US Universities: How and when to apply


 


Hello, good people! Your very own Jahidul Haque  here with his mediocre profile and upcoming expanded plans for FALL 24 APPLICATION. 


➡️My Intro : A HSC'23 guy with his incomplete national curriculum syllabus and willing to join the top/mid tier unis in the fall'24. 


➡️ My National Curriculum Academic Results :

✅ S.S.C (Secondary School Certificate) Score 1224/1300. Got a national merit scholarship.

✅ Top 5% scores in my high school. 


➡️SAT Preparation Updates :

✅ Scoring in between 1500-1600 in my Khan Academy SAT practise tests seems good to appear in October's SAT.


➡️ International Recognitions and Achievements :

✅ Member, Code of Ethics Committee,  American Astronomical Society since January 2022. Did 5 workshops and conducted communication between the senior executives with an ultimate undergo.

✅ Consecutive Finalist, International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition 2018 and 2019.

✅ Specialist in United Nations Drugs and Crime Office 'Family UN-ited' course, presented with India and Japan certification.

✅ Internationally recognised two calligraphy(s) designs on my own. (Oh god I'm not an artist!)

✅ Completed three courses thru Coursera. It might help!


➡️ My Extra Curricular Activities :

✅ Founder of the very first high school level astronomy club in Bangladesh. 

✅ Founder of a business designing startup. We have completed more than 10+ business projects!

✅ Founder of a teen ametuar research organisation, we have started our journey nearly in the middle of the 2020 and now it's off from every kind of projets.

✅ Adjudicated 2 National Level Competitions dedicated to Astronomy and Space. 

✅ Playing drums for a band sounds cool for me as an ECA, maybe we will release a song within 2023. Wish us luck!

✅ I did quizzing officially for both of  school and college (QCL Opal, DC Chayapath). Might be one of my biggest interests but didn’t make it count so well. 

✅ I have a facebook page (very small) where I tried to teach kids astronomy and trynna explain the easiest stuffs there,s surely I have some big plans to make it work.

✅ I write poems and publishing a book shortly in the next book fair (2024) only if my publisher doesn’t make any mess like this year.

✅ Former 10 Minute School Ambassador. (I love 10MS!) 

✅ Nearly took 5 Workshops with the elementary and middle school level studs in my school and planning to do more.


That's all, I haven’t miss something out for sure. I'm planning to apply in the US, Europe. As you are a BBB member, you can smell my thirst to Astronomy and Astrophysics! Now, my plans are surrounded with MAT (Medical Admission Test) and BMA (Bangladesh Military  Aacdemy). I will start off again after my sweet and late HSC 2023 exam ends. 


My inquiries : 

➡️ How to take the final time prep for SAT and TOEFL?

➡️ Is targeting top tier unis sounds DAY DREAMING alongside my profile? 

➡️ Anyone else preparing for Fall'24 and have similar plans as mine?

➡️ Suggest me some good hacks about ESSAY. 

TIA.My two cents  on HSC-23 peers applying to US universities...

What you should do and what you should avoid for US admissions. (I'm specifically addressing US admission here.)


Firstly, there are numerous categories, and it's evident that there are significant differences among students—be it in merit or finances.


1. For the first category, those with a substantial budget for undergraduate studies in the US, at least around 20,000 USD right now, should primarily focus on US admissions only. Their families support this, and they bear no financial burden. Even if they receive only a partial scholarship (60-70%), they can comfortably manage the cost of attendance. For them, I suggest concentrating on SAT and IELTS tests, emphasizing other aspects if their GPA isn't strong. Strengthening areas like Extracurricular Activities (ECAs), SAT, Letters of Recommendation (LORs), and Essays would be beneficial.


2. In the second category, individuals aiming for a full tuition waiver, a full ride, or nearly full ride scholarships need to understand that acquiring such scholarships isn't easy. Even with a strong profile (good GPA, ECAs, SAT scores), obtaining a full ride isn't guaranteed. Luck also plays a significant role here. Consider that if you fail to secure a full ride, all your efforts might go in vain. My suggestion here is to maintain good backup options. Getting a full ride is, in my opinion, tougher than securing admission to public universities in Bangladesh. I've witnessed many students get into institutions like BUET and DU but fail to attain a full ride scholarship. Therefore, I recommend focusing on Bangladeshi admission tests initially and simultaneously preparing for the SAT. HSC-23 students mostly miss the Fall-24 admissions (for the maximum). Hence, you have ample time for both SAT preparation and Bangladeshi admission tests. For those who didn't achieve a good GPA in HSC, worry not, as you'll likely still be eligible for admission tests in Bangladesh, such as DU-A. Some might miss BUET or KUET, but that doesn't mean you can't become an engineer—aim for GST. Finally, if you believe that scoring 1400+ on the SAT alone will guarantee a full ride, that might be wishful thinking. My advice is to focus equally on Bangladeshi admission tests and SAT preparation while also endeavoring to build a strong portfolio of extracurricular activities and honors. That's all; I hope you've grasped my message.


Higher Studies After HSC? Know the Top 10 Tips and Tricks


Are you confused about what to do for your higher studies after HSC? Maybe you are confused about what to do next, which stream you may follow next. Should you switch streams or keep going in the same direction? What course or degree will help you to get your dream job. If I’m being honest, these are common confusions among the students, and you are not the only one. 


See, in this post-HSC education stage, which is kind of the worst and most crucial time of every students’ life, here every single second matters. You may hear a lot of shouts out for medical and engineering universities and not much for other sectors.


This doesn’t mean other sectors are not promising, and only medical-engineering universities are good. In Bangladesh, most parents have a stereotype thinking that their child must pursue a study stream in between these two. And that’s the main reason why medical and engineering got this hype in the student society.


However, this practice is becoming less common nowadays. Most students get freedom choosing a degree and courses. It doesn’t matter from which stream you are from. Everything is open for you, with some exceptions. 


So, get to know yourself, know what you want now, what you want to be in the future, and go for it without wasting any time. 


 



plannings after HSC


Mandatory Things to do after HSC 


Relax a little:

You earned a break after completing the most stressful exam of your life. Try to unwind for a week or more to let all the stress out.


Know Yourself Better:

Everyone has a specialty in one or more areas. This may also assist you in doing or becoming better in the future. So be aware of your strong points, particularly in which academic areas you do better.


Narrow Your Options:

Now that you have a better understanding of yourself, you must narrow down your university options. Because everything isn’t for you, and you don’t need to be admitted everywhere. You only need one seat, so start by deciding which areas or faculties interest you. So narrow it down, and you’ll be able to focus more effectively.


Stay Healthy:

Make an effort to stay hydrated at all times. Consume nutritious foods and eat on time.


Keep Screen Time to a Minimum:

Always turn off all app notifications. Keep your phone out of the way while you’re studying. Consider using the app Forest to keep the distractions away.


Good Sleep:

Don’t go to bed at a late hour. Try to go to bed before 11 p.m. and get up at 5 or 6 a.m. This practice will assist you in getting a lot of sleep and a lot of study time. This also aids in your overall health.


 


Higher study preparation


Plannings for Higher Studies After HSC


Stage:1 Knowing Which Varsity is Offering Which Course


If you want to prepare for university admission after completing your HSC, you must enroll in a Public University. Then you need to figure out which course is right for you and which university you wish to attend based on your field of study.


Science Background:


If you come from a science background, the Engineering and Technology university should appeal to you. Subjects include Architecture, Biomedical, Chemical Engineering, CSE, Mechanical, Material and Metallurgical Engineering, etc.


On the other hand, Science and Technology University offers CSE, Applied Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science, and Fisheries.


Textile Universities may be a good fit for you if you’re interested in the RMG (Ready Made Garments) and fashion industries.


You can apply to public universities such as Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and others to study pure subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology.


If you enjoy biology and want to be a doctor, medical and dental colleges are also options.


You can also study for a Diploma where you mostly get practical knowledge of that particular subject you choose.  


Finally, if you want to change the stream and switch to Business Studies or Arts, you will get more options to choose from. 


Business Studies Background:


For every business studies student, DU IBA is the most appealing subject. And then there is JU IBA with another glorious fame and demand. 


Every Public University and Science and Technology University offers bachelor’s degrees in business administration. But there is a difference. The first is known as Program BBA, and the second is known as Subject BBA. 


Program BBA mostly follows the IBA style curriculum, and the students get to choose the major in the last academic year. And then Subject BBA follows one subject-based curriculum just like a pure subject course. 


Unlike BBA, there isn’t a lot of variety in Business Studies’ subjects. This BBA is available in various specializations, including Marketing, Management, Finance and Banking, Accounting, and in some cases, BBA on Human Resources.


And if you switch to Arts, the closest subject to business studies in Economics.


You can also pursue a Diploma in basic business studies, with the most common diploma being in hotel management.


Nonetheless, you can apply for CA (Chartered Accountancy), which is challenging to complete but has a high value in the job market.


Arts Background:


For Arts students, LAW is a very demanding subject. There are many more lucrative subjects such as Economics, International Relationship (IR), Journalism, and Communication.


Arts students generally believe they have fewer options than Science and Business Studies students, but this is not entirely true. They have a variety of subjects to choose from, but one issue is that they have to share seats with other groups. As a result, they face far more competition than others.


Arts students can switch streams and get into Business Studies. They may have fewer seats here, but the bright side is that this opportunity broadens their subject options and increases their chances of admission.


In general, most public universities offer Political Science, Sociology, Humanities, and Social Science, English (and many other languages), History, and Psychology, among many other subjects.


Students in the arts can earn a diploma in their subjects and business studies.


Post HSC education


Stage 2: The Pattern of Your Post HSC Education:


Now you know for which faculty or university you are going to compete. And to do so, you need to be prepared smartly. 


During this admission period, many students become trapped by selecting the incorrect coaching center or mentor. So, all I can say is choose wisely, use common sense, and seek coaching or preparation style advice from anyone admitted to your desired university in the previous year.


Now it is time to get preparation


Science Background:


If you had prepared well for the HSC exam, you would have had an advantage at this stage because the majority of questions will come from the HSC syllabus.


On a general view for science faculties,  Engineering and technology universities give questions on Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English. So these are the subjects you prepare for if you want to be admitted into Engineering and Technology universities. Science and Technology Universities also follow the same pattern.


There will be a faculty-wise exception question segment. For the Architecture faculty, there will be one Drawing section.  


Math, Physics, and English questions are asked in the Textile varsity. And then, for Medical College preparation, try to be the boss of Biology.


Overall try to master the HSC level book’s syllabus and other necessary parts. And if you want to change the stream, prepare according to that syllabus. 


Business Studies Background:


In general, for Subject BBA, prepare for Accounting, Management, Finance, and Marketing, as well as Bangla, English, and General Knowledge.


Program BBA, on the other hand, takes the game to a whole new level. You will be tested on Math, Analytical Ability, English, and General Knowledge, as well as Bangla in some universities.


Math will be based on class 8, 9/10 general mathematics level. Analytical Ability questions can be challenging, but if you can figure out the central part of the question, it will become the most exciting part of the entire question paper. And GK is mainly based on current events. And in the English section, it is most likely related to grammar and comprehension.


As I said before, it is essential to study smartly. I mean, questions won’t be that hard, but in that small amount of time, it only matters how many you can answer correctly, not how you have done that. Try math tricks to respond quickly and efficiently.


Same tips for Analytical Ability. Find out the central part cause there will be some parts to confuse you. So narrow and cut down the unnecessary pieces, which will help you answer quickly. For GK, try to learn the current events more and some basic and common general knowledge from an essential GK book. And in this part, some questions will be business-related. 


And finally, if you want to change the stream, follow that unit’s syllabus. 


Arts Background:


Arts students usually give exams under the D unit, and the question will be on Bangla, English, General Knowledge (Bangladesh and International), and a written part. 


Here Bangla will be on grammar and HSC level Bangla First Paper textbook. And then, English will be based on basic grammar and comprehension. The GK part will be on many Bangladesh and International features, and to answer this; one must have a thorough understanding of these two topics. And finally, the written part. There will be translation, Correction Passage, and Paragraph writing. 


To change the stream, you can follow the business studies syllabus.  


Higher studies abroad


For Post HSC education, you may want to study abroad. The question now is how you’re going to do it.


There will generally be two ways to study abroad, with a Full Free Scholarship and with No Scholarship. 


First, let’s talk about the requirements:


On a basic level, you’ll need to get a score of more than six on the IELTS. Some universities also require GRE and SAT scores. They also pay attention to your academic CGPA and English proficiency. Extracurricular activities are also beneficial here.


Now let’s know the opportunities that will motivate you:


The educational quality is far superior to ours. You can have more faculties and subjects on the plate to choose your desired one. 


This opportunity includes free exploration and earning a new experience of living in a new country.


To know more about higher studies abroad please visit the following links:


How to Study Abroad in 2022: A Step-by-Step Guide





বিদেশে উচ্চশিক্ষা: জেনে নিন করণীয়!


Some Advice to Follow


Don’t pay attention to other people’s random criticisms of your progress. Have faith in yourself at all times.

Try to compete with yourself as much as possible in order to further your development.

Try to take a short break every now and then to let the pressure out.

Use tricks to solve Math, Analytical Ability, and other relative subjects.

Learn grammar one step at a time and concentrate on the most important topics. It is not necessary to read the entire book.

Try to solve the previous admission questions from the Questions bank.

For General Knowledge, try to learn with the backstory or with some relative information. 

It makes it easier to recall a specific part quickly. 


Don’t just memorize something without understanding it. 

Always keep your physical and mental health in mind. Make every effort to stay as healthy as possible. So, don’t skip a meal and stay hydrated at all times. 

Conclusion 


Higher study preparation may be difficult at times, but if you can pass the exam and gain admission to your desired university, you will be the happiest and most relaxed human being alive on the planet at that time. So, give it your all and study smartly. WISHING YOU LUCK.

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