ISLAMABAD: Lack of timely and accurate information about university selection, entrance tests and scholarships creates various difficulties for students during their educational journey, while many students miss valuable opportunities for higher education due to insufficient information.
This was stated by Yousaf Almas, Head of Eduvision and Chief Counsellor of the “Mera Career” Program, while addressing a training session organized for career counsellors.
He emphasized the need to inform students about university selection, entrance tests and available scholarships in Pakistan while they are still in school or college, enabling them to plan their future education more effectively.
Yousaf Almas said that students should identify the universities they wish to attend during their intermediate education. He advised students to consider their preferences, interests and academic abilities and include at least three universities in their preferred list.
He further said that questions such as what university entrance tests are, what MDCAT and Law Admission Test (LAT) are, and how students should prepare for these tests often become a source of anxiety when timely guidance is unavailable. Early awareness about admission tests and their preparation can help students plan their education more effectively.
He noted that financial difficulties also force many young people to look for employment instead of continuing their education, while some students may lose an academic year due to an inability to pay tuition fees. However, he said that in some cases, the lack of information and timely guidance can be an even greater barrier to pursuing higher education than financial constraints.
Yousaf Almas pointed out that various universities and institutions in Pakistan offer scholarship programs for students, including LUMS National Outreach Program (NOP). However, many deserving and talented students are unable to benefit from such opportunities simply because they are unaware of them.
He said that the impact of missing such opportunities is not limited to individual students but also affects their families and society by limiting opportunities for talented young people to progress according to their abilities.
He emphasized that the responsibility of a career counsellor is not limited to informing students about different career options. A counsellor must also prepare students to deal with various educational, financial and professional circumstances they may encounter in the future.
He concluded that timely information, appropriate guidance and effective planning can help students access better educational opportunities while also contributing to the development of a skilled and talented workforce for the country.
