getting to Cornell from India

This blog will outline the steps i had to take to get selected at Cornell and then the ardous journey all the way from bangalore to india


Step 1: Write the GRE and TOEFL and try and do above than average..
(I got 1420+5.5 and 287 on these tests)

Step 2: Try and get some paper publications out there for all to see and understand ur not dumb, also implying that you might be smart with a greater probability than usual.

Step 3: Do some fantastic undergraduate project work bordering on the rare and esoteric, enabling you to some amazing recommendation letters from outstanding people.

Step 4: Its a cakewalk after this at Cornell.. Then comes the harder part of surviving the Visa headache at Chennai. For all you know this simple step could throw a spanner in your effort. Try and get some professional advice from a VISA counseller.. Tons of them are always around looking to get rich off your wallet. Choose one who has some reputation by word of mouth at least :)

Step 5: Start packing your bags, prepare for the homesickness which will engulf you when you land here. Buy books back in India as its cheaper there and frankly use the 100 odd kgs AirIndia gives students on an I20 :)

Step 6: Get your I20 stamped, passport stamped and I94 stamped on arrival at the immigration counter, else you will have problems trust me.. i had to go to Syracuse and get the I20 stamped coz some genius at the immigration counter expected me to tell him how to do his job..I mean isn't that trouble coz i had no idea on how things move here..he he he.. so save yourself some time and ensure all is done correctly whereever you are landing.

Step 7: Survive the first night all alone in the university dorm or house where you are staying.. You need to... believe me its one hellofanight.. full of filmy flashbacks and why the hell did i leav e home stuff.. Its going to be bad..trust me..

Step 8: You have a bright new day ahead and its time to live the american dream.. Will tell you if it was worth it in some days ahead..

Cheers
M.