I speak on behalf of all my fellow high schoolers when I say that applying for university is probably one of the most stressful things a teenager is faced with. Not only are sixteen and seventeen year old children burdened by the future of their existence, but also under the pressure of the university admissions process.
The first step in the process is the college hunt. What makes this step challenging is your own fickleness.
In my case, I changed my mind about my desired field of study several times. First I wanted to become a writer, then a forensic scientist, and now I think my calling may be political science or corporate law. All these fields are dissimilar; they require different courses and different qualification and academic requirements. I chose to study higher-level biology back when I believed I would be a zoologist. In hindsight, and as a result of the change, I should have taken up high-level business and management. Although this seemed like a catastrophe at the time, with the help of my guidance counselor and determination, I was able to adjust to the change.
Step two is deciding on the university you want to go to. Although not anyone’s favourite pastime, researching everything there is to know ahead of time can prepare you well. I have learned so much about the universities I’m interested in, including their likelihood of accepting international students, the requirements for certain majors, and whatever available financial aid there is. I am still drowning in research, but that has not stopped me for moving forward to the third and final step.
The final, most crucial step is creating a portfolio; one that defines you as a person and as a student.
Your portfolio must include a personal statement and anything else that showcases your talents or proves your worth to your community.
My portfolio is a refection of my best work; it is chockfull of my artistic and academic achievements including my Royal Academy of Dance exam certificates, dance awards, Royal Music Institute piano exam certificates, paintings, SAT scores, volunteer work documents, and lots more.
The greatest challenge is to finish all three steps on time as deadlines are set with expectation of compliance – this means that procrastination is your worst enemy! With all of this going on, it is no wonder that I was lost, frustrated and exhausted this past year. But I stuck with it, and I believe that with the right mindset and proper organization anyone can do it.
By Nisma Hamid
