Cracking Common Entrance Tests - CET

Are you still confused about taking MBA as an option? In this current scenario of recession, are you wondering whether such an expensive investment would gain you the desired benefit and return? Then, for you this should come as a silver-lining: Even if there is a tough scenario around, fresh MBAs are given ample of opportunity to prove their worth in the corporate world! The idea behind this is, no matter from whichever stream you come from, you always have an edge over others, if you are an MBA degree holder.

This piece is going to shower some light on the guidelines to crack an MBA entrance exam and be a part of your dream institute. There are number of entrance exams that one candidate may consider to appear for. Few of the Tests are conducted by the MBA institutes themselves, on a national basis, like for example, CAT is conducted by IIMs, XAT by XLRI, and NMAT by Narsee Monjee Institute of Management and so on. Likewise, Maharashtra State Government conducts Common Entrance Tests – CET for the MBA aspirants within the state of Maharashtra. This test score is accepted by the institutes that come under government of Maharashtra and other institutes that individually accept the score.

The CET Written Exam is of two and a half hours duration and has multiple choice objective type questions for maximum 200 marks and does not have negative marking. The sections involved are Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical/ Abstract Reasoning. The questions are in assorted variety, where the question types are distributed across the question paper. Post the written exam you are required to appear for Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds which hold 17 Marks for each parameters. And, including the scores allotted for past academic record and the work-experience of a candidate the total marks of CET Exam comes to 240.

There are few general tips which can be applied to all the sections to secure a good score in CET. These has been listed section-wise.

QUATITATIVE ABILITY:
Attempt questions in three rounds.
Round 1
1. Attempt all one liners.
2. Attempt all two liners.
3. Attempt all four liners.

Round 2
Come back to the leftover questions of Round 1. Under pressure, you might just have left easy questions from Round 1 not attempted. Attempt them again.

Round 3
If time permits, tackle the lengthier questions on your favorite topics. Lengthier questions are easier.

VERBAL ABILITY

1. Most students attempt English Usage or Reading and Comprehension questions.
2. In Para Jumbles, look out for structural and logical connectors.
3. Before attempting Reading Comprehension, scan the questions once.
4. Narrative RCs have generally proved students' nemesis. Be careful.
5. Grammar questions should be your forte.

REASONING ABILITY

1. Spend more time reading the question.
2. Assess and arrange.
3. Solve, don't judge.
4. Use the elimination method.
5. Don't be obsessed with problems you cannot solve.
6. While preparing, choose variety over quantum.
7. Decision-making.
8. Develop Ability to work under pressure.
9. Adaptability.
10. Time management.
11. It's a speed game.
12. Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy!
13. Groupism helps.

This is an exemplary pattern of approach that becomes sharper and accurate with more practice. Ideally each candidate should always remember this.

MBA-Entrance Exams are designed to test the skill sets you will need to be a great manager. Management is a different cup of tea. Your intellectual abilities are important, but they are definitely not the end-all at making you a pro. There are other skills that are just as important. So, look at the patterns of exam like a typical multi-dimensional problem a manager would face. Normally any such problem would have to be solved in a given time frame. The solution should adhere to certain basic minimum requirements. A good manager should also be able to provide a solution that is fairly accurate. Besides, he should not crumble under pressure.

These also happen to be the skills you need to ace MBA-Entrance Exam!

Destination Canada!

If you are one of those who seek a high quality of life above anything else, Canada is the place for you. It has been consistently ranked by the UN as the number one country in the world to live in. Having a large population of Asian students, Canada offers a truly international educational experience. Furthermore, the Canadian degree or diploma is instantly recognized around the world as being of the highest standard. And you get all this at a remarkably low cost…..both in terms of cost of education and the cost of living. Tuition fees for international students in Canada are much lower than comparable countries.
With over 90 universities and 150 colleges and technical institutes, featuring virtually every program imaginable, Canada may just be the place of your dreams.

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN CANADA:

Universities: Canadian universities are largely public funded, and, as a result, offer consistently high quality education at lower tuition rates for international students than their counterparts in competing countries. They offer a broad range of courses and degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and also certificate and professional degrees.

University Colleges: University colleges offer students a choice of either academic oriented university degree programmes or the more practical-oriented college diplomas and certificates. They also offer combined degree/diploma programmes and university transfer programmes.

Community colleges: They typically have more vocational-related curricula, with small classes, off-campus course offerings, a greater ratio of laboratory space to class room space, and an interactive teaching style. The uniqueness of Canadian colleges lies in the combination of employer-centered curricula. These institutes have the primary function of responding to the training needs of business, industry, and public service sectors. Most colleges and technical institutes offer diplomas and certificates rather than degrees, however, more and more now grant degrees and applied degrees.

Technical College: This is a privately owned and operated school with the main objective of preparing students for the job market after a short period of instruction. The emphasis at career colleges is on practical skills over a broad range of programmes. They specialize in such areas as business, computers, and secretarial skills. Although privately owned, these institutes are provincially approved and regulated, ensuring that programmes standards and quality are maintained.

The academic year usually starts in September and ends in May, and is normally divided into two semesters. Some institutes operate on a semester or trimester system and admit students in January and/or May as well as September. Many institutes offer a limited number of courses and special programmes during the summer session


Tuition Fees and Living Cost:
Tuition Fees:

Undergraduate Programs (Tuition fees p.a. in Canadian Dollars)
Arts & Business $5000.00 - $10000.00
Science, medicine and Engineering $7500.00 - $ 12000.00

Postgraduate Programs (Tuition fees p.a. in Canadian Dollars)
Graduate Certificate $ 7500.00 - $ 12000.00
Graduate Diplomas $ 7000.00 - $ 15000.00
Masters Degree Courses $ 10000.00 - $ 20000.00
Doctoral Degree Programmes $ 10000.00 - $ 15000.00

Living Expenses:

The living expenses range from CDN $ 7,200-11,000 per year.

Benefits of Canadian Education:

1. A degree or diploma from Canadian educational institutions is instantly recognized around as being of the highest standard.
2. Tuition fees for international students in Canada are much lower than other comparable countries.
3. Canada spends more per capita on education than any other country.
4. There are 1, 00,000 international students from all parts of the world annually in Canada.
5. Canada is renowned all over the world for its tradition of hospitality and tolerance more than 600,000 Canadians trace their roots back to India.
6. Canada offers a wide choice of over 90 universities and 150 colleges and technical institutes.


Language requirements for studying:

In Canada, universities or colleges operate in either French and/or English. Thus, each school has a language proficiency requirement. Test scores are sent to the school along with your application and will be considered in conjunction with your academic record. The TOEFL is the most common one. Most schools ask for a minimum score of 95 on the IBT TOEFL IELTS (Academic Module) is also accepted as a standard exam the accepted score is Band 5.5 for a UG program and band 6 for a masters program.

Accommodation

Acceptance to a Canadian university or college does not ensure you a place in student residences. At Canadian schools, residence and accommodation is administered separately from admission, usually because a school cannot guarantee places in student housing for all those it accepts. On most campuses a large portion of the student population lives off-campus, in private houses and apartments which they seek out and rent independent of their school. Living off-campus then is an accepted thing; in fact if a university suddenly could offer spaces in residence to all its students, many would probably decline. Some campuses do not offer any student housing whatsoever (most community colleges do not); some have agreements with other schools in the city that allow students to live in their dorms. With each application package you fill out for a school there should be some information about housing and possibly an application for a place in the residences.

You can make an informed choice of studying in Canada by visiting this website it contains comprehensive information http://www.studyincanada.com/ which can help with regards to your queries regarding studying in Canada

Destination AUSTRALIA!

Australia has emerged as a popular destination for higher education because of its strong educational infrastructure, a high quality of life, and relatively lowers expenses. Australian degrees are gaining increased acceptance in the global arena. A peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, together with the cosmopolitan charisma of cities like Sydney and Melbourne have made the land referred as Down Under a hot destination. About 200,000 international students from 140 countries are studying in Australia.

Education System

1. Primary and Secondary schools.
The system is equivalent to 10 +2 education in India. Certification at the end of schooling is by continuous assessment within schools and public examinations .The course forms the basis for entry to universities or other tertiary institutions.

2. Foundation studies.
Foundation studies give international students the knowledge and skills for a smooth transition from learning in their home country to undergraduate studies in Australian universities. Foundation studies are usually one year in duration .The foundation course is divided in to various streams like arts and science subjects the common feature of the program is that university allocates a provisional admission for the student who achieves the prescribed grades.

3. Vocational Educational and Training Institutes.
The Vocational Education and Training gives students practical skills for their careers. The VET sector is divided in to two sections.
A) A nationally recognized government system of Technical And Further Education ( TAFE)
B) Private Providers

TAFE is the largest provider of tertiary education courses in Australia with about 250 institutes and over a million students including about 41,000 are international students. The VET awards certificates, advanced certificates, associate diplomas and diplomas. Studying at TAFE level is also a way of gaining entry termed a pathway to Australia’s Universities. Most TAFE institutes have arrangements with specific universities, enabling students to gain credit for a portion of their study undertaken at TAFE. The VET courses include computing, design, pilot training, business management, hospitality and tourism and many other courses.

4. Universities. (Higher Education)
There are 37 public universities and two private universities in Australia which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The most popular courses of study for international students have been in the field of Business Administration, Economics, followed by Science, then Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. University studies can lead to following awards – Undergraduate - Bachelor Degrees, Bachelor Degrees (with Honours), Undergraduate Diplomas, Associate Diplomas; Postgraduate - Doctoral Degrees, Masters Degrees, Graduate Diplomas, Graduate Certificates.

Financial benefits of Australian Education.
Undergraduate degrees are generally three years in Australia as compared to four years in US.
There are many One Year masters program including MBA, thus you can save on living costs and tuition fees.

Cost of Education: A Brief Look

All Tuition Fee (In Aus $)
Undergraduate Courses Annual Tuition Fee
Bachelor Degree
Arts,Business, Economics, Law A$10,000-$ 13,500
Laboratory Based degree course
Science and Engineering programs A$11,000-$ 16,500

Postgraduate Courses Annual Tuition Fee
Graduate CertificatesGraduate Diplomas A$ 9,000 - $ 16,000
Masters degree coursesDoctoral degree programmes A$11,000 - $ 18,500

MBA
Length of MBA program varies considerably between institutions, depending on the mode of study, but ranges from approximately nine to 15 months full time. The fees in the table below are shown as the approximate annual cost of the full-time MBA program.
Courses Annual Tuition Fee
MBA A$15,000 - $ 30,000

Annual Living Expenses in Australia - Approx. A $ 12,000 per year

Entrance Test required
IELTS exam (Academic Module) is required for studying in Australia. It is necessary to take the IELTS in order to gain admission and a visa. For admission into undergraduate degree programmes your band in IELTS should be at least Band 5.5 and for Masters Degree program it should be Band 6 and above, however the score would vary from university to university.

Accommodation
Australia has a large range of different accommodation options. With choices ranging from university accommodation or Homestay, to self-catered apartments or share houses, there’s an option to suit every personality and budget. Different types of accommodation are obviously subject to different costs and availability. The type of accommodation you choose influences how much you will have to pay and how early you will have to arrange it. For instance, university halls of residence are generally very popular and require students to apply for a room well in advance, whereas rental accommodation is generally readily available and can be organized when you arrive.

MUST DO:
Before you arrive in Australia you should contact the accommodation service of the Australian institution you will be studying and confirm the accommodation options available and the costs involved.

Summing UpYou can make an informed choice of studying in Australia by visiting these 2 web sites they contain comprehensive information http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ and http://www.immi.gov.au/ which can help you with regards to all your detailed queries.

Timeline for USA - Fall Intake

Feb – Apr: Begin the search for colleges and register for the concerned tests and start the preparation for them.

May - Jun: Shortlist the schools and request application material or download application forms.

Jul - Oct: Take the tests. Finalize universities to apply. Collect required documents and Essays/Statement of Purpose.

Oct – Dec: Review your application package. Mail application packets before the university deadline.

Dec - Jan : Respond to additional information requested by the school /college / university, if any

Jan – May: Await responses from the Universities. Accept one school's offer, and notify them. Prepare for Visa application.

June: Apply for a visa. Plan to arrive at least 15 days prior to orientation (2 months if you have to take an English course).

Jul – Aug: Fly to a bright future.

Destination U.S.A!

Every year, several thousand Indian students leave India to study in Universities abroad and it is not surprising that majority of them find their way to universities in United States. Out of the many international students who go to US every year 14% of international students are from India.

The American system of education is renowned for its flexibility, diversity and commitment to excellence. The US educational experience is among the best in the world. Many US colleges and universities are known throughout the world for the quality of their academic programs. Private institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Cornell, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and public institutions such as Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Univ. of California at Berkeley, Univ. of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Univ. of Wisconsin at Madison, and Univ. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are familiar to students, educators, and business leaders everywhere. In addition to the more well-known institutions, the US has hundreds of other high quality public and private colleges and universities. The depth and breadth of options available are amazing. A degree from a US college or university is a stamp of excellence that marks you for life.

Education system in US
The education system in the US is a very different from the prevalent systems in India. That which is a 3-year Bachelors Degree in India is a 4-year Undergraduate Degree in the US (i.e. B.Sc., and M.Sc. are called BS and MS). Also the 2-year Post Graduate Degree in India is a 2-year Graduate Degree in the US and the 3-year Doctoral Degree in India is a 3-year Post Graduate Degree in the US. If the chosen course happens to be medicine then the duration is even longer.
Undergraduate education begins after secondary education, students have primarily three options.
a) Pursue a 4-year undergraduate programme
b) Join 2-year Associate Degree or Certificate courses with a community-or junior-college
c) Take up 2-year credit/non-credit Associate Degree or Certificate courses with technical or vocational training institutions. The credit Associate Degree can be transferred to degree courses at a university.

Graduate education is the US is equivalent to post-graduate education in India. Education at this level in the United States can be of two types:
a) Professional studies that require the student to have already earned an undergraduate degree, leading to a Masters degree
b) Post-Masters Research or Doctorate study, and further on to Post-doctoral study and research.

Prominent reasons for Undergraduate studies in US.
A four year bachelor’s degree from the US enables the student to complete the minimum 16 years formal education criteria, which is a pre-requisite for TOP MBA programs in US.
Admission into undergraduate programs at top universities is easier than getting admitted into the same university for the graduate program. If a student is successfully completes his under graduation with a good academic performance from a particular university his chances of getting a tuition waiver for the graduate program is very high.
After completing their undergraduate degree Indian students often take up employment for 2 to 3 years. This not only enables them to save money for graduate school but also garner requisite work experience and adds considerable value to their CVs.
Undergraduate students have a choice of nearly 700 major fields of study and are required to complete general education requirements in addition to their major. The obvious benefit is that students will be exposed to a wide range of subjects, which contributes to the flexibility of the US education system.

Prominent reasons for Graduate studies in US.
1. US universities have one of the most advanced education systems in the world with excellent programs available in all streams.
2. Universities are popular for their academic excellence and providing the latest technology equipment and resources.
3. Sizeable Indian student population, last year 74,603 students have gone for US for studies in which 70% are for postgraduate studies.
4. There are two traditional categories of graduate degrees -- master's and doctoral



Master’s
Master's degree programs are growing and evolving, with degrees offered in just about all fields. Master's degrees can be professional or academic. Professional degrees, such as a (MBA), are designed for employment or advancement within a given field. Academic degrees, such as a Master of Science, are designed for intellectual growth and a prerequisite for doctoral work within a given field. Master's degrees may take one to three years to complete.
Doctorate
Doctoral degrees, the highest possible earned academic degree, can also be professional or academic. Professional doctoral degrees, such as the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and the Juris Doctor (JD), stress the practical application of knowledge and skills. Academic doctoral degrees, the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), focus on advancing knowledge through original research in a given academic field. Doctorates may take three to six years to complete.

Application requirements.
Each school sets its own admission requirements. Because of the large number of international students seeking a US education, the schools do not make exceptions to their requirements. Most schools require a minimum of a high school diploma with solid coursework in science, mathematics, English, and humanities. They will also require academic entrance examinations such as the TOEFL, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. The more higher your scores on these exams and the better your grades, the better your chances of being admitted. Generally you must have a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be admitted, especially for graduate school. Some schools set very high standards for admission.

With all the above information you will be all set to fly towards your dream destination.

U.K. Lifestyle!

United Kingdom, apart offering an opportunity to take world class education also allows a wonderful opportunity to experience the country's vibrant culture. Although the UK is relatively small in size, it offers a wealth of attractions. It is a nation which is as diverse as it is accessible and affordable. UK cities and towns display a rich and varied historical and cultural heritage. In Britain you will find most people are kinder to you if you behave politely, respecting local people and customs. You may sometimes upset people by things that you say or do, even if these things seem perfectly normal in your own culture.

Certain important aspects of living in UK are:
Greeting people:
British people are quite reserved when greeting one another. Greeting can be a bright 'Hello' 'Hi' or 'Good morning', when you arrive at work or at school. The usual formal greeting is a 'How do you do?' and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women.

Food:
The staple food of England consists of meat, fish, potatoes, flour, butter and eggs and is traditionally based on beef, lamb, pork, chicken and fish and generally served with potatoes and one other vegetable. The most common and typical foods eaten in England include the sandwich, fish and chips, pies like the Cornish pasty, trifle and roasts dinners. International students staying with British families can expect to eat the same sort of food as their host family. If a student is residing with a host family, the host families will, of course, take into account any special dietary restrictions that he/she may have for religious or other reasons.

Table manners:
The British generally pay a lot of attention to good table manners. Even young children are expected to eat properly with knife and fork. It is impolite to start eating before everyone has been served. Never chew with your mouth open. No one likes to see food being chewed or hearing it being chomped on. It is impolite to have your elbows on the table while you are eating. Don't reach over someone's plate for something; ask for the item to be passed. Never talk with food in your mouth. It is ok to eat and drink something while walking down the street, unless you want to seem posh.

Dinner Invites:
If you cannot eat a certain type of food or have certain dietary restrictions, it is alright to tell your host several days before the dinner party. Arrive on time, but try to avoid being too early as your host may not ready to receive you too soon. Take a bottle of wine or some flowers or chocolates to give to the host as soon as you have arrived.

Personal Space:
British people like to have a lot of their own personal space. They want their own privacy. Some people may worry that if they make friends with you, you may not understand their social customs. They may also worry about interfering with your own personal space. If you are a woman, a British man may worry that you will feel threatened if he starts speaking to you. If there are several spare seats in a public place, most people will sit away from other people. People don't touch others very much, and will usually apologise if they touch someone accidentally. It is rare for people to go to someone's house without having arranged it first.

Religions in Britain:
Britain is a part of global village of many tribes with parallel worlds of religious scholarships and practice. The government in the UK is strongly in favour of a multi-racial society and you will find a range of religions followed in most towns and cities throughout the UK. The Skyline of the major cities in Britain - London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Leicester, Bradford, Birmingham, now has a new horizon shaped not only by the familiar spires and towers of churches but also by the domes and minarets of mosques. Religious communities in the UK have built a number of temples and other places of worship.

Leisure:
People enjoy various indoor and outdoor activities in England. The most common leisure activity in the UK is watching television. The second most popular activity in Britain is visiting or entertaining friends or relations. The British are known as a nation of gardeners. Most people have a garden on their property. Gardening has been a popular pastime. Sports and physical recreation have always been popular. Local governments provide cheap sport and leisure facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, parks and gold courses. People go to watch other people play sports like football or take part in sports themselves.

The British are particular about manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their politeness and self-discipline. They also have a strong sense of humour.

American Lifestyle!

Many of the social and behavioral aspects of everyday life vary greatly from country to country. Some students might find it initially difficult to understand the way Americans behave and what they really mean to say you will have to remember certain important points to handle social interactions in the US comfortably.

Greetings:
Upon meeting people for the first time Americans shake hands with a phrase such as, “Pleased to meet you”. In a more casual setting with peers, people often just say ‘Hi’. It is usually acceptable to use the first name of someone of the same age group. Older people may be addressed with ‘Mr. /Ms/Mrs. /Dr/Prof’, etc., along with the surname. Most women prefer to be addressed as ‘Ms’ (pronounced: ‘mizz’), irrespective of whether they are married or not. The use of nicknames is fairly common.

Personal Space
When two people are talking to each other, they tend to stand a specific distance apart. Each person has an invisible boundary around their body into which other people may not come. Try to avoid physical contact while you are speaking, since this may also lead to discomfort.

Friendship/Acquaintance:
You need not hesitate to ask somebody for instructions on how to use the vending machines. People enjoy doing things together and exchanging ideas. However, a close relationship need not be really presumed. Strangers on the street may say ‘Hi’ as they pass you, and the clerk at the check-out counter of the grocery store will ask you. “How’re you doing?” This does not mean that you tell them that you have a cold and two exams coming up. A casual reply of, “Good, how about you?” is usually sufficient.

Social Invitations:
An invitation could be extended by a telephone call or a written note that specifies a time, date and place. It is polite to accept or refuse. If invited to a meal, you may offer to bring along some food or drink. It is considerate to send a thank you note as well, or to telephone your thanks the next day. If a friend has invited you to drop by anytime, it is best to call before visiting to make sure it is convenient for them. For a casual dinner invitation, do not arrive more than 5 minutes early, because your host may still be preparing for your visit. Arriving more than 10 minutes late is considered rude if very few people were invited. In case you will be late, it is best to call and inform the hosts.

Telephone Etiquette:
It is advisable to seek your host’s permission before using their telephone to make a call. You can reverse the call charges or use your Calling Card to pay for the call.

Noises:
It is not polite to burp in public or to slurp your soup. It is not appropriate to play loud music or otherwise disturb the peace late at night

Calendar Dates:
In the United States, dates are written as month/day/year. This is the opposite of the Indian method, in which dates are written day/month/year. So while 4/3/67 would be March 4, 1967 in India, it is April 3, 1967 in the United States. It is best to write out dates using the month name in order to avoid confusion.

Relationships:
Men and women generally treat each other as equals, and in an informal but respectful way. There are no traditional role demarcations as is in the case of Indians. It is acceptable for a woman to ask a man to go some place with her. The expenses may be divided, or one person may pay for both. To invite or accept a date expresses an interest to be with and to get to know that person. Women students must remember that they are not required to go out with anyone unless they really want to.

Some Common Social Behaviors of Americans:
Americans have no negative associations with feet and do not feel it necessary to prevent others from being touched by their feet. Americans show respect and deference for another person by looking him or her in the face, and not by looking down. Informal, relaxed postures are common. Lack of formal posture is not a sign of inattention or disrespect. Americans are uncomfortable with silence. They expect to talk constantly when in the presence of others. Even the weather is better as a topic than silence. When Americans offer food and drink, they expect the other person to say ‘yes’ at once if the food is desired. They do not expect polite refusals at first. You may not be asked a second time.

As in any culture, it takes time to make good friends. Just be patient, try to meet as many people as possible, and with time you may form friendships while in the United States that could last a lifetime.

Australian Lifestyle!

Once students reach Australia, they will start noticing the differences in culture and lifestyle immediately. But the real differences between Australia and their home country will only become clear once they start to get to know the Australian people. For most newcomers, exploring the cultural differences is one of the most rewarding things about living and studying in Australia, or any new country for that matter. It is therefore important to remember the different aspects of Australian culture.

Food and living
Australians have three meals a day of which dinner is the biggest. Breakfast is usually self serve and consists of toast, cereal, fruit and fruit juices, milk and tea or coffee. Standard of hygiene are high in the preparation of food to the public and tap water is safe to drink in any Australian town. Fresh food is plentiful at shops and markets. Seafood's and all meats, fresh fruit, salad and vegetables are of high quality and quite safe to eat. The dress is very casual around the home, shopping and sightseeing. Work and evenings out usually require a higher standard of dress. Australian people wear their shoes inside, so you don't need to take your shoes off before entering the house or before going to the toilet.

Australians tend to say what they think
Australians tend to give their opinions freely and openly. This applies in basic situations, such as saying yes or no when offered a drink, as well as when discussing complex political scenarios in a university tutorial or over dinner with friends. Generally, Australians are not overly concerned whether people they are speaking to agree with their opinions or not.

Most Australians like their personal space
Australians tend to stand quite far from each other when they're talking. As a general rule, two people talking to each other stand at least one metre apart. When somebody stands closer than this, the average Australian begins to feel quite uncomfortable.

Australians generally pay their own money
When most Australians go out to a social function in a group, it is generally expected that people will pay for themselves. This applies as much to going out to lunch/dinner with friends, as to seeing a movie. A good common example is going out to dinner. At the end of the meal when the bill is brought to the table, the total amount will either be divided equally among the number of people who ate the meal, or each person will examine the bill and contribute the amount they owe.

Most Australians place a high priority on time
Australia is a very time-oriented place. This is reflected in their public transport system, which is strongly measured by how closely it runs to its published timetable; also in their education system where class, lecture and tutorial schedules are very strictly adhered to. If you are unable to make an appointment after you have made one, you should give as much warning as possible, even 24 hours notice if you can. The same applies to meetings with friends, although the rules are generally a bit more flexible.

Australians tend to be spontaneous talkers in conversation
Australians tend to be rather spontaneous in conversations and may talk lot of additional information that may not be totally essential to the main point of the conversation. One reason for this is that Australians tend to feel uncomfortable with periods of silence and often prefer to fill the gaps with jokes, or by quickly introducing a new topic of conversation. The key is to understand the general meaning behind what is being said.

Gifts
In Australia it is common for the person who is celebrating the birthday to receive gifts from friends. Such gifts are generally not expensive. Inviting friends to a dinner party at home is a common social activity in Australia. If you receive this sort of invitation, it is not normally necessary to bring a gift to the person's house. However, if you drink alcohol, it is very common to bring a bottle of wine to contribute to the meal. Occasionally people also bring flowers, although this is certainly not expected.

Australians respect other people's privacy
The average Australian is very aware of not intruding too much into other people's personal affairs. There are a range of issues that are best avoided when talking socially to many Australians on your first meeting. They include discussing a person's marital status, religion, income and age. Australians also tend to respect other people's physical privacy. For example, many Australians will expect other people to knock on their bedroom/office door, or announce their presence, by saying "excuse me", before entering.

Australians place great importance on individual responsibility
Whether it's at work or in a study environment, Australians believe people should take individual responsibility for their own actions. In a study environment, students are expected to produce essays and reports independently. There are great penalties for copying another person's work without properly acknowledging it.

Almost all Australians have a sporting interest of some kind.
Australians enjoy variety of sports like baseball, swimming, cricket, athletics, netball, softball, soccer, hockey, basketball and tennis. Watching sport is also common for most families. Many thousands of people attend professional football games every week and many more watch all forms of sports on the T.V.

Entrance Exams.

Each year, several thousand Indian students leave the country’s shores to study in foreign universities in US,UK, Australia, Canada, Germany to name a few. Western higher education system is renowned for its flexibility, diversity and commitment to excellence. The six major features of the international education system that make it attractive to Indian students are: Size, Diversity, Multi-culturalism, Flexibility, Accessibility and Post- graduation job prospects.

So in this article we will discuss the various international exams we need to take while going abroad namely SAT, GRE, GMAT. We will discuss each of these exams in detail.

About SAT
The SAT is an aptitude test. Like all aptitude tests, it must choose a medium in which to measure intellectual ability. The SAT has chosen Math and English. Most of the aspirants for undergraduate studies to US need to take it. NEW SAT takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. It contains Critical Reading, Math and Writing Section. The NEW SAT is about 2400 marks, English section is for 1600 marks while Math section is 800 marks. The writing section is measured on a scale of (0 to 6 points). SAT is offered 6 times a year in India you can register for the exam online on http://www.collegeboard.com/. The present fees for SAT is around $ 85 USD, You will select a test day, pay with an international credit card and complete the transaction entirely online. SAT scores are valid for a period of 5 years.

About SAT SUBJECT TEST
SAT subject test where formerly known as SAT II, subject tests are given to access your skills in specific areas subjects include Math, History, Physical Science, Literature and SAT Subject Tests are given to assess your skills in specific areas. Subjects include math, history, physical sciences, literature, and foreign languages. SAT Subject Tests are an hour long and consist entirely of multiple-choice questions.
The score is from 800 marks. It is taken as per direction of universities for the choice of programs mentioned.

About GRE
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is taken by students interested in pursuing their Masters program in US but renowned universities across the globe accept GRE scores. GRE is essentially a computer adaptive test which is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It consists of Verbal, Quantitative and Analytical Writing. The scoring pattern of GRE is on Verbal (800), Math (800) and Analytical Writing section is graded on a scale of (0 to 6 points). GRE is offered all year around you can register for GRE on http://www.gre.org/. You need to pay $160 USD for registration. GRE scores are valid for a period of 5 years.

About GRE SUBJECT TEST
The GRE Subject Tests are intended to measure your knowledge of specific subject matter. Subject Tests are available in eight disciplines: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology. These tests are given in paper-and-pencil format. These tests are given separately from the GRE General Test and require additional fees. Check with the universities to which you are applying to determine whether any of these extra tests are required.

About GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is taken by students interested in pursuing MBA program in the US. It is also accepted by major business schools world wide. It consists of 3 sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and Writing). It is a 4 hour computer-adaptive test (CAT). Scoring pattern is on a scale of 800. GMAT is offered all year around you can register for GMAT on http://www.mba.org/ . You need to pay $250 USD for registration. GMAT scores are valid for a period of 5 years.

Importance of SAT, GRE, GMAT
As the admission process gets tougher every year. It is mandatory for the students to prepare sincerely for the above exams. The preparation time for these exams extends from three months to six months. On a broad spectrum the ETS board the governing body for the exam evaluates students on their knowledge in Math and English from grade eight to degree level, but individual stress is given on basic writing skills as far as Analytical writing is concerned.

DO's AND DONT's OF EXAM PREPERATION
The Do’s
1. Be realistic in your expectations.
2. Do take the writing Analytical section seriously.
3. Take practice test with the sole aim of improving your endurance and timing.
4. Take mock test as far as possible it acts as a dress rehearsal.
5. Practice alone makes you perfect.
The Don’ts
1. Don’t be too confident about your test taking abilities.
2. Don’t focus only on particular testing areas at the cost of other sections.
3. Don’t be obsessed about scores during practice.
4. Don’t burn the mid night oil without a proper back up plan.

Applying to U.K.

Every year, many students travel from around the world to study in the UK. Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. There are many educational institutions that welcome international students in the UK. Student can choose from a variety of routes through the education and training system, combining different types of course according to your needs and abilities. Many courses can also be taken through distance learning in student’s home country. The variety of specializations means student is able to find a course that suits the interests, ambitions and passions. For example, in the UK, one can specialise in anything from computer games programming, ocean engineering, satellite positioning technology or sound engineering to multi- media design, anthropology, cross-cultural psychology, hotel management or dance.

UK degrees can take only three years and postgraduate master's courses only one year ' compared with four years and two years in most other countries. This means student saves a great deal on both tuition fees and living costs. The courses are shorter because they are more intensive, and therefore more efficient in terms of time and money. Under existing work regulations, international students in the UK can work up to 20 hours a week when studying and full time during vacations.

Application to Universities abroad is not an easy process. It involves time, careful planning and a significant degree of financial commitment on the part of students who wish to study abroad. As a set rule, if a student wishes to enter a university in the Fall semester (August/September) then s/he should commence the applications process in June/July of the previous year. This timeline however is greatly dependent on the deadline within which the student has to apply. Students also need to start preparing for the required standardised tests at least a year in advance. This enables them to obtain the necessary scores well within the time of the application.

Following is the general application process to Universities abroad: The admissions process entails:
STEP 1:
Prospective students need to first gather the information about the universities they’re interested in. They should identify the Universities which offer the course of their choice.
STEP 2:
Students should then short-list the universities depending on several aspects like budget, preference of location, course offered, infrastructure and so on. This is important because they need to focus on a few select universities for taking their application process further. More importantly, they can have their standardized test scores sent to select universities at no extra costs. By identifying a few universities correctly, students can save a considerable amount of money in the form of application fees, standardized test score fees.
STEP 3:
Students from all over the world seek admission into universities abroad and so to facilitate the process of evaluating these students for admission, several standardized tests have been developed. All the international students are required to take these tests depending on the level of study, course and country.
SAT (students applying for a Bachelor’s degree in USA)
GMAT (for students applying for MBA)
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
TOEFL/IELTS as English proficiency tests

While SAT and GRE are required only while applying to USA, GMAT is generally preferred by all the leading schools of the world. It is however mandatory for pursuing MBA in USA. IELTS is required if applying to UK/Australia/New Zealand/Singapore and so on. TOEFL should be taken if applying to USA.
STEP 4:
Students must prepare all the necessary documents to be submitted to the University along with the application form. Students need to provide:
Transcripts from all universities/colleges attended
Letters of recommendation
Essays/Statement of Purpose
Resume
Financial capability certificates/Bank Statements
Final Application form, including application fees
Financial aid forms
Test results (if applying to more than four universities)

Students might be required to submit a separate form for Graduate Assistantships. Some Universities also require students to complete an imminisation form. All this information is available on the university website. Students are therefore required to thoroughly check the requirements of every University they are applying to as it may differ from one University to another.
Most post graduates get a teaching or a research assistantship which may include a tuition waiver in addition to a small stipend for services rendered (i.e. teaching/researching).

However, before applying to any university, it becomes important that the student takes a long hard look at his/her return on the investment made. Studying abroad is not cheap; therefore it is very essential to choose the ‘What’ and the ‘Where’ wisely.

The UK is a cosmopolitan place to live. Many thousands of families from around the world have made the UK their home, creating a richly diverse, open-minded, multicultural society. There are also more than a quarter of a million international students in the UK at any one time.

When students come to the UK, they get three countries and a province in one: England, Scotland, Wales and the province of Northern Ireland. Each has its own distinctive history, landscape and modern culture. And, because they're all within easy reach of one another, they're easy to explore. The national air, rail, coach and bus networks will get one almost anywhere in the UK ' so a car is not required, like in some countries. Discounts or special rates are generally available for students on most forms of transport.

UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world and is a solid foundation for building ones future, boosting career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment which helps to develop student’s potential to the maximum.

Why Go Abroad?!!

Why should a young student leave all the comforts and luxuries of life and head out for a challenging life and that too abroad? Alien country, unknown people, diverse culture and lifestyle, different food, investing large amount of money – all seems so threatening. How can one adjust there and then one is expected to study, score well and the make a career? Sounds impossible!
If you feel this is impossible, then you need to check with the Lakhs of students that went abroad last year to pursue their studies. Yes, Lakhs of them for a Bachelors & masters degree in various fields from various cities of India. The only focus that they had on their mind was their future.
Lets see a few reasons as to why they would have left all the comforts and took a calculated decision to study abroad.

Some of the top reasons are

1. An international, cross-cultural experience
2. Approach things with a lot more self confidence and sharpened
3. Better pay scales
4. Capacity for growth
5. Enhanced career prospects – skills and experience that employer’s value
6. Independence
7. Option to study at some of the world’s finest university
8. Opportunity to interact with the best of people from all over the world, in terms of Faculty and students
9. Outstanding programs offering a variety of vocations to choose from.
10. Well-prepared to enter an increasingly international job market
11. Self-reliance
12. Ability to explore alternative ways to address life problems
13. An overall developed personality
    
    Finally, the long-term impact of study abroad on a student's personal, professional, and academic life shows that study abroad positively and unequivocally influences the career path, world-view, and self-confidence of students.
    So even now if you are thinking of not going abroad…then think about the above points and make a sound decision.
    

General Admissions Procedure.

Most of the Universities abroad have more or less similar application process. However every College or University has its own unique policies. It is time consuming and it is important that the applicants must start preparing well in advance. It is very important to begin the admission process early as the application deadlines are far in advance of the start of the semester. Students should also schedule the required standardised tests needed for admission on time so that they have the results of these tests on time to be sent to schools.

The basic steps for applying abroad are:

Identifying country- This is a critical aspect as it plays a very important role in determining a budget and also the intake.

Identifying university and the course that the student wants to pursue – Every University abroad offers hundreds of course so it is essential the students recognize the University that offers the course as per their requirements.

Obtaining the required Application Forms – It can be obtained online or by requesting the University to send the printed form.

Taking various required tests- Student needs to meet the criteria of minimum score required by the University to which they wish to apply.

Reporting various test scores to the universities- Students are allowed to send some scores free while taking the tests. If they apply to any other University they have to make sure that the scores are sent on time.

Arranging and preparing essays and recommendation letters- These are one of the important aspects of application and play a crucial role in getting students an acceptance form.

Preparing financial documents – The student needs to provide the proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of the course as well as the living expenses.

Preparing other important documents - Along with recommendations and essays students also need to send their mark sheets and other relevant certificates

Completing and sending Application Forms along with required documents- The form needs to be sent to the right place as per the instructions provided by the University.

Important documents that a student needs to prepare:
· Score reports of SAT / IELTS / TOEFL / GRE / GMAT
· Completed Application Form
· Essay/s or Statement of Purpose
· Resume
· Recommendation letters
· Transcripts and mark sheets
· Relevant Certificates
· Financial Documents


When students apply abroad to any University they have to be sure that they send all the required documents well before the application deadline. Some Universities even have early deadlines. If a student misses out on these he/she may have to forego the intake. Once the application is sent then the University responds either with an acceptance offer or a reject. The student then needs to follow the instructions if he/she wishes to join the University. Universities usually inform students of their admission decisions well in advance of the beginning term.

Each college provides the information regarding confirming the acceptance of their offer of admission and also how to prepare for the first term. This information is generally included with the letter of admission or in materials that are sent to the student shortly after he/she accepts the offer. Student may be required to submit a financial deposit to the institution that you plan to attend. This is to guarantee the place in the class.

It is also likely that a student may receive a letter that informs him/her that they are on a ‘waiting list’. This generally means that the admission office determined that they were qualified for admission but there was not enough room to admit all qualified applicants. If a student is placed in the waiting list of a college they wish to attend, they will be asked if they are interested or not in trying to get a seat in it. If the student shows the willingness to be apart of the Institute he/she may be offered admission if space becomes available.

If a student receives admissions in more than one university, they have to decide which one they want to attend. At this stage, they should compare a few objective and mostly more subjective criteria. The points that student should consider are as follows:

• Best program curriculum, length of program, choice of courses
• Best funding offer or best program with respect to costs
• Cost of living
• Strength of related departments/program
• Overall reputation of university/department/program
• Location-region, safety of neighborhood
• Climate
• Social life
• Facilities available
• Accommodation & housing
  
  Application process is the stepping stone for any student who wishes to go abroad and study. Since the university does not meet the student personally their entire evaluation and perception of a student depended on the application. So it becomes very crucial for a student to present himself or herself in best possible manner that will make his or her application stand out distinctly from the several other applications that a University generally receives.

Introducing GEC.

The education scenario is undergoing a sea change and the international scenario is escalating and making more and more opportunities available to students who are interested in pursuing their ambitions of a global degree. In spite of these changes, one thing has not changed: the commitment and the enthusiasm of educationists like us to make these dreams as realistic as possible.

Global education should not only be viewed as a challenge, but also as an opportunity. To make this opportunity available and accessible to a large number of career aspirants, the Global Education Counsel is being formed. The aim is to counsel and coach students on the various options available in the global scenario. The belief is bringing about the right fit between the student and the university. Our activities are designed to ensure that the right scores are obtained and emphasize on matching the profile of the student with that of the university.

In today's dynamic world, change is the mantra and managing the change has become vital. In order to sustain in this competitive world it has become important to choose the right career. Growth Centre [I] Pvt. Ltd., a Counselling & Vocational Guidance organization strives at broadening the career horizon in a way as to enable a student to make a perfect career decision that will spell success. This is carefully done by qualified Psychologists by using Psychometric Assessment and Personal Counselling. We help in mapping the future and managing it successfully with the help of a Career Action PlanT, tailor-made to suit the growing needs and aptitudes.

We have encompassed a gamut of activities as a part of our services. The Psychometric Assessments, Test Preparatory Courses, the Admissions Counselling, and inclusion of Workshops for the overall development of the student ensures that a holistic approach is used to make informed decision about careers