Guides
Now Reading
Stories from the Edge of the Future. A Guide to Applying for University. Student Voices Series. Swiss International Scientific School Dubai.
Good for Sport
0

Background – Stories from the Edge of the Future.

A Guide to Applying for University.

Student Voices Series. Swiss International Scientific School Dubai.

In the first of a special series of articles, some of the UAE’s most amazing students speak directly with SchoolsCompared about grappling with the biggest jump into the future facing students in the final years of school; the challenge of what next…

Each student was given free reign to describe their experiences and offer their advice to fellow students, and families, facing the many dilemmas, struggles, and sometimes sleepless nights, of what comes after school – and the best ways, for each of them, of getting there.

It takes no small amount of courage to agree to put your name to an article in a such a public forum, and we extend our enormous gratitude – and (giant) heaps of praise, for each of you who have taken the plunge to contribute and placed yourselves above the parapet.

For many of our contributors, this will be the first time that they will have had their names in print – well done! Who knows, maybe we shall see you in the years to come as a journalist changing the world…

The first of our stories comes from Nil Keskin, a Grade 12 student at Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai, writing about her experiences of applying to university – and tips for making each application count….

My journey to the Netherlands…

by Nil Keskin

Photograph of Nil Keskon Swiss International Scientific School Dubai University Application Advice

Hello everyone!

My name is Nil Keskin and I am a grade 12 student at Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai. I am currently in my last year of the IB Diploma Programme. I take mathematics application and interpretation, business management and English language and literature at higher level; and biology, chemistry and French language and literature at standard level.

When choosing where to study, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be in Europe because of the following factors: First of all, I speak fluent English and French and I can practice both in a lot of European countries. Secondly, I love travelling and I can travel to so many different countries in Europe for rather affordable prices. And lastly, I will be close to my family while still getting an excellent education.

After considering different countries in Europe, I decided to target one that impressed me the most: the Netherlands.

The process of finding a university in the Netherlands took time, as there is a wide range of universities. To narrow down my choices, I first looked at their entry requirements. Once I identified the ones that I am eligible to apply to, I created a Microsoft Word document and I literally put all the information that would help me with my decision (e.g. classes offered, opportunity for study abroad, internships, cost of living, finding a dorm, student life, international outlook  etc.). I then noticed that Amsterdam and Gröningen were the best fit for my criteria.

The international community in both cities impressed me because I knew from the beginning of my application process that I wanted to be in a multicultural environment. Furthermore, the availability of a wide range of social and cultural activities interested me as they will allow me to both expand my horizon and my international network. As an Economics student who eventually aspires to enter the business world, connections are very important. Now of course, with COVID, these activities are probably not happening as often anymore, which makes me a little bit sad, but I believe that Netherlands managed the situation quite well and that these activities will resume at one point during my 3 years in the Netherlands.

I did not find the application process in the Netherlands to be difficult. I had enough IB predicted points to apply to the best universities in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I was ready to spend a lot of time on my motivational letter, which is an important part of the application process. And to be honest, because I want to go to the Netherlands a lot and I am genuinely interested in Economics, the application process was not stressful but rather exciting. I enjoyed researching and learning more about my potential future life a lot!

I am going to be honest with you guys, the best piece of advice that I can give you is to apply early. We all know how stressful the last two years of high school are, whether you are doing A-levels, IB, French Baccalaureate or any other diploma. The earlier you get your offer, the less stressful it is going to be for you because you know that you have secured a place.

But don’t forget that especially for European universities, grades are extremely important. If you think you can wait a little while more and improve your grade to the requirements of the university, it might be wise to wait and apply later with the student profile they are looking for. To decide on when to apply according to your academic profile, I highly advise you to communicate with your teachers and university counsellors.

Having said that, don’t forget to enjoy your last years of high school, because you will never get them back.

Focus on your studies and perform your best, but don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones, especially in the UAE, because people go to many different parts of the world once secondary school is over.

University Guife Flags of the World including UAE

I wish you all the best with your applications!

Have a great day…

NK.

© SchoolsCompared.com and Nil Keskin 2021. All rights reserved.

Notes for students and parents

Click to read our independent review for parents of Swiss International Scientific School Dubai here.

Click to visit the official web site of Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai.

Click to read a good article on the top ranked universities in the Netherlands here.

 

About The Author
Nil Keskin
At the time of publication, Miss Nil Keskin is a Grade 12 student at Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai. Miss Keskin is studying for the International Baccalaureate Diploma and has a passionate interest in Economics. Miss Keskin plans to progress to university study in the Netherlands.

Leave a Response