After their A-Level exams, English medium students in Bangladesh often hesitate to consider public universities. But why is that? Fingers may be pointed at the lack of resources for admission test preparations, the ever-increasing potential of private universities, plans of studying abroad or the fact that they have to go over two years of the HSC curriculum in 3-6 months. So, if an English medium student still wants to get into a public university, what should they consider?

The English medium curriculum focuses on enhancing cognitive skills to give students a deep understanding on different subjects. A holistic approach to education gives International GCSE (O-Level) and IAL (A-Level) candidates the tools to implement their learning.

On the flipside, public university admission tests are unpleasant experiences for English medium students. Coaching centres dedicated to admission tests focus on the Bangla medium curriculum. The eligibility criteria to qualify for admission tests is often unaligned with what graduating English medium students are able to evidence.

Nevertheless, English medium students are still rising to the occasion. Let's hear from some of these students who have made it into the best universities in the country.

Samin Sharaf Somik
Currently a Lecturer at United International University
Completed BSc in Computer Science and Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (BUET)
O and A-Level from Maple Leaf International School

As a student from an English medium background, my admission journey seemed impossible. As I prepared for the BUET and Dhaka University (DU) admission tests, I gradually gained more confidence. I worked hard, and the reward for such immense hard work was a beautiful public university experience. I have spent the best days of my life at BUET, and in the end, it was all worth it.

The International GCSE and IAL curriculum have been a big blessing for me. I probably would not have made it into BUET otherwise. Pearson Edexcel curriculum is very well designed to test the knowledge and understanding of the core concepts of subjects. This helped me tackle the admission tests in a technical manner, which ultimately helped me achieve my goal.

Mohammed Wasif Amin Khan
Currently a Global Graduate-Finance at British American Tobacco (BAT)
Completed Bachelor of Business Administration from Institute of Business Administration (IBA), DU
O and A-Level from Academia School

When I was in school, there was always a focus on academics, and teachers emphasised on continuous practice as the method of learning. This helped me to build foundational skills that went on to help me in my academic pursuits.

The Edexcel curriculum was very helpful in the admission test preparation phase. Even though I was enrolled for engineering admission test coaching, I was still able to crack the IBA-DU admission exam. I think the International GCSE and IAL examinations played a huge role in this, as it really taught me how to handle the pressure of crucial tests. Furthermore, the nature of the content we had to practice for these exams helped me develop my core skills, and an exam comprising of Math, English and Logical Thinking came naturally to me.

Oranti Ahmed Omi
Currently pursuing a PhD at University of Georgia, USA
Completed BSc in Biomedical Engineering from Military Institute of Science and Technology
A-Level from Maple Leaf International School
O-Level from Mastermind School

After I was done with my A levels, I started studying for public university admission tests. Initially, it was very stressful as the syllabus is quite different from the British curriculum. However, since the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE and IAL curriculum are based more on understanding the concepts, it helped me grasp the basics better.

Thus, it was easy for me to study the national curriculum syllabus. I also learned that there is usually a strategy for admission tests, the formats are almost the same each year. If you can get the hang of solving the admission tests from last year, then you don't need to go through a huge pile of books.

Md Farid Uddin Bhuiyan
Studying for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from Dhaka Medical College
A-Level from Maple Leaf International School
O-Level from Marie Curie School

My experience during admission test preparations was rather tough, as I had to take preparation for a totally different curriculum. But with consistent hard work and perseverance, I got the chance to study in one of the top medical colleges in Bangladesh. Now, I am done with my first professional exam and learning all the things I need to become a good physician.

Pearson International GCSE and IAL curriculum had helped me immensely. This curriculum created an in-depth understanding of Physics, Chemistry and Biology and helped me to truly understand the essence of these subjects. So, considering all the situations I've been through, my advice for the aspiring candidates out there is to not quit, to keep doing the hard work and seek proper guidance.

Aieman Anis Islam
Student of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Dhaka University
A-Level from Mangrove School
O-Level from Mastermind School

It would be an understatement to say that the months leading up to the admissions tests were difficult. There is immense mental pressure from parents who think it is near impossible for an English medium student to study in a public university. However, it is possible.

The International GCSE curriculum, especially the Physics syllabus, ended up helping a lot as I could quickly tackle the first few Physics chapters for the admission exams. This gave me more time to get acquainted with the Mathematics and Chemistry sections that I believe many English medium candidates might struggle with. While it is possible, keep in mind that it is tough, especially if you happen to only have three months to prepare.

My university experience has had its ups and downs. As for the academics, International GCSE syllabus, primarily Further Mathematics has helped since topics like differential equations and integration are important to understand several of the more difficult courses.

Pearson is the UK's largest awarding organisation offering academic qualifications that are recognised globally. Pearson school qualifications, popularly known as Edexcel, educate over 3.4 million learners globally across 80 countries including over 120 English medium schools in Bangladesh. South Breeze School, Sunbeams School, Maple Leaf International School, Mastermind School, Sir John Wilson School, Academia School, BIT and International Hope School are just a few well-renowned schools which prepare their students for Pearson Edexcel qualifications, enabling students to progress successfully to university and into their careers.