How Golden is the American Gold?

Lately, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a popularly circulated meme among the present day youth, which showcased a teacher encouraging her students to study and become the future of the country, whereas the students joked behind their raised textbooks, about how they were studying to actually “leave” the country. Insignificant as this meme may come forth as, on the face of it, witnessing its widespread circulation led me to realize how intensely and enthusiastically the “study abroad” goal was pursued by the present day student. This is exemplified by huge numbers in government data, which ascertain how 6,20,156 students went abroad in the preceding academic year. Moreover, these statistics do not include UK data.?

However, putting the current scenario, which can be regarded as a blur of massive and unexpected lay-offs initiated by million dollar companies into perspective, it is essential for the study-abroad scenario to be analyzed, with a lens that is objective and most importantly, unbiased and holistic.?

To begin with, it is imperative to understand and analyze what can be regarded as the thumbnail image that sets in the minds of students and their families, when it comes to a foreign education. As stated and described by ancient classics, America is always believed to have streets paved with gold and silver, thus labeling the land as an arena of endless opportunity. No matter how obsolete this image may come forth, it is still a commonly held perspective. Owing to its superpower status, America continues to have the ‘upper-hand’ in multiple fields, education being a significant area. In addition to having prime healthcare and oceans of exploration as regards the fields of science and commerce, it is also home to some of the world’s best and most sought after universities, such as Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, and the University of California, Berkeley amidst others. Thus, it is truly an academic hotspot in the real sense of the phrase.?

As an admissions counselor, I would never oppose the perusal of the academic hotspot that America is, owing to my close association and academic experience in putting students through top institutions. However, the true essence of a consultant and mentor can only be experienced through their adjusting tenacity, which can be regarded as their ability to mold themselves according to the changing times. As consultants, it is our foremost responsibility to conduct self-analysis on altering issues, develop our own perception based on the strong foundation of years of experience and finally, pass it onto our students in a consumable format. Thus, here is putting forward a newly curated checklist to fuel the college-shortlisting and cumulative application process.