Have you decided on where to go after secondary school? Tertiary education is a path in life where people face huge changes and challenges; where you receive an education plays a huge part in your growth. Quality education means in-depth courses, good educators and good facilities. What should you do if you want to get into a top university? Here are 7 tips for you.
Apply
Scoring a place in top universities, where competition is rife, can seem impossible. You may feel that there is no point in trying to get to your dream university, and that is why you don’t try. It’s hard to say how many students lost their chance of studying in the university of their choice because they simply did not apply for it. Don’t deny yourself the potential opportunity just because you don’t feel confident enough. You may not get into your first choice if you did submit the application, but you definitely won’t get in if you don’t! Try applying for the university you want to attend. It might work out, and even if it does not, you won’t be spending mental energy wondering what could have happened.
Study
Your parents and teachers have certainly lectured you about the importance of good grades. If you’re aiming for a top university, it goes without saying that you really should aim to score well in exams. That doesn’t mean you should bury your head in books and notes, you should find the best method for you. Students have different learning styles and it’s important for them to be aware of that. While some students can learn fast from looking at diagrams or graphs, some students recall their knowledge better if they make notes. Group study can be helpful for some students, who learn better when a concept is explained to them by their friends, whereas some find other people to be distracting. You should try out different study techniques and pick the best one for you, and remember not to overdo it!
Don’t neglect your extracurriculars
Your grades are not the only determining factor when universities look at your application. Many applicants excel academically, but if they only focus on their grades, it will be difficult for them to be selected. Universities look for well-rounded individuals who can go beyond their studies and bring something special to the institution. If you are good at sports, you should aim to win competitions or awards. Participate in writing competitions if you love literature, or learn skills related to the field that you are interested in. Helping out in charity organizations or holding leadership roles in your school club or society can also make your application stand out.
Find interest in a field
It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re faced with what course to pick. You should know what course to apply for when you are submitting your application. Don’t pick a course just because you think the job will pay well! Students end up having difficulties staying on track if they’re studying a course they aren’t interested in. Motivation matters, and interest drives that motivation. If you enjoy some subjects in school, like Chemistry or Computer Science, look into what courses are related to those subjects. Some universities provide a course outline to give you an idea of what you’ll be studying. Otherwise, talk to a consultant who can help you. (Like us! 🙂
Research on universities
When you apply, it’s important to show interest in the university you are applying to. Some universities specialize in certain fields and can provide you with excellent lecturers or equipment that you can use. Don’t just limit yourself to the universities you’ve heard of, and find a few other institutions that can offer you a great study experience. You can attend education fairs or talk to representatives of the university to learn more. Your personal statement should reflect on why you want to study in that particular university you’re aiming for. Explain what attracted you to that university, and why you’re excited to study there.
Be organised
The application process can include multiple stages and gets more complicated if you’re going overseas. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss a deadline to submit a form, or panic when you’re not able to find suitable accommodation. Give yourself ample time to prepare for whatever process that may follow. Make sure letters or personal statements you submit are thoroughly proof-read. Keep track of important dates and be vigilant. You may be asked to take additional tests or get reference letters as well. Don’t do them last minute, otherwise if things don’t go according to plan, you might end up getting your application dropped.
Have a backup plan
Top universities have to be very selective in who they accept, and there is a high chance that you might not get accepted into your first choice. However, not getting into the university you want to attend is not the be-all and end-all. It’s important to not tunnel-vision into one choice, you should have a list of universities you would love to study at and not only apply to one. Your education experience will not be less meaningful or fulfilling if you attend another university that is not the top of the list. Tertiary education is not only about learning to give yourself better work opportunities, but also about growing up and building your network of friends.
If a top university is what you have in mind, then it’s time to act now. Otherwise, these tips can still be applied for anyone who is interested in preparing for their university application. What you’re doing now at school will definitely set a precedence to your future. Work hard and study smart!
