Hi, guys!
For those who are still having a hard time writing their SOP/GTE, here's a simplified guideline from the University of Queensland, particularly for future prospects, look at the last part of the pdf file under "<a href="https://future-students.uq.edu.au/files/3234/UQ_GTE_Statement_of_Purpose.pdf">Supporting Evidence</a>", you can include links to job postings/advertisements on your SOP, make sure to put multiple links that are also relatively new, because some job postings do expire. This guideline is not limited to UQ.
I hope you find this useful.
And my advice, while it's good to learn from successful student visa applicants, I find it more valuable to learn from those who have failed or got denied on their visa application, that's what I did, some people might show you their SOP and there are some who won't, ask them what's their reason for denial, take note of it and use that info. This is definitely useful to those who are starting a new application, it may sound insensitive, but avoid and learn from others' mistakes so you'd get it right the first time, because even with a single paragraph or even phrase- it has the potential to easily burn your hard-earned $550. Don't be impulsive, don't be lazy, don't be shy to ask questions, even if you have an agent- do your due diligence by doing your homework and research!
My timeline:
November 2016 - Researched the process and made inquiries (a lot) to universitiesDecember 2016 - Reviewed for IELTS
Jan 6 & 7, 2017 - IELTS ExamJan. 20, 2017 - IELTS Results - L: 8.0-R: 7.5-W: 6.5-S: 7.0-O: 7.5 (Yay! but not satisfied with writing though :/)
Jan. 21 - Mar. 13, 2017 - Gathered and prepared other documents + financesMar. 14, 2017 - Submitted requirements and application fee to QUT (Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries + Master of Creative Advertising)
Mar. 23, 2017 - Full offer from QUT (Direct entry to Master of Advertising, but it's only 1.5 yrs, not enough to qualify for a visa 485 in the future)Mar. 24-26, 2017 - Researched for an alternative school that offers at least 2 years masters- Monash University
Mar. 27, 2017 - Finally decided and submitted application to Monash University (Master of Design)Mar. 30, 2017 - Acknowledgement of application and student number
April 7. 2017 - Conditional offer (needed to submit a clearer copy of transcript)April 24, 2017 - Full offer + $4000 Grant (I was an average student in college, but that's a huge surprise). Applied for health assessment (HAP ID) before lodging.
April 27, 2017 - Medical Examination. Submitted statement of telegraphic transfer/proof of payment to the UniversityMay 3, 2017 - Issued Confirmation of Enrollment
May 4, 2017 - Visa application lodgementMay 9, 2017 - Signed health undertaking (form 815) and 40 minutes later-- Visa grant!!! Melbourne baby!
Regarding the IELTS, don't aim for the minimum band score the school requires, do your best to reach at least 1.0 band higher than what's required! I know I don't have the best band scores, but I worked my ass off by studying even at idle times- because if I didn't apply myself by aiming higher, I would easily fall below the requirement. Don't ever think that your English is not good, so trust me... you can do it!
Just my speculation, a well-written SOP really makes a big impact, so much it can possibly score you a study grant (it took me 4 weeks to research, write, and edit my SOP/GTE), cater it for your preferred school, make it as bullet-proof as possible and just like the old saying- write from the heart, be precise with your goals and plans, show your maturity, show how well you've researched the school, course and its subjects, and the city (living costs, weather, transportation, accommodation- use approximate distances, google maps is your friend). I cannot stress this enough, but DO NOT LIE.
I was lucky enough not to get a phone call from the CO but I've read that there are some people who get an interview, so ALWAYS assume and anticipate that they'll call. Make sure to prepare a questionnaire with your answers on it, so as not to sound robotic, write it like how you would naturally talk and answer, like a script, put it on your main desktop (set it to read mode and save it in MS Word, it'll be easier to read) OR print it out if you want, have it with you all the time, so if and when they call, you're prepared.
Compute all your study and living costs (be very detailed! even if you just plan on purchasing a pillow or something) conservatively, add at least 2 pesos (to the current rate) to your conversion to account for bank charges and erratic daily exchange rate so you'd get a realistic expectation of money you need to spend/borrow. Also, don't forget to factor-in the pre-departure expenses like ticket fare, luggage (if you don't have one yet), clothes, etc.
And lastly, use the bookmark function of your browser, you'll be coming back and forth reading and cross-referencing information, organize it by main bookmark folder, sub-bookmark and so on. Organization is KING especially when you're gathering shitloads of information. Create a folder system by properly naming your folder and files that you and other people can easily follow and understand, also do this with the files that you download since most people who upload files/forms online suck at creating a filename (eg. putting an unnecessary amount of dash and/or underscore).
Cheers!
PS: AECC Global helped me with the whole application process, mostly on certifying and submitting my documents.