and policies put in place to make education affordable and accessible to all. Private universities in both the US and Canada are generally more expensive since they are not regulated by the government. However, state universities in both countries are much more affordable – exact fees differ from school to school.

“Fun Fact #3: Canada is the highest educated country across the globe”

As on 2018-19, based on reports from Bureau of Labour Services, USA and Statistics Canada (Stats Can), the national statistical agency of Canada, let us take a look at the trending courses in the USA and Canada, with their average salaries

Table 1: Courses and Average Salaries-  Source: BLS, Atlantic Canada Engineering Salary Survey and Stats Can Reports

Students also have a potential option to switch from the masters(graduate program) that they have chosen, while studying abroad in the USA or Canada. Generally, the students would be required to have been actively studying in the designated university.��

The process is relatively simpler in Canada. While Canada does not require a change in study permit, for switching courses; the student needs to update the course details in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

On the other hand, switching masters programs in the USA is a bit more complex. One has to submit a new application, letters of reference reinforcing the ability of the student to perform well in the concerned program and then wait for the decision to be accepted by the program.

In any case, the student definitely needs to understand, that the whole process of switching or changing courses is not to be done quickly or abruptly. It is advised that the student keeps in mind the following questions and answers them by means of thorough research and guidance from admissions counselors. 

• As a student, why do you want to pursue that course?
• Have you duly done adequate research to understand all the nuances of the course?
• Have you compared and considered all opportunities in your present course and the other course?
• Is the choice of your course based on your interest? Have you developed the interest on the basis of doing projects and research work in the concerned field of interest?

Tuition and scholarships

Owing to a burgeoning number of international applicants, several universities in the US and Canada offer generous scholarships and grants to considerably reduce the financial burden on the students: these scholarships range from partial fee-waiver to full rider. In some universities where the focus is on a particular discipline, students who are applying to study that discipline are given scholarships.��

For instance, in the University of Ottawa, researchers are working to create the world’s largest centre for the study of photonics and optics, for which the University receives a huge amount of funding from alumni and philanthropists. Therefore, students who wish to study photonics are given full fee-waivers and living allowances in order to make scientific advancements in the field. Such discipline-specific scholarships are more widely available in Canada than in the US. 

Similarly, in the University of California, Berkely, which has a well established history of research, and associated with 8 Nobel Laureates, we see the Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute, which receives over $730 million for its research expenses from the Government and various philanthropists. This center was recently noted for its project “TomKat UC Carbon Neutrality Project – involving Decarbonisation”. In this center, students are provided with various awards and fellowships; notable being the BECI Philomantha Fellowship, which includes a 2 year appointment, and also a $25,000 Research Fund, to pursue their research in disciplines related to energy and climate. They also confer the prestigious Art Rosenfeld Award for Energy Efficiency Application Materials.

As much as there has been an increase in the tuition fees, owing to the increase in prioritizing internationalization, there has been an increase in the number of scholarships offered to students who aspire to study in the US or Canada. Some of these scholarships are funded by the government, whereas the others are privately funded. The scholarships are categorized broadly under three categories

• Government Funded
• Non-Governmental Scholarships
• University-Specific Scholarships

Let us now get an overview of a selection of scholarships offered for international students in the USA and Canada.

Table 2: Scholarships – Source:

Top 10  Universities in the USA and Canada – World Ranking

Based on annual reports�� published by Quacquarelli Symonds, the following universities make it into the Top 10 Universities in the USA and Canada, respectively. The QS rankings guides a student who aspires to study in the US , Canada or any overseas country, towards universities which are highly accredited by employers, academics and helps identify the right platform for a great career. The table below considers the following parameters, with weightage considered for each parameter, while ranking the Universities for 2020

• Academic Reputation – 40%
• Employer Reputation – 10%
• Citations per Faculty – 20%
• Student – Faculty Ratio – 20%
• Presence of International Faculties – 5%
• Presence of International Students – 5%

Table 3: University Ranking – Source:

Student Profiles

Keeping in mind the above university rankings and other parameters that were discussed, let’s look at a few students who got admitted into top-universities.

Social Welfare

The taxes you pay in Canada are considerably higher compared to the US, but your tax money is judiciously spent by the government to ensure your social welfare. 

For instance, one of Canada’s biggest assets is its universal healthcare schemes, which makes high quality healthcare extremely affordable to all its citizens. 

Additionally, when you file your tax returns on time, a portion of your taxes is refunded to you. Social welfare in the US peaked under the Obama administration, with the advent of Obamacare. 

Visa Process

Let us try to get a better insight on the Visa Process for applying to study in the USA and Canada.

A student can study for a maximum period of 6 months without any study permit or visa, in Canada. For study duration beyond 6 months, a Canadian Study Permit is required. The required documents for the Canadian Study Permit are:

• Letter of Acceptance from the University that the student has applied
• Certificate of Acceptance from the Government, if the student is applying for Québec
• ��Canadian Student Visa Application Package from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website/Local Office or Canadian Embassy in the respective home country.

For studying in the USA, a US Student Visa, is a prerequisite. For this , a student must follow the following procedure

• Get accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved US University, before 6 to 12 months of commencing your studies, and pay the SEVP fees.
• Complete the US Student Visa Application, with recent photographs and pay the application fees
• Schedule and attend the visa interview in the designated centers

The ultimate guide on How to Evaluate your Profile for Masters – Download Now

Lifestyle and Expenses

The biggest deterrent to students wishing to apply to Canada is the weather. Temperatures can dip as low as -25°C in winters with heavy snowfall and storms forcing you to stay indoors for days on end. By comparison, the US offers more variety- states like California and Florida are perennially warm and dry, with the occasional spell of rain.

The US also boasts of a large Indian diaspora, which is often an important factor for many Indian students who start to feel homesick in a few months. The Indian community in Canada is comparatively smaller, but not non-existent.

When it comes to living expenses like rent and utilities, Canada is leaps and bounds ahead, with lower rents and transportation costs. Cities like Toronto and Montreal are extremely student-friendly, with student discounts available almost everywhere- from restaurants to clothing stores and movie theatres. Additionally, Canada is much safer, and has lower crime rates and stringent gun laws.

Did you know that according to the figures from the University of Alberta, the average living costs for an international student is $16,800 (Canadian Dollars) for an entire year?

Post Study Work Permit

One key reason for aspirants to study abroad, is job opportunities. Let’s look at the work permit options available in the USA. 

The immigration process of the USA is pretty rigid, and thus it is imperative for a student to look at the options available. Some of the common post study visa options are shared next

• F1 Visa – Allows a student to stay up to 12 months post completion of his/her studies in the USA for the purpose of practical training.
• M1 Visa – Valid for a year, the student can work in the US up to 6 months after his/her studies is completed, for the purpose of practical training. This visa is extendable up to 3 years.
• J1 Visa – International students who are participating in educational or cultural exchange programs, under which they are eligible to teach, study, conduct research and also work as trainees, or carry out their internships. For a student to get the J1 Visa, he/she must have sponsorship from a J1 Host and J1 Sponsor

To work in Canada, a student must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit within 180 days of the University issuing his/her final marks. This allows the student to work in Canada up to a period of 3 years.

Jobs and Career Opportunities

Of course, the US has a massive job market, but in recent years, recession and unemployment rates have soared, making it difficult to secure a job. Canada too has faced these problems, but on a relatively smaller scale. 

The biggest difference between Canada and the US in terms of employment is that it is much easier to pursue part-time jobs in Canada. In the US, if you wish to work while studying, you will have to obtain an OPT (Optional Practical Training), but the job you undertake must be related to your field. In Canada, however, you are allowed to undertake almost any job, since your study permit doubles up as a work permit too. Also, it is important to note, that

After graduating, the average salary for an MS student in the US is about USD 69,000 (Rs 49 lakhs approx.) per annum, while in Canada it is lower at CAD 70,000 (Rs 35 lakhs approx.) per annum. Vast scope for research, huge opportunities to study in interdisciplinary fields, excellent work opportunities combined with building a strong network, with connections ranging from fellow students, to employees of upcoming startups and well-recognized professors and academicians makes the US a lucrative country for postgraduate studies.

Despite the lack of proper job security at fresher level in the US, the graduate employability scores provided by Quacquarelli Symonds, as a part of their annual reports, gives the USA the edge in better job opportunities, and graduate employability as opposed to Canada. The following parameters are considered in terms of graduate employability

• Graduate Employment Rate
• Association and Partnership with Employers
• Connection between employers and students
• Reputation of the employer
• Alumni Outcomes

Let us look at the top 10 universities of both, the US and Canada in terms of Graduate employability rankings predicted for 2020.

Table 4: Graduate Employability Rankings – Source: QS Reports

Considering these rankings, and the parameters used to ascertain the rankings, it is safe to say, the US is at a much better position in terms of graduate employability. Thus, aspirants who wish to study in Canada, or study in the US, could get a better view on career opportunities in both graduate schools and post graduate programs.

In sum, we highly recommend that you apply to a combination of both American and Canadian universities in order to maximize your chances of admissions. Barring a few minor differences, both countries are almost the same in the educational sphere. The US and Canada are leaders in providing high-quality education and job opportunities and thus make for an excellent study abroad destination.

Like the old adage that says, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”

Similarly, it is smart as well as practical to not bank your MS dreams on one university or one destination alone. Increase your chances of an admit by exploring cost-effective options worldwide.

Hope this blog has made an attempt to cover most of  the queries that the audience had!

Please drop your comments below.

The post Studying in Canada vs USA – Which is better? appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

91�ȱ�: When did you start thinking about 91�ȱ�?

Abishek:�� I had always planned to do an MS for an entire year before I actually started preparations. I was working with Cognizant back then and I felt that kind of lifestyle was not ideal for me. So, I started googling about 91�ȱ� and asked a couple of my friends who had already given it. By, September 2015 I decided that 91�ȱ� is the way forward for me. I gave my exam in May and now I’m preparing my admission profile.

91�ȱ�: You mentioned the working lifestyle wasn’t ideal for you. Was that the primary motivation for doing higher studies?

Abishek:�� Yes, initially. I had to work in three shifts throughout the week and each had a different timing. So, my sleep patterns were getting affected. It wasn’t a highly technical job either, so I wanted to try for a Master’s degree and see where it takes me. But now, I’m convinced this is the right path for me because I’ve always been a good learner and interested in the field of Computer Science. I spoke to few of my friends who knew me well. They instilled the confidence in me to quit my job and give this a shot.

91�ȱ�: How did you come across 91�ȱ�?

Abishek:��I was googling about 91�ȱ� preparation when I found the ad on Google and I registered with 91�ȱ�. At the time, I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t have a learning schedule, I wasn’t sure of what type of questions I could expect. Basically, I was new to 91�ȱ� preparation.

I got a call from one of the student counselors who first understood my situation and then patiently explained to me what I had to do to score a 320+ in 91�ȱ�. I was so impressed that I had to join and try for myself. I enrolled in the Rapid 91�ȱ� program and scored a 310 finally! [grins]

91�ȱ�: What major challenges did you face in your 91�ȱ� preparation?

Abishek: I was sure I could deal with the Verbal section, but I was not so confident about the Quant portion of 91�ȱ�. I gave the diagnostic test and mock tests. I ended up with scores like 300, 305,307. I was improving but slowly. So, when I got my final score, I was thrilled!

91�ȱ�: How was your experience with 91�ȱ�?

Abishek:��[smiles] You know, most of the students tend to imagine themselves to be slogging away alone when they prepare for 91�ȱ�. They feel more desperate and irritated every day because they don’t know who to turn to or whose advice to trust. But in my case, I didn’t feel that way at all!

” I felt safe with 91�ȱ�”

I took the plunge and bought the program because I found out that they had separate trainers for Verbal and Quant, called SFAs (Student Facilitators and Analysts). Both my SFAs were passionate about helping me achieve my target score and were there with me every step of the way. They would make it a point to reach out every week to have a one-on-one feedback session as well as provide feedback for the everyday test. It was like going to class with my favorite Math teacher!

However, the highlight is in the small things that the SFAs do to provide you a holistic experience. I was asked to read articles to improve my Verbal. They also suggested websites that would help me improve my reading speed.

The Student Welfare Team added me in a WhatsApp group with students who had similar capabilities like me. They shared questions and gave feedback to the group too!

I felt so secure in my preparation strategy. Wouldn’t you be happy too? [laughs]

91�ȱ�: I agree. It sounds like you had a wonderful time preparing for 91�ȱ�.

Abishek: I did! I could learn at my pace, check my progress, see how much more I needed to do to achieve my target score. 91�ȱ� made learning fun for me. I had a good time studying! I didn’t think that was possible.

Our SFAs would be very happy to hear this. But, tell me, why did you choose to prepare Online?

Oh, there was no doubt about that in my mind. You don’t have to travel far to a coaching center. You have help waiting for you, whenever you need it and they are just a call away. I get a lot of doubts when I study and I was sure I wouldn’t be able to learn new concepts and clear the doubts in one sitting in a classroom.

I didn’t have to focus on studying even if I didn’t want to at a specific time of the day. It was flexible and I was comfortable with the pace at which I was learning. Online Training was the way to go for me.

91�ȱ�: Great! So, you mentioned you had a flexible study schedule. Can you elaborate on your 91�ȱ� preparation plan?

Abishek: Sure! I was given a customized study plan after my diagnostic test by the SFAs. I needed help with Quant, so my study plan was focused on that.

I would tackle Math as soon as I woke up in the morning for about 2 hours. And then I moved to doing Verbal for 1-2 hours. I was active in the WhatsApp group so I sometimes spent an hour there too.

I would spend the evenings to revise the concepts I learnt in the morning and if I had any doubts I would ask them then. My doubts were always solved immediately or the at the max, the very next day. So, I didn’t lag behind in my preparation schedule.

91�ȱ�: Wow, you did all this for 2 months? How did you remain focused and motivated?

Abishek: As I said, learning became fun! I wanted to do justice to the number of effort people were investing in me, sort of like a give and take. I have learned that when you are surrounded by positive, empathetic people you tend to become more relaxed and confident\

I was so happy with the service that I have enrolled for the admission services also!

91�ȱ�: And how is that going so far?

Abishek: I don’t have any complaints. I got a call from an admission counselor who explained the admission timeline to me. I understood what universities would suit my profile the best. I’m waiting for my official transcripts from college and I can start applying soon. I can’t wait! [laughs]

91�ȱ�: Your enthusiasm is contagious, Abishek! Keep it up!

I’d like to wrap up the interview with one last question. What does the future hold for you?

Abishek: Wow! That’s a difficult question. I have a lot of hopes. But for now, I’d like to finish my Master’s, work for a few years and then start my own organization. I’d like to give back to the society, that’s my motivation. I want to help small children study better and personalize education for them.

Yes, we agree! A good education can be life-changing!

91�ȱ� wishes Abishek lots of success in all his future endeavors.

The post Abhishek Surya’s 91�ȱ� Preparation Online appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

With 6 backlogs at the end of the second year, an Ivy League admit seemed like a distant dream.

How did Shantanu Kumar turn his life around?

We were curious too, so we decided to ask him.

91�ȱ�:��When were you bit by the proverbial 91�ȱ�-bug?

Shantanu:��My roommates were giving 91�ȱ� when we were in the 3rd year. I did not have a passport back then so I did not start along with them. I was focused on getting into NICMAR in Hyderabad. But fortunately, I did not get in. [grins] So, I started looking at options abroad.
I enrolled with 91�ȱ� in February in my last semester. But it wasn’t until June that I actually sat down to seriously prepare for 91�ȱ�. July and August was the period of core 91�ȱ� preparation for me.

91�ȱ�: Could you describe your preparation strategy for 91�ȱ�?

Shantanu: After 4 years in engineering, I was pretty confident about Quant. Perhaps, a little overconfident, because I was expecting a 170 and I ended up scoring only 161. But since I wasn’t applying for an MS in streams like CSE, I guess I got away with it!
But, I had made constant efforts to practice Verbal. I learned almost 2000 91�ȱ� words. I also practiced reading daily. It was like a medicine course. I used to read 2 articles daily, one in the morning and one in the evening. [chuckles]
I gave my exam in mid-September and the rest, as they say, is history.

91�ȱ�: Talking about history, you had 6 backlogs at the end of second year.

How did you get back in the game so strongly?

Shantanu: [laughs] My graph has been a parabola. It slumped during college but I managed to bring it back up at the end. I did an internship at ESSAR Projects in Odisha where a thermal plant was being constructed at that time. It was an eye-opening experience for me. I was inspired and that’s where I cultivated my interest in construction management, which is my Master’s specialization also now.

So, chin up soldier, all is not over, you got miles to go and much to conquer.

Join the 32000+ success stories and take your first step towards your dream University. Schedule a call with our Admission Experts now! .

91�ȱ�: Wow, it’s one thing to be inspired, but you have managed to turn the tables, so to speak.

Did having backlogs affect your admits?

Shantanu: I’m not sure how the admission acceptance works because initially I was rejected twice based on my CGPA. My CGPA was 7.77 which roughly translates to around 3. But with the same CGPA and 91�ȱ� score, I got through Cornell, Purdue, University of Texas and Colorado State University.
Maybe it’s luck! [chuckles]

91�ȱ�:. Is it luck or the strength of your admission profile?

Shantanu: It could be. I cannot pinpoint the exact reason based on which I was admitted. My application to Cornell was a long shot. I did not even imagine I would receive an admit.
But, I would say this, that the Letter of Recommendation (LORs) I received from my teachers and employer was definitely a differentiating factor.
I got one from a professor under whom I completed my undergraduate thesis. I worked with him closely for about 1.5 years and he knew me personally. He portrayed me as a stellar student and he praised me for my work in construction planning and scheduling. I’m pursuing something similar in Colorado State University (CSU) now.

91�ȱ�:��Wait, CSU? You aren’t accepting the admit from Cornell University?

Shantanu: [laughs] Yes, I know. I rejected an Ivy league Admit. I can’t believe it myself. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I had applied for Engineering Management at Cornell University and I was almost certain of taking it up, until I heard back from CSU. At CSU, I will be pursuing Masters in Construction Management – something I am very passionate about. They also offered me a Teaching Assistantship! I would be teaching undergraduate lab classes on scheduling!

What other reasons do I need to make the switch?

91�ȱ�:��I agree, it sounds like you got your dream.

Shantanu: Yes! It does sound too good to be true. Initially, I was entirely sure they sent the acceptance letter from Cornell by mistake. I mean, something similar happened with CSE applicants last year, as in 2014, with CMU where they sent acceptance letters to rejected applicants also because of some server issue.
I was expecting a rejection letter soon afterward apologizing for the mixup.
But, thankfully, it never came!

91�ȱ�:��Would you say your experience was a smooth ride?

Shantanu: Oh no! Definitely not. It was a very tense period in my life! I wasn’t even sure that I would be going abroad, even after receiving such great admits because I wasn’t sure if my loan application would be sanctioned. I finally heard back from them in April, approving my loan.
It has been an interesting experience but I am so tired with all the admission formalities.
But, I’m excited to say, that as of July 1st, my Visa got approved and I’m flying on 8th August!

91�ȱ�:��Can you talk us through your SOP? How did you tackle that challenge?

Shantanu: I had edited SOPs for my friends who were going abroad back in 2014 and I knew how precise I had to be. I was particular about getting the details right. I was adamant about not making a common SOP and that paid off. I modified my SOP for each university depending on what course I was applying for.
For example, at Cornell University, I knew I was applying to Engineering Management, which is a professional course. So I emphasized what I had learned during the 1 year period when I was working, which was related to planning also. I also talked about my aspiration to open my own firm someday.

But when I applied for CSU, I was applying for an MS course, so I focused on talking about my research projects. Our college was focused on project-based learning and so I also talked about my project experiences in great detail.

At CSU, apart from the SOP and LOR, they had also asked for a research agenda where I had to mention particular topics of research I was interested in. If that aligns with what the faculty there is working on, you have higher chances of being admitted.

91�ȱ�:��How does it feel to be flying abroad for higher studies?

Shantanu: Honestly, I’m excited but also extremely nervous. I have been told that first-year students in the US have more knowledge than we do in our final years.

So, the TA is surely going to be a challenge. But, I am looking forward to it.

91�ȱ�:��Before we let you go Shantanu, what advice would you give to future 91�ȱ� aspirants?

Shantanu: [laughs] I am not really good at giving advice, but I would surely say in terms of preparation, I think, 2 hours every day for 2 months is surely enough if you have a decent hold on verbal and quant.

Also, please don’t take the admission process lightly. .

Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong in the last minute only. I remember, when I was applying to Virginia Tech, it was the last day and my credit card refused to work! I didn’t receive a receipt of a successful transaction and I called people around the world trying to find out what happened.

So, yes, time management, planning ahead and total focus is absolutely necessary if you want to have a smooth admission experience.

Thank you so much for sharing your 91�ȱ� Journey with us.
91�ȱ� congratulates you on your success and wishes you the very best for the future!

The post Fortune Favours The Brave: From 6 backlogs to an Ivy League Admit appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

On a fine evening on 19th October, our senior 91�ȱ� expert sat down with Shivadutt and discussed in detail about his 91�ȱ� Online preparations, strategies undertaken and obstacles avoided during his pursuit for Masters. Shivadutt opens up to senior 91�ȱ� Strategies expert and speaks about his experiences while preparing for 91�ȱ� and provides some very useful tips and tricks to the 91�ȱ� aspirants.

The proceedings of the talk are described below.

Why MS in US

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: Why do you want to pursue your MS in US?
Shivadutt: I have a couple of sisters in the states and right now they’re engaged in a job. The input I received from their end has been largely positive. The R&D opportunities, infrastructure and highly experienced faculties are some of the things which got me interested for pursuing my MS in US.

Specialization

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: Can you please tell us something about your choice of specialization?
Shivadutt: I��want to do my MS in Data Sciences.��Data Science is a relatively new technology used by MNCs. These companies depend on analysts to predict the outcome and this is what peaked his interests.

91�ȱ� Preparation

Getting down to the brass tacks, we asked Shivadutt about his 91�ȱ� Strategies for preparation.

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: This is perhaps the most awaited section of the entire event. Would you like to share about your 91�ȱ� Strategies, your style and mode of preparation.
Shivadutt: I had made up my mind for pursuing my MS in US in 3rd year itself, so I had a clear plan as to when to start my preparation. My semesters ended in April, and in the month of May I had more than 15-20 days for preparing. That’s when I went for my first attempt and scored a 304. But I felt there was no one to help me correct my wrongs. You actually need someone to point out your mistakes. It holds good for both verbal and quant preparation. The verbal section particularly, Reading Comprehension (RC) section troubled me the most. Going through RC was not the issue but coming back to the questions, two or more answers looked similar and thus really difficult to choose. My trainers at 91�ȱ� helped me with detailed sessions on how to choose the correct answers from the lot.

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: Do you have any advice for 91�ȱ� aspirants who have their exam in the future?
Shivadutt: You are restrained by time when it comes to RC section in actual 91�ȱ�. You can’t spend more than 2-3 minutes reading through it. So, apart from understanding and learning the basics, continuous practice is required to do well in RCs and verbal section as a whole.

Verbal Preparation

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: What were your strategies for tackling the 91�ȱ� words?
Shivadutt: Preparing with WordBot is one of the strategies I followed and which helped me remember 91�ȱ� words effectively. WordBot is the place where you get to learn new 91�ȱ� words. It gives you a specific list of words. Each word has a picture relevant to it and provides you the meaning. It also lists the antonyms and synonyms of the said word.

Quant Preparation

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: How did you go about preparaing for your Quant section?
Shivadutt: ��Quant section basically requires you to understand the concepts and use the correct formulas wherever necessary. But the tricky part is the time constraint that is set. Generally the questions that are said to be difficult are actually so due to the time limitation. One needs to pay attention while going through the question. Take notice of all the small, intricate details like what is required and what units is it required. Once you get that you can come back and solve the problem pretty easily.

AWA Preparation

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: Speaking about AWA section, can you tell us about your score and how you prepared for it?
Shivadutt: My AWA score is 3.5. My personal trainers helped my schedule a proper study plan. I asked my verbal SFA to go through my analytical writing answers and provide me feedback about the same. My verbal SFA was patient enough to go through the answers on a daily basis, which helped me immensely for the AWA section.

Exam day experience

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: How was your exam day experience?
Shivadutt: To start with, the day was pretty much simple because I had taken the��test once already. The one advantage of 91�ȱ� is that you get to retake it. There is absolutely no need to be tensed and worried about when it comes to the exam day. Just stay calm, there is always a second chance with respect to 91�ȱ� exam.

Success Mantra

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: Would you like to share your success mantra?
Shivadutt: 91�ȱ� is the sort of exam where you need to practice a lot, and stay focused. Stay calm and concentrate on the task at hand. Stop thinking about the past sections and how you have performed in them. 91�ȱ� has helped me a lot throughout my preparation and I would like to recommend 91�ȱ� to all my fellow aspirants and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Senior 91�ȱ� expert: One last thing we would request you to do. Could you please sum up your success mantra in just one phrase?
Shivadutt: Sure. All I would like to say is – Aim for 320 in your 91�ȱ�, with proper schedule and study plan you can easily do it.

Shivadutt and many students like him have achieved a high 91�ȱ� score and even went past their target score. If Shivadutt could get a 12 point score boost in just a matter of 30 days, so could you! Get to know about more success stories like Shivadutt’s in 91�ȱ� “Wall of Fame“

Shivadutt achieved this with the help of a specially designed 30 days program called only91�ȱ�.��a uniquely crafted program to help the last minute completion and closure of study towards your target 91�ȱ� score. ��It is an intensive, limited batch size, limited duration program with personal coach and online training & practice.

If you have any 91�ȱ� Online Coaching related questions or queries, you can comment below or call us at:��+91-98844-53276. We will make sure you get a call from our 91�ȱ� experts to help you out with your specific problems.

The post Improve 91�ȱ� Score with Shivdutt’s 91�ȱ� Prep Tips appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.

To understand about his 91�ȱ� Online preparation process and his success mantra, we decided to have a small conversation with Shyam, the man himself.

Shyam Experience – 91�ȱ� verbal practice test

What are you currently doing Shyam?
Currently, I am working as an Oracle Administrator in Wipro Technologies, Chennai

Can you please tell us about your 91�ȱ� scores?
I initially joined 91�ȱ� for preparation and got a score of 315. I scored 156 in Verbal and 159 in Quant. When I joined I was not at this level; my diagnostic score was way below than this. But, after repeated practices and tests, I achieved this score through sheer hard work. Hard work is always fruitful. Complete��91�ȱ� verbal practice testhappened to be a perfect launch pad to pursue my dreams.

When did you join 91�ȱ�?
I joined 91�ȱ� ( …formerly 91�ȱ�edge) before 5 months in order to improve my chances of getting admits from ��top-notch universities.�� 91�ȱ� is one of the important factors to get your profile to the admissions committee.�� While considering the options, I felt an online academy would best suit my kind of work and 91�ȱ� proved to be a safeguard for all kinds of purposes.�� I had to take a diagnostic test in which I scored low. Constant practice and feedback from SFAs helped me get past difficulties and score 315 in 91�ȱ�

How did you prepare for Verbal?
I think Verbal is pretty much my strong point compared to Quant.�� I used to read a lot of articles, columns��in Cricinfo and other stuff. I also used the Wordbot feature to learn vocabulary. Finally, I got a verbal score of 156 which I consider a pretty decent score. I started learning vocabulary from Day 1. I used to go through the meaning, learn the synonyms and then use it in a proper sentence.

Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, and Sentence Equivalence- What did you do?
RCs can prove to be very difficult. But you should break them down, analyze them and then read it. ��After doing this, you’ll be able to answer all the questions using a few quick techniques. There are a lot of question types like Inference questions, Negative, and Positive questions. Understanding them is very important and SFAs will help you out in that. Wordbot is the right key here. Sentence Equivalence is a bit tricky. From the six answer choices, any of the options might suit in. But, only 2 choices will be exactly matching the question. Having a sound knowledge of all the 91�ȱ� words will definitely help. Learning words with the closely associated words is the best way to cope up with Sentence Equivalence. Text Completion tests your ability to put the word in the right context. 91�ȱ� verbal practice test part comprises of these three. With the right amount of practice, it’s very easy to score above 160+ in Verbal.

Get Started with Vocabulary with WordBot from 91�ȱ�. Learn with pictures, audio pronunciation, root words & mnemonics etc.��

What did you do for Quant?
For Quant preparation, I primarily relied on the old mantra “PRACTICE”. Practice till you gain sufficient knowledge in all the areas. Once you get that, you can solve any type of problem irrespective of the difficulty level.�� Initially, I would suggest to learn concepts thoroughly, write down the formulas in a sheet of paper and keep the paper adjacent to you while solving. Gradually your memory power will increase and you will automatically use the formulas. ��I believe certain topics in Quant need more concentration. But trust me, it’s just basic mathematics. With the right preparation methods, you can easily score 170 in Quant.

Why do you think AWA is very important?
I got a score of 3.5 in AWA section. I think this section is being avoided by most of the 91�ȱ� aspirants. But believe me it is one of the most important section. The admissions committee would be able to evaluate your writing capabilities through the section.�� These guys are not looking for a perfect 6. It is very tough since we are not native speakers of English. But having a sound knowledge of vocabulary and grammar can fetch a score of 4+ which is considered to be a very good score.

Would you like to share your experience with 91�ȱ�?
Yes, I would love to. In a nutshell, learning experience with 91�ȱ� was awesome.�� Initially I had a dilemma whether to trust an online academy and invest my father’s hard earned money over there.�� But later after attending a lot of seminars, I came to a conclusion that I should join an online academy and that would definitely be 91�ȱ�. After the registration process, they gave a diagnostic test where the SFAs were able to guess my abilities in Quant and Verbal. My diagnostic score was very average. Losing the touch right after college, it was difficult to score well in the diagnostic test. My SFAs evaluated the responses and designed a perfect study plan for me to concentrate on areas where I was weak.. I was pretty strong in Verbal than Quant. For Quant, my SFAs helped me out and I was able to do well. I spent 6-7 hours during the final stages of preparation and I would like to thank 91�ȱ� for the score. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible.

Shyam Experience about 91�ȱ� verbal practice test

What do you think is very exciting about 91�ȱ�?
You would get a lot of free time during college. But in a workplace, getting the job done should be our top priority. After going home, you would definitely want to relax. Going to a coaching center for 91�ȱ� after hectic work schedule might be impossible. I was looking for some place where I could use my available time effectively. Finally, I found out 91�ȱ� platform where everything is online. You need not come physically to any place. Be it weekends or weekdays, you can log in from wherever you are. This is an exciting factor for Working Professionals to consider choosing 91�ȱ�.

How did your SFAs at 91�ȱ� help you?
There is an exciting concept called SFAs (Student Facilitators & Analysts) ��in 91�ȱ�. As the name suggest, they facilitate you throughout the 91�ȱ� process. It is one of the bright features of 91�ȱ�.�� ��You will be able to contact your SFAs anytime and they will get back to you in the next 24 hours with relevant solutions.

Experience with 91�ȱ� in one word?
If I should explain my experience with 91�ȱ� in one word, then I would use the word “SANGUINE”. Sanguine means pretty optimistic and positive during odd times. This word would perfectly suit my learning experience with 91�ȱ�.

What is your success mantra?
My success mantra is to be good at whatever you do. Do your best and wait for the rest.

What is your word of advice to all the 91�ȱ� aspirants?
My advice to all the 91�ȱ� aspirants would be to use the Learning Tracker from 91�ȱ�. ��Learning Tracker has all the resources which are required to get 340 in 91�ȱ�. It is designed with cutting edge technologies and the information available there is very good. ��Please make full use of the Learning Tracker from 91�ȱ�.

Most of the working professionals suffer due to their tight hectic schedule. They become very lethargic and do set aside enough time to prepare for 91�ȱ� verbal practice test.�� Like Shyam, if the right 91�ȱ� program guides you through your tough times, every working professional can go ahead and crack the 91�ȱ� effortlessly. Shyam’s experience with 91�ȱ� has been amazing. He prepared with Complete 91�ȱ� program from 91�ȱ� and that helped him boost his 91�ȱ� score to 315.

If you wish to break the obstacles and get a high 91�ȱ� score using Complete 91�ȱ�, you can click here.��

You can also share the article with your friends who are working and looking forward to preparing for their 91�ȱ� with the 91�ȱ� verbal practice test. You can also comment below if you have any doubts or call us at:��+91-98844-53276. We will make sure you get a call from our 91�ȱ� experts and help you out with your specific problems.

The post My Experience with 91�ȱ� – A Candid Interview with Shyam appeared first on 91�ȱ� Blog.