BSC Online

On Tuesday 4^th June 2024, Saanya Subasinghe and Dinindu Thewarathanthi from the Class of 2018 returned to their alma mater to conduct an enrichment session with the Year 12 students. They shared valuable insights on the university application process, balancing academic and extracurricular commitments, and the significance of meeting deadlines and performing well in mock exams. Saanya and Dinindu, both having excelled in their academic and professional careers, provided practical advice and answered a series of questions from the students.

Saanya, who was the Head Prefect (Girl) of her batch, pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Psychology at Columbia University. She currently works in Marketing and Sustainability at GRI Tires. Dinindu, a prefect from the same batch, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science at New York University – Abu Dhabi and now works in the Analytics team at MAS Holdings – Capital. Their session concluded at 2:30 pm, and they were introduced to the principal for further discussions.

During the session, Saanya and Dinindu shared their experiences of preparing for university applications, which included researching universities, preparing for entrance exams, and navigating the application and interview processes. They emphasised the importance of thorough research and preparation to ensure a strong application. Both alumni discussed how they found internships and shadowing opportunities, highlighting the importance of networking, leveraging school resources, seeking guidance from mentors, and using online platforms. They advised on making applications distinctive by showcasing unique achievements, personal stories, and demonstrating a clear passion for the chosen field of study.

Saanya and Dinindu took the SATs for U.S. universities and shared their preparation strategies, which included consistent practice, using prep books, and taking mock tests to improve their scores. They were actively involved in community service initiatives and discussed how they identified causes they were passionate about and the impact these activities had on their applications. When applying to universities, they considered factors such as university rankings, course offerings, location, and campus culture to finalise their list. They explained the key factors that influenced their decision in choosing their universities, including academic reputation, faculty expertise, and available facilities.

The alumni discussed various challenges they faced during the application process, such as managing deadlines and balancing academics with application requirements, and how they overcame these challenges. Reflecting on their university experiences, they shared both positive and negative aspects and how their time at university shaped their personal and professional growth. Both Saanya and Dinindu expressed their satisfaction with their university choices, highlighting the benefits and opportunities they received. They described the academic and non-academic support they received during their four years in the U.S., which played a crucial role in their success.

They shared their experiences with student housing, discussing the challenges and benefits of living on campus. Saanya and Dinindu talked about their experiences securing post-graduation work opportunities, mentioning the role of their universities and their own efforts in finding suitable positions. They detailed the facilities and resources available on their campuses, such as libraries, labs, and extracurricular activity centers, which enriched their university life. Discussing scholarship applications, they provided tips on how to strengthen applications to improve the chances of receiving financial aid.

Finally, Saanya and Dinindu offered valuable advice to the students on finalising their university lists, emphasising the importance of research, visiting campuses if possible, and considering personal fit. Reflecting on their own application processes, they shared insights on what they might do differently if given a chance to apply to universities again, providing useful guidance for the current students.

The session was highly informative and inspiring, leaving the Year 12 students better prepared and more confident about their university applications. Their firsthand experiences and practical advice provided a clear roadmap for the students to follow in their own journeys.