To University or Not to University?2018-11-28   Author : Ushiya Bhatti T1

(That is the question!)

As the high-school years approach an end, students are faced with a list of infinite questions for which there seem to be no answers. A select few of these questions can be seen in the list below:

1. How to pick a major?
2. How to choose universities?
3. How to apply to chosen universities?
4. How to write essays/personal statements for university applications?
5. How to be prepared for university life?

This list carries a sense of dread. How are we supposed to know the answers to any of these questions? Perhaps, that is it. We aren't supposed to know the answers. We are supposed to ask for help, to reach out to our counselors so that they can guide us through the dreadful process of university application and selection. At RDFZ, many universities from abroad come armed with answers as they tackle every question thrown their way, ranging from 'How do we apply?' to 'What do you expect in a university application/essay/personal statement?'

RDFZ has hosted many university fairs in the past, some most recently. And the main objective of these fairs is to disperse every doubt that clouds a student's mind. And trust me, there are many doubts. These doubts stem from a lack of understanding, which is why our school so firmly believes in the development of a student's knowledge of university life. 

In these fairs, universities from both the UK and the US were present. It was important for the school to bring a diverse range of universities, in order to ensure that the students present understood the different requirements of each institute.  This fair was open to all students, whether they were Senior 1 students or Senior 3 students. It's important for young students to understand university requirements so that they do not face any troubles later on. 

The university fair hosted Durham University, Warwick University, Furman University, Concordia University, Portland State University, and many more. Students flocked towards every stall, eager to ask questions. The representatives of these universities were equally eager to provide answers. 

Truthfully, as a student myself, this fair helped me immensely. And I could see the same sense of relief and understanding in every other students’ face. 

The University Fair even helped students pick majors. The representatives showed the students every program that their respective university offered, the requirements for each program, what they look for in a student's application and even the type of essays they expect and want. 

And perhaps the last question 'How to be prepared for university life?' is somewhat ambiguous. How can one be prepared for university life? The young graduates of RDFZ, most of whom are now studying abroad, have a lot of advice to give (you can find videos of these graduates on our page, see article 'The Home Coming of Class 2017'). 

These graduates, in a brief summary, share their experiences at their universities. One advice they give is to join 'clubs' and 'societies' in order to meet people of similar interests and to make friends. They also emphasize the workload that you may face at university, and how to balance this work with your extra-curriculum. Listen to them, they know more! As Maya Angelou once said 'When you know better, you do better'.