Acceptance criteria at top universities these days entails the student be a modern day renaissance man to even stand a chance.
Good grades were once enough to get you into a decent school. Today, marks and test scores are only the foundation. Extra-curricular activities, sports, recommendations and essays are all part of the repertoire of the kind of student universities crave — the over achiever. Work at an orphanage, start an internet business, learn the clarinet, run for class president — anything that makes you stand out should be thrown onto your application. With the best universities turning away record numbers of applicants, students must demonstrate not just competency, but individuality.
Essay and interview
The university essay and interview are two key mediums through which to achieve this. The college essay is a great tool to distinguish oneself. "We read many essays a day of applicants from all over the world, coming from different backgrounds and interested in different majors. We like to read essays that are well written, well thought through by the applicant where they address the question and not change direction, using the essay in an organised, story-telling fashion that captures the reader every step of the way," says Hanan Khamis, Director of Admissions at the Dubai campus of RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology).
"The applicant should proof read their essay several times, and have others proof it for advice. Grammatical errors do not create a good impression."
Dr Kishore Sirnani, Head of International Business Development at Heriot-Watt University's Dubai campus says the essay should also touch on the university's strengths. "Students should prepare their admission essays or ‘statement of purpose' keeping in mind not only their past achievements, but also why they chose the university, why they intend to do the particular programme and how it relates to their goals and future career."
Once past this post, the college interview is an ideal platform to showcase what sets each student apart. Dr Sirnani offers a simple set of rules to follow.
"Be prepared, be yourself, and be determined," he says, going on to point out the importance of talking up extra-curricular activities in interviews. "Such activities help understand key personality traits, such as being a team member, drive to achieve goals or leadership skills. It also opens an avenue as candidates with sports experience can apply for various sports scholarships."
Reasons for applying
Khamis says students must know why they want admission to that particular university. "The student should also be prepared on receiving questions on their academic background such as school overall grade point average (GPA), individual grades and why he/she performed the way they did. He/she should come prepared if possible with a portfolio of all or any achievements received during their secondary school years," he adds.
Alaa AbuAli, a Counselling Psychologist at Synergy Integrated Medical Centre in Dubai, provides more general pointers that can make for a successful interview. Besides thinking positively and steering clear of anxiety-provoking attitudes, she cites the age-old mantra of practice makes perfect.
"Role playing is another helpful technique. Through role play the individual can practice and have a better understanding of how to mentally prepare for questions and how to respond. Another technique I have used with clients includes initiating a self dialogue that enables the person to focus on their strengths rather than weaknesses. I also often ask clients to use imagery and envision a ‘safe place' where they feel relaxed and comfortable."
