Dr. Sundas Ali, a former Lecturer at the University of Oxford and now an admissions consultant at Accepted, discusses the differences between graduate school admissions in the UK and the US. She explains that while there are some similarities in the application process, such as the importance of personal statements in both countries, there are also several differences. Dr. Ali emphasizes the importance of tailoring personal statements and resumes to each program and university, as well as the significance of strong recommendations from professors. She also advises applicants to start early, do thorough research on the programs they are interested in, and proofread their application materials carefully to avoid common mistakes. Dr. Ali shares her own experience of overcoming challenges and pursuing her dream of studying at Oxford University.
02:12 Sundas, welcome to Admissions Straight Talk and Accepted.
02:23 Is there some quality or element of the admissions process that is unique to UK universities or to Oxford?
06:44 Conversely, if you're applying to US graduate programs from the UK specifically, is there something that internationals need to have explained to them? What would be different?
09:12 In the academic arena, like for example sociology, political science, or masters of public policy, are internships adequate? Or is full-time work experience important?
13:44 Do you have any recommendations for assessing competitiveness?
20:25 How do you advise applicants to approach their application and the statement of purpose?
24:38 Many applications, certainly US applications, ask for either a resume and or a job history. What are your recommendations for that?
26:56 How should applicants choose recommenders? Should they prep them at all?
28:38 What are the more common mistakes that you've seen applicants make?
30:33 You've worked as an advisor in the UK, in Pakistan, and now you're doing it in the United States. What do you like about advising applicants, specifically to graduate programs?
32:58 What do you wish I would've asked you?
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