5 CRUCIAL THINGS FOR YOU TO DO WHILE WAITING FOR YOU UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
Now that you have completed SPM, graduated high school, and filled in all those long forms for your UPU registration, what should you do next?
Stop sitting around, watching the days gone by without doing anything. There are a few other things that you can do to constantly improve and add value to yourself whilst preparing for the adult life.
Here’s what we suggest!
1. APPLY AT OTHER UNIVERSITIES.
Yes, this means that you will be applying for private universities, but they’re good too. Most of the time, private universities may offer you courses or programs that are not offered by public universities. These universities would often have an “Open Day” where you can go visit and try out their facilities. BUT BE CAREFUL! There are private universities that would try to lure you into paying. Pay attention to see if they ask you to pay in advance as a “non-refundable deposit”.
2. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AIDS
If you looked up the internet, you can find many universities that offer scholarships (this includes universities abroad too). Yes, that’s right, fully funded! Not just universities, there are also government-sponsored scholarships for SPM graduates. Famous local scholarships would be MARA and Yayasan Peneraju. The Japanese Government also offer scholarships for those who wish to study in Japan, but it only applies to very limited options. The Russian Government scholarship, on the other hand, offers students a wider choice of programmes and just like the Japan scholarship, applications are open annually for international students. There are also scholarships given by the state but you might have a slimmer chance since not all states offer financial aid. Some students are wary of their results and got scared of applying them, thinking they’re not good enough. My advice is to just apply! There really is nothing to lose. Who knows, maybe they can see your potential more than you can see yourself.
3. PRACTICE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW
These universities receive hundreds – thousands even – of applications every year. Therefore, some universities would set up interview sessions to decide on who to choose. The problem is that many students are more than qualified to get into these universities, yet somehow, they still failed. Why? Because of the interview! They got too nervous, forgot how to speak, and their brain went blank. So, what should they have done? Research on the university and the programme you’re applying for, practice your verbal and body language, and most importantly, practice for your interview!
4. SET UP A GOOD RESUMÉ
Use this long break as a chance to work or even volunteer. Not only will you get great real-life working experience, but you can also use the chance to earn some pocket money. Getting into universities requires money, of course – laptop, phones, books, tuition fees, transportation, etc – so it’s best for you to be well prepared. You can also put these experiences on your resumé. Show your interviewers that you are more than qualified to get into their universities.
5. KEEP CALM AND RELAX
After this, you would rarely get the chance to rest this long. You will be constantly piled up with assignments, projects, tests, and even assignments for next semester. You will need all the energy you can possibly get and all the rest you very much deserve. Learn how to manage your time by working and taking breaks in between so that you won’t get too burnt out once you start studying and working. Keep calm and take life one pace at a time.