Career counselling: questions and answers

Q1: Dear Mr Abidi, I completed my Matric with Science subjects, scoring 795 marks out of 1050. I then pursued ICS with Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics, securing 802 marks out of 1100, with a score of 163/200 in Mathematics. After completing my FSc, I applied for a BS in Mathematics due to my interest in the subject. In my first semester, I received an A grade in three subjects, but unfortunately, I failed three other subjects. I am now confused and worried about my poor performance. Should I change my subject area or continue with the second semester of Mathematics and retake the subjects I failed? Please guide me on how to improve my grades. (Amna Ilyas, Sahiwal)

Ans: Dear Amna, don't worry or feel depressed about your current situation. You performed well in your intermediate and Matric. Sometimes, various factors prevent us from achieving the expected results. I suggest you change your study pattern and schedule for improvement. Practice Mathematics as much as possible. I'm sure you will improve your grades in the subjects you failed. Reflect on the reasons for your failure to understand your weaknesses in each subject. I advise you to stay calm, continue with your second semester, and reappear in the subjects you failed. Work hard with effective planning for your study hours. I assure you that you will see positive results and improvement.

Q2: Dear Sir, I recently read your column and decided to seek your advice regarding my daughter. She is currently in grade 7 of O-levels and is interested in pursuing a medical profession. Her teacher has advised me to switch her to the Matric system to avoid losing 20 marks and wasting a year if she appears for the medical examination after O-levels. I would appreciate your expert advice. (Anwar Kamal, Gujrat)

Ans: Dear Anwar, your daughter’s teacher is absolutely right. I also recommend that students study FSc rather than A-levels if they plan to pursue a medical degree in Pakistan. Students who switch to the intermediate system often score better in competitive exams like the MCAT because of the syllabus they study in their intermediate years. Additionally, students transitioning from O-levels to FSc may face a loss of marks during equivalence from IBCC, and they may have to study an extra year.

Q3: Dear sir, I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me about the prospects of a PhD in Psychology, particularly focusing on the mental health of war-affected children in Europe. (Momina Ashfaq, Lahore)

Ans: Dear Momina, psychology is a broad field, and there are very few highly qualified psychologists in Pakistan. Given the increasing social issues such as terrorism, violence against women, and crime, there is a significant need for more research to address these problems. Psychologists will play a key role in these efforts. The mental health of war-affected families and children, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, is a critical area of study. Therefore, a PhD in Psychology offers promising prospects in both research and teaching.

Q4: Respected Mr Abidi, I seek your guidance on gaining admission to a reputable university in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, or any country whose degree is globally recognised. I am currently in my final year of Intermediate, graduating in September and plan to do MBBS. I scored 449/505 (89%) in the first year and 1003/1100 (92%) in Matric. I will be taking the MCAT, but I would like to have an alternative plan. I have participated in several Model United Nations and the Pakistan Young Physicists Tournament, where I stood third. Please also guide me about any university scholarships. (Maheen Jabbar, Karachi)

Ans: Dear Maheen, pursuing an MBBS degree from a foreign institution, especially in Europe or America, is very expensive and often unaffordable. Be cautious when considering MBBS programmes in Turkey, China, or similar countries like Cyprus, as they may not be fully recognised by PMDC, requiring additional exams or accreditation in Pakistan. Additionally, MBBS programmes in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia may require additional pre-medical or foundation programs if you have not completed A-levels. Be aware that scholarships for medical programs are scarce.

(Syed Azhar Husnain Abidi is a renowned educationist in Pakistan, with more than 20 years of experience as provider of education counselling services. He has represented Pakistan in over 100 national and international seminars, conferences and fora. He is a recipient of the most coveted civil award Tamgha-e-Imtiaz).