Visa Issues & Documentation

This is the last and the most delicate of the steps while planning to study in the United States. Most students are scared and tensed by the time they reach this stage. But they need to understand that by being tense, they are increasing the chances of failure rather than reducing it. Instead, if they collect all the relevant information, make thorough preparation, and feel confident, there is nothing that can stop them from achieving their objective.

Contents

• What Visa Officers look for while issuing visa
• VISA Interview
• Risk of VISA rejection
• VISA Consultancy at FACT

1. What Visa Officers look for while issuing visa

Evidence of Residence Abroad:

The consular officer may not issue a student visa unless satisfied that the applicant:
(1) has a residence abroad (India),
(2) has no intention of abandoning that residence, and
(3) intends to depart from the United States upon completion of the course of study.
Applicants generally establish their ties abroad by presenting evidence of economic, social, and/or family ties in their homeland sufficient to induce them to leave the United States upon the completion of studies.

2.VISA Interview

Try and gather information on the current trend, what the visa officer is expecting, why visa is being rejected, etc. Look for decisions and experiences particularly in the consulate where you will be appearing for the interview. Knowing what to expect helps! 

When you go for the visa dress well. Speak slowly and clearly. Don't appear tense and don't look desperate. Showing self-confidence helps. They should never feel that you will have any sort of difficulty language, finance, racial, religious, etc. FACT (Dadar,Borivali,Nashik,Pune,Vashi,Thane,) helps you to develop the appropriate skills required for the visa interview.

3. Risk of VISA rejection

Yes. It is true that if your visa is rejected, all your efforts and money put into the process of studying in the United States go waste. But you can always apply for a second time and get your visa approved. As per the new rule, you can apply as many numbers of times as you want. (the application fee is to be paid every time). But the best way is to go well prepared right in the first time.

VISA Consultancy at FACT

FACT provides comprehensive visa documentation and interview training to its students. We are an international education consulting company. We have 10 years of experience handling all types student visas. We are specialists who handle only student visas and related matters. Our expertise lies in the fact that over the years we have handled all types of students with a very high success rate. Although ethically and by law, we cannot guarantee the outcome of any case, our rate of success is extremely high. The visa approval rate for past few semesters has been 100% and our approval rates have never gone below 97% in any year.

SIX RULES FOR FASTER COMPREHENSION

1.READ MORE:

You must make time for reading,atleast two full hours thrice a week.This makes reading a natural habit & more rewarding.

2.LEARN TO READ FOR MAIN IDEA:

Stop wasting time& effort for details ,push through effeciently for a quick recognition of the main idea.Be more interested in the writer`s basic thinking than in his minor points.

3.CHALLENGE YOUR COMPREHENSION:

Try to read difficult & challenging material. you will never become a better reader by limiting yourself to easy reading.

4.BUDGET YOUR TIME:

Keep youself deadlines in reading .Say to yourself: "i have this book & i want to finish it by tomorrow night"
This way you will mobilize yourself for reading as an intellectual pursuit

5.PACE YOURSELF:

Set yourself a time limit,say 15mts & count the no of pages you have finished in that time, multiply by 4& you have your potential speed for that book per hour.
Keep to the rate you have set yourself.This way you will learn to devise personal tricks to speed up.

6.DEVELOP HABITS OF IMMEDIATE CONCENTRATION:

Nothing makes concentration so easy ,so immediate as the technique of sweeping through the material purposefully looking for main ideas & broad concepts.
This stimulates your mind, you get involved in the writer`s thoughts & as an added dividend you soon find increased concentration.

All about Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The GRE or Graduate Record Exam is required for admission to most U.S., Canadian, and UK graduate schools. Students are required to take GRE for pursuing Master degree in these universities. The GRE general test does not test specific knowledge in any subject. It measures the ability to respond to questions in limited time. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a multiple-choice exam designed to measure verbal, analytical, and quantitative skills. The GRE General Test, required by most graduate schools, many vet schools, and various other allied health professional schools. The GRE Test Score is Valid for 5 years. It is considered to be a good predictor of your success in a graduate program.

Your preparation for the GRE General Test must not be a last minute cramming; etc. it must be a well planned & structured test.

Understanding the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) :

The GRE has following Sections :

1. Two Verbal Sections (38 questions and 30 min each)
2. Two Quantitative Sections (30 questions and 30 min each)
3.Two Analytical Sections (25 questions and 30 min each)
4. One Experimental Section (30 min)

The Experimental section is not scored, nor is it identified in the exam. It may be of a verbal, quantitative, or analytical nature.

There are some important facts to remember when taking the GRE General Test.
First, each question is worth the same number of points, no matter how hard or easy it is. Second, in each section except the reading comprehension questions (in the Verbal Section), the questions tend to go from easy to difficult. Therefore, it is rash to spend too much time on early questions when you know that later ones will probably take even longer. You have somewhere around one minute or less to answer each question (on the average), so budget your time effectively. Finally, when in doubt, guess. Do not leave a question unanswered. There are no penalties on the General Test for wrong answers.

1. Verbal Section (38 questions in 30 min each)

The GRE is perhaps the most important standardized tests you'll ever take. As difficult as it might be, there are some tried and true ways to perform very well and prepare yourself for the verbal portion of the exam. In doing so, you'll greatly increase your odds of getting accepted into your dream program.

Tip 1

“Go back to your basics”. Get your basic Roots, Stems, Prefixes, and Suffixes of English in place. Familiarize yourself with the prefixes of the language as these will be obvious clues as to the meanings of words and allow you to instantly eliminate some of the choices given to you. For example, "ex-" in Latin means "out of" and is commonly used in English words such as exodus, exit, extinct and so on. Knowing the prefix can tip you off to the words approximate meaning.

Tip 2

Memorize suffixes and roots of the language as it will help in analogies. This will save you so much time and energy and will pay huge dividends when you take the test. Knowing the meaning of a given suffix is like a shortcut to knowing the meaning of any given word. So, for example, "able" roughly means "can do." And from this suffix we get "capable." "-less" means "without" and therefore someone who is "penniless" is without money.

Tip 3

Practice taking the test. You'd be surprised at how much you can improve your score simply by becoming familiar with the restraints and procedures of the test itself. Get yourself used to the test environment. Shut yourself up in a room. Don't take any breaks because you won't be allowed to during the actual test. Repeat the exam as many times as you possibly can. Take the same copy of the test more than once if necessary.

2.Quantitative Section

The quantitative section is one of three sections on the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). This section of the GRE tests the basic mathematical concepts that you were most likely exposed to in high school. For your best score possible on the GRE quantitative section it is important to review and prepare.

Tip 1

Become familiar with the types of questions in this portion of the test. The GRE quantitative section consists of 28 questions divided between quantitative comparisons, discrete quantitative (multiple-choice) questions and data interpretation questions. Study these different question types.

Tip 2

Study a list of facts and formulas regularly used in the GRE quantitative section. These lists can be found in study guides and online. Memorizing these facts and formulas will help you save time during the test.

Tip 3

Use the diagrams provided or draw your own to help clarify a question. Diagrams provided in the GRE quantitative section are drawn to scale and can be trusted.

Tip 4

Look for mathematical shortcuts. Math problems can be solved many different ways. Try to choose the fastest and easiest method to solve problems found in the GRE quantitative section.

Tip 5

Keep track of units given in GRE quantitative questions. Some questions may ask for an answer to be given in different units than were used in the problem.

Tip 6

Take practice tests and answer sample questions to become familiar with different question types found in the GRE quantitative section.

3. The Analytical Writing Section - 75 Minutes

•Issue Writing 45 Minutes

•Argument Writing 30 Minutes

The analytical writing section assesses your ability to articulate your ideas in an essay written in Standard English. It is designed to assess the candidate's ability to express his/her ideas clearly in a written essay. Candidates are judged on whether they can support their ideas with valid examples, how clearly and succinctly they can express their thoughts, and how well they are able to use elements of the English language.

How do I register for GRE?

There are 3 ways to register for graduate record examination GRE.

•Online GRE registration visit www.ets.org

•Phone/FAX GRE Registration

•Mail GRE registration.

The new Scholastic Aptitude Test

The new SAT is used along with your high school and other information to assess your competence for college work.The test lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes and consists mostly of multiple choice type questions,with some grid-in questions and an essay.The critical reading sections test your ability to read critically ,to comprehend what you read.The math sections list your ability to solve problems using mathematical reasoning. The writing sections test your ability to write a clear precise essay and to find grammar and usage errors and improve them,

STEPS FOR A MIND BLOWING PERFORMANCE

1. Set a goal

2. Be focussed

3. Know the directions

4. Dont get stuck on any one question

5. Be careful.Watch out for careless mistakes

6. Guess only if you can eliminate one or more answers

7. Practice using the plus-minus system,the elimination strategy,avoiding misreads method,etc...

Medical Career in USA…the Steps to Success..

1. The Exams

The USMLEs (United States Medical Licensing Examinations) are a set of medical exams designed to evaluate your readiness to safely enter the American medical system. The organisation that watches over the application of foreign nationals to the American Medical system is the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and they administer the USMLEs outside of the USA. USMLE are multiple choice exams that are now only held on computer. There are three steps to completing the USMLE exams. Your nearest testing center can be found on www.prometric.com

The first part, USMLE step 1, is a multiple choice exam consisting of about 300 questions taken over eight hours in one day at the test center. The step 1 covers all of the basic sciences - Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, statistics, Behavioural science, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology and ethics. 66% of international medical graduates pass this exam with each sitting, while 91% of US medical students do.

The second part was recently divided into two parts, USMLE step 2ck (clinical knowledge) and USMLE step 2cs (clinical skills). USMLE step 2ck consists of a similar one day computer based examination, and covers all of the clinical sciences including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, forensics, emergency care, ENT, ophthalmology, tropical health, ethics. 75% of international medical graduates/students pass this on first sitting, while 95% of US medical students do.

The USMLE Step 2cs examination is a newer requirement for ECFMG certification. The USMLE step 2cs is an expensive ($1200) examination is held in only a few American cities throughout the year. It brings examinees face-to-face with ten simulated ('standardized') patients - ie actors pretending to have specific complaints. You are tested on your ability to rapidly assess a patient, communicate your thoughts to them, and to write a note about your assessment and plans.

2. The ECFMG Certificate

The ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certificate is a document proving that you have fulfilled the education requirements needed to practice medicine in the USA. The Necessary components are to have
1. - your medical degree and transcript verified by ECFMG (can take a long time)
2. - passed USMLE 1 and 2ck
3. - passed the clinical skills assessment (or step 2cs)
4. - passed a TOEFL english examination (or step 2cs)
5. - paid ECFMG in full
All of these components must be valid at the time when you apply for final certification. This certificate testifies to the fact that you have fulfilled the requirements for entry into clinical training in the USA.

3. ERAS

The electronic residency application system (ERAS) is a method of centralised, computerised application for residency. After you have paid the required application fee and requested a 'Token' via the On-line Applicant Status and Information System (OASIS), ECFMG will send a unique identification number ('a Token') by e-mail. This Token will permit the applicant to access the AAMC's ERAS website to complete his/her ERAS application on-line. Simultaneously, you'll have to mail photocopies of your supporting documents to ECFMG. On this online site you have to
a. enter your personal details in a standarised curriculum vitae
b. enter a personal statement (click here for advice about creating your personal statement) and...
c. designate the residency programs you wish to have your application sent to.

The supporting documents that you have send in the mail include
1. your photograph
2. your examination transcript and
3. your letters of reference
4. your dean's letter /medical student performance evaluation

Foreign medical graduates send these paper items to the ECFMG who act as your "dean's office". They scan your paper documents and photo, match it to your online application items and e-mail the lot to the residency programs you selected. You should complete all of the ERAS application procedures as soon as possible, but by December 1st in your year of application at the latest.

4. Interviews

The most difficult part in your application will be securing an interview.
There are no guaranteed methods to getting an interview at any of the top hospitals. However you can increase your chances by

- doing an elective
- getting good USMLE scores
- doing well in your own medical school
- having a research publication
- having very strong letters of reference from your dean and referees

5. The Match
What happens in the Match is .....
(1) You apply to the programmes in the hospitals that interest you
(2) those programmes that are interested in you will invite you for an interview
(3) after the interview, the hospital ranks you among all those they've interviewed
(4) After all your interviews, you rank the programmes that you want and
(5) on a certain date in March, all of these preferences are chewed on by a computer and the hospitals are matched with the applicants.

You will optimise your chances of matching by...
(1) Being organised and ready
(2) having good grades, USMLE scores and references
(3) performing well at interview
(4) having done an elective at the hospital you're applying to
(5) knowing about your visa plans

You can obtain a position before the match too. This happens when programs are sufficiently impressed with you (or sufficiently desperate for applicants) that in the days or weeks after the interview, they offer you a position directly, providing you agree to withdraw from the match right there and then, and sign the paperwork. This works well for less competitive candidates who are very unsure about their potential to match through the ranking process, and are happy with the offer.

Tips for The TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language commonly known as TOEFL ,a two and half hour test is used to assess your ability to use and understand type of english used in an academic environment. The TOEFL exam presents questions & tasks that integrate 4 essential skills-reading,listening,speaking and writing.

Fortunately TOEFL is not as daunting as it may seem.

This internet based test can be successfully attempted with the following points :

1. Careful and strategic learning

2. Religious practice on different cds (available at FACT)

3. Working with focus on the weaker areas (like speaking & writing)

4. Exercising patience & perseverance specially during reading & listening where experimental questions are likely to come.

GRE ! A love affair with words....

Falling in love with words is all GRE is ! Eat,drink,sleep and walk words! Words,words and words because analogies are full of logic only.Words can make that magic.Antonyms are synonymous to antegonists sans word power.Sentence completions give you a excuse of completion but with words! R.C's are a nightmare if not buttressed with words..So dear friends make your vocab sound ! Let every wall of your house be a witness,every nook and corner be not spared ,let the words adorn yout wardrobe,your bathroom too !!

Become a maniac with words and come out with flying colours in GRE .

Why study in the U.S.?

Advantages of usa education...

Quality:

U.S. colleges are known worldwide for the quality of their facilities, resources, and faculty. Accreditation systems ensure that institutions continue to maintain these standards.

Choice:

The U.S. education system features many types of institutions, academic and social environments, entry requirements, degree programs, and subjects in which you can specialize.

Value:

A U.S. degree offers excellent value for the money. A wide range of tuition fees and living costs, plus some financial help from colleges, make study in the United States affordable for hundreds of thousands of international students each year.

Flexibility:

U.S. universities and colleges offer flexibility in choice of courses, but more importantly there is also the option for students to move from institution to another. Completing the first two years of a degree at one institution, usually a community college, and then moving to another, is very common.

Preparing for foreign education tests !!!

Friends, if you are planning to take GRE,GMAT or SAT , the first and the most important thing you should do is to brush up your grammar. 

Grammar is the back-bone of any language. So if you want to score high in ' Verbal Section' also, invest some time in getting your grammar right. I know you will say that you have studied enough of it in your school days. But what you have studied in your school days, you might have forgotten. And if you have not forgotten it, you might have started to use it wrongly. In our day-to-day life, we come across so many wrong uses of grammar that we start believing that the same is correct.
 
It is not that only illiterate or semi-literate people make very common grammatical mistakes. It is also not true to say that faulty English is printed by ' cheap press' only. If you think so, take any leading English newspaper and read its second or third page, then you will realise what I want to say. Sentences like " He is living in Mumbai since five years.............", " The incident occured when she was returning back home..........", etc. are very common. And we think that it is such a ' prestigious' newspaper, how can it make such a blunder? The fact is that ' prestigious ' newspapers and magazines also are full of such glaring mistakes. 

Therefore, as a student, it is your duty to go through some good grammar book such as Wren and Martin's before you think of any examination which requires proficiency in English language. Otherwise, you will make ' BIG ' blunders.

Tips for Quant preparation for GRE

Tips for Quant preparation for GRE :

1. Brush up your school level math like algebra, fractions, percentages, geometry and data analysis. Of course the questions would not be that easy, but you need to get your basics right.

 

2. If you’ve just begun your preparation, your first step should be to solve all the math exercises in the Barron’s. In this book, each math concept is given separately followed by a set of exercises based on that concept. This arrangement is very useful because it helps to test how well you can apply the concept you’ve just learnt and pinpoint your weak areas. If you’re a non-math test-taker, the Barron’s guide is the most important part of your preparation because it covers all the basic definitions related to number theory (prime numbers, whole numbers, etc.) But remember that all the necessary concepts are not covered here

3. Look for mathematical shortcuts. Math problems can be solved many different ways. Try to choose the fastest and easiest method to solve problems found in the GRE quantitative section. Sometimes rather than doing the sum, you should be able to just look at the answer choices and have an idea of what the answer possibly could be, and then confirm it. Use the process of elimination. Often, you don't need to do any work when you can easily eliminate the wrong answers.

 

4.Keep track of units given in GRE quantitative questions. Some questions may ask for an answer to be given in different units than were used in the problem. 

5.And last but not the least thing you need is a lot of practice, nothing more, nothing less.