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