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"Admission" Process: Applying for and Being Accepted to an Academic Institution

Admission process: Applying for and being accepted to an academic institution, usually the university or college. It can be a long and complicated process and is different for everyone:

  • The nation to which you’re applying: Admit processes vary dramatically from one country to the next.
  • The institution type: Public vs. private universities, community colleges, tech schools, etc., will have different procedures.
  • The level of study: The requirement is different for Undergraduate (First Degree) Studies, Graduate Studies, Diploma and Certificates programs etc.
  • Nationality: more requirements for foreign students than local ones.

General Process of University Admission:

Research and Choose Programs/Universities:

  • Clarify your educational and career goals: What do you want to study? What future career do you see for yourself?
  • Research programs: Seek programs that fit your interest and goals.
  • Research universities: Look at location, reputation, faculty, campus culture, cost, scholarships and post-graduation opportunities.

“Reach,” “Target” and “Safety” Schools: You often hear of having a group of schools where you are very competitive (safety), competitive (target) and a bit of a stretch (reach).

Understand Admission Requirements:

  • Academic Qualifications: This is paramount. You will become qualified to apply if you can satisfy certain GPA/grade standard from your past education (e.g., SSC/HSC in Bangladesh to apply for undergraduate degree and Bachelor degree in case of graduate studies).
  • Program specific requirements: Some programs may have specific requirements according to your previous field (e.g. Math, Physis, Chemistry for engineering and medicine).
  • Standardized Tests:
    • For people who wish to study abroad (particularly to the USA/Canada): University SAT/ACT (undergraduate), GRE/GMAT (graduate) may be necessary or recommended.
    • For English proficiency is IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test (DET) for non-native English speaker.
    • Local universities in Bangladesh: Many universities (public as well as private) hold their own admission tests.
    • Medium: Be sure that you have the right language skills for the course you’re interested in.
    • Other program-specific requirements: Some programs require portfolios (for arts/design), auditions (for music/drama), or specific prerequisites.

Prepare and Gather Application Documents:

  • Application Form : Complete and return the university application form in full (usually online).
  • Transcripts/Certificates: Notarized copies of academic documents (SSC, HSC, Bachelor degree etc.). For foreign submissions these frequently need to be translated into English and occasionally notarized or reviewed by a credential evaluation agency.
  • Passport Shots: Typically: date-stamped, dimensions, background.
  • Statement of purpose (SOP): This is an important essay that elaborates your reason to study the particular program, your academic and professional objectives, and why you think you are a good fit for the college.
  • Letters of Recommendations (LORs): Recommendation letters form your teachers, professors or employers who can comment classroom potential.
  • Resume/CV – particularly for grad programs or work-integrated programs – highlighting your academic background, work history, extracurricular activities, and skills.
  • Proof of Funds: It is of utmost importance to international students, for visa reasons. You must have bank statements or scholarship letters showing that you have enough money to pay tuition and living costs.
  • Application fee: An application fee is usually nonrefundable.
  • Portfolio (where relevant): For creative courses.
  • Immigration and Medical Records/Health Certificate (for international): Some countries/universities may need students to undergo certain health checks.

Complete and Submit the Application:

  • Online application portals Most universities have an online portal for applying to the school which will either be the main application system in the country you plan to study (e.g., Common App for the US, UCAS for the UK), or the university itself.
  • Deadlines: Be sure to stay on top of application deadlines. These may be very different (Early Action, Early Decision, Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions). Applying early is generally recommended.

Please verify that all of this information is accurate and complete before submitting.

  • Interviews (if applicable): An interview (face to face or via the internet application) may be requested by the programs/Universities.
  • Track Your Application: You can check the progress of your application on most online portals and make sure all of your documents are there.
  • Receive Admission Decision: You will hear from the universities (acceptance, waitlist, rejection).
  • If you are admitted, you will generally get an offer letter that includes information about the program, your start date, the terms of your admission.
  • Accept Offer and Next Steps: If you take an offer, you must confirm your plans to enroll (usually with a small deposit).
  • International students: This is when you usually apply for a student visa, with your acceptance letter and financial documents.

Special Things for the Student of Bangladesh:

  • Local Universities: You’ll normally have to take competitive admission tests (e.g., combined university admission tests, faculty-level tests) to get into public universities in Bangladesh. Private universities in Bangladesh have their individual admission procedures and some may or may not hold a seperate admission test, generally concentrating more on SSC and HSC results.
  • Study Abroad for Bangladesh: The procedure will consist of all the step given above with some additional importance :
  • English proficiency exams (IELTS/TOEFL/DET): Almost always required for non-English native countries.
  • Proof of funds: Proof of funds is a major challenge for most Bengali students since they invest a large sum in tuition, living expenses, etc.
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Visa Application Following an admission offer, applying for a student visa is the most important step next.

  • Consultants: A lot of Bangladeshi students rely on educational consultants to help them through the complex processes of international admission and visa applications. Although they are supportive, make sure you check their reliability and that you know exactly what you’re doing.
  • If you want “admission assistance,” give me:
    • Are you willing to apply at university in Bangladesh or overseas?
    • What kind of course are you willing to enroll in (bachelor’s, master’s, etc.)?
    • What is your academic history (SSC/HSC marks, graduation, etc.)?
    • What country or universities are you thinking about?
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