Selecting a college is the most important task after you have decided to go abroad for study. It is extremely important for you that the college you select is in sync with your requirements and suits your taste.

First of all, make a list of about 10 colleges which includes:

• Colleges in which you strongly wish to study
• Colleges where you have 50% chances of admission
• Colleges where you have 100% chance of getting admission.

Now do a basic SWOT for each college against your goals & requirements. Look into details like - history of institute, teaching methods, infrastructure, curriculum, special subjects, placements, sponsorship, etc.

To do your research on various institutes, you can use following resources:

Internet

Well, after doing so many projects in BMS, we are sure you know the power of internet.

Internet is one of the best ways of doing preliminary research for a particular college.

Few quick searches in search engines and you have almost all the information required to comment on the college.

All foreign universities have a well functioning website unlike some of our Indian institutes which have defunct websites. Dig into their websites and collect valuable information like - courses, programmes, selection & eligibility criteria, faculties, alumni, etc. You can also download admission forms from the website as well as provision for online admission and status check.

Print-Published Literature

Most institutes have their course literature/brochure available which gives exhaustive details about the course & institute. These brochures can be obtained by request from the institute.

Alternately, you can also get a brochure from study abroad counsellors across the city.

Rankings & Accreditation

Rankings - This is something you got to be cautious of. Rankings need not be incorrect, but the manner in which they are calculated sometimes tend to be manipulative. Hence, avoid totally relying on such ranking but do not ignore them.

Accreditation -  Most university/courses are licensed (accreditated) by institutes like Government bodies, bigger universities or independent organization.

It is highly recommended that you choose an accredited institute for your foreign studies as they have high standards in delivery of education, practices, faculties, infrastructure, etc. Often such accredited institutes have much better placement networks and name in the industry.

Counsellors

Selecting an appropriate college for yourself isn't an easy task. The physical distance from the institute makes it difficult for you to personally find out the details that you want to know.

Study Abroad Counsellors have lot of experience and they know various colleges in exhaustive details.

They are the right people to guide you through admission procedure, requirements, fee structure, expenses etc. It is significantly worthwhile approaching a reputed study abroad counsellor who can dispel your various doubts. It will surely save you from lot of hassle and confusion.

Institute Students & Alumni

Perhaps the most important source of (accurate) information is from the one who have already done it. Yeah, we talking about the students of that college & alumni.

With an unprecedented growth of networking sites, it is easier than ever before to find someone from a particular institute.

You can easily find out an alumni of that institute and get direct information about the college. They are the best people to tell you what's true and what's myth. Beware of personal prejudices. Keep open and receptive mind.

Group Work

We do not need to tell this to you. But make sure you do not unnecessarily keep your study abroad plans secret. Share it with your college friends and share the information that you have gathered. You will save yourself from re-inventing the wheel and come at a more reliable & realistic picture of studying abroad.