Benefits of applying early to Study Abroad Universities
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Benefits of applying early to Study Abroad Universities

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Aishwarya
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Oct 26, 2024 14:58 IST

One of the most important aspects of applying to study abroad that can be a game changer is the ‘timing’ of applying to universities. Better planning and timely action can certainly lead to the desired outcome for your study abroad applications. In this article, we will discuss, whether you should go for an early application or not. Does applying early impact the selection or rejection of the candidate? Aspirants should know when and how to plan their study abroad application process.

Benefits of applying early to Study Abroad Universities

Applying to universities abroad can be challenging because applicants may get stuck on choosing the best countries to study abroad, requirements or fulfilment of eligibility, also getting the desired test scores and others. Irrespective of these challenges, it is essential that applicants still think about the benefits of applying early to universities abroad. The timeframe can be short, but with the right strategy and planning, applying early to universities can be beneficial. Let us understand why applicants should consider applying early to universities abroad through this article.  

Top 10 Benefits of Applying Early to Study Abroad

We have curated a list of 10 benefits for applying early to study abroad, and how it can help applicants in a big way. Check out the section below:

1. Better Admission Chances:

Many universities have limited slots, and applying early can improve your odds. Early applicants may be viewed favourably, especially if they meet the criteria or have strong profiles. As spots fill, competition intensifies, making it crucial to apply before the rush. This proactive approach signals your enthusiasm and commitment, potentially giving you an edge over later applicants.

2. More Time for Preparation:

Early applications allow you to gather documents, take required exams, and research your destination thoroughly. You can also arrange accommodations and plan your finances well in advance. This extra time reduces the stress associated with last-minute preparations, allowing you to focus on each step of the process without feeling rushed.

3. Access to Scholarships:

Many universities reserve specific scholarships for early applicants, which can significantly reduce your financial burden. Applying early often opens up more funding opportunities, as some scholarships are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This can provide essential financial support, making your study abroad experience more accessible and affordable.

4. Less Competition:

As deadlines approach, the number of applicants typically increases, leading to a more competitive environment. By submitting your application early, you may face less competition, giving your application a better chance of standing out. Early applicants often benefit from being reviewed while admissions teams are less overwhelmed, allowing them to focus more on each submission.

5. Priority Processing:

Universities often prioritize applications received earlier, which means you could receive admissions decisions sooner. This expedited process can help you secure your spot and give you more time to make logistical arrangements, such as travel and housing. Knowing your status early reduces uncertainty and allows for better planning.

6. Flexibility with Choices:

Applying early allows you to explore a wider range of programs and universities, as many popular options fill up quickly. With fewer applicants competing for the same spots, you can consider programs that might otherwise be unavailable later. This flexibility can lead to a better fit for your academic and personal goals.

7. Easier Visa Process:

Securing a student visa abroad can be time-consuming and complicated. Applying early gives you more time to navigate student visa requirements, gather necessary documents, and address any potential issues that may arise. A smoother visa application process means you can arrive at your destination without the stress of last-minute hurdles.

8. Enhanced Networking Opportunities:

Early admission can facilitate connections with faculty, staff, and future classmates. Engaging with university communities through social media or official events helps you build relationships before you arrive. These connections can lead to valuable resources, mentorship, and friendships, enriching your study abroad experience.

9. Peace of Mind:

Submitting your application early can alleviate the anxiety associated with waiting until the last minute. Knowing that you’ve completed this crucial step allows you to shift your focus to other preparations, such as improving your language skills or researching your host country. This peace of mind fosters a more positive mindset as you approach your study abroad adventure.

10. Increased Confidence:

Applying early can boost your self-confidence as you take proactive steps toward your academic goals. Completing your application ahead of deadlines allows you to reflect on your achievements and aspirations, reinforcing your readiness for this new chapter. This sense of accomplishment can motivate you to engage in further preparation, such as improving skills or researching cultural aspects of your destination. Feeling confident in your decision enhances your overall experience, setting a positive tone for your study abroad journey.

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Different Application Options for Students

There are different types of admission deadlines abroad, the two most common ones are as follows:

Application Deadlines Early Action (EA) Early Decision (ED) Regular Decision (RD)
Binding Commitment No Yes
No
Benefits Earlier decision notification, a potential boost in admissions chances, flexibility to apply to multiple schools Higher acceptance rates, potential early financial aid offers
More time to prepare applications, flexibility to compare multiple offers
Considerations Suitable for those who want an early decision but are open to other options Requires strong commitment to a single school
Later decision notification, potentially lower acceptance rates

Aspirants who want to keep their options open should opt for Early Action as they hear back from colleges one or two months early, and they are free to decide on joining the college or not. Whereas, in Early Decision, aspirants have to identify a college as their ultimate choice. Aspirants who are applying to a college ED must withdraw all other applications. They get admission decisions in mid-December. As it is binding, one can apply to one school ED. 

Aspirants who have achievements, other than academic credentials, can benefit by applying for ED. They can show their extracurriculars, sports, athletics or any other strength which can give them an edge over others, as colleges are also looking to balance by taking students from all fields. Applying early is the best way to show your interest in the university. Even though the decision to apply early is not binding, still you can show your interest in attending that programme/college. 

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Points to Remember while Applying Early 

If you have made up your mind to apply early to universities abroad, then applicants must keep these points in mind:

  • Understand where you want to apply, check the course availability and the deadlines.
  • Begin preparing your application materials - SOP, LORs, admission essays, SAT/ACT (UG) or GMAT.GRE (PG) and IELTS/TOEFL/PTE exams. 
  • Start contacting recommenders early and give enough time to your Teacher/Manager/Boss/recommender, so, they can give a recommendation letter that will leave a lasting impression. 
  • Target to submit your application at least a month before the deadline. 
  • Do not focus only on one university/school, and always do extensive research on at least 4-5 universities and apply to these alternate schools in case you will not get admission in your dream school. 
  • If in case, you are not accepted by the dream university, then you have the option to apply to other universities as a back-up. 

Things to Keep in Mind Before Applying Early 

Studying abroad can be a life-changing decision for a student, so, you need to evaluate all the pros and cons before applying early. Early Decision application is binding, which means one cannot change the college later and go to any other school after getting the admission. Applying early may look positive at first, however, aspirants should know that their application strategy is of utmost importance, as it can be a make-or-break situation for them. It can be fruitful for those who are completely preparing for it but at the same time can also hurt those who are not fully prepared for it. Here, your counsellor's advice comes in handy. 








You can talk to our team of Study Abroad expert counsellors who will help you in every step of the application process and make the whole process smooth for you. 

Benefits of applying early to Study Abroad FAQs

Q, What are the benefits of applying early to universities abroad?

A. There are multiple benefits of applying abroad. Some of these are as follows:

  • Better Planning: Applying early can help you plan your journey abroad in a better way as you may get admitted to your dream university by applying early, and you may not have to spend more time in other applications.  
  • Improved Chances of Selection: Your chances of getting admission increase, as your profile gets evaluated earlier, and the admission committee makes an early decision on your profile, whether, you will be accepted, rejected or deferred. 
  • Choice of universities: As you apply early, you get enough time to apply to other universities and evaluate the financials of other colleges, which will be a key factor in deciding the school. 
  • Scholarships: You can even increase your chances of getting a scholarship even if your profile is not that strong. Also, you can get more time to recognize the scholarships which you can apply for and secure funding. 

Q. When should I start applying for colleges abroad?

A. When it comes to applying to colleges abroad, it is advisable to start with your applications at least 10-12 months before the course commencement date. Overseas admission application process is quite extensive as arranging documents such as Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, Resume, Academic Transcripts, Financial documents, and many more can be time consuming. Also, starting early will help in proper research about the universities, timely submission of applications and better scholarship opportunities.

Q. Why should I submit my study abroad application early?

A. There are many benefits of studying abroad applying early, including better admission prospects, more scholarship opportunities, chance to beat the competition, more time to plan for finances, visa, and accommodation. If you have a dream university, applying early there can improve your chances of selection.

Q. What happens if I miss the deadline for early applications?

A. There is no need to worry, if you miss the deadline for early applications as you can apply to regular deadlines. Also, there are universities which offer spring intake and rolling admissions. However, if you want to secure admission in your dream university, all you need is to keep a check on the deadlines so that you can apply well on time and plan accordingly.

Q. How does early decision affect financial aid?

A. If you apply for an Early Decision (ED) application, there are a chances of limited aid options available to you. As ED is binding and you can not apply to other universities, you will not get a chance to compare financial aid offers by other universities and make a financially viable decision. Applying to ED application may get you your dream college; however, you may have to accept the financial aid offered by that college.

Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?

A:

The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.

Q:   What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?

A:

The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:

Ranking Body Ranking
The Guardian University Guide 2024 #101
The Complete University Guide 2024#117

Q:   Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?

A:

Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students

Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?

A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing MIM from Aberystwyth University, UK?

A:

Graduates who complete Aberystwyth University's Master's in International Management (MIM) programme have a broad spectrum of job prospects across diverse sectors and industries.

They can step into roles like:

  • Business Development Manager: In this capacity, MIM graduates are responsible for spotting and pursuing fresh business opportunities, forging partnerships, and expanding the company's clientele.

  • International Marketing Manager: Those with an MIM can take on the role of devising and executing marketing strategies on a global scale, conducting market research, and overseeing international marketing campaigns to promote products or services.

  • Supply Chain Manager: Armed with an MIM, graduates can excel as supply chain managers, overseeing the movement of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They focus on optimizing logistical processes and managing international supply chain operations.

 

Q:   How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?

A:

Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024. 

  • Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
  • Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
  • A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
  • Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024

Q:   How good is the University of Chester (UK)?

A:

 University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:

Academics:  The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.

Location of the university - The University of  is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester. 

Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK. 

Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester. 

About the Author
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Written by
Aishwarya Bhatnagar
Study Abroad Expert

Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio

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