Getting into US colleges is becoming more and more competitive, with more candidates applying for a limited number of spaces. The US remains the top choice for most international students, with more than 886,000 international students currently studying in the US on bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs.

That should not scare you, but only make you more ambitious and determined to succeed. So, how can you improve your chances of being admitted to the US college or university of your choice?

1. Start your US college application early

Applying to US colleges will take time and concentration. Each application is different and involves collecting recommendations, writing essays, and other requirements. Entry requirements for each institution are different, but most colleges require completing an admissions test or essay, the SAT or ACT admissions tests, and providing recommendation letters from teachers. In order to succeed without stress, you need to give this step the time it deserves.

You should be starting to collect information and to compile a checklist of all the things you need to do at least 12 months prior to the college application deadline. You may also want to think of a backup plan. Not because you are not going to have a successful application, but because you are a smart candidate and you are making sure that you will have an amazing education no matter what.

2. Prove your passion for the subject

You may need to write some essays and have an interview with the university that you choose and you are probably very nervous about that. But in order to succeed at all these things, you just need to remember one aspect: US colleges love passionate students who are willing to put the effort in.

Of course, your research, writing style and the quality of your information are extremely important, but you should not avoid showing your passion for the subject. Reflect on your intellectual and practical motivation for studying at your chosen US college, and why you find the subject area especially interesting or challenging. You can also point out if there are any particular courses of interest to you and why that is.

3. Seek advice directly from your chosen US colleges

If you really want to get into a US college, don't hesitate to contact the institution personally in order to get more detailed information about the program and the application process. This will show that you are interested and committed. Never be afraid to ask questions; US universities are looking for curious and determined students, and you don’t want to lose your chance out of fear.

Even more, in order to have a successful college application, you need to build up a picture of what is expected of you as an applicant and the best way of doing that is by speaking to the admissions staff of the study programs you are interested in.

4. Put the effort in when writing your personal statement

Writing a stellar personal statement or application essay is one of the most important steps you have to accomplish in order to have a successful US college application. This will be your chance to let the university see that you are interested in the field of study and that you are willing to work hard in order to study and build a career.

You can impress US admission officers with your existing knowledge of your chosen subject. That being said, you need to take the right amount of time in order to make sure you manage to highlight all of your abilities and ambitions.

5. Use your own voice 

Many students fall into a trap when trying to impress admission officers and they try to be someone they are not. But if you want to prove to universities that you are the right student for them, you need to be genuine and use your own voice. Present yourself in a positive light, and don’t try to imitate a different personality. Don’t just use clichéd statements when describing your motivation for your field of study. It’s better if you include specific details, examples and reasons; this will help you to stand out.

Try to use personal experiences and avoid overly formal or business-like language. If you wish to say something in a way that no one else did before, you need to find your own words and to allow yourself to be creative. Colleges will be a lot more impressed by someone who has a strong sense of their own identity and ambitions, rather than someone who sounds the same as every other applicant.

6. Create a calendar of application deadlines 

Regardless of the quality of your application, all your efforts will be wasted if you miss a key date. That is why you need to plan ahead and make sure you are organized. After all, your future is at stake.

Create a calendar with all the relevant deadlines so that you are prepared well ahead of time to ensure that all aspects of your application are complete. An incomplete college application is the first step towards rejection. Unless you are focused and start early, you might feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do during admission period.

7. Be honest 

While you want to show the best side of yourself, it’s also important to be honest. Because you are trying so hard to impress admission officers, you may be tempted to embellish some details or try to be someone you are not. In order to avoid that, I strongly recommend that you show your application to a teacher or a good friend that knows you and ask them if it sounds like you. It’s always important to get a second opinion.

Studying at a US college is a dream that many international students have. The road to get there may seem difficult at first, but now that you’ve gathered all these tips, you will certainly manage to make a successful application.

With seven cities ranked among the top 75 in the QS Best Student Cities 2016, Australia stands out as one of the most attractive places to study abroad, offering students high-quality education in stunning locations.

The best student cities in Australia achieve particularly strong scores in the indicators for Student Mix, Desirability and Employer Activity, while two of Australia’s seven entries boast positions in the top five of the overall ranking. Like the US and the UK, Australian cities tend to stumble on affordability, but for many students it’s worth the price tag.

Below are the seven best cities in Australia to be a student – all offering at least two internationally ranked universities, plus a unique study abroad experience (click on each city name for more details).

1. Melbourne

Melbourne retains second place in the Best Student Cities ranking this year, beaten only by Paris, and it’s not difficult to see why. Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is packed full of things to do, especially if you’re into live music, comedy or sporting events. The city is home to seven universities which feature in the international rankings, and achieves the best score in the entire index for ‘student mix’, with multicultural exchange highlighted among the best things about student life in Melbourne. With beautiful beaches and a high standard of living (Melbourne is currently rated the world’s most livable city by The Economist), the city also achieves a strong score for ‘desirability’. Melbourne is also Australia’s highest ranked city in both the ‘rankings’ and ‘employer activity’ categories, reflecting the prestige of the (albeit pricey) education on offer.

2. Sydney

Hot on the heels of Melbourne is Australia’s largest city and economic and financial hub, Sydney, which is fourth in the Best Student Cities index. Although it misses out on the top spot in our list of the best cities in Australia for students, Sydney ranks first in the entire index for ‘desirability’, thanks to a winning combination of a high quality of life coupled with a paradisiacal mix of beaches and green spaces. The city also ranks well for ‘student mix’, with a quarter of students at its five internationally ranked universities coming from overseas. Aside from offering an enjoyable student experience, the city is home to some of Australia’s most respected universities, two of which rank among the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. And employers have certainly noticed this prestige, as Sydney also receives a high score for ‘employer activity’.

3. Canberra

Australia’s capital, Canberra, has climbed four places in the Best Student Cities ranking this year to place 17^th. Like all of the Australian entries, Canberra scores very well in the ‘student mix’ category, reflecting its large and internationally diverse student population. As the home of Australia’s highest ranked university, Australian National University (joint 19^th in the QS World University Rankings®), it’s unsurprising to find the city has proven attractive to students from around the world. Canberra’s second strongest score is in the ‘desirability’ category, and while it may be one of Australia’s few major settlements which is not within walking distance of the seaside, Canberra does have plenty of attractions – including its own (man-made) lake right in the city center, and numerous nature reserves all around.

4. Brisbane

Next in our list of the best cities in Australia for students is another of this year’s rising stars – Brisbane moves up five places this year to be joint 18^th with Auckland. Considered a very friendly city, Brisbane is home to three major universities and a sizable student population. However, it’s not just a student bubble; this up-and-coming city is also a tourist destination with the largest economy between Sydney and Singapore. Like many Australian cities, Brisbane offers an ideal mix for students seeking a balance between urban and outdoor lifestyles. Stunning beaches, a sunny climate and a sporting culture coexist with a cosmopolitan down-town area offering a trendy nightlife and arts scene.

5. Adelaide

Australia’s fifth largest city, Adelaide is ranked 26^th in the Best Student Cities index. Located on the south coast, it’s known for its attractive wide boulevards, open spaces, parklands and easily navigable city center. As well as being close to beautiful beaches and islands, the city is also within easy reach of the Adelaide Hills, great for hiking, cycling, wildlife-watching, or sampling some of Australia’s best wines close to the vineyards where they’re produced. Three universities based in Adelaide are featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, all within the world’s top 550: the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University. Adelaide achieves its best score in the ‘student mix’ category, with a large and diverse student population.

6. Perth

The next of our best cities in Australia to be a student is also the most isolated – located on the Western coast, more than 2,000 miles away from the likes of Sydney and Melbourne. Perth, ranked 36^th in the Best Student Cities index, is another highly appealing place to live, scoring well for both ‘desirability’ and ‘student mix’. Offering all the cultural, culinary and recreational attractions you would expect of a state capital with a population of over 2 million, Perth also promises an idyllic climate and access to some of the most stunning beaches and parkland you’ll ever see. Three universities in Perth are featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16, the highest ranked of which is the University of Western Australia (UWA) at 98^th in the world. 

7. Gold Coast

The final of our best student cities in Australia is a new entry which you may not have heard of, but which certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. Ranked 69^th in the Best Student Cities index, Gold Coast is located in Queensland, south of Brisbane. It boasts 52km of golden sands and 300 sunny days per year, and even has a suburb named ‘Surfer’s Paradise’. Indeed, surfers and general beach fans will feel right at home here, and it’s unsurprising that Gold Coast receives its highest score in the ‘desirability’ category of the QS Best Student Cities index. Away from all the skyscrapers, the surrounding rural hinterland, referred to as the ‘green behind the gold’, is a lush, subtropical rainforest of three national parks, with numerous mountains, natural rock formations and spectacular waterfalls.

This article is sponsored by EMLYON Business School.

Today’s globalized economy requires the next generation of managers to understand the complexity of working in international business environments.  This is why leading European institutions in management education must train leaders to successfully navigate social and cultural boundaries and be agents for change.

If you’re keen to kick-start your own international management career, make sure you choose a program which covers the following five points.

1. Acquire a broad foundation of management knowledge 

In order to succeed in international management, you need to get an international outlook on management situations and processes, gain a truly unique approach to learning and acquire the tools to adapt in multiple countries and to the various professional challenges you will undoubtedly encounter throughout your global career.

Through a cultural, academic and professional diversity, an international multi-campus experience will provide you with the global awareness required to conduct business at an international level, reflecting the complexity of today’s business environment.

2. Benefit from a diverse student community 

Sharing your learning experience with fellow students from all over the world teaches you how to work with and lead intercultural teams in a global environment. These skills are essential to your future success as an international manager.

The diversity provides you with a rich, international learning experience. As a result of working closely with students from a wide variety of nationalities and backgrounds, you are able to broaden your horizons, understand different perceptions and gain a thorough understanding of different cultural characteristics; undoubtedly essential for your future management career.

3. Develop an expertise throughout your studies 

Specializing in a key business area during your studies will allow you to enter the professional world with a solid set of skills and the expertise companies are looking for.  Today, multinationals as well as start-ups and medium-sized businesses need graduates who possess the necessary know-how and are aware of the market trends and potential for innovation within these sectors. Acquiring an expertise within a specific area will allow you to fast-track your management career from the very beginning.

4. Build tangible proof of your skills 

When pursuing a master’s degree it is important to make sure you’ll have the chance to apply the theory you have learned in class through internships. The same way developing an expertise will help you boost your career, interning within MNEs or new ventures will allow you to understand what operational management entails on a day to day basis, how companies overcome difficulties or new challenges and the stakes big or small enterprises face every day. It is an important key to your future success.

5. Prepare for your future career from day one 

In order to create a relevant résumé, identify the internship or job that perfectly matches your ambitions, build your network through conferences and forums and generally prepare your professional future, it is important that you make the most out of the career support available to you. So be sure to choose a program with a strong focus on supporting and preparing students for their future careers.

Become part of the next generation of international business leaders with the MSc in Management European Master in Management Double Degree track

Run jointly by EMLYON Business School (France) and Ludwig Maximilian Universität  (Germany), this master’s degree is a two-year double degree track which is an integral part of EMLYON’s MSc in Management, and which allows you to study general management and international business from a European and global perspective.  This double degree track is based in France and Germany.

With the MSc in Management Double Degree track you will:

• Study international management from two perspectives and get a dual outlook on international situations and processes, benefitting from the expertise of two leading European institutions in management education;
• Gain academic knowledge from a world-class faculty totaling 300 experts from both institutions;
• Acquire work experience with two internship opportunities outside of your country of origin to equip you with valuable international management experience, the opportunity to apply your management and leadership knowledge to real-life business environments, and the means to develop a global business network;

• Benefit from three key factors of success: careers services, alumni networks and corporate relationships, thanks to the combined global network of 30,000 alumni, 1,000 partner firms, and a joint career service.

After completing this track, you will receive a double degree: EMLYON’s MSc in Management Master’s degree and LMU Munich’s European Master of Science in Management.

Click here to view an updated version of this article, based on the QS Best Student Cities 2018.

The UK boasts the second-highest number of entries in the QS Best Student Cities 2016 index after the US, with eight cities in the ranking. Its capital, London, maintains its spot in the top five, and there are four entries which are either new or have returned after one or more years of absence.

The Best Student Cities index assesses on a number of indicators, including ‘student mix’, ‘rankings’ and ‘employer activity’, which UK universities perform particularly well in. As you might expect, UK cities’ weakest spot is affordability, with the UK known as an expensive place to study abroad. However, this doesn’t dissuade the thousands of new international students which the UK welcomes each year.

Below are the eight best student cities in the UK according to the QS Best Student Cities index – all offering at least two internationally ranked universities, plus a unique study abroad experience (click on each city name for more details).

1. London

The UK capital is ranked as the fifth best student city in the world this year and achieves the strongest score in the index for the ‘university rankings’ category, with an impressive 19 London-based universities currently ranking among the top 800 in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 – including two within the global top 10. London also receives a high score in the ‘student mix’ category, which is not surprising considering 300 different languages are spoken here, and 42% of students at the city’s ranked institutions are from outside the UK. London does falter when it comes to affordability, but nonetheless remains a highly attractive proposition; as well as being an academic hub, it’s one of the planet's great centers of culture and creativity, famed for its museums, arts scene, nightlife and diversity.

Discover the top 10 universities in London >

2. Edinburgh

Moving on to Scotland for the next of our best UK cities for students, and the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, is ranked 33^rd in the Best Student Cities index this year. Known for its striking castle, historic old town and massive annual events such as the Edinburgh International Festival and New Year’s Hogmanay street party, the city is also home to several of the best universities in the UK. The University of Edinburgh is ranked 21^stin the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 – the sixth-highest UK entry.

Average fees for international students at Edinburgh’s leading universities are slightly higher compared to the other UK cities listed here. However, for undergraduate students from within the EU (except those from the rest of the UK), university fees are entirely subsidized by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). So depending on where you’re from, Edinburgh or Glasgow could be some of the most affordable options in this list. Indeed, Edinburgh has already attracted a large student population, 40% of which are international.

3. Manchester

Ranked 36^th in the Best Student Cities index, Manchester offers world-class universities and a fun-packed student culture that gives even London a run for its money. Located in the North West of England, Manchester is especially well known for its music scene, which has produced big-name bands such as The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis. Today arts, culture and excellent nightlife are all very much in good supply, as are opportunities to explore the rich history of this part of the UK. Like London and Edinburgh, Manchester achieves a strong score for ‘student mix’, and ranks 23^rd for ‘employer activity’ (higher than Edinburgh and all of the other UK student cities aside from London), showing that it’s not just an enjoyable place to study, but a city whose alumni are looked upon favorably by employers.

4. Coventry

Although it’s a slightly less well-known option in our list of the best UK cities for students, Coventry should not be underestimated. Ranking at 44^th in the Best Student Cities index, this West Midlands city is propelled to this position largely due to the close proximity of the University of Warwick (currently 48^th in the QS World University Rankings). Meanwhile the city center is home to the highly reputed Coventry University. Between these two institutions, the area has a very large student population, of which almost 40% are from outside the UK. Coventry also earns a high rating from graduate employers, reflecting both the strong reputation of its universities and the city’s long history of leadership in manufacturing and design. When it comes to culture, Warwick University’s Arts Centre is one of the largest in the UK, and Coventry also has several theatres, art galleries, and large venues for music and sporting events.

5. Nottingham

Next in our list of the best UK cities for students is Nottingham – famous for its connection to the Robin Hood legend, and also growing in prominence for its universities and student scene – it even beats overall leader Paris in the ‘student mix’ category. Ranked the 57^th best student city overall and a new entry this year, Nottingham is affectionately referred to as the ‘Queen of the Midlands’ and is also known for being a major sporting center, named the 'Home of English Sport' in October 2015. Not only does the city have a large international student population; its highest ranked university, the University of Nottingham, has branch campuses in Malaysia and China, and has been praised for its international approach to higher education.

6. Glasgow

Scotland’s largest and most populous city, Glasgow is ranked joint 63^rd and is home to two universities in the top 250 of the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16: the University of Glasgow, which ranks joint 62^nd and the University of Strathclyde at joint 249^th. The former is one of the world’s oldest universities, established well over 500 years ago. In recent years, Glasgow has become one the UK’s leading hubs of culture, commerce, research and academia. Like many other UK cities, Glasgow hosts a large number of international students, and therefore achieves a particularly high score in the ‘student mix’ category of the QS Best Student Cities index, providing opportunities for students to meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures.

7. Birmingham

Ranked 66^th in the Best Student Cities index, Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, located in the heart of England and home to 3.7 million people. From its industrial roots, Birmingham has become a thriving commercial and financial center. It’s also the UK’s largest center of higher education outside London, with five universities, two of which rank among the top 350 universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2015/16. As you’d expect from a city of Birmingham’s size, there is plenty of culture and nightlife to be enjoyed, and its status as one of the UK’s most multicultural cities adds to its diversity and the range of experiences on offer.

8. Newcastle

The UK’s final representative in the Best Student Cities index is hot on the heels of Birmingham in 67^th place, and is the largest city in North-East England. It’s diverse, vibrant and welcoming. Named after the Norman castle of the city center (not so ‘new’ anymore!), the city’s history spans from the Roman period, through its time as an important industrial center for coal-mining, engineering and shipping during the 19^th century. Newcastle’s aptitude for engineering continues to this day, with award-winning structures such as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge. As well as meeting the friendly local ‘Geordies’ whilst studying here, you can expect to meet a range of people from different cultures too – 23% of students at the ranked universities in Newcastle are international.

And an honorary mention:

Oxbridge 

Although neither Oxford or Cambridge are featured in the QS Best Student Cities index (to be featured, a city must have a population of over 250,000, and be home to at least two universities included in the QS rankings) they deserve an honorary mention due to their international prominence as study destinations. The ‘Oxbridge’ experience remains highly distinctive, steeped in centuries of tradition. Both are old medieval towns, built on rivers and situated towards the south of England not far from London. Relatively peaceful, they nonetheless offer an enriching environment for students, with all the extracurricular activities you could wish for, and no shortage of dedicated student nights. To find out how the two halves of Oxbridge compare, click here. 

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There are many things you need to consider when deciding what university you want to attend, but I bet that the issue of employability is one of the first things to cross your mind. This aspect is especially taken into consideration by students who decide to study abroad.

If you are wondering about your future career prospects after graduating from a US university, you may be interested to know that six of the QS top 10 universities for graduate employability are based on US soil. 

US educational programs are becoming increasingly culturally open and immersive. But when it comes to getting a fulfilling and well-paid job after graduating, does international study really deliver? Let’s discover how studying in the US can improve your career prospects.

1. It opens up more opportunities 

As it turns out, international students agree that the effort they put into studying abroad and adapting to a new educational system comes with lots of benefits. A survey published by the Institute of International Education in 2014 indicated that nearly 90% of study abroad alumni secured a job within the first six months after graduation.

Experiencing a different education system and approach to learning might seem difficult at first, but when you manage to adapt and evolve within that system you end up realizing that you can accomplish anything once you put your mind to it. Moreover, a study of Erasmus students suggests that international students end up with superior career prospects and employment skills compared to 70% of all students after having studied abroad.

2. It makes you independent and more confident 

You cannot study abroad without adapting to new circumstances, which is often critical when you wish to pursue a career. Developing your ability to be flexible and react independently to changing circumstances or environments is a very important value for employers. 

After you have successfully experienced new cultures and have interacted with people who have a different way of seeing life, you will learn more about yourself and the world, hence becoming a lot more confident. Such an experience shapes your personality, reveals your strengths and weaknesses, and teaches you how to take advantage of the resources you have in order to evolve. 

3. It helps you acquire the skills employers are looking for 

Study abroad programs may provide graduates with the skills and the experience employers are looking for. A study published in 2014 states that 92% of employers value transversal skills such as curiosity, problem-solving, tolerance and confidence. According to the report, international students were found to show higher levels of these personality traits. 

Employers believe that international experience is a plus for recruitment, with 64% of surveyed employers saying they gave greater professional responsibility to candidates with an international background. As you can imagine, such experience can be gained by studying abroad, and especially in a culturally and professionally diverse environment like the United States. As mentioned already, being far away from home means that you need to take your own decisions and organize your life, aspects that will prove beneficial when you are preparing for a job.

4. It improves your cross-cultural competencies 

The US is the world’s leading destination for international students, and choosing to study in the US will provide opportunities to interact with people from different cultures on a daily basis. Given the fact that you will live on the university campus, you’re sure to meet new people, make friends and create international networks sooner than you expect. 

As you can imagine, these experiences will shape your cultural awareness and ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. With the increasingly globalized nature of the modern workplace,  acquiring such abilities is particularly important.

5. It helps you work well in a team 

This international experience will not only broaden your cultural horizons, but it will also teach you how to be more tolerant, adaptable and empathetic. In short, you will become an excellent team player.

As already mentioned, chances are you will have to interact with people from all kinds of background while studying in the US, strengthening your ability to work within a team and even giving you the chance to explore your leadership skills. Successful companies all around the world need young people who are flexible and know how to be a valuable asset in a team, so you’re sure to benefit from this ability.

6. It helps you improve your fluency in English 

In the competitive job market that exists today, fluency in English is in great demand. Of course, you can learn to speak English in your own country, but if you want to become truly fluent and get out of your comfort zone, you should try living in a country where English is the primary language.  

By studying in the US, you will participate in courses taught in English and interact with native English speakers every day. This will improve your vocabulary and give you a better understanding of the language. Even though you believe there are many young students who can speak English, you should know that just a very small group of them actually demonstrate proficiency when using the language. And you could be one of them.

Finally, it’s definitely true that your time abroad will be viewed as a significant asset for future employers. The benefits mentioned here are just the ones that could be fitted into an article, but the experience of studying abroad has endless rewards and you should definitely consider your options.