When you’re applying for university, a lot of the information provided by the institution will be focused on what you will learn there. After all, you’re applying to study something, and your university will be the source of knowledge on that subject matter. While studying art history or sociology at the graduate level may be interesting and provide some valuable skills, if you aren’t able to apply these things at the uni level then what’s the point?
That’s a lot of pressure to learn a lot, and a lot of the questions you’ll be asked during the uni application process will be focused on academic results. While it’s important to do your best, it’s also important not to put too much pressure on yourself. So what should you learn? And what should you avoid? Let’s have a look.
General Knowledge
One of the things you’ll need to learn for your studies is general knowledge. Whether you’re studying science or art history, you’ll be expected to know a lot about a lot of things. History will be expected to know a lot about history, for example.
If you’re ever questioned about something you don’t know, you’ll have to either show your ignorance or confess your ignorance and then find out the answer. It’s important to learn how to do this effectively and politely.
Critical Thinking
Another important skill you’ll need to learn is critical thinking. Universities will ask you to think critically about a lot of things, from art works you’ve studied to arguments you’ve heard on the news. You’ll be expected to analyze issues and come to your own conclusions, rather than just accepting what you’re told.
Being able to think critically is an incredibly valuable skill that will serve you well in all walks of life. Being able to analyze arguments and deconstruct them is a great way to learn how to think logically and rationally, as well as how to put your thoughts into words. So while it can be difficult to learn how to think critically, if you can handle it, it will certainly improve your education and allow you to learn more effectively.
Presentation Skills
Finally, you’ll need to learn how to present yourself. Universities will want to see that you can handle yourself in a formal setting, whether that’s in a lecture theatre or at a conference table. So it’s important to learn how to present yourself politely and confidently, even if you’ve never been good at giving presentations in the past. Of course, you don’t need to be good at presenting to be able to do it, but it will certainly help you get by more easily if you can.
These are the most important things to learn as a student. Of course, you’ll also need to learn about subject matter that is relevant to your studies, but these are the things you should study if you really want to be able to progress successfully in your chosen career. If you want to be able to use your studies effectively and productively, it’s important to focus on the things that will help you achieve this goal. And what’s the point in studying something you won’t be able to apply at the uni level?