Background and Curriculum: The Complete Guide to Applying to Study Abroad
If you're thinking about studying abroad, whether for undergraduate or graduate studies, you've probably heard about the importance of academic record and curriculum in the application process. In this article, Be Easy will explain everything you need to know about these documents to successfully apply to a university abroad.
What do universities seek in academic performance?
Foreign universities evaluate academic performance comprehensively, considering not only grades, but also other aspects of the student's trajectory. They analyze:
• Grades and Average (GPA): The grades in each subject and the overall average are important, but they are not the only factors.
• Standardized Exams: Tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, CAE help compare the performance of students from different schools and countries.
• Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in activities beyond the classroom, such as sports, arts, volunteering, and leadership, demonstrates diverse skills and interests.
• Personal Trajectory: Overcome challenges, family responsibilities, and unique life experiences are also considered.
How to compensate for lower grades in the application?
If you have some lower scores in history, don't despair! To do University abroad, there are several ways to compensate for this in your application:
1. Highlight your Extracurricular Activities: Show your deep involvement and leadership in activities beyond the classroom.
2. Emphasize your Social Impact: Volunteering experiences, engagement with social causes, and community impact projects are highly valued.
3. Get High Scores on Standardized Tests: Good results may compensate for lower scores in history.
4. Present Relevant Professional Experience: For graduate and MBA applications, outstanding work experience in the area may be more important than grades.
5. Get Strong Recommendation Letters: Ask teachers and mentors to highlight their qualities, abilities, and potential, in addition to grades.
6. Write a Compelling Motivation Letter: Use the letter to explain challenges that impact your grades and to show your overcoming and learning.
How to put together an impressive academic curriculum?
The academic curriculum, also called CV (Curriculum Vitae), is different from the professional curriculum. It should focus on your education, research, publications, and experiences relevant to the area you want to study. To put together a successful CV:
• Start with a Summary of Qualifications: Present your key skills, accomplishments, and personal characteristics in a concise and persuasive manner.
• Prioritize Recent and Relevant Achievements: Give more attention and details to experiences and training that are more recent and aligned with the chosen program.
• Be Direct and Objective: Stay focused, be succinct in describing experiences, and use topics to improve readability.
• Include Academic Education, Publications, and Awards: List your education, with institutions and dates. Cite published articles, presentations at events, and awards received.
• Mention Relevant Skills: Highlight language knowledge, research skills, and mastery of technologies and programs important to the area.
• Ask for Feedback: Have your CV reviewed by others to identify improvement points and ensure clarity.
Tips for a successful MBA abroad CV
If you're applying for an MBA outside the country, your resume should be even more focused and strategic. Follow these tips:
1. Be Concise and Objective: Summarize your entire trajectory on just one page, focusing on what is most relevant.
2. Structure in Clear Sections: Divide the CV into parts such as Contact, Education, Professional Experience, Additional Information.
3. Use Impact Language: Be direct, use action verbs, emphasize quantified results and achievements.
4. Maintain Consistency: Ensure that the information in the CV aligns with the other application documents.
5. Include Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies: Show your involvement with the community and diverse interests to stand out.
Europass format: The European curriculum standard
If you are going to apply to universities in Europe, it is important to know the Europass CV format. This standard seeks to provide transparency and facilitate the mobility of students and professionals on the continent. The Europass:
• It's available in 31 languages
• It has a standardized model for all countries
• It allows you to condense training, experience and skills
• Includes a self-assessment table for language proficiency
• Can be filled out directly on the official website
To make the most of the Europass format:
1. Summarize each experience and achievement well
2. Include diverse experiences, such as volunteering and exchanges
3. Be realistic when evaluating your language skills
What are universities really looking for?
More than perfect grades, universities seek students who can contribute to the academic environment in unique ways. They consider a combination of factors, including:
• Performance within the student's context and reality
• Leadership, creativity, and critical thinking skills
• Diversity of experiences, interests, and talents
• Potential to grow, learn, and make a difference in the world
Therefore, more than focusing only on grades, it is essential to build an application that presents your story, your passions, and your objectives in an authentic and convincing way.
Be easy
We know that the application process for universities abroad can be challenging and complex. That's why the Be easy is here to help you at every stage of that journey. Our specialized consultants will guide you in the preparation of the academic record, in the assembly of an outstanding curriculum and in all other stages of the application. Contact us today and discover how Be easy can turn your dream of studying abroad into reality!
