Sorting My Life Out

Applying for University

The window to apply for the local universities was very short; some 20 odd days in February for diploma holders. And so, I rushed out the applications. As I was filling up the application forms, I found myself writing essays about myself which was very helpful in identifying what I wanted to do.

One practice I found particularly useful was to navigate through courses and to look very specifically at all their modules and programmes. So, before I start, I get a fresh sheet of paper. One for each university. While doing that, I write down characteristics on the paper that stood out to me. 

For example, notes I have written down include:

a) Characteristics that stood out for me like, "Esp. like the courses about communicating for/to the community." or even noting down modules that appealed to me.

This made it easier to imagine what studying in the university was like. I personally felt less intimidated and more excited to start on these modules.

b) Parameters of the courses, like something I noted while considering a double major, "Not able to take correctional psych[ology] and sports psych[ology modules] tho"

I feel that noting these parameters also made it easier to differentiate between similar courses in the the different universities.

c) Initial reactions and/or impressions, "Seems very abstract - do I want this kind of education?"

Sometimes, these questions helps me to reel myself in from all the marketing that the Universities do. Do I really find that interesting or is it because the institution that has made it out to look interesting?

This process of properly studying the course did help me with applying to university. The whole experience, then, seems a little less abstract. There are chances that you might find new interests (in my case, public health). And it is very useful in writing the different essays into the course.