Roadmap after O Levels: How you can get scholarship for abroad

Summary

The video script discusses the educational journey of a Pakistani youth, highlighting the importance of choosing the right subjects in O and A Levels for future academic success. It emphasizes the benefits of studying extra subjects for gaining an advantage in higher studies and the need for students to be disciplined and proactive in their learning. The speaker also shares insights on university admissions, the significance of SAT scores, and the value of extracurricular activities in securing scholarships and placements in top universities worldwide.

Takeaways

• 📚 The youth in Pakistan are described as 'pandra crude', emphasizing their vast potential and the importance of education in shaping their future.
• 🏫 The speaker's educational journey started with a focus on fun activities in early years, transitioning to more structured learning as they progressed through grades.
• 🔄 The transition to O Levels was seen as exciting and a significant step, where the choice of subjects can impact future studies, especially if switching fields in A Levels.
• 🤔 The speaker regrets not studying extra subjects in O Levels, as they provide a strong foundation and advantage for A Level studies and beyond.
• 🧠 The importance of choosing subjects based on personal strengths and interests is highlighted, with suggestions to explore additional subjects like Environmental Management or Media Studies.
• 🎓 The speaker advises against overloading with too many subjects unless aiming for top universities or studying abroad, emphasizing the need to focus on major subjects and research.
• 🔄 The flexibility to switch subjects or start from scratch in A Levels is mentioned, but the speaker shares personal experiences of the benefits of continuity from O Levels.
• 🌐 The significance of extracurricular activities for international university applications is discussed, as they showcase a well-rounded profile and diverse interests.
• 📈 The transcript emphasizes the importance of maintaining good grades and standardized test scores, such as SAT or ACT, for university admissions and scholarships.
• 🏆 The speaker received a scholarship for their A Levels and discusses the process of applying to universities, including the use of the Common App and the importance of tailored applications.
• 🌍 The transcript concludes with a reflection on the unpredictability of life and career paths, and the importance of adapting and making the most of educational opportunities.

Q & A

What are the speaker's initial experiences with education in Pakistan like?

The speaker describes their early education as fun, with the first three years being more about play and activities with friends rather than formal learning.

How does the speaker's perspective on education change after grade one?

After grade one, the speaker starts to see education more seriously, recognizing the importance of progressing from one grade to another and the structured nature of their studies.

What educational path did the speaker choose after grade seven?

The speaker chose to pursue O levels because they found them exciting and continued with the same subjects in A levels, focusing on computer science, physics, and chemistry, along with compulsory subjects.

Why does the speaker regret not studying extra subjects in O levels?

The speaker regrets not studying extra subjects in O levels because they provide a significant advantage in A levels, especially for those who are unsure about their future academic or career paths.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the selection of extra subjects in O levels?

The speaker advises students to choose extra subjects based on their interests and strengths, such as additional math subjects for those good at math, environmental management for those interested in Pakistan studies, and e-commerce for business students.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of understanding one's future academic plans before choosing subjects in A levels?

The speaker emphasizes this because switching subjects between O levels and A levels can cause problems, and understanding one's future plans can help in making informed decisions about subject selection.

What are the challenges the speaker faced when studying business studies in A levels without prior experience in O levels?

The speaker faced difficulties in understanding concepts and keeping up with students who had studied business in O levels, highlighting the advantage of prior knowledge in a subject area.

How does the speaker view the importance of extracurricular activities and other interests in the context of university applications?

The speaker views extracurricular activities as important for showcasing diversity, interests, and efforts, which can be beneficial when applying to universities, especially for scholarships and admission to competitive programs.

What is the speaker's opinion on the value of university rankings?

The speaker believes that university rankings do not significantly differentiate between institutions, especially when they are close in rank, and that students should focus more on their interests and research.

How does the speaker describe the transition from O levels to A levels in terms of academic freedom and preparation?

The speaker describes the transition as challenging because A levels require more practice and conceptual understanding, which cannot be achieved without consistent study and preparation over the two-year period.

What advice does the speaker give for maintaining a scholarship while studying abroad?

The speaker advises students to study properly and consistently, as maintaining a scholarship often requires achieving high grades in exams, which are typically held twice a year.