What to do before applying for UPU?
Applying to universities may seem like a simple thing to do, however it is very difficult as it may determine your future. Before jumping into the application process, there are important steps that you may need to consider to help you not making the wrong choice.
In this article, I will walk you through some important steps that you should take before applying for UPU.
1. Choosing your desired course
Choosing a course of study that aligns with your interests can be a challenging task. Unfortunately, many students feel overwhelmed by the decision-making process and may ultimately end up selecting a program that is popular or recommended by family and friends, rather than one that truly reflects their passions and aspirations.
First, you must know what you want to achieve. What do you want to be? An astronaut? A doctor? Or perhaps a data scientist?
You may have been avoiding this question since you were a little kid. However, you cannot avoid this question any more. You have to face this question as it determines the path you are taking in your life.
You may also seek advice from your school education counselors. They will provide you with information regarding career options that are available for you after graduating.
To help you, UPU has developed its own e-Profiling test and its purpose is to measure your personality and which career that suits you well. (https://eprofiling.mohe.gov.my/)
2. Do research on universities
Researching universities is very essential so that you can know more about the university, especially what it offers in terms of facility and curriculum related activities. You may want to search for their alumni, quality of the university, world ranking, graduate employability.
During your research, you may encounter confusion regarding the difference between public and private universities, leading you to question which option is the better choice for you. Worry not, friend! Read “Public vs Private Universities: Which one is better?” now.
Researching for university rankings may also be important, as graduating from top universities can help you land your first job as usually these top universities often have their own alumni networks that can be a valuable resource for graduates looking to build their careers and make connections in their fields.
In addition to that, you may also need to research thoroughly the university’s entry requirements before applying. Some universities publish their course structures to the public, so do your research and study the structure and check if it suits your interest or not.
3.Prepare for the interview
Usually, some universities may require you to go for an interview process to assess your personality. You need to prepare for the interview by doing research on how usually university’s interviews are, the common questions, proper dress code and etiquette.
Some common questions are:
- Why do you want to attend this university?
- Why did you apply for this course?
- What is the achievement that you are most proud of?
- How would you describe yourself?
- What can you bring to the university?
4. Financial planning
In most cases, every university would require you to pay the registration fee before entering the university. This fee may be included with your actual first semester fee and residential college fee. Thus, you may want to contact the university and ask their fee structure so that you can plan on how to pay for your tuition and residential college fee.
At this point, you should also consider your daily and monthly budget, study the learning environment, and determine the cost of food and other essentials. You can then plan how to manage your budget wisely so that you do not have to rely on eating instant noodles every day for a month.
5.Scholarship & student loan
You should always be on high alert when it comes to scholarships. Check every scholarship and apply to all scholarships, but make sure to read the terms and conditions first before agreeing to anything.
Few scholarships that you may want to pay attention to are: Khazanah Global Scholarship, Bank Negara Scholarship, and JPA Scholarship.
Scholarships may be offered by government or private organizations, and some of the terms and conditions may require you to work for them after graduating for quite some time.
Another option is PTPTN and MARA student loans. PTPTN and MARA may offer you a 100% student loan that can bare your living cost as well. PTPTN also offers you repayment exemption for first class bachelor degree graduates, regardless of your economy status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying for UPU requires careful planning and preparation. As mentioned, it is important to research the courses and universities, as well as consider your academic strengths and interests. You may also want to keep a lookout on UPU’s important deadlines so that you can prepare all the necessary documents and qualifications.
