Stepping into the next level this time of the year, most of the students in the sub-continent, particularly Bangladesh, experience cultural shock – that is, their preconceived credo of excelling in academics is not setting them apart from the crowd.
Whether it is a student applying for college admission abroad, a graduate seeking a job, or a university student participating in group projects, the story of unpreparedness is prevalent everywhere.
In 2022, it is conspicuous how universities worldwide opt for holistic admission – assessing students' ECAs, interests, passions, and aptitudes equally to their academics. Likewise, employers highly value candidates with practical experience.
A culture of unpreparedness
Children in our nation are taught to compete for grades from the beginning of their education. Most students are assigned only one task in their academic year - achieve a certain grade or position. As a result, this culture damages their upbringing in many ways.
For starters, if students are assigned a linear task for an extended period, they will either procrastinate or develop a habit of overstretching themselves for relatively simple tasks.
It effectively incarcerates their capacity to adjust to a broader curriculum and adapt to high-pressure situations, a common scenario for HSC students across the country.
Moreover, extensive focus on book-based knowledge is driving students away from the vicinity of practicality. Although some students take initiatives to engage in fieldwork – social activism, research, organising – large-scale practical lessons are now mostly a formality.
Furthermore, most institutions lack suitable extracurricular facilities, and some openly discourage it.
Flawed Mindset
Due to the schooling culture and social influence, many students approach their careers with an incorrect perspective. This leads them to rely only on their grades to pursue their desired career, leaving their ambition.
The first problem with this approach is that prominent universities worldwide, especially in the United States, usually don't prefer students who are undecided about their interests. Moreover, if a student fails to obtain the required scores, they will have to change their career path, which reduces the chances of success in most instances.
A Recommended Path
Almost every sphere regarding academic evaluation values decisiveness and determination. Many claimed extracurricular activities as the formula for success, from students who received full-ride scholarships to graduates who had a smooth transition into the workforce.
Olympiads, debate, Model UN, research, social activism, internships, and other ECAs are excellent methods to discover your interest early in life. These activities assist you in determining your potential major and profession and equip you to thrive in it.
Barring organisational tasks, indulging in pastimes such as reading books, painting, writing, etc., are great ways to explore your inner self– something that will genuinely distinguish you from other candidates.
Furthermore, balancing ECAs with academic work paves the road to high-functioning under adverse conditions. Importantly, this enables an application to construct a coherent resume demonstrating the applicant's interests and skills.
For instance, an individual looking to work at a software development business will have a better chance of being hired if their profile shows several activities, such as boot camps and internships, linked to the profession. By all means, applicants with clear and prepared profiles are highly appraised by both institutions and businesses.
After all, you want to accomplish your ambition regardless of getting a chance. Make sure your profile delivers the message loud and clear.
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