Higher education – Gaining beyond a degree

Higher education – Gaining beyond a degree

‘There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.’- John Adams

From a very young age we are told that a university degree is an absolute must to succeed in life and lays the foundation of a prosperous career. While this is true and a bachelors/ undergraduate degree has become an essential criterion of success for a millennial, we fail to realize that higher education is more than just a degree.

 

Barack Obama once said, ‘folks can make a lot more by learning a trade than they might with an art history degree’ (The Economist, 2014). While everyone may not agree with this statement, it is true that University education is not just for a better career which can perhaps be achieved through experience and self learning, it allows students the chance to enhance self confidence and belief through the practice of enterprising skills and recognize that they are in control of their own destiny (Catcheside, 2012). We go to university is far more than to simply gain depth and knowledge in our field of study but to grow as a person and learn from our exposure.

Higher education is a way of instilling a mature and well-balanced intelligence amidst students. University education allows one to take action and learn from their mistakes thus working on self-improvement. It allows students to tackle problems from a new perspective through a combination of logic, creativity and innovation. It enables us to recognize and achieve goals because being at university helps us understand that we alone are responsible for our future and our actions today will influence our tomorrow. Therefore university education allows one to acquire more than just a degree but in fact the traits of a good democrat, good parent and most importantly a good person who is, ‘capable of happiness and contributing to the happiness of others’ (Catcheside, 2012).

Students departing for university and those applying should know the significance and change university will bring in their lives. They should begin their journey with a positive mindset prepared for a multicultural and dynamic experience that gives them much more value than simply a degree.

WAITLISTED?… take these steps to maximize your chances to get off the waitlist

WAITLISTED?… take these steps to maximize your chances to get off the waitlist

Got waitlisted at a University you applied to? Don’t worry because it’s not doomsday and you should have alternate appropriate fit Colleges that suit your academic, social and financial needs.  Regardless lets discuss some initial steps to take and reduce the anxiety when waitlisted at a University.

What is the Waitlist?

Think of the waitlist as sort of a twilight zone where you’re neither in nor out, but on hold. One can definitely get off the waitlist. Getting off the waitlist depends largely on the yield per school; the percentage of students offered admissions that will enroll at the university. Interestingly the number of students offered spots from the waitlist increased by 16% from 2014 to 2015 (Ivywise, 2017).  

What to do if you have been put on a University Waitlist?

Once the university informs you about being put on the Waitlist it is natural to be confused and remain uncertain about where to enroll. However it is important to not let the feeling overwhelm you and stop you from taking action. In fact it is important to take the following measures if the University you are waitlisted at is your top choice in order to ensure your best to get off the waitlist. 

1. Take a moment to pause and reflect on where you actually want to go and what your alternate options are. Perhaps there may be an alternate better option that you have not considered properly.
2. Write a, ‘First Choice Letter’ or as we like to call a, ‘ Letter of Enthusiasm’ to the University you have been waitlisted at in-order to show your desire and interest in attending the College. The tone of the letter is crucial and must seem genuine depicting all that you love about the college and how you can add value to the College community. It is important to re- emphasise your interest in the school and to show them that if you were accepted you would take up the position.
3. In addition to your letter give the University updates with all that you have done since you have applied and any relevant courses or activities you may have undertaken that have further developed your skills for the course you applied to the University for.
4. Secure your place at your second best option/preference by paying the non-refundable deposit by 1^st May and making sure you have a place at the University.
5. Stay in touch with the University and any contact you have there to make sure your interest and desire to attend the University is evident.
6. Study hard for your AP exams/A-Levels, as you never know what the University may ask you for as a pre requisite to get off the waitlist. Also continue to maintain a positive and healthy attitude at school in order to ensure your grades stay on top.

  

While being on the waitlist, especially for a University that is your top preference can be nerve wrecking it allows you to push yourself more and look at the possibility of other colleges that are fit for you. Remember in the US one can always transfer to their top choice at a later stage. Be open to possibilities and start University off with a positive and enthusiastic attitude trying to capture the best of the opportunity you have!

Daniya Sardar
(BSc. U of Warwick, MSc Imperial College London)

Chief Operating Officer and UK Admissions Head- The Edvisory 

Is Design the Future? A guide for university applicants

Is Design the Future? A guide for university applicants

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination”- Albert Einstein.

 

Figure 1; Innovating through design thinking

We often misinterpret the importance and meaning of design in our lives. I recall a conversation between two friends at university arguing about how engineers are not designers and how the title is only relevant for the creative fields and courses. Incorrect! Design is a way of thinking that matches people’s needs with what is technologically feasible and what businesses can convert into customer value and opportunities for themselves. In simpler words design is a mindset that combines creative and analytical thinking and applying it to solving specific problems. It is relevant for everyone irrespective of the course you choose to pursue at university, as innovative design thinking is the way forward. From mathematicians, historians, engineers, writers, interior and jewellery designers, design thinking allows one to exploit existing knowledge and create new knowledge.

 

Figure 2; Design Ideas

For those students who chose to study in the US, it is a great opportunity to take advantage of the flexible education system that allows one to try out various courses alongside their major. Comparatively in the UK as there is limited flexibility in terms of courses, thus one can always learn about design through the various societies and clubs the university has to offer. By enhancing your knowledge in various subjects; photography, architecture, fine art, dance, drama and creative writing one can broaden their knowledge and understanding of design. Design thinking allows individuals to view a problem from multiple perspectives and encourages innovative thinking and creative problem solving which is useful across all fields be it philosophy or physics.

 

Figure 3; Augmented reality designer

In a world that is consistently evolving and growing it is important to have knowledge of design and implement design thinking in your approach to education as it allows one to gain knowledge and apply it to their respective ever-changing industries. It is essential for students to understand that design is as technical as it is creative and allows one to push themselves to new heights of sophistication. 

Daniya Sardar
(BSc. U of Warwick, MSc Imperial College London)

Chief Operating Officer and UK Admissions Head- The Edvisory

A Glimpse into the life of an Imperial College London Student

A Glimpse into the life of an Imperial College London Student

As an Imperial College London Alumni, I recall entering the massive, modern and brilliantly designed University building located in the heart of Central London on South Kensington. Amazed by the conventional look and feel of the building, Imperial instilled the desire to do great things within me from the very start.

Figure 1: Imperial College London, UK

With an in depth focus on mainly science, engineering, medicine and business, Imperial ensures that students in their respective fields are pushed to their maximum in order to achieve their full potential and make their mark in the world. Ranked as one of the best UK universities and 5^th in the world according to 2017 Times Higher Education, Imperial attracts a dynamic student community and encourages team work from the beginning of the course thereby enabling students to absorb and spread knowledge through their interactions. The diverse and driven student community is one thing that kept me motivated constantly; trying and wanting to do my best. Being one of the only two Pakistani’s on the Masters Of Science course (MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management) enabled me to interact with peers from multiple nationalities and grow my network drastically. The ambitious mindset coupled with the hardworking and dedicated nature of majority of the students who understood the importance of balancing work and social activities allows students at the university to thrive academically and socially.

Figure 2: Class of 2016 MSc IEM. 

Everyday at Imperial was challenging and exciting and the approachable and friendly program team and professors encouraged me to question every doubt I had about any module. Thus increasing my thirst for knowledge. From a supportive academic environment and global opportunities within the course including a business tour to India, the university combines theory with practical real life experience.

Figure 3: Imperial College London Campus

Imperials identity as an engine of innovation and motto of turning students into problem solvers for global issues allows every student to connect with the other and work as a team towards a broader mission. Imperial offered me a life changing experience. Not only did it allow me to meet some of my closest friends but also stirred up the entrepreneurial spirit within me by instilling confidence, passion and the inclination to leave a foot-print in the global community.

Daniya Sardar

(BSc. U Of Warwick, MSc. Imperial College London)

Chief Operating Officer and Head of UK Advising - Edvisory