Extracurriculars are the activities you carry out that aren’t a part of your academics. Extracurriculars serve to progress your growth, to teach you different useful life skills and to emphasize your talents and strengths, and most importantly also play an important role in creating your student profile as well-rounded and making you stand out.

The extracurriculars you take part in are a representation of who you are and what you stand for. They show how you interact with other individuals and how involved you are with your communities. And when you’re in college and experience a new lifestyle, many of your previous activities and the lessons you’ve learned from them would help you navigate your way through. This is attractive to universities because they want students who keep their campuses connected and interesting and are able to represent the best of the university at both national and international levels.

Your college application is about a lot more than your grades.

The extracurriculars you participate in can also help you get scholarships and funding along with your admission. If you’re very dedicated and passionate in the work you do, and are able to do it on a regional or national level, many universities offer scholarships for the community services or the activities you partake in. There are many types of extracurriculars that build up your profile and make you stand out. These could be any of the following:

Sports

Being a part of a competitive sports team, or part of a sports program represents many aspects of you to potential admission committees. It shows that you can work in a team, and are able to follow directions, all while expressing impressive discipline and team-building skills. If you’re the captain or leader of a competitive sports team, it shows that you are able to handle the pressure and work that comes with being in a leadership position. These are all essential skills to have once you become a part of a university.

If you are talented and skilled enough, many universities offer specific sports scholarships for athletes. These scholarships can range from covering a part of your tuition fees or the entirety of it.

Student Council

Being a member of Student Government or being a Prefect, being involved with your school community, shows your dedication towards a civic purpose and highlights your leadership skills. It also shows how politically active you are, which helps you gain attention from college admission departments, with student activism and the need and willingness to stand up for your beliefs and rights becoming a rising trend as more and more of the youth understand the importance of keeping up with current events.

Academic Teams and Clubs

Becoming a part of an academic team or club, such as a Science Club, Robotics Club, Math Olympiad, etc. shows that you’re dedicated to a certain subject and about learning as much as you can from it. If you’ve competed regionally, you can even qualify for a scholarship.

Debate Team

Students who are a part of a debate team are more involved with social issues that plague the world today, and are more likely to speak up about it. Debate teams help you with public-speaking, public speaking, formulating intelligent opinions, and critical thinking. This makes these students look more attractive on college applications.

Art Club

Students that are able to hone their creative skills have an advantage when it comes to college applications. Art students are usually open-minded and think outside of the box. These qualities interest college admissions officers who look for students that stand out and add to campus life.

Volunteer Work and Community Service

Most universities want their students to partake in some sort of volunteer work or community service so that they can see how you apply certain skills to your service hours. It also gives you an opportunity to understand work and real-world experiences.

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Much of the youth today has seen and experienced the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve understood deeply the lacking in the infrastructure for health services, and many of us strive to be the ones able to fix them. Many students now want to become doctors and want to study in this field from internationally-acclaimed universities. However, each country and university has its own set requirements and programs for potential students. We’ve compiled a list below of some of the more common countries that students are curious about, and some facts you should know before applying: 

USA: 

The United States is famous for the competitive education programs they offer. In the US, you’ll find many internationally acclaimed universities offering programs for MD degrees which can be 4 years long, however most universities integrate MBBS/MD and residency programs together, which can last for 7-9 years. You will need to appear for the American MCAT to apply for the programs. These courses will cost approximately between $18,442 USD to $64,984 USD per annum. 

UK: 

The UK is known as a hub for medical studies, because of the highly skilled professionals they produce. MBBS programs in the UK are 5-6-year programs offered as MB (Bachelor of Medicine) in BS, ChB, BCh, and BAO.To be eligible for these programs you need to appear and clear the UKCAT or BMAT exams. Studying medicine in the UK can cost approximately $39,700 (in USD) per annum.

Canada: 

Many Canadian universities offer internationally accepted MD degrees that take up 3-4 years. You are required to have a bachelor’s degree before applying to medical programs in Canada. If you are applying for a medical degree in Canada without a background in Science, the duration of the course will be 5 years. To apply for a 4 year medical degree to study medicine in Canada, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in biology or related subjects. You also need to pass the MCAT exam in Canada. Average tuition fees can cost from about CA$30,000 to CA$125,000 (in CAD) per year.

Turkey: 

Turkey is a wonderful option for students who want to study medicine abroad. Most universities don’t require any kind of entrance examinations, however state universities require you to pass the YÖS Exam. The duration of medicine programs are 6 years and can cost $15,000 – $30,900 per annum.

UAE: 

The UAE may be a popular tourist destination, but it is also well-known for the competitive and high-standard degrees that universities here offer. MBBS programs here would cost about $30,000 – $45,000 per year, with the program lasting about 6 years. To be eligible for this program, you must take the EmSAT, and some universities have their own admission tests. 

Germany: 

Germany is every student’s must-have on their checklist for international and budget-friendly universities. It ticks off all the checks that any student requires from their universities. For MBBS in Germany, there is a unique application procedure with strict admission requirements, but public universities offer free tuition. MBBS in Germany is not a degree such as the bachelor/master system but more of a state examination. They have a uniform course structure that extends 6 years. German Language Proficiency is required as most courses are in German and TestAS scores are also required by some universities, but other than that there are no entrance examinations. 

Australia: 

Australia is a hub for international students with all religious or racial backgrounds, for all kinds of academic programs available. For MBBS, medical universities in Australia offer a dual degree of 5-6 years combining BMed (Bachelor of Medical Science) and MD. Tuition fees for MBBS in Australia range between 255,200 AUD to 630,000 AUD for the entire program course for international students, which is approximately $22,000 AUD to $62,000 AUD per annum. To be eligible to apply for these programs, you need to score high on the GAMSAT or MCAT. 

France:

France may be known as a must-go for the extremely posh and elite, however it is also another country in Europe that offers affordable education. Medical programs in France can last from 8-11 years, because these studies are divided into three courses known as PCEM, DCEM and General Medicine/other specialized qualifications. The course ends with a PhD certificate in Medicine.  International students may be required to pay about 2,500 to 4,000 Euros per year for public medical universities, or 19,000 Euros per year for MBBS in private medical universities. 

Italy: 

Italy is famous for its food and rightly so, but did you know that it also offers budget-friendly degrees for international students? The starting fees for medical programs in Italy for international students are $1,500 (in USD) per year. These programs are 6 years long and require applicants to provide a high IMAT score. 

Russia: 

Russia is known for its cold but along with the harsh winters it also presents internationally acclaimed medical degrees that can cost from $19,000 to $35,000 (in USD) for the entirety of the 6-year programs. They also don’t require entry examinations, and the eligibility criteria is quite simple. 

China: 

China has proved time and time again how competent they are, especially in the industry of medical sciences. The hard work and effort put in by their researchers and doctors alike is unmatched, which is why China is a popular option for many students to go to for studying medicine. The medical programs in China are about 5 years of studies and 1 year of an internship at a hospital, and have no entry test requirements. These courses can cost up to $3,000 to $10,000 (In USD) per annum.

If you want to get more help applying in medicine-related programs, book a consultation with us today! To read more about Things High Schoolers Should Know Before Applying for Universities, click here.

STEM covers the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As the world progresses in the 21^st century, we find that there is an ever-rising need for more ingenuity and experimentation. STEM education has been highlighted in recent years as encouraging many skills, such as teamwork, resilience, problem solving, that are required for one’s career and in life in general. STEM skills are in demand in almost any career field. The importance of careers in STEM has also skyrocketed. STEM careers are among the most coveted and highest paying of all fields, especially for new college graduates eager for new opportunities.

The last branch of STEM, and perhaps the most analytical and brain-power-consuming is Mathematics. If you’re among the rare people on this Earth that actually enjoy maths, enough to want to pursue a career in this topic of interest, this blog is for you! Although I’m sorry for you, that you love numbers and actually solving mathematical equations, there’s actually many different jobs and careers to be had under Mathematics, and some of the most well-paid too. If you’re someone who likes numbers and working with numbers, here’s some available career opportunities for you!

• Accountant: Accountants are trained individuals responsible for tracking and analyzing financial records. They’re given a wide range of finance-related tasks. Jobs for public accountants, management accountants, and government accountants are growing faster than average.
• Financial Analyst: They advise individuals or businesses in decisions regarding expending money to attain profit by researching, gathering and organizing data and studying the stock market and other investments.
• Cost Estimator: Cost estimators are responsible for gathering and assessing data to predict the time, costs, materials and labor required for a certain project.
• Actuary: Actuaries apply their extensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, economics and finances to analyze risk and opportunity for various business problems. They advise businesses on how to meet regulatory stands and balance capitals.  
• Mathematician: Mathematicians study comprehensive mathematical principles to develop their own theories or apply their knowledge to solve everyday problems.
• Statistician: Statisticians gather numerical data to solve practical problems, identify useful trends and answer specific questions in business, engineering, the sciences and other fields.

Hopefully, pursuing one of these career options will sate your thirst for solving equations and staring at numbers.

For more on Careers in STEM:

If you want to read about Careers in Sciences, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Technology, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Engineering, click here.

STEM covers the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As the world progresses in the 21^st century, we find that there is an ever-rising need for more ingenuity and experimentation. STEM education has been highlighted in recent years as encouraging many skills, such as teamwork, resilience, problem solving, that are required for one’s career and in life in general. STEM skills are in demand in almost any career field. The importance of careers in STEM has also skyrocketed. STEM careers are among the most coveted and highest paying of all fields, especially for new college graduates eager for new opportunities.

Ever look at a building or a car, and are just left looking at it in awe. It’s the engineers who worked day and night to ensure the functionality and ability of that machine we all so admire. It is their out-of-the-box thinking and innovativeness that brought about so much revolution in our civilisation, eocnomy and homes.

If you’re someone who’s interested in being involved in the bringing about of innovation in every field possible; in designing machinery that would define progress towards a more efficient future, then engineering is for you. Engineering requires one to bring about different aspects of sciences, technology and math; it’s the middle ground of STEM where everything combines.

However, there’s often confusion regarding the various types of engineers and the career opportunities that are available within this field. There are many different types of engineering, which we’ve compiled in a list below for you:

• Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineers are tasked with planning and developing machines and products. It is one of the most diverse branches of engineering, and as a career, offers a range of projects one could do: from a microscale, such as working on nanotechnology or microsensors, to a macroscale, such as spacecrafts and satellites.
  • Mechanical engineering highlights the use of the best skills offered from STEM education: problem solving, resilience, team work, creativity and analytical skills, in order to develop necessary machinery and parts. Many other types of engineering also come under mechanical engineering.

• Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineering is concerned with electrical systems and devices. An electric engineer works to develop electric-powered technology, with their projects ranging from designing and developing microchips to power stations.
  • On a day to day basis, engineers are tasked with planning out and manufacturing electrical equipment and then experimenting and managing the production of these items.

• Industrial Engineering: Industrial engineers use a combination of science, mathematics, and engineering methods to propose new designs of equipment, infrastructure, information systems and more. They help companies in analyzing statistical data required for different projects. Industrial engineers are qualified to work in nearly any industry, due to a high demand for their skills.

• Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineering requires a great hold of sciences and engineering to help analyze and manufacture food, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Chemical engineers are in high demand due to the wide range of industries that rely on the products these engineers make.

• Civil Engineering: Civil engineers are concerned with city and country infrastructure. They would work on designing and planning the construction and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities, such as roads, airports, bridges, dams and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

• Aerospace Engineering: Aerospace engineers design and create aircraft, aerospace products, satellites and missiles and function prototypes to ensure they function according to design. They also make propulsion systems and 
• assess the aerodynamic performance of aircrafts and assure all blueprints and prototypes meet the required standards, environmental issues, and customer requirements.

• Nuclear Engineering: Nuclear engineers study and analyze energy processes and storage systems to utilize the potential and advantages that could be had from nuclear energy and radiation.
  • These engineers use their knowledge and skills to find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials—for example, in equipment used in medical diagnosis and treatment, which include X-Rays, chemotherapy, etc.

• Software Engineering: Software engineers are specialists that are responsible for the testing, planning, manufacture and maintenance of computer software that is used for multiple things. They are tasked with programming computers to make them operate according to the consumer’s needs.

• Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical engineers utilize their skills in biology, medicine and engineering to assess and come up with solutions to improve patient care. They work on designing and developing sophisticated high-tech medical equipment and medical innovations.

• Automotive Engineering: Automotive engineers research, design, develop and operate all land vehicles, such as cars, racing cars, buses, trucks, etc.

The beauty of engineering is that you use a set of rules to make something that is completely yopur own and bring about ideas that have the ability to change the world as we think of it. It is one of the most progressive fields and definitely one of the most competitive too.

For more on Careers in STEM:

If you want to read about Careers in Sciences, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Technology, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Mathematics, click here.

STEM covers the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As the world progresses in the 21^st century, we find that there is an ever-rising need for more ingenuity and experimentation. STEM education has been highlighted in recent years as encouraging many skills, such as teamwork, resilience, problem solving, that are required for one’s career and in life in general. STEM skills are in demand in almost any career field. The importance of careers in STEM has also skyrocketed. STEM careers are among the most coveted and highest paying of all fields, especially for new college graduates eager for new opportunities.

Previously, we covered the careers in Sciences. To read more on that, you can click here.

Another part of STEM is Technology. The world has progressed towards a more high-functioning society due to advancements in technology. We’ve seen many different ideas on what the future will look like. One thing is for certain, and that is that the future will be much more advanced than the world is today. And to make that happen, we need more aspirants to join this field in order for the world to progress. There is a current rise in the scope of different careers within the technology industry, some of which we’ve mentioned below:

–   Software Developer: Analyze user needs and requirements, come up with practical solutions and design and develop software to meet those needs

–   Information Security Analysts: Install software and take measures to protect sensitive information and computer networks and systems. Prevent cybercrimes.

–   IT Manager: Skilled and well-trained professionals that take on the entire responsibility of dealing with a company’s computer and information systems.

–   Computer and Information Research Scientist: Research, design, develop and improve computer software and hardware.

–   Database Administrator: Ensure databases run efficiently

–   Cartographer: Create maps and examine and create visuals for both quantitative and qualitative data.

–   Computer Network Architect: Plan and develop data communication networks.

–   Computer Systems Analyst: Analyze an already existing technology use and procedures and come up with improvements so that operations can be more effective and efficient.

–   Web Developer: Program codes for web operations.

–   Computer Support Specialist: Analyze and troubleshoot network or software problems.

–   Artificial Intelligence Engineer: develop applications and systems that use AI to improve efficiency and performance

While the idea of technology can be scary (Black Mirror has us all fearing for our lives), it is undeniable that the current rise of technolgoy has eased life in a way that wouldn’t be possible without some brilliant minds. It’s very important, for the way the world works and how it will perform in the future, to have as many developing ideas as possible. If you’ve found this article helpful, please leave a comment and let us know!

For more on Careers in STEM:

If you want to read about Careers in Sciences, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Engineering, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Mathematics, click here.

STEM covers the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As the world progresses in the 21^st century, we find that there is an ever-rising need for more ingenuity and experimentation. STEM education has been highlighted in recent years as encouraging many skills, such as teamwork, resilience, problem solving, that are required for one’s career and in life in general. STEM skills are in demand in almost any career field. The importance of careers in STEM has also skyrocketed. STEM careers are among the most coveted and highest paying of all fields, especially for new college graduates eager for new opportunities.

A big aspect of STEM is the sciences field and all the various fields it offers. The science field is constantly developing and each year requires new skills and talents. We’ve highlighted some of the careers in Sciences below:

BIOLOGY:

–   Biomedical Engineer: Study, plan, develop and assess biological and clinical frameworks and products such as artificial organs, prostheses, medical instruments and information systems.

–   Forensic Science Technician: Collect samples and evidence from a crime scene and perform analyses on these samples.

–   Psychologist: Study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, deciphering, and recording how individuals identify with each other and to their surroundings. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.

–   Epidemiologist: Public health workers who research patterns in data and causes of disease and injury.

–   Biochemist: Study the chemical principles of living things and of biological processes.

–   Geneticists: Study genes from plants, animals, and humans to determine how genes interact with each other, evolve, and duplicate.

–   Genetic Engineer: Highly trained specialists who use a variety of molecular tools and innovations to modify DNA.

–   Biotechnologist: A biotechnologist uses biological processes for their potential benefit in modern industrial and other applications. They use biology in a practical application.

–   Microbiologist: Study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments.

CHEMISTRY:

–   Chemical Engineer: Plan and execute, using principles of chemistry, physics and math to bring about innovation in chemical manufacturing processes and solving problems in already existing processes.

–   Nanotechnologist: Manipulate nano matter to develop new or existing technology, materials, equipment, etc.

–   Toxicologist: Using principles of chemistry and biology to work with chemicals and other substances to determine if they are toxic to living organisms and the environment and conducting analyses on the substances and writing research papers with statistical data.

–   Analytical Chemist: Examine process and product development and identify the elements and compounds; and their structure, composition and nature.

–   Materials Scientist: Study and analyze chemical properties and structure of various man-made and natural materials in order to develop new products and improve existing ones.

–   Geochemist: Utilize different aspects of chemistry to pan out land surveys and land work and to examine samples of soil, rocks and sediment and study composition of fossil fuel deposits.

–   Environmental engineer: Utilize principles of engineering, geology, chemistry and biology to research on the ever-changing conditions of the environment to solve problems that plague the habitat.

–   Petroleum engineer: help find oil and fuel to provide for the country’s needs and find ways to extract oil and gas from underground.

PHYSICS:

–   Mechanical Engineer: design power-producing machinery, such as generators, automobiles as well as power-using machines such as motors.

–   Academic researcher: Apply extensive knowledge and experience to research in your specialized area of study to publish papers on your work.

–   Nuclear Engineer: studies and analyses energy processes and storage systems to utilize the potential and advantages that could be had from nuclear energy and radiation.:

–   Civil Engineer: design and plan the construction and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities, such as roads, airports, bridges, dams and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

–   Optical engineer: Use scientific skills and knowledge to come up with solutions to solve optical problems by designing devices that utilize light.

–   Data Scientist: gather and analyze large sets of organized and disorganized data.

–   Aerospace Engineer: design and create aircraft, aerospace products, satellites and missiles and function prototypes to ensure they function according to design.

–   Molecular Physicist: Thoroughly study physical phenomena and develop theories by observing and experimenting on all possibilities and come up with applications of physical laws and theories.

–   Nanotechnologist: Manipulate nano matter to develop new or existing technology, materials, equipment, etc.

–   Postsecondary Engineering Teacher: Training and teaching the next generation of specialized engineers.

The field of STEM is vast but beneficial. Sciences is just among one of the most opted for careers, because of how gratifying it can be. We hope that this article has opened your mind to different oppurtunities!

For more on Careers in STEM:

If you want to read about Careers in Technology, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Engineering, click here.

If you want to read about Careers in Mathematics, click here.