June 29, 2017 All

6 tips for applying to university as a non-native English speaker

Applying for university can be a little stressful.

 

You have to get lots of information in order. You will need to gather together any old transcripts, and make sure they are organized correctly. Reading up on different application policies can ensure the process goes smoothly. And beyond that, you will want to answer each question carefully, so you do not have to correct any difficult problems later on.

 

But perhaps what can really make this process complicated, is if you are a non-native English speaker. You definitely have the right qualifications – but trying to navigate through the university application process can be a little tricky when you are still working on your language skills.

 

Don’t worry – applying for university doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, if you look at the process with optimism, it can be a fun experience. And what’s even cooler is that the experience can really pay off if you do it right. Getting accepted to your favorite program and university means you’ll get to do more of what you love in life, and it can benefit your career in the long-term.

 

 

Your application to university acts as your introduction to explain everything that’s important to you, and why you want to study what you’re applying to. You need to make sure you sound confident and smart at all times. Don’t expect everything to be perfect after just a few minutes – as a non-native English speaker you must always be patient.

 

If you ever feel confused, allow yourself to slow down and take lots of time to think. Make sure you scan the university and program website several different times, and that you understand exactly what you would like to be studying. Applying to university is a big job, but doing it right means you will have to take several small steps to get it done.

 

If English isn’t your first language then try to relax – we’ve compiled a list of six tips to help you complete your university application correctly. Enjoy!

 

Do your research  

 

Even if you know what you want to do, applying for a program can be confusing. As an example, some universities offer hundreds of different programs, so it’s easy to get yours mixed up with another. Along with that, some programs just differ from the other by a few credits or courses, so you’ll want to research your options so you don’t make any mistakes.

 

To reduce any stress about these things, set aside some extra time to make sure you apply for the right things. If you’re a busy person, you can wake up a bit earlier or put some time aside in the evening to make sure you are weighing all your options equally. If you have any questions throughout your research, make sure you write them down so you do not forget about them.

 

Make sure you answer all of your own questions, and if you can’t do that, then find someone who can. Sometimes it might be necessary to call the university admissions help line to receive guidance for your questions. Some universities offer services in different languages, but if you’d like to work on your English then you might want to stick to this language only.

 

Focus on your strong points

 

You might worry that your university application won’t be good enough, but don’t worry, most people feel like this. It’s just part of the process and it’s natural to feel a little nervous. To help yourself feel better, spend time to think of all the things you’ve done that will make you qualified for the program and university you’re applying for. Try to think outside of the box – beyond the grades that you’ve already received. Universities are impressed by a number of different things, and involvement in extracurricular activities can help improve your application.

 

If you’ve developed an extra skill like piano or sports, mentioning this can help you look like a well-rounded person with passion and a great personality. Volunteering is also a great sign to others that you have a big heart and that you are willing to work very hard. If you have not volunteered then try putting in some time, if possible. This can especially help you stand out from your competitors. Even though some of these things seem like little details, they can make a big difference.

 

 

Get a friend to review your essay

 

 One of the most important parts of your university application is the essay you are required to submit. The point of the essay is to prove that you are the right candidate because you have the right personality and qualifications. You will want to spend lots of time focusing on the language you use, and making yourself size up against your competitors. One of the best ways to ensure that your entrance essay is great, is to get a friend to look at it when you are done. This way they can let you know if there is anything you need to change, and what you can do to make it even better. They might notice that you are missing something important, and they can even help you make the essay shorter if need be – since meeting the word count requirement is especially important. If you don’t have a friend who can look it over, then you can try Writesaver. Writesaver is a proofreading service that helps you communicate your message clearly. It makes your writing look more intelligent, which is helpful for tasks like your admissions essay.

 

Practice your talking points

 

Sometimes submitting a university application is more than just ticking off boxes. If you live in a different country than the place you’re applying to, chances are that the admissions director will want to talk to you to see if you are a good fit. Try not to stress about this – many of your answers can be practiced beforehand to ensure that you feel well prepared so everything goes smoothly. Rehearse answers to simple questions that explain your background. You will want to feel comfortable talking about where you grew up, and what interests you.

 

Be aware of your longterm goals and how the program and university you are applying to will help you reach them. Besides knowing your strengths, be aware of your weaknesses and how you can make up for them by focusing on the positive. It also helps to have questions prepared since you may have an opportunity to ask them at the end of your conversation. Having questions prepared shows that you have an active interest in what you’re interviewing for, and it can strengthen your university application, too.

 

The more your practice answering these things, the more confident you will sound – and admissions directors like that.

 

Show how you can make a difference

 

Applying to a program is more than about you. When it comes to being accepted to a university, they would like to know how you can contribute to the program, and the benefits that you bring to the table. Instead of just focusing on the career you will be able to get, be prepared to show how you will actively improve life on campus by doing things that will make it better. When you write your university application, show that you are passionate about the program. It helps if you demonstrate that you enjoy comradeship with your classmates, because it will make you more of an enjoyable person for others to be around.

 

Show that you are unique

 

Remember that there are lots of people applying for the same program and university as you. But instead of letting this intimidate you, let it motivate you. This is your chance to shine and show how passionate you are about your interests and everything that you love. Another way to be unique is to show how your specific interests relate to the university you are applying for. If the university has a great sports program, for example, then share how you have experience in that sport, and how you relate to it. You could try sharing knowledge about how the team did last year, and how the spirit of that team reminds you of what university is about. Being creative is one of your best tools for being unique, so whatever you do, don’t be afraid of trying something different.