In the previous episode, we explored Poovidha Saravannan’s academic journey so far, university, course, research mechanism, and her reasons for pursuing higher education. In this episode, we will cover interesting aspects such as her reasons for choosing the UK as her study abroad destination, her career plans, entrance exams, and interesting insights into SOP and LOR.

Key Highlights

• Why did she choose the UK as her study abroad destination?
• Her career plans
• Entrance exams
• What must study abroad students know about SOP and LOR?

Why did she choose the UK as her study abroad destination?

Poovidha had two countries in mind when she began planning her academic journey - Canada and the UK. She noticed that living in the UK was more affordable than living in Canada. Additionally, the short-term course format further convinced her to select the UK. The UK is considered one of the best study destinations for medical studies.

Also Read: What study abroad aspirants must know about the education system in the UK

She had initially shortlisted Edinburgh Napier University, The University of Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent University, which offered the study program of her choice. However, she chose the University of East London due to its strategic and central location, which can provide her with an enriching and transformative experience while transitioning to a career.

Her career plans

Poovidha plans to return to her home turf, India, after completing her studies to either pursue a PhD or grab a job opportunity. She aspires to unlock a promising career in the medical writing field and take it to the next level with the skills and knowledge she will gain from her master’s degree. Medical Writing involves writing reports on the effectiveness of pharmaceutical products and medical devices. The feedback collected from the users and doctors is well documented and later shared with medical regulatory authorities. So, Poovidha’s contribution will bring about a major transformation in the medical field.

Also Read: MBA in the UK for Indian Students: A brief guide

Entrance exams

During her undergraduate journey, Poovidha appeared for the Cambridge English Assessment exam, an English proficiency test. Interestingly, some 50 students had applied for this test in her college, out of which 15-20 students, including Poovidha, cleared the test. She highlighted that the availability of this exam will depend on your college. She secured the university seat based on her English language test scores and her academic scores.

Since she took the Cambridge English Assessment exam, she didn’t need to take other exams, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, students must remember that some international universities require you to appear for tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Additionally, you must also check and take entrance exams such as Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) if your chosen college demands the same. 

Also Read: Essential exams for Australia: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, C1 Advanced, GMAT and GRE

What must study abroad students know about SOP and LOR?

Statement of Purpose (SOP) is an essay covering various facets of your academic journey, reasons to study at a particular college, career goals, etc. This gives the college admission committee the necessary information when shortlisting your application. Poovidha highlights that you should be able to write an honest SOP. You must know your rationale behind pursuing higher studies, university and your course curriculum in and out. On the other hand, your college professor or academic mentor gives a Letter of Recommendation (LOR). LOR states your academic accomplishments, skills, contributions, projects, and more. Your SOP and LOR must be engaging enough to convince the admission committee that you are the perfect candidate.

• Some essential things your SOP should include:
  • What inspired you to pursue higher education?
  • Information about your academic qualifications
  • Academic and extra-curricular achievements
  • Project details
  • Work experience (if any)
  • Why did you select a particular university, study abroad destination and course
  • What are your short-term and long-term plans?
  • Career avenues you want to explore

Also Read: How to write an effective SOP for the UK universities

So, this is all about Poovidha’s reasons for choosing the UK as her study abroad destination, her career plans, entrance exams, and interesting insights into SOP and LOR. In the next episode, we will learn about the visa application process, her experience with her education financing partner, and invaluable advice from Poovidha to international students. Meanwhile, if you have any queries, please feel free to connect with us.