The Higher Education Institute's advice for students planning to apply for university places

The Advising and Career Development Centre (ACC) is proving popular with students, parents and families who may need assistance and guidance about various options for higher education as well as where and how to apply.

Created by the Higher Education Institute, the ACC is fulfilling one of its key roles - helping students and their families make the best possible decisions. Because making informed choices about countries, institutions and study programs inevitably leads to better outcomes for students and the nation.

To provide effective help, the ACC offers individual advice and guidance to all potential students interested in studying locally or outside Qatar–including those eligible to receive scholarships, those who may use private funding, and those sponsored by employers.

Some students choose to study abroad in highly ranked foreign universities while others may be applying to the universities already established in Qatar.

It is worth remembering though, that the application process to universities outside the Arab world, usually begins while students are still in their 12th grade. This is different from Arab universities where the application process begins after completion of the Secondary School Certificate (Thanawyia A'mah).

Here are some helpful hints:

1. Always Prepare an Attractive Application
Grades and test scores are very important for your university applications and this applies no matter where the university. Universities are also looking for students who demonstrate that they know the admissions criteria involved. Therefore the best advice is: work hard to understand admission requirements early, so that you have time to present the strongest application possible (visiting the websites of the universities where you might like to apply is always a good place to begin). Do not assume that simply because you apply you will automatically gain admission. Remember, some courses and programs are very competitive.

Some universities, more often those in the United States require additional information from candidates. Here, admissions officers are often looking not only for academic achievers but also for a diverse group of personalities and talents. This means that when applying to such a university, you should try to let those who will read your application know how you will contribute to this diversity by highlighting your unique talents.

If you have to write abut yourself try to ensure you stand out in the crowd: emphasize your individuality, extracurricular activities, interests, personal experiences and focus on your final school year.

2. Recommendation Letter
Some universities ask candidates for admission to provide letters of recommendation which can be an important factor in gaining a place. Grades and standardized test scores are important parts of your application, but other aspects matter, too. No matter what your grades are, there is every chance that there will be others with similar scores and perhaps even similar backgrounds applying for the same course or program and to the same university. This means that admissions officers choosing between you and others with similar academic achievements may look closely at other factors such as those presented in your essay, extra-curricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Many universities are also concerned about who they admit to their courses and programs. Choosing someone who will be a positive addition to the university and will contribute to the university community becomes a factor here. Universities in the United States for example, typically ask for 2-3 recommendations from people who are familiar with your academic and personal progress. In identifying and choosing your preferred options, you should pick people who know you well and start the process early. Remember to first speak with those from whom you are seeking recommendation, and follow up with a thank you note.

3. College Essay
The college essay is very important in the admissions process because it tells the university about you. Other parts of your application, grades, test scores, and recommendations show what you have achieved. Your college essay shows "who you are" and shows the admissions committee your unique character. It also demonstrates your writing skills and your ability to organize your thoughts.

4. Pre-entry Testing Services
Recently the Advising and Career Development Center began offering students considering entry to higher education institutions inside and outside Qatar, the opportunity to undertake of pre-entry tests such as the ACT, SAT® and iBT TOEFL® which are pre-requisites for many universities. If you need more information about these tests and when they are available, please contact the Advising and Career Development Center 4560 731 – 4560 732 – 4560 737.