US Universities Application

Congratulations to those who have taken a further step on their study journey! I wish you all the best in your future endeavor. For those who wish to study abroad, especially in the United States, I have something to share that might help you :)

The reason I am writing this is to share a little bit of my experience applying to US university. I hope this might help because I was also clueless settling these stuffs during my time. The journey was tremendous but very worthy that I hope everyone will face it with patience and consistency. Without further ado, let us begin!

There are several status of application that you must keep in mind - Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD). Early Decision means the application is binding. When you apply with Early Decision, you must attend the university once you are accepted. Students usually use this when they apply to Ivy League because they wanted to show that they are determined to enter the university. I don't apply to Ivy League so I applied through EA and RD. EA just simply means you apply early and get the results by the end of the year (if you apply for Fall term) while RD is the regular path. I knew results for University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, and Purdue University early because I applied them through EA. I applied to University of Wisconsin-Madison (my current institution) through RD, quite a waste of money, huh? This is because I was too nervous and feel like I'm not prepared to apply to my dream school early.

So, here's some early preparation that you could make!

1. Complete SAT and TOEFL test

These tests are important as tickets to apply for US universities. A class for both of these papers will be provided (for scholars) and do take notes on all important tips and advices. Here are the link for SAT and TOEFL. Different universities will require different SAT and TOEFL scores so don't be lazy to check the requirements for your dream university. As for me, University of Wisconsin-Madison has average SAT score of 1370 and Toefl score of 100.

2. Prepare Personal Statement 

Since the admission team does not know who you are, you have to write a personal statement. A personal statement is a 600 words essay that tell personal story about you be it in a form of successful events, fallback incidents, achievements, or narrative. There will be several prompts (topics) you can use to write your essays or you can use any topic you like as long as it is interesting and depict a little bit or a whole about you. Make sure to proofread your essays and ask several people to give opinion or ideas regarding your essays.

3. Fill in University Application
There are several ways to fill in university applications such as through university website, Common Application or Coalition Application. I used Common Application because it is the easiest (same goes to Coalition Application) as one application can be used to apply to many universities. Make sure to gather all important information needed. You can start filling it now although you haven't sit for your exams or complete your personal essays yet.

4. Recommendation Letter
Recommendation Letter can be written by anyone but a counselor recommendation letter is important. You can either ask your high school or college counselor. Besides, you can politely ask teachers, parents, employers or peers to write recommendation letter for you, whoever that knows you the best and you are comfortable too. Recommendation Letter is important to convince the admission officers.

5. Documents and Transcripts
These are your physical evidences to let the admission officers know about your success and efforts that you have put to come this far. Collect all your high school and college transcripts, co-curriculum certificates, and other important documents that will be requested.

I think that's all for the application process. Don't be shy to ask me anything if you have any questions or need help for the application! I am always happy to share my experience :)

Proud of You

It has been almost 6 months since I last posted on this blog. I just know that ex-SPM candidates have been reading my blog for scholarship information and I am beyond happy to know that my blog helps people, and inspire them. Congratulations for your result and know that I am very proud of all of you.

I think I should write to give a little bit insight and hope of my life here. To share the pros and cons of studying abroad, away from my home, my family. I have been here for almost 8 months and honestly I have no regrets for choosing this path.

I have been stressed out lately. It is a lie if I say all is going well with no hard days, studying abroad is awesome, wowww... I keep this dark part to myself, the isolation and depression moments I have sometimes keep me from going but whilst writing this I just want to remember the memorable, beautiful moment to give all of you hope that we must keep going, that we must never give up.

Choosing this path wasn't easy. I could follow my passion by choosing to do Medicine rather than Chemical Engineering that I know nothing about, that when I stepped my feet on the US land then I know it is only 5% of Chemistry and the rest are just Physics and Mathematics, among my weakest subjects. But as I went through my first semester and currently going through Introduction to Chemical Engineering, then I learn how to love this course. That I know why He made me choose this instead of Medicine.

Being here is something my 5 years old self will not ever think I can do. But I know it is something I want. Though I have to sacrifice my social life, sacrifice being a social butterfly and be a Lone Ranger instead. Everyday is about myself, eating, going to class, alone by myself. It doesn't mean I don't have friends, I do. I appreciate them the most as they are always here for me. But the feeling of not belonging is still there, in the class all Americans, but that is something I chose didn't I? However, this feeling is what keeps me to join activities that make me feel happy. I just finished performing as actor and dancer for Malaysian Night, a pat on my back! So, do things that can make you happy :) you can!

I will never regret coming here, even my worst days keep me from waking up to school on -10 degree Celsius day, even when I didn't perform well on midterms I put all my effort in, I will never regret. These hardships are what make me grow stronger. I will not regret, not because of the fame or the glamor of studying abroad but because of how I love  and appreciate this journey that opened my eyes to look more, to be blessed, to be tough, to be there for myself. Never think as those who study abroad are better than those studying in their home country because all have the struggles and blessings that come with the path He chose for us, that We chose for us.

Think about your passion, what you want to do. You know who you are :) Don't forget to be thankful that you are still able to study, to make your loved ones proud of you. To just be alive. Never compare your life with another. Everyday is our day, it must be something good in everyday like a stranger smiling at you :) Always be proud of yourself. I know you did your best, but whatever comes after this, it is the best for you.