Ending up for the enrollment of the University of Choice seems difficult amid this pandemic. However, the challenging times require better strategies and guidance so that you can end up making the right decision. This needs to be followed by the compilations of the required information on the same.
In this situation of the recent pandemic, there is bound to have a blanket of uncertainty among the academic aspirants. This can be everything from which course to go for, what are the eligibility criteria, guidelines for international students and much more.
It is critical to accumulate all the necessary information available while making key decisions and this means setting out the right questions. In this article, we have tried to compile the key concerns of the students and have some tips on what questions you need to ask to a university so that you know which university is best for your academic pursual.
Is the university accepting applications for the 2020 intake?
This seems to be the first and foremost question you need to ask a university before getting enrolled for the same. Universities, because of the recent pandemic are currently following the guidelines set by the government as well as the health authorities.
This means there have been changes in visa rules, emergency laws that have been implemented concerning the movement of the people while opening the institutions. While the majority of the institutions are committed to accepting students in 2020, this may change owing to different circumstances.
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In addition to that few courses might be more affected than the others. In the end, it is on the part of the university to clear the suspense out about the temporary suspension.
Have university entry requirements changed because of coronavirus?
In the context of the recent pandemic, a majority of the universities have reevaluated or re-adjusted the entry requirements for various programs. This is specifically with the case for the entrance examinations and evidence of prior results, English language test results etc.
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All of the aforementioned have traditionally taken place in the context of in-person evaluation or testing and were a prerequisite for acceptance.
Will university campuses be open for the start of the 2020 academic year?
Universities are required to come up with the necessary precautions for ensuring proper health for maintaining the safety of both the students and the teachers. Therefore, some countries will reopen their institutions by maintaining health protocols along with social distancing.
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Will the institution be offering courses online?
This seems to be a crucial question to ask. Even if the online offering seems to be temporary, you need to know whether the course you wish to opt for will offer online courses that are not going to offer online as some aspects of the curriculum cannot be replicated in the online environment. Try to keep a tab on the official websites of various universities for further updates.
What will the situation be with on campus-living?
Knowing whether you’ll be able to live at a university isn’t clear at the moment. There are many factors to consider including respective country lockdowns, government laws, travel delays, and health advice. Universities have indicated that they hope to open their campuses to students for the 2020 academic year, but this cannot be guaranteed and will depend on whether it is safe to do so.
Will the university still offer financial aid and scholarships?
Many institutions are still offering scholarships and financial aid. In some cases, the terms and conditions and application requirements may have altered slightly to accommodate certain changes, such as online learning or qualification criteria.
Unfortunately, you may find that some funding schemes or scholarships have been deferred or suspended until they can be awarded or the financial situation stabilizes.
What about tests and assessment dates?
There has been quite a shift in the timing of assessments and examinations at universities, including entrance exams and tests. Universities have made significant adjustments to their schedules, including cancellations and a shift to an online setting.
Some institutions have canceled the end of semester/term examinations and used work and assessments already completed to inform student evaluation.
Is it possible to speak to the university online?
The short answer is that it definitely should be. It is a question that you need to ask as it’s more critical than ever for institutions to facilitate online interaction with students.
This can range from consultations and Q&A sessions to webinars and online applications. You may be able to speak to a university representative face-to-face over a video call or through a chat channel. The easiest pathway for a successful visa processing is to contact the best immigration consultant.
Does the university host virtual open days and tours?
Being able to feel part of a potential university community, participate in discussions and take a virtual tour to explore what’s on offer makes a real difference.
Having the chance to be able to speak to subject experts, admissions officers, alumni, and current students can be critical in informing your choice of institution and so double-checking that your prospective university offers the service is important.
What about assistance and sponsorship for visa applications?
With much of the world operating on travel advisories and restrictions, it can be difficult to apply for and receive a visa. For example, the Home Office in the UK has cut back significantly on the processing of visas with the closure of visa application centers across the world.
This is a similar situation to the United States. Some universities are still actively assisting with visa applications and providing the necessary supporting documentation, where and if it is possible.