Originally established as an intercollegiate athletics conference between eight universities in the Northeast USA, the Ivy League system has now come to be synonymous with pride, prestige and academic acumen.

Naturally, of course, these universities often make it to every aspirant鈥檚 college wish list and attract thousands of quality applicants from some of the most outstanding students in the world. So who are the eight members of the Ivy League? In no particular order, these are:

1. Harvard University
2. Yale University
3. Dartmouth College
4. Brown University
5. University of Pennsylvania
6. Cornell University
7. Princeton University
8. Columbia University

What鈥檚 the big deal about the Ivy League schools?

As we can see, this list doesn鈥檛 include some of the best universities in the US, such as Stanford, MIT, Caltech or Berkeley. While the Ivy League schools are now seen as the figureheads of excellence and prestige, they鈥檙e not the only place at which to get a top-tier education. So, what鈥檚 the fuss about the Ivy Leagues? While originally famed for their onus on athletics, the Ivy League colleges are now known for their generous endowments, excellence in R&D, state-of-the-art libraries and infrastructural facilities and a certain prestige that has now come to be associated with the colleges. While certainly, you can find these at many of the non-Ivies, what truly sets apart the Ivy League schools is, as a professor at Harvard pointed out, is the fact that the average student at, say, Harvard or Yale, will be usually more dedicated, ambitious and bright than the average student elsewhere. This kind of an atmosphere then automatically pushes you to work and perform better, and consequently, add to the academic caliber of the institution. Another aspect of the Ivy League is the focus on fostering diversity in the student body. By offering generous scholarships and endowments, the Ivy League colleges are dedicated to making high-quality secondary education accessible to people from historically disadvantaged strata of the society. A move that has been imitated by many other top-tier schools, this has helped the Ivy League colleges encourage and educate some of the best minds in the country (and the world).

What does it take to get into the Ivy League schools?

Taking into account the rich histories and legacies of these colleges, coupled with their repute for cutting-edge excellence in research and academics, it鈥檚 not difficult to see why so many higher studies aspirants would want to apply to these schools. A high number of applications, typically from outstanding students, means that the acceptance rates of these schools are usually quite low. Though the acceptance rates are invariably anywhere between 5-10%, it can be still lower for highly sought-after programs such as computer science. So, what can you, as an Ivy League aspirant, do to maximize your chances at an offer letter from Columbia or Penn? In other words, what are the admission requirements of these schools? Let鈥檚 take a look, shall we?

1. GPA: While these colleges aren鈥檛 looking for a perfect 10 GPA, it goes without saying that a high GPA is paramount to your Ivy League dreams. Additionally, your relative performance matters too: generally, you are required to be in the top 10-15% of your class.
2. 91热爆 and TOEFL scores: Again, though Ivy League schools don鈥檛 necessarily have a 91热爆 or TOEFL score cutoff, having a high score in these competitive exams can seriously help in improving your chances at an offer letter since it speaks of your technical and linguistic acumen.
3. Extracurricular activities: Remember, these schools are looking for all-rounders, and this isn鈥檛 restricted to just the classroom. Sports, music, fine art or dance, a strong extracurricular profile sets you apart as a force to be reckoned with. It especially helps if your extracurricular activity exhibits a synergy of your academic and non-academic passions: for instance, if you鈥檙e applying for an MS in CS, it helps if you were, say, the captain of the programming team in college.
4. Community service: After all, what good is a leader if he doesn鈥檛 give back to his community? Ivy League colleges are known for their thrust on community service and volunteering work, so any experiences working with the local pet shelter or teaching at the underprivileged girls鈥� school on weekends are likely to help bolster the quality of your application.
5. Strong, reflective essays: your SOP is crucial to your admissions, but even more so in the case of the Ivy Leagues, which use your essays as a tool to gauge your commitment to your discipline, your preparedness for graduate school, and your achievements within and beyond the classroom.
6. Prior research experience: Most fresh undergraduates have little to no research experience by the time they get out of college, so any and all such experience you may have had鈥攂e it a research internship or working as a research assistant with a faculty member鈥攚ill set you apart from your similarly qualified peers.
7. Co-curricular activities: Sure, a high GPA is great, but that鈥檚 not the only thing it takes. Paper publications, participation in academic conferences and workshops, and internships will add invaluable weight to your application and portray you as a serious, committed candidate: something that is crucial to your Ivy League dreams.

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听What are the Ivy League schools like?

Lush, sprawling campuses, rosters of reputed alumni, huge libraries and celebrated athletic teams are just a few things that separate the Ivy League schools from the rest. But what is special about each of the individual colleges? Moreover, what are the ranking, tuition fee and application deadline for these colleges? Let鈥檚 have a look.

1. Harvard University:

Harvard University – Ivy League Colleges

Established in 1636, Harvard is the US鈥檚 oldest institute of higher education and hardly requires any introduction. With an acceptance rate of 6%, the University has so far produced eight US Presidents, more than thirty foreign heads of state, 62 living听, 359听, and 242听. Today, the University is synonymous with academic excellence, prestige, and honor.

Harvard University – Admissions details

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2. Yale University:

Yale University – Ivy League Colleges

Yale University – Admission Details

The third-oldest university in the US, Yale counts notable personalities such as George W. Bush, Meryl Streep, James Franco and Bill Clinton among its impressive list of alumni. Other than the well-documented rivalry with Harvard, Yale is also known for its football team, the Yale Bulldogs, and the Yale Whiffenpoofs, an a cappella group.

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3. Dartmouth College:

Dartmouth College – Ivy League Colleges

Dartmouth College Known for being the smallest Ivy League with a student enrolment of about 6,400, Dartmouth is renowned for its excellence in liberal arts, medicine and international relations. With an acceptance rate of 11%, Dartmouth is relatively an easier school to get into, although the university is reputed for its undergraduate courses, and not so much for its graduate programmes.

Dartmouth College – Admission Details

听4. Brown University:

Brown University – Ivy League Colleges

Brown University – Admission Details

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University is coveted for its track record in R&D excellence, its onus on cultural values, and an active campus life. Boasting of stalwart alumni such as John D. Rockefeller, John F. Kennedy and Emma Watson, the university has thus far produced 54 members of the听, 56听, 52听,听49听,听14听听Fellows and听21听听winners.

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听5. University of Pennsylvania:

University of Pennsylvania – Ivy League Colleges

University of Pennsylvania – Admissions Details

Founded by Benjamin Franklin, UPenn is the US鈥檚 sixth-oldest university, and is home to the reputed Wharton School of Business. Penn alumni include current US president Donald J. Trump, singer-songwriter John Legend, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and legendary sociolinguist Noam Chomsky. With an acceptance rate of 10%, it is one of the less selective Ivy League schools.

6. Cornell University:

Cornell University – Ivy League College

Cornell University – Admissions Details

Established in 1865, Cornell is the youngest Ivy League school, but that hasn鈥檛 stopped the university from contributing 58 Nobel laureates, 4 Turing Award winners, 55 Olympic medallists and 30 Rhodes scholars to the world, among others. The school is known for Cornelliana, its distinctive campus culture and tradition, its focus on cutting-edge research, and its rich history of working at the nexus of engineering and management.

7. Princeton University:

Princeton University – Ivy League College

Princeton University – Admissions Details

The fourth-oldest university in the US, Princeton boasts of a top-notch school of Engineering, an exciting campus life, and notable alumni including former First Lady, Michelle Obama, and US Supreme Court Justice Susan Sotomayor. Other claims to fame include the university鈥檚 dedication to community service and its generous endowments.

8. Columbia University:

Columbia University – Ivy League Colleges

Columbia University – Admissions Details

Last but not the least, Columbia University in the city of New York is the dream destination for scientists and researchers alike and has helped pioneer groundbreaking discoveries in the fields of genetics, earth sciences, nuclear engineering, and machine learning. Its first president was none other than the literary stalwart Samuel Johnson, and the university is also responsible for administering the prestigious Pulitzer Prize which recognizes excellence in music, literature and journalism.

(Note: All rankings are taken from the latest QS university rankings. Fees mentioned include tuition, room and board before aid, and may differ from programme to programme.)

While the Ivy League schools may certainly seem daunting and out of your league (pun intended!), it is actually possible for just about anyone to make it to their dream Ivy League college, provided they are armed with a good academic profile and a high 91热爆 score. Like the best things in life, an offer letter to an Ivy League just takes a little more effort and preparation.

Dreaming of an Ivy League education? Why not take the first steps today to make your dreams a reality? If you鈥檙e eager to start applying but aren鈥檛 sure of how you could go about it, you can drop a comment below and an expert from 91热爆 will reach out to you in no time. We wish you warmly on your grad school journey ahead!

The post List of Ivy League Colleges – Review appeared first on 91热爆 Blog.

Why the UK is popular for international students?

As we know the United Kingdom is renowned for having one of the best education systems in the world and an MS from the UK has become an essential element to measure your expertise in the concerned field. The UK is home to various prestigious universities like Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics, King’s College and the University College, London.

Apart from boasting some of the world鈥檚 best-known universities, the UK also has a thriving job market that provides a plethora of employment opportunities which certainly inspires international students to look towards the UK as their preferred study-abroad destination.

Top Universities in the UK at a glance

As per the QS World University Rankings 2019, four universities in the UK have ranked among the top 10 universities in the world with 18 universities finding place among the global top 100. Now, we鈥檒l take a look at some of the most sought after universities in the UK for master鈥檚 programs, and just what you鈥檒l need to gain admits from them!

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1) The University of Oxford: “City of Dreaming Spires”

As per the latest rankings, University of Oxford stood first among the top universities in the UK. One of the oldest universities in the world, this UK University has ranked fifth among the top 10 universities internationally. A member of the Russell Group of research-led British universities, Oxford has much to offer to its students. Here鈥檚 taking a closer look:

The University of Oxford: City of Dreaming Spires

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The University of Oxford: City of Dreaming Spires – Admissions Details

In order to get accepted to Oxford, you鈥檒l need a pretty strong academic profile. Apart from that, you鈥檒l have to submit proof of your English proficiency i.e. IELTS test scores, on which an overall band score of 7.0 is required with at least 6.5 bands on each of the 4 individual sections. If you鈥檇 rather take the TOEFL, you鈥檒l be needing a score of 110 or higher with not less than a 25 on each of the four sections.

Check out the Definitive Guide for IELTS Here

Apart from the academic opportunities afforded by Oxford, students are also enticed by the myriad job opportunities and vibrant nature of life at this historic university.

• Notable alumni include: some of the most prominent names in the world of science, politics and literature: Stephen Hawking, Indira Gandhi, David Cameron, Theresa May and TS Eliot among several others.

2) The University of Cambridge: A wonder near River Cam

The fourth-oldest University in the world, and one that鈥檚 ranked second among all UK universities is a collegiate public research institution that is home to more than 18,000 students from all across the globe. Along with its reputation for academic excellence and traditional scholastic values, the University of Cambridge is also a good platform for extracurricular activities like the fine-arts, music, politics and much more.

The University of Cambridge: A wonder near River Cam

The University of Cambridge: A wonder near River Cam – Admissions Details

The University of Cambridge accepts students who have completed at least a 3-year long Bachelor’s degree or 4-year long professional Bachelor鈥檚 degree as a minimum qualification for admission. Students from countries where English is spoken as a 2nd language (or non-native speakers of English) like India, for instance, need to submit the scores of a test of English proficiency like the IELTS or TOEFL, with a minimum band of 听7.0 per section along with a CGPA of 8 or above. Apart from academics, Cambridge has a lot more in store for students: a truly cosmopolitan outlook, the mixture of country and city life really fascinating and inspiring.

• Cambridge alumni who made it really big include: Srinivasa Ramanujan, Charles Darwin, Amartya Sen, Ernest Rutherford and Charles Babbage

3) Imperial College London: A royal vision indeed

After Oxbridge (the revered pair of Oxford and Cambridge) the Imperial College of London claims the distinction of being the third most highly-ranked university in the UK. Established in the year 1907, the distinctive feature of this institution is its focus on research-oriented studies in the fields of science and technology, in a multicultural environment.

Imperial College London: A royal vision indeed

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Imperial College London: A royal vision indeed – Admissions Details

If the applicant wishes to pursue an MS at the Imperial College London, he/she should have scored a minimum of 75% on their Bachelor鈥檚 program, which they must have completed at a reputed university. They are also required to have a minimum IELTS band of 7 or above, or a TOEFL score of 100. As a student of Imperial College London, you will have vast employment opportunities upon graduation, with several multinational organizations being headquartered in London. Apart from the job opportunities, the diversity of London, the world-famous theatrical clubs, and musical concerts make this city an enchanting place for students.

• Notable alumni include: Alexander Fleming, Cyrus Mistry and H.G. Wells.

4) UCL (University College London): 鈥楲ondon鈥檚 Global University鈥�.

The University College London (UCL), located in the heart of the city, is another world-class institution renowned for its multi-disciplinary programmes. Founded in the year 1826, UCL is the third-oldest university in England. This university has several acclaimed courses in Computer Science, Medicine and Psychology.

UCL (University College London): 鈥楲ondon鈥檚 Global University鈥�.

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UCL (University College London): 鈥楲ondon鈥檚 Global University鈥� – Admissions Details

In general, getting accepted to UCL requires an undergraduate degree for graduate admissions and for programs like M.Phil. or Ph.D., a master鈥檚 degree is required with a minimum CGPA of 7.75/10, or 75%, where a GPA scale is not used. On the IELTS front, a minimum of 6.5 band is required.

Like the Imperial College London, UCL is also a gateway to enormous opportunities for its students. It provides a lively and varied campus life and good exposure to employment opportunities and social life.

Some of its most notable alumni include: Alexander Graham Bell, Christopher Nolan, Rabindranath Tagore and Joseph Lister.

5) King’s College London (KCL): A gift of King George IV

Established in the year 1829, King’s College London comes in at the 7th place in the latest QS rankings. Being a leader in technological innovation, it boasts of cutting-edge research facilities and infrastructure.

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King’s College London (KCL): A gift of King George IV

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King’s College London (KCL): A gift of King George IV – Admissions Details

Like most other UK Universities, for post-graduate admissions, the minimum requirement is a bachelor鈥檚 degree with an aggregate of 65% complemented by an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each section.

6) The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE):

A world-class institution for economics, finance, international relations and allied subjects, The London School of Economics (LSE) ranks 8th in the list of top ten universities in the UK. LSE offers a unique approach towards academics and is well renowned for its programs in Economics, Law and Social Sciences.

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

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The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) – Admissions Details

Admission to LSE generally starts from September of the year prior to entry, and applications are considered on a rolling basis until all the available places are filled. For admission into master鈥檚 programs, universities require applicants to have a bachelor鈥檚 degree with a minimum aggregate of 65%. Students must have already completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree from an established university that corresponds to a similar degree offered by universities in the UK. 听Minimum requirements for entry into LSE include an IELTS score of at least 6.5 – 7 or a TOEFL score of at least 100 for most programs. The London School of Economics is a dream university for students looking to pursue careers in the world of finance, banking, and economic policy-making.

Notable alumni of LSE include: George Soros, B.R. Ambedkar, David Attenborough and David Rockefeller.

7) The University of Manchester

The 听University of Manchester has ranked 6th 听among top universities in the UK. The second largest university in the UK by enrolment, this UK University is also a popular destination for overseas students.

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester – Admissions Details

The entry requirements of Manchester University include requiring applicants to hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree with not less than an aggregate of 65%, and an 听IELTS score of at least 7.0. For MBA programs, a minimum of three years鈥� work experience is essential. With a highly multicultural environment, the University of Manchester is also well-known for its student-oriented programme 鈥楽tellify鈥�. And the specific courses designed for employability in mind; there is no doubt that a wonderful future is awaiting you after completing your education from the University of Manchester.

Manchester University boasts of alumni include: Ernest Rutherford, Henry Moseley and Niels Bohr.

8) The University of Edinburgh:

Ranked 5th among the top universities in the UK is the popular University of Edinburgh. This university is particularly known for being the birthplace of the world鈥檚 first cloned sheep, 鈥楧olly鈥�. It is also one of Scotland鈥檚 ancient Universities and has highly acclaimed courses in Engineering, technology and life sciences.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh – Admissions Details

Similar to other universities in the UK, minimum entry requirements for applicants into graduate and postgraduate programs include holding a bachelor鈥檚 degree with a minimum aggregate of 60%, along with a minimum IELTS score band of 6.5. Its flexible learning programs also ensure the overall development of students in every sense.

Famous alumni include: Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Daniel Rutherford.

9) The University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is synonymous with excellence in teaching, research, and business innovation and is indeed one of the most prestigious Universities in the UK. This university also offers generous scholarships to deserving international students. At the University of Leicester, the criteria for postgraduate admission is a bachelor鈥檚 degree with an aggregate of 75% and an IELTS score band of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 80-100 for students whose first language is not English. It is known for its community engagement and for promoting diversity.

The University of Leicester

The University of Leicester -Admissions Details

Notable alumni include: Peter Atkins and Malcolm Bradbury.

10) The University of Leeds

The University of Leeds and the University of Wales are the two other Universities which also gained a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. The University of Leeds is part of the famous Russell group universities. As per the QS rankings 2019, this University has found a place in the top 100 Universities of the world.

The University of Leeds

The University of Leeds – Admissions Details

A first-class bachelor鈥檚 degree and an overall IELTS band of 6.5 with no less than a 6.0 on each section or a TOEFL score of 92 are the basic criteria for admission to graduate programs at this university. With the University of Leeds being a favourite among employers, alumni of this university can be found at several prestigious organizations worldwide.

Even though the UK does have quite a few amazing universities boasting of great infrastructure, faculty and a high quality of education, the USA still remains the favorite of master鈥檚 aspirants for a few distinct reasons. These are:

• A huge number of learning institutions: The USA boasts of a huge number of universities, with many being among the topmost in the world. However niche your course of choice may be, universities in the US will still have you spoilt for choice.
• Size of the US Economy: While the UK comes in at 5th place, the USA remains the world鈥檚 largest economy by a long shot. This means more jobs, higher paying jobs and much more scope of career advancement.
• Highest Research Funding: Top universities in the USA receive some of the highest amount of funding in the world often running into billions of dollars. If research is your thing, you鈥檒l definitely appreciate the importance American institutions attach to knowledge and skill development.
• Worldwide Recognition: Now this is where American universities win, hands down. A degree from a recognized US university is a lifetime asset that will get your resume noticed worldwide. Internationally, the American standard of tertiary education is well renowned and respected, and hence, if you鈥檙e looking at really boosting your career prospects, there鈥檚 nothing like an American degree.

We hope you now have clarity on the best universities in the UK, and their admissions criteria. Do make sure to make an informed decision when choosing your preferred country and university, as studying abroad can be a pretty sizeable investment of time and money.

If you have any further doubts with your university applications, leave them in the comments below and we鈥檒l get back to you with answers. All the best with your university applications!

The post Top universities in UK 2019 : Study in UK Now! appeared first on 91热爆 Blog.

Did you know that 91热爆 alumnus, Abhas Agarwal secured an admit at Colorado School of Mines (ranked #3) for MS in Petroleum Engineering with a 309 in 91热爆 and a 6.4 GPA, because of a persuasive SOP?

听What does the SOP entail?

A good SOP covers four major aspects, namely: who you are, what you have done so far, what you want to do, i.e., your academic as well as professional aspirations and how the university can help you. Each of these four aspects must be weaved together cohesively and clearly in order to provide an idea to the admissions officer of what you are like as a student and a person. This is the reason why the SOP can either make or break your chances at an acceptance letter.

How important is an SOP?

In short, very important indeed! The SOP is absolutely paramount to a successful application, mainly because it sets you apart from other students with similar academic qualifications and professional aspirations. It is your one chance to prove your worth and secure your admissions; so the better your SOP, the more your chances of your application being successful. A winning SOP also opens the doors to excellent scholarship and teaching/research assistantship opportunities.

Additionally, for students with a weak academic profile, a good SOP can compensate for what they lack and will serve to highlight their future ambitions and goals. So whether you are an average student who is concerned about your MS aspirations, or an achiever who wants to obtain the best possible scholarships, a stellar SOP will be the ticket to your dream.

听10 mistakes听to avoid while writing your SOP

Now that we have established what the SOP is and how it impacts your applications, let us look at the ten most common mistakes made by students while drafting their SOP, and how you can avoid them.

#1 Working on the SOP in the last minute

Often, students tend to underestimate the time and effort it takes to write the SOP, and think they can spend a few hours copy-pasting from sample SOPs from the internet. We strongly recommend that you start brainstorming on your SOP at least a month before you have to send your applications. Write as many rough drafts as you need with improvements on each draft. Whatever you do, remember that the SOP is a product of much deliberation and planning, and cannot be left for the eleventh hour.

#2听Weak introduction and conclusion

The first impression makes a lasting impression. Since the introduction is the first thing that anyone ever reads, making it impactful will impress the reader and hold his attention. Similarly, to ensure that the admissions committee reads through your entire 1000-word essay, start with a powerful line like a quote that summarizes your academic experience or one that reflects your mindset, thinking, or aspirations.

Similarly, how you end your SOP also matters because that is the very last thing a reader takes away from your essay. Wrap it up by mentioning what your expectations from the university are, and how you hope to contribute to the university. Your conclusion must show your knowledge of the university and the program you are applying for.

For example,听tap into reality!

In this rapid change of globalization one must be giving a serious thought to reason why so fast? I think one of the dominant factors that is tending to cause a considerable change in the world is unquestionably the field of civil engineering, where the brick works are in a race to touch the sky.

We travel places and the first thing that portrays the social status and gives us the idea of a City is the infrastructure especially due to innovation in field of structures.

Or, if you want to write something shorter, use a quote!

My favourite words are possibilities, opportunities and curiosity. I think if you are curious, you create opportunities, and then if you open the doors, you create possibilities- Mario Testino

#3听Using informal language and slangs

Use professional language. Ensure that your tone is polite, formal, and respectful. Keep in mind that your grammar and vocabulary are good. Your essay will be read by a panel of distinguished academics. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, and informal vocabulary. Your sentences should be concise and clear. Additionally, use only words and phrases you are comfortable and familiar with. Do not try to embellish your writing with lofty words.

#4听Dwelling too much on your weak GPA or backlogs

Talking about backlogs and low GPA is all about circumstances. It is a subjective question and it varies from profile to profile. A general rule of thumb to follow is that you must maintain positivity and highlight your learning from the experience. Therefore, mention your backlogs or low GPA only if you had extraordinary circumstances such as ill-health, genuine lack of interest etc.Do not try to justify or make excuses for your poor academic performance; show it instead as the start of something better. Positivity is a must, for it speaks volumes about you.

91热爆 Admission Tip: Be sure to consult an admission expert before deciding to include this information in your SOP because this could potentially be a deciding factor between an admit and a reject. It takes years of experience in dealing with universities to clearly understand where to draw the line.

#5听Exceeding the word limit

Usually, the university will specify the word limit you must follow; if it is not mentioned on the website, it is always a good idea to try and contact the admissions office via email and ask them about it. Otherwise, try to limit it to 500 to 1000 words. A long SOP that solely focuses on your achievements will not hold the attention of the admissions committee who are reviewing close to 10,000 applications every season.

#6听Including irrelevant information

Your SOP is not your autobiography! The sole purpose of an SOP is to explain just enough about you and what you have done so that you can secure an admit. Don鈥檛 digress from the point and divulge personal information about your family background, financial circumstances, personal anecdotes, etc., unless it is actually pertinent to the purpose of studying Master鈥檚 abroad.

#7听Making the SOP excessively flashy

This covers two important aspects of your SOP: content and font.

Content: While it is important to talk about your achievements, it is even more important not to be boastful. You must present your learning while you state your experience/educational qualification. This will show that you are curious, learning-oriented, and humble.

Font: Using bold, italics, underlines, highlights, bright colours, and fancy fonts is a strict no-no. Use a simple font and basic formatting, and do not use any color other than black. Your SOP should look clean, minimalistic, and clutter-free.

91热爆 Admission Tip:To ensure absolute readability, use fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Times New Roman in a standard size like 12. You can be creative and quirky without being immature. Always remember, less is more when it comes to your SOP.

#8听Excessive flattery

The university and the professors reviewing your applications are aware that the quality of education and infrastructure they provide; so, do not waste your words on flattering them. Your SOP is all about you and your achievements and aspirations, and is not a mouthpiece for advertising the university.

However, be sure to include your expectations from the university by stating specifics such as current areas of research or distinguished professors under whom you would like to work. This shows that you are logical, practical, and have conducted thorough research before making an informed decision. It will also come in handy during VISA interviews when you are asked about why you chose this particular university among all other admits.

#9听Being dishonest

Honesty and authenticity are the hallmarks of a good SOP, and will always be appreciated. Avoid making up or exaggerating facts, and write it like it is. Remember, there is always a chance that the admissions panel will contact your referee and ask for verification! Remain truthful and honest at all times: being genuine and candid are qualities that will never go out of fashion.

91热爆 Admission Tip:If you have a genuine story that sparked your interest in a particular field, by all means, talk about it briefly. But never falsify a story to ensure your SOP stands out from the crowd.

#10听Not proofreading and editing

Once you are done with your SOP and have edited it to your satisfaction, give it to your friend, family member, or an expert to go through it once.

Proofreading ensures that you avoid making the following errors:

• Spelling mistakes
• Punctuation errors
• Improper grammar
• Repeat your points
• Incoherent flow from one para to the next

A third person will always be able to spot errors better than you. Additionally, ask them for their opinions and feedback and try to incorporate the, into your final draft. These final tweaks and edits are as important as the essay itself. Never make the blunder of sending your SOP without thoroughly proofreading every single word of it.

We hope this article will help you craft the perfect SOP! Comment below and ask us any doubt you have regarding admissions and we鈥檒l get back to you ASAP!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

The post Top 10 mistakes to avoid while writing your SOP! appeared first on 91热爆 Blog.

a) Less competition: Some universities receive more applications in the Fall than in the Spring. So by applying for Spring, you are competing with fewer students for getting admits. This can substantially increase your chances of getting admits to top universities. If you’re keen on pursuing Fall admissions, it can also serve as a fallback option if your Spring admission doesn’t pan out well.

b) Availability of courses and classes: 听Some universities offer prerequisite or preliminary courses during all semesters, while others offer certain courses only during Fall season. So chances are if you apply for Spring, you might have to take up certain extra classes for covering the basics before moving on to the major subjects. By the end of the first semester, most of the students offset this lag. It is better to keep in touch with the faculty members and students or alumni of your preferred university, to know more about these scenarios.

c) Scholarships and financial assistance: Financial assistance in the form of scholarships and fellowships vary according to the season and also depends upon the university you’re applying to.听Some universities maintain the same amount of stipend across both the seasons, while others may restrict the funding to one admission season. Keep that in mind before deciding upon an admission season. Do a background check on the financial assistance criteria of the respective university. Discuss with the agencies offering scholarships and understand if they provide funds for Spring admits also.

The most popular branches that universities offer for Spring admission season are:

• • Computer Science

• • Electrical Engineering

• • Mechanical Engineering

• • Civil Engineering

• • Management Information Systems

Some universities roll out their deadlines as early as June and July. So, this is the perfect time to review them based on your preferred specialization. We present a mix of top private and public universities, offering the most sought-after courses for Spring 2017 admission season.
Get ready for a detailed review of universities. Sit back, relax, and keep a pen and paper by your side. You may want to take notes!

1) Purdue University

Purdue-University 鈥� Computer Science

• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. (Rank: 6)
  This flagship university of the Purdue University systems offers the finest education when it comes to Computer Science. With specializations like Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Databases, Data Mining, Networking and Operating Systems, and Programming Languages and Compilers, Purdue is one of the most sought-after institutions for CS worldwide.
• Tuition fee: $29,132
• Overall acceptance rate: 21.8%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 317
• TOEFL score required (MS): 100

2) University of Southern California

University of Southern California 鈥� Computer Science

• Location: Los Angeles, California (Rank:听10)
  This private university seated in LA ranks at number 10 among universities providing Computer Science courses. Providing a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts as well as current issues in Computer Science and Engineering, USC draws huge number of post graduate students every year.
• Tuition fee: $50,210
• Overall acceptance rate: 22.8%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 314
• TOEFL score required (MS): 90

3) Cornell University

Cornell University for Computer Science

• Location: Ithaca, NY, United States (Rank:听13)
  With a motto of Universitas Cornelliana听(“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study” 鈥�Ezra Cornell), this private Ivy League University is living up to its promise by providing one of the best Computer Science curriculum across the world. Ranking at 13, Cornell provides state-of-art R&D opportunities in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, Computer Architecture & VLSI, Database Systems, Human Interaction, Robotics, Security, and Systems and Networking.
• Tuition fee: $49,116
• Overall acceptance rate: 27.6%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 320
• TOEFL score required (MS): N

4) University of Maryland 鈥� College Park

University of Maryland 鈥� College Park for Computer Science

• Location:听 College Park, Maryland, United States (Rank: 23)
  This flagship institution of the University System of Maryland is known for drawing heavy research funds as high as $500 million from the likes of NASA and Department of Homeland Security. It currently ranks at 23 in our list of universities offering courses in Computer Science.
• Tuition fee: $31,144
• Overall acceptance rate: 32.5%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 315
• TOEFL score required (MS): 104

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

1) Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University for Electrical Engineering

• Location: 听Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Rank: 4)
  The merger between Carnegie Institute of Technology and Mellon Institute of Industrial Research has led this private research university to rank at 4 in a list of universities providing Electrical Engineering courses. Boasting of an alumni body comprising numerous Academy Award winners, Turing Award winners, and Tony and Emmy Award winners, CMU offers top-notch courses in the following areas: Device Sciences and Nano-Fabrication, Signals and Systems, Circuits, Computer Hardware and Software.
• Tuition fee:听$50,410
• Overall acceptance rate:听22.5%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 319
• TOEFL score required (MS): 103

2) Purdue University

Purdue University for Electrical Engineering

• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. (Rank: 6)
  With a university rank of 6, this public university situated in Indiana offers courses in the following specializations: Automatic Control, Biomedical Imaging and Sensing, Communications, Networking, Signal & Image Processing, Power and Energy Systems, Fields and Optics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology, VLSI and Circuit Design.
• Tuition fee: $29,132
• Overall acceptance rate: 21.8%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 317
• TOEFL score required (MS): 100

3) University of Southern California

University of Southern California for Electrical Engineering

• Location: Los Angeles, California (Rank:听10)
  Coming in at number 10, this private research university prides itself on the Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering known for research in innovative areas, e.g., biosignal processing, high speed switching architectures, nanotechnology, and quantum information processing.
• Tuition fee: $50,210
• Overall acceptance rate: 22.8%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 314
• TOEFL score required (MS): 90

4) Columbia University

Columbia University for Electrical Engineering

• Location: New York City, New York, U.S. (Rank: 14)
  This private Ivy League university is the oldest one in the state of New York. With a ranking of 14, Columbia offers the finest education when it comes to Electrical Engineering. The alumni body boasts of numerous Nobel Prize winners and Academy Award winners among other celebrated academicians and politicians.
• Tuition fee: $51,008
• Overall acceptance rate: 24.4%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 321
• TOEFL score required (MS): 103

5) North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University for Electrical Engineering

• Location:听 Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. (Rank:听28)
  With strong R&D facilities in specializations like Computer Architecture and Systems, Bioelectronics Engineering, Communications and Digital Signal Processing, Nanoelectronics and Photonics, Networking, Power Electronics & Power Systems, and Analog, RF, & Mixed Mode Technologies, this public research university comes in at number 28.
• Tuition fee:听$24,932
• Overall acceptance rate:听16.1%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 318
• TOEFL score required (MS): 105

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1) Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University for Mechanical Engineering

• Location: 听Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Rank: 5)
  With R&D facilities ranging from Advanced Manufacturing and Bio-engineering to Energy, Robotics, and Product Design, this private research university comes at number 5 among universities offering Mechanical Engineering courses.
• Tuition fee:听$50,410
• Overall acceptance rate:听22.5%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 319
• TOEFL score required (MS): 103

2) Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology for Mechanical Engineering

• Location: 听 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. (Rank: 7)
  The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, the oldest 听department in the College of Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, offers specializations in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Medical Physics, Paper Science & Engineering, and Bioengineering. Georgia Tech ranks at number 7.
• Tuition fee:听$32,396
• Overall acceptance rate:听30.2%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 319
• TOEFL score required (MS): 104

3) University of Illinois 鈥� Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois 鈥� Urbana-Champaign for Mechanical Engineering

• Location: 听 Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, U.S. (Rank: 7)
  With R&D institutions such as the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, and the Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, UIUC ranks at number 7 in our list, tying with Georgia Tech for universities offering Mechanical Engineering courses.
• Tuition fee:听$30,786
• Overall acceptance rate:听25.3%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 320
• TOEFL score required (MS): 102

4) Cornell University

Cornell University for Mechanical Engineering

• Location: Ithaca, NY, United States (Rank: 12)
  Cornell’s Sibley School of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace is home to numerous R&D works, from interdisciplinary projects like Dynamics, Systems, and Control to investigate problems related to space exploration and spacecraft subsystem engineering. This private Ivy League University sits at number 12 on our list of universities offering Mechanical Engineering courses.
• Tuition fee: $49,116
• Overall acceptance rate: 27.6%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 320
• TOEFL score required (MS):听77

CIVIL ENGINEERING

1) University of Illinois 鈥� Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois 鈥� Urbana-Champaign for Civil Engineering

• Location: Urbana and Champaign, Illinois, U.S. (Rank: 2)
  Excelling in research areas like Construction Management, Infrastructure, Transportation Engineering, and Structural Engineering, this public university ranks 2nd on our list of universities offering Civil Engineering courses.
• Tuition fee:听$30,786
• Overall acceptance rate:听25.3%
• 91热爆 score required(MS): 320
• TOEFL score required(MS):听102

2) Purdue University

Purdue University for Civil Engineering

• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. (Rank: 6)
  Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil Engineering specializes in Geomatics, Environmental, Hydraulics and Hydrology, Structure and Transport Engineering. This flagship university of the Purdue University systems, ranking 6th on our list, draws a lot of post graduate students every year.
• Tuition fee: $29,132
• Overall acceptance rate: 21.8%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 317
• TOEFL score required (MS): 100

3) Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech for Civil Engineering

• Location: Blacksburg, Virginia, U.S. (Rank: 8)
  With state-of-art R&D facilities in the field of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, Structural Engineering and Materials, this 8th ranked public university offers one of the best Civil Engineering courses around the world.
• Tuition fee:听$27,444
• Overall acceptance rate:听31.1%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 316
• TOEFL score required (MS): 102

4) Cornell University

Cornell University for Civil Engineering

• Location: Ithaca, NY, United States (Rank: 10)
  With excellent R&D opportunities galore, viz.,听Civil Infrastructure, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental and Water Resource Systems, Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology, Environmental Processes, Environmental and Water Resources Systems, Remote Sensing, and Transportation Systems Engineering, this private Ivy league university ranks at number 10.
• Tuition fee: $49,116
• Overall acceptance rate: 27.6%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 320
• TOEFL score required (MS):听77

5) Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University for Civil Engineering

• Location: 听Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Rank: 11)
  Research at Civil and Environmental Engineering department of CMU is top notch with the inclusion of 听Advanced Infrastructure Systems, Environmental Engineering and Sustainability and Science. This private research university takes the 11th place on the list of universities offering Civil Engineering, Mechanics, Materials and Computing courses.
• Tuition fee:听$50,410
• Overall acceptance rate:听22.5%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 319
• TOEFL score required (MS): 103

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

1) Purdue University

Purdue University for Management Information Systems

• Location: West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. (Rank: 9)
  With research emphasis on database systems, human computer interaction, knowledge management, intelligent systems, e-commerce, information goods and bundling & pricing, Purdue鈥檚 MIS course ranks at 9th.
• Tuition fee: $29,132
• Overall acceptance rate: 21.8%
• 91热爆 score required(MS): 317
• TOEFL score required(MS): 100

2) University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania for Management Information Systems

• Location:听 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Rank: 19)
  This private Ivy League Research University ranks at 19 among universities offering MS in MIS. Home to Wharton School of Business, the first collegiate business school, Upenn offers an innovative experience to students taking up MIS.
• Tuition fee:听$49,536
• Overall acceptance rate:听21%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 321
• TOEFL score required (MS): 105

3) Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University for Management Information Systems

• Location: 听University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Rank: 25)
  Ranked at 25, Penn State offers one of the best MIS courses by merging the highly technical content of information systems with the managerial skills required. Graduates are free to choose between Information Systems in Healthcare Management and Delivery, or Information Systems in the Life Sciences.
• Tuition fee:听$31,346
• Overall acceptance rate:听24%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 316
• TOEFL score required (MS): 80

4) Drexel University

Drexel University for Management Information Systems

• Location:听Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. (Rank: 62)
  Drexel University, ranking at 62, offers students the opportunity to gain experience in the field through a practicum (similar to internship, but isn’t a part of the curriculum). The courses on MIS integrate the business and organizational aspect with technicalities to provide a clear understanding of systems engineering and human鈥�computer interaction.
• Tuition fee:听$48,791
• Overall acceptance rate:听33%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 311
• TOEFL score required (MS):听100

5) New York University

New York University for Management Information Systems

• Location:听 New York City, U.S. (Rank: 46)
  MIS course from NYU offers a unique and well-balanced mix of business leadership and deep understanding of Information Systems. This 46th ranked private university seated in New York enables students to choose from one of these four: Database Technologies, Enterprise Risk Management, Strategy and Leadership, Systems Management.
• Tuition fee:听$46,170
• Overall acceptance rate:听33.9%
• 91热爆 score required (MS): 312
• TOEFL score required (MS): 97

Now that you have got an idea about how to shortlist universities based on the department and overall ranking, the acceptance rate and 91热爆/TOEFL score required, you are ready for Spring 2017 admission season. Always 听remember to conduct a detailed background check on universities offering the course of your choice.

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