Step 1: THe MIX application |
The application to Manoa International Exchange
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So I’ve said yes and decided to commit to ensuring that this dream becomes reality. But to say yes is easy; executing the yes isn’t. It was here where I began to undertake a series of steps to make sure that my affirmative words weren’t lifeless. The first step is, of course, the application itself.
I decided to apply via MIX for reasons of international choices and testimonies from peers of their efficiency and ease. Now, this isn’t an ordinary application that can be filled out in one sitting. Firstly, applying to MIX requires early planning. How early? Applications are accepted for the next academic year. For example, I wanted to study abroad in Spring 2020 - I had to submit my MIX application in Spring 2019. When applying to MIX (or any other program), be sure to plan ahead and to be wary of deadlines.
For MIX’s Summer, Fall, & Academic Year Exchanges, the application period opens on August 1; its deadline is December 1. For their Spring Exchanges, the application period opens on January 1; its deadline is May 1.
Don’t be fooled by how long the application period is - it’ll go by quickly as due dates are always closer than they appear. Further, take advantage of the weeks-long application period. The application itself is quite bulky and will need time and devotion to ensure an appealing application. So what’s in it?
Here’s a quick rundown of the MIX application:
Note: the above information was provided from the Spring MIX Application. Further information regarding the application, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements can be found the MIX Application Site.
Before I end this section, let me offer you some helpful tips:
I decided to apply via MIX for reasons of international choices and testimonies from peers of their efficiency and ease. Now, this isn’t an ordinary application that can be filled out in one sitting. Firstly, applying to MIX requires early planning. How early? Applications are accepted for the next academic year. For example, I wanted to study abroad in Spring 2020 - I had to submit my MIX application in Spring 2019. When applying to MIX (or any other program), be sure to plan ahead and to be wary of deadlines.
For MIX’s Summer, Fall, & Academic Year Exchanges, the application period opens on August 1; its deadline is December 1. For their Spring Exchanges, the application period opens on January 1; its deadline is May 1.
Don’t be fooled by how long the application period is - it’ll go by quickly as due dates are always closer than they appear. Further, take advantage of the weeks-long application period. The application itself is quite bulky and will need time and devotion to ensure an appealing application. So what’s in it?
Here’s a quick rundown of the MIX application:
- Personal Information
- Questions regarding contact info, citizenship, ethnicity, cumulative GPA, credits earned, class standing
- Academic Information
- Questions regarding major(s), minor(s), and expected graduation
- Partner University Selection
- You will be tasked to list 5 choices for participating universities. Do your research early! This will help you narrow 5 potential schools that you could be attending!
- Questions regarding why you chose the schools you selected and the type of classes you plan to take while abroad
- Financial Information
- Questions regarding scholarships that you received and how to finance your participation in the exchange program
- Short Essay Questions
- This is the important part of the application! This your chance to elaborate and articulate why you want to study abroad.
- Here are some of the questions of this section:
- Describe how you see yourself now and how you think studying abroad will impact you personally.
- How will the experience abroad build on your education to date as well as connect to your education when you return to UHM and beyond?
- What do you plan to do outside of the classroom while you're abroad to get the most out of your experience?
- Describe your professional goals and how you think your study abroad experience will help you to reach them.
- Letter of Recommendation
- Part of this application requires one academic letter recommendation from a professor, lecturer, graduate assistant, etc.
- Tip: work on this as early as you can! Recommenders will need time to write their recommendation - don’t waste your opportunity because you didn’t have a recommendation written on time!
Note: the above information was provided from the Spring MIX Application. Further information regarding the application, eligibility requirements, and additional requirements can be found the MIX Application Site.
Before I end this section, let me offer you some helpful tips:
- Plan early! If you need help with planning early on, you can make arrangements to meet with a MIX advisor. They’ll be more than happy to help you devise a plan early on.
- Have a recommender in mind and contact them early on. Not only will this save you stress, but will also allow them enough time to write an awesome recommendation.
- Create a Word document or Google Doc and answer the essay questions before filling out the application itself. This will ensure that your written work can be saved, and can be returned to for further corrections and revisions.
- Make time for the application. Set some time throughout the weeks prior to the deadline. A rushed application surely would not compare to one that has been thoroughly planned and completed.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Seek the aid of those who have applied before. Their insight will be beyond beneficial and helpful.