The universities in the US are doing everything possible to start the programmes for Fall 2020. Some universities are extending the start of programme by a month so that international students could be accommodated.
Thousands of Indian students are stranded and the probability of getting the US visa on time is bleak, however, agents are confident that the admission date would be deferred.
In the meanwhile, universities in the US have started courses online for the present batches. Officials in the know of things say that this facility would be extended to international students as well for Fall 2021. Students stuck in their home countries would be able to avail this advantage and earn credits.
“The US Embassy would give priority to Indian students applying for visas and clear as many as possible as soon as the situation improves. We are hopeful, as the Indian students constitute a major percentage of the annual intake in the USA,” says Sudip Gupta an educational consultant based out of Chennai.
Attempt GRE/TOEFL from home
Aspiring students can attempt the GRE and TOEFL from home. Starting from April 2, 2020, students can take the GRE test via online testing from home.
Prep tests like GRE/SAT/ GMAT along with the English language tests viz., TOEFL/IELTS/PTE are taken by the end of September will enable the students to meet all possible deadlines for Fall of 2021.
Make the most of the lockdown say experts by brushing up on English language skills by reading online.
Indian students can view the lockdown as an opportunity to catch up with lost time and also fine tune their skills including reading, writing, comprehension and listening. Dr David McDonald, a IELTS evaluator says, “It may sound naïve but watching good English movies can help a great deal. It would help in the listening component.”