I’ve just decided I want to study abroad but no clue where to start… do I finish college here first or go after school? How do students even get in top Universities abroad??
I want to know everything from scratch like exams, process, and how to increase my chances. Anyone here figured this out?
Same boat 
I’ve been googling non stop but it’s all scattered information. From what I’ve found, if your thinking of going after 12th, then you can look into undergrad options abroad (called UG or bachelor’s). US, UK, Canada, and Germany are popular. If you wanna do PG (masters), then students usually finish Bachelor’s in India first. Both ways need entrance tests like SAT/ACT for UG, GRE/GMAT for MS/MBA, and IELTS/TOEFL for english.
Also start working on your profile… like projects, internships, volunteering. I read that makes your application stand out 
Planning to study abroad involves several important steps. Here’s a simple and practical guide to get started:
1. Set Your Goal
Why do you want to study abroad?
Decide your course and field of interest (e.g., Management, Engineering, Computer Science, etc.).
2. Choose the Right Country
Consider:
Popular countries: USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany
3. Select Universities
Research universities based on:
Make a shortlist of 5–10 universities.
4. Understand the Requirements
Check each university’s:
5. Prepare Application Documents
SOP (Statement of Purpose)
LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
Resume/CV
Academic transcripts
Test scores
6. Apply to Universities
Create accounts on university portals.
Pay application fees.
Submit all documents before deadlines.
7. Plan Finances
Calculate tuition + living costs.
Arrange funds:
8. Apply for a Student Visa
9. Prepare for Departure
@kavya_seeker It’s totally normal to feel lost at the beginning, but studying abroad becomes manageable once you understand the process. First, decide when you want to go: after school for a bachelor’s degree or after college for a master’s. Then choose your country and course. Most students need to take an English test like IELTS or TOEFL, and depending on the program, exams like the SAT, GRE, or GMAT. Top universities look at your grades, test scores, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, projects, and overall profile. Start preparing at least a year in advance and explore scholarships as well. It might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right plan and timeline, you can definitely make it happen.
Let me know where you are in the process, and I can help you take the next step.
Hello @kavya_seeker,
I totally get how overwhelming it feels at first, but don’t worry you’re not alone! Start by figuring out what course or field you’re interested in, then shortlist countries that are best for that area. Once you’ve picked a course and country, start researching universities and list everything in an Excel sheet deadlines, requirements, fees, etc. This will give you a clear picture. After that, focus on entrance exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or SAT, depending on your level and the country. Then work on your SOP, LORs, and documents. Once this base is ready, everything else gets much easier. Feel free to ask for help anytime!
@kavya_seeker If you’re just starting out, the first thing is to decide when you want to go right after school (for a bachelor’s) or after college (for a master’s). The process is pretty standard: take an English test like IELTS/TOEFL, build a strong profile with good grades and projects, shortlist universities, prepare SOP/LORs, apply, arrange finances (loan/scholarship), and then go for the visa. To boost your chances at top schools, focus on academics, internships/projects, and a clear SOP. Start early with exam prep and shortlisting that’s the real first step.