The admission season is in full swing for higher education in India and many other countries. As usual the parents and students are finding it difficult to select a university hence in great dilemma. Choosing the best university should not be done only based on rankings or advertisements. The right decision depends on your academic background, financial situation, career goals, and personal circumstances. It’s better to look for the best fit rather than the most famous institution.
An aspirant must assess his/her Academic Background and consider the following:
• Your grades and exam results.
• The quality and difficulty level of your previous education.
• Your strengths in certain subjects.
• Your language skills if you are applying to a university in Metro/Big Cities/Abroad.
Apart to above; the candidate must evaluate the following also:
Evaluate Your/parents financial situation and calculate these direct expenses:
• Tuition fees • Accommodation (hostel) • Food • Books and supplies • Travel expenses • Personal expenses •scholarships availability • educational loans
A university that leads to unmanageable debts might not be the best option, even if it has a high ranking. Hence consider Return on Investment (ROI) through Employment/Internship ratio. Some really big universities which presents a nos. of placements might not be even near to a comparatively small-medium/new university which as a fact providing a better employment ratio if consider the total nos. of admitted students by the big university. However this depends on your own skills, knowledge, academic performance and communication too.
Next; one must match the University to his/her Career Goals. Different universities excel in different fields. Examples: • Engineering • Medicine • Business • Research • Liberal arts etc.
Check these aspects:
• Expertise of faculty members • Language of Teaching •Lab facilities • Industry partnerships • Co-Curricular activities •Safety •Infrastructure •General Environment
– The candidate must evaluate if the general environment of the university is conducive for him/her; especially if you are from rural/non-metro or other city residents).
Avoid Common Mistakes. Do not choose a university just because:
• It has the highest ranking.
• Your friends are attending.
• It is a well-known name (Lots of Advertisements are seen).
• It is promoted as prestigious on social media.
Finally, it is advised that the candidates and parents must pay a good amount of time and analysis (keeping his/her limitation, liking, future plan, sustainability and individuality in view) in order to finalise a university for admission.
