Sheikh Iraj

After a long Eid holiday, people are slowly making their way back to the capital. Soon schools, colleges, and universities will start classes in full swing.
Recently, the HSC and A-Level examinations were held. Students are eagerly waiting for the results to be published and at the same time, preparing themselves for the next stage of their academic life. Whether they study in public or private universities at home, or simply decide to go abroad, students have to study very hard to get admitted into various universities. Some are going to coaching centres, some are studying alone, and some are even making their own study groups with friends. This week, Y&I talks to some youths about their preferences regarding higher education and how they are preparing themselves for university life.

Fuad Ahmed Ayon
One of the most frequently asked questions that students come across is, “What do you want to become in life?” Some say, doctor, some say engineer and some say, lawyers. To be honest, I don’t want to be a doctor or an engineer or anything else for that matter. I want to see myself as a famous filmmaker. I have been working as an artist in a private TV channel for two years. So I have become extremely passionate towards filmmaking. To get to my goal, I must have an education on the subject. For that reason, I would prefer Jahangirnagar University as it provides good facilities. For admission test preparation,  a few of my friends and I are practising at home. All of my friends come to my home and we study together. If we fail to understand something, we go to one of our old teachers.

Sadia Habib Arpy
A lengthy exam has just finished. I thought I could take some rest but it’s not possible. University admission tests are coming up very soon, so I have to study really hard. I am mainly taking preparation for medical college, but considering the fact that it is one of the most competitive examinations in our country, I need to have a backup plan. That is why I am also preparing for BUET as well. I have done some short courses and bought various books for the admission tests.

Ruhul Amin Bhuiya
Just 20 years ago, a large number of students used to go abroad for higher education, but now we have more than 50 private universities in our country. I have a keen interest in journalism and I want to study on that subject. A number of private universities here offer courses on this particular subject and I am planning on taking admission to one of them. Some of these universities are providing quality education. They provide a good environment and there is nothing like session jams. Of course, in order to get admission, one has to sit for exams and I am preparing myself for that.

Tahsin Wazed Esha
Getting admission to a medical college is no easy task. One has to study hard and be prepared. I want to be a doctor. For my admission preparation, I have taken some notes from my cousins. All of them are doctors. Sometimes, they come to my house and help me with the lessons. Besides that, I have taken admission at a medical coaching centre.
Eshrat Jahan Janin
I think admission tests are valuable as they play a vital role in building self-confidence. Since my childhood, I have been interested in becoming a doctor. To become a doctor, I must get a place at a well reputed medical college. We all know that it’s not easy to get into medical college. As far as my preparations are concerned, I have enrolled at a medical coaching centre. Secondly, I have formed a group with some friends from college who also want to become doctors. Sometimes, we all sit together and practise a lot. We are also connected via social media for better communication. If we face any study related problem, we then poke each other and try to find the solution.

Sadia Islam Urmi
From a very early age, I wanted to become a banker. I have discussed it with my parents and they gave me a positive response. I just completed my HSC exams and am looking forward to taking admission in a renowned university. Everybody knows that admission tests, especially in the public universities, are very hard. That is why I am going to a university coaching centre. Also, I am planning to take lessons from a private teacher. When it comes to university admission tests, there is no fixed syllabus like we have for HSC examinations. But I believe if I work hard enough I will get a positive result, that’s why I am studying for 10 hours every day.  

Kazi Nasif Huq
It is hard to imagine that I will face stiff competition right after my HSC exams. I couldn’t even catch a break and now, here I am planning my next move. However, not everything is appalling as I am working up a strategy to face the coming months with the help of my seniors. As a student of business studies, I have decided to continue my higher studies in the same field. I have started my preparations for the Dhaka University C Unit and IBA admission tests. I have signed up at a renowned coaching centre to improve my preparation. However, my main target is to go abroad as my elder brother is settled in Australia. If none of the above works, I am planning to get admitted to a well-established private university and move to an Australian university by transferring my credits by the end of the second year. To me, this process is easier and goes perfectly well with our family’s plan.

Raisa Raad Khan
Recently, I completed my A level exams and now I am browsing the internet to find a university that will be appropriate for me. I am especially targeting universities in Australia and Canada, because they offer a lot of scholarships. From my point of view, spending time studying abroad can provide an excellent opportunity to make new contacts and build invaluable relationships with peers from around the world. The day I started to understand what studying abroad is, I just  focused on my studies to reach my goal. I came to know that I will have to complete a SAT course in order to apply to a foreign a university, that is why I am preparing for SAT as well.  I want to travel the world and learn at the same time.

Raquib Wasy
Many of my friends are planning to study abroad, but I want to study in BRAC University. I have been interested in IT since childhood. I have a dream that in the future I will work in animation. My dream is to make an animated movie. My family supports me in pursuing my dream. My father, especially, encourages me. After completing graduation, I might go abroad for further education. I am trying to surround myself with positivity, so let’s see what happens.

Shah Jalal Jonak
There are many countries in the world that provide quality education along with numerous scholarships. I want to study physics and the USA has some of the top universities in the world. For that reason, I am planning to study there. I am very much grateful to my family for supporting me in my decision. Right now I am taking preparation for the SAT and TOEFL examinations. I want to become a professor when I finish my education, and if I get to study in America, I will be one step closer to achieving my dream.

Khadiza Ahsan
In USA, there are a number of scholarship opportunities for students of liberal arts. That is why I have decided to study there. I like psychology. I am preparing to take the ACT examination in September, and then I will sit for the IELTS exam. I am working in a voluntary organisation, and I am also the founder of a community service club. I believe having such experiences will help me to get better scholarships.

Mahmud Al Amin and Nadim Majid also contributed to this article.
Photos: File