Does the JEE even matter for studying abroad?
It’s crazy how a single word or phrase can conjure up a whole world of different emotions in someone’s mind, of fear, nostalgia, frustration and motivation. No it’s not “love”, it is the JEE – the Joint Entrance Examinations.
Almost every Indian has at one point in their life, considered sitting for this test – which for most high paying jobs is an end all be all (barring the NEET of course).
This importance is so central to Indian aspirants that they believe it can secure them a seat at foreign Universities as well!
And why shouldn’t they? Success stories like these are so convincing –
- Chirag Falor going to MIT being AIR 1 in JEE Adv
- Sahil Akhtar going to MIT being AIR 99
(PS : Why they ACTUALLY got into MIT will surprise you. Learn more from our super detailed blogs :D)
But let me be honest with you – for most of us it won’t even matter.
To clarify – the purpose of this blog is NOT to dunk on the JEE (a lot of us in our community will appear for it) This is a guide analysing if it’s even worth it for applying abroad – and where you should focus instead for maximum chances!
Understanding the JEE and Its Purpose
What is the JEE?
12,25,000 students sat for the JEE Mains this year, of which only 1,86,000 students qualified for the second stage (JEE Adv). A good score on this exam gives you open admission into India’s top engineering colleges – the IITs, NITs, IISc and much more.
Of course this is super competitive. For context – IISc, India’s premier research university has a minimum rank requirement of 250.
Being so competitive, some countries DO give importance to the JEE, especially European countries. Oxford/Cambridge are notorious for even withdrawing an acceptance letter if you don’t score well on the JEE!
But strangely – it doesn’t nearly matter as much for US admissions – and can even hurt your application if you take a drop year and wait for your results. Let’s learn why!
Section 2: Key Requirements for Studying Abroad After 12th
Common application components for international universities:
- Standardised tests
The Common App or Coalition app will be where you’ll be doing most of your applications to US universities. On it – there’s an entire sub-section dedicated to standardised tests – and no the JEE isn’t one!
These are tests like SAT, ACT and TOEFL, DET or IELTS (for English proficiency)
- GPA
Beyond all of that, is your GPA – and where many colleges now are test optional (you don’t have to submit your SAT scores), all of them give your GPA mid to high importance.
GPA is equivalent to your Academic performance in 12th grade (CBSE, ISC, or other boards).
So yes! your board exams might just be way more important than the JEE! (which you may only mention under the honours section)
- Extracurricular activities and personal statements.
All the Ivy League colleges and every high ranking University in the USA gives major importance to your essay and extracurriculars.
This is because they give a clue about you to the admissions officer who doesn’t even know you – way more than a single test score, whose validity is hard to check and yeah, the JEE doesn’t define you! 🙂
- Letters of Recommendation
With their holistic approach to admissions – US offices get a lot of bold claims in their applications. How do they verify the validity of these? Well it’s simple – but most people don’t get this!
No – it’s not the certificates. It’s the Letters of recommendations from your counselors and teachers, who’ll confirm to the officers that you’re actually who you say you are! These are crucial, and just the teacher saying you’re “very talented” doesn’t cut it.
To know more on how to write a great Letter of Recommendation, read or send this guide to your teacher/counselor!
Misconceptions About JEE and Studying Abroad
Myth 1: JEE scores are mandatory for US university admissions.
Clarification: JEE is neither required nor commonly accepted in the US.
Yep you read that right. Most people are already aware of this but it’d suck for people who didn’t. Don’t forget that students studying medicine and even Arts land up in the USA!
Myth 2: Clearing JEE boosts your profile for studying abroad.
Reality: JEE preparation might reflect academic rigor, but it doesn’t replace the need for SAT/ACT.
Many colleges are “test-optional” meaning they don’t even require your standardised test scores! (although we do recommend you take them to give you that edge). The JEE however, isn’t a replacement for them
Myth 3: Students planning to study abroad should still sit for JEE “just in case.”
If you’re unsure about your chances of being accepted abroad, go for it. Even if you get accepted (many congratulations btw!), the JEE is a super competitive exam and your results can help you gauge your own position in a sea of academics.
Real Accounts – Experiences of Indian Students
Case Study 1: Chirag’s Journey: From JEE Preparation to MIT
Yes Chirag Falor got 100 percentile in JEE but is that all? Starting his preparations early – he had time to dedicate his mind to other ventures as well.
For example – being a member of the chess club, pistol club, and representing South Asian community in MIT Sangam. Yes – most of you probably haven’t heard of that.
University specific endeavours to show that you are interested are super crucial. And in that vein – he might not have gotten into Harvard if he applied. It’s about what you focus on! (Yes even Chirag Falor has gotten rejected to some Universities he applied to)
Take his journey to be a testament to how important proper research is – don’t think “Study in US”, think “Study in X college” and try to know AS MUCH as you can about X college. Engage in online courses, reach out to professors – and you’ll realise what that college actually values in a student and how you can get there!
Case Study 2: Priya’s Dilemma: Balancing JEE and Study Abroad Goals
A senior of mine actually faced this dilemma quite seriously. She wanted to study abroad and access all these opportunities, but her parents forced her into studying for the JEE.
She did the right thing. Instead of commiting half way to either goal, she focused on just studying – and doing ample amounts of research in studying abroad. She didn’t miss her deadlines and guess what? Even though her JEE results were not great – she did get into a respected Liberal Arts College in the US! (with a great financial aid offer which was enough to pursue her parents)
People often forget that the bar for the JEE is wayyy steeper than it is for studying abroad. IIT’s have an acceptance rate of a mere 0.5%. Kudos to anyone that prepares for it.
But all education abroad asks for you is good research. Given their holistic approach to admissions, they will appreciate every bit of work you put into it.
When Can JEE Be Useful in a Study Abroad Context?
As stated earlier, the JEE is a tough exam, and does serve the purpose of preparing a student well for any of the following fields :
- Engineering (duh)
- Physics and Applied Mathematics
- Pure Chemistry
So in these cases, the JEE is can help indirectly boost your knowledge for more relevant exams for studying abroad – like the APs.
Infact the JEE Adv has frequently plucked out questions from Harvard research papers, and is very up to date with modern scientific discovery.
IITs also have exchange programs with tie ups to prestigious international Universities – like Purdue! So if you decide all of it is not worth the trouble, don’t worry – your study abroad dreams aren’t thwarted 🙂
What Should Students Focus On Instead of JEE?
Tailored advice for students aspiring to study abroad:
Prioritize standardized tests like SAT/ACT.
Importance of language proficiency exams (TOEFL/IELTS).
If you’re super confident in your skills, appear for the Olympiads (No not the SOF kind, the ones conducted by IAPT and MTAI for international recognition) which can enhance your profile immensely (Chirag Falor is an International Olympiad Gold medalist!)
And if you’re taking the JEE anyway as a safe bet – here’s the biggest advice for you. Take the AP tests. Yes they’re costly, but as we discussed – they’re a direct transfer over of many of the skills the JEE preparation instills in students.
Conducted around May, these tests have numerous benefits for Study Abroad applicants, unlike the JEE. They reflect your interest in US education, and also academic rigour – and lots of colleges give a lot of importance to the APs.
Also, most importantly, they give you credits which you can use to skip introductory courses in college! Saving you both time and money, and more than recouping the amount needed to sit for them.
If you’re still undecided, feel free to read up on our analysis of whether the AP is even worth it?
Conclusion – TLDR 😉
- For studying Abroad in the US, the JEE holds little to no importance in your acceptance – and there’s much higher ROI if you focus on standardised tests (like the SATs, and IELTS)
- Focus as much in your specific college as possible – to maximise your chances (Even Chirag Falor was rejected!)
- Appear for tests like AP, or Olympiads which are as challenging as the JEE, while simultaneously holding more weight
- Focus on securing Letters of Recommendations – and score amazingly on your class 12 Secondary examination (CRUCIAL)
FAQ: Your Questions About JEE and Studying Abroad Answered
1. Do any foreign universities accept JEE scores?
Yes, a few universities, particularly in Europe (like some programs at Oxford and Cambridge), may consider JEE scores in rare cases. However, in the US and other popular study-abroad destinations, JEE scores are not a standard requirement and often hold little to no value in admissions.
2. Can JEE preparation help if I plan to study abroad?
Absolutely! JEE preparation builds a strong foundation in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Math, which can be helpful for SAT Subject Tests, AP exams, or even entrance exams in other countries. It also sharpens problem-solving and analytical skills, which are valued in many academic settings.
3. Should I prepare for both JEE and study-abroad exams simultaneously?
This depends on your goals and timeline. If you are certain about studying abroad, focusing on SAT/ACT, English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS), and building a strong extracurricular profile is wiser. If you’re undecided or want a backup, preparing for JEE alongside these can be a good strategy—but be mindful of the intense workload.
4. Is JEE mandatory for studying abroad?
No, JEE is not mandatory for studying abroad. US universities, in particular, place greater emphasis on SAT/ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.
5. Does clearing the JEE improve my chances of studying abroad?
Clearing JEE does not directly impact your chances. Admissions abroad are holistic, focusing more on standardized tests, academic records, and unique personal qualities. However, excelling in a challenging exam like JEE might demonstrate academic rigor.
6. What other exams should I prioritize for studying abroad?
Focus on exams like:
SAT/ACT: For undergraduate admissions in countries like the US.
TOEFL/IELTS: For English language proficiency.
AP Exams: To showcase advanced knowledge and earn college credits.
Additionally, consider Olympiads or specialized exams depending on your target programs.
7. How important is my GPA compared to standardized tests?
Your GPA plays a critical role in admissions, often more so than standardized test scores in test-optional schools. It reflects your consistent academic performance and adaptability to rigorous coursework.
8. What if I want to study abroad but still take the JEE?
If you’re preparing for both, plan your time carefully. Focus on transferable skills, such as mastering core subjects and problem-solving techniques. Also, ensure you meet study-abroad deadlines, as they often precede JEE results.
9. Are extracurricular activities important for study-abroad admissions?
Yes, immensely! Universities abroad look for well-rounded individuals who contribute to their community. Engage in meaningful activities like research projects, leadership roles, or volunteering, and highlight them in your application.
10. What’s the best way to start preparing for study abroad?
Begin with:
- Researching target universities and their requirements.
- Preparing for the SAT/ACT and TOEFL/IELTS.
- Building a strong personal statement and resume.
- Seeking guidance from mentors, counselors, or online resources to craft a tailored application strategy.
Still have questions? Leave a comment below or check out our related resources on SAT preparation, essay writing tips, and choosing the right university!
