In the UK, the number of international applicants is the highest it’s been since 2012, in spite of travel bans and lockdown restrictions. Of the 111,630 international applicants, 85,610 students were from outside the EU. This could also be attributed to the fact that the UK has a friendly immigration policy, where graduates can get a two-year work visa. Canadian universities also saw a surge as they too allow graduates to apply for PRs.

As the situation continues to get more complicated and competitive, students in grade 11 can try to give themselves an advantage by planning ahead with these useful tips:

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1. Academics:
Grades play a key part in college admissions. Universities want to ensure that students can cope with the academic rigour in their institution, so demonstrating academic ability is crucial. As testing is being cancelled, it is likely that students will be given admission based on internal school assessments, so they need to focus on course work and internal tests more than ever. 

2. Essays and interviews: 
Outside of data points, colleges are likely to ask for an interview to get to know students better and to assess their fit for the college. Moreover, essays are a great way for admissions committees to test writing skills and for students to show more about themselves. Therefore, writing genuine essays that show resilience and authenticity, how they have coped with the challenges and what they have learned will go a long way.

3. Casting a wider net:
Many students are sure that they want to apply to a particular country. However, given the pandemic, altering immigration rules and visa delays, applying to colleges in multiple destinations may be prudent. Rules around entering campuses (Duke University, Brown University and many more have mentioned that vaccinations are mandatory to enter campus) are already being rolled out. Even though students will “go” to college in Fall 2022, I would also strongly recommend that students apply to two or three colleges in India as well. Looking at colleges in the Netherlands, France, Singapore and Hong Kong is also a good idea. 

Moreover, for students wanting to study in a traditional university in India, entrance tests (JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NEET, CET) are likely to be delayed. These students can look at studying in the UK or Europe as the education systems here mimic that of India and scholarships are available for competitive applicants.

4. Extracurricular activities: 
Everyone has been impacted by the pandemic, so students using that as an excuse to do nothing is not a good idea. However, it is completely understandable if a student could not engage in the same activities. Students can, however, be innovative and resourceful and take courses online, work on research projects, engage in fundraising activities, write a blog and much more.

5. Gap years: 
If students want to use their final year to focus primarily on their grades and wait for normalcy before plunging into the college admissions process, taking a gap year (a break year between grade 12 and college) is a good idea. Students should plan and ensure that they do something worthwhile. Travelling, teaching, improving language skills by immersing themselves in a country, taking part-time jobs and internships, working on passion projects, playing sports are just a few examples.

6. Demonstrated Interest: 
With college visits and information sessions cancelled, students have to get creative. By attending virtual information sessions and tours, interacting with the college on social media and subscribing to newsletters, students can let the college know they are genuinely interested.

7. Financial Aid: 
The cost of education differs country by country. If the pandemic has put a strain on the family’s finances, rather than not apply, students should explore their options. There are many colleges and private institutions that offer financial aid and scholarships. They can even take a loan.  

There are many ways that students can give themselves an advantage in an unprecedented year if they plan ahead. 

Author Bio:

Written by Namita Mehta, who has been in the college counselling space for more than eleven years. She established the University Guidance Counselling Department at B.D.Somani International School in Mumbai before joining where she currently serves as President.