Today, July 15th, the main application period for admission to the Belarusian National Technical University continues. Only a few days remain until the end of the budget-funded admissions period. While some applicants submitted their documents at the very beginning of the campaign, others deliberately waited until the halfway point.
Waiting Strategy: Why Applicants Submit Their Documents in the Last Days
Among those who come to the Admissions Committee towards the end of the application process, you can find true champions with absolute confidence in their abilities. Many of them deliberately choose the last days to submit their documents.
For example, applicant Vladislav is applying to the Faculty of Economics and Law for the specialty "Electric Power and Electrical Engineering. Electric Power Systems and Networks" with a score of 389 points. The young man explained why he decided to come only on the fourth day:
"I'm a little nervous right now, because submitting my documents will determine my future for the coming years: where I'll study and where I'll ultimately be assigned. However, I'm not too nervous, as I did well on my exams and am confident I'll be accepted into one of the priority programs. I got 100 points in math, 98 in Russian, and 92 in physics. I've always been attracted to technical universities. I chose the Faculty of Power Engineering because I believe it's one of the most in-demand programs in our country right now. I've heard a lot about the high level of education in this program and that graduates from the Faculty of Power Engineering go on to hold good positions. I specifically brought my documents only on the fourth day: I wanted to spend the first few days observing the monitoring table, assess the situation, see what scores others were getting, and then come back with complete confidence in my admission."
For Vladislava, who chose the same major and is storming through the Faculty of Economics with a fantastic score of 398, applying in recent days was a coincidence:
"Of course, there's some anxiety, because it's a choice I'm making for the next five years. But overall, I know I'll get into my top-priority major: I got 100 points in math and Russian, 98 in physics, and a 10 GPA on my high school diploma. I chose the Faculty of Economics to continue the family legacy, and I'm more drawn to being an engineer than, say, a programmer, like most of my classmates. I prepared for the exams entirely on my own. I had a pretty strong high school background; my teachers gave me a great foundation, and then all I had to do was solve the problems. I handle stress easily: I've been participating in Olympiads since fifth grade, so I'm used to that kind of environment and know how to manage my time." My main advice to all the students is to get enough sleep, calm down, and, in the last few days, not try to cram everything into my head, but give your body a break. I only submitted my documents on the fourth day simply because I was out of town. As soon as I arrived, I immediately signed up online and showed up. But I kept an eye on the monitoring table all these days: it was very interesting to see how many people were applying for my major and with what scores.
Many high-scorers come with a clear understanding of what they want from the university. For example, Igor, an applicant to the Faculty of Mining and Environmental Engineering, got 100 points in math and knows exactly why he chose BNTU:
"To be honest, I wasn't surprised by getting 100 points in math. When I took the test, I felt I'd get the maximum because the questions weren't difficult. I studied at a lyceum in my city, where they selected the best students. I had a strong foundation, but most importantly, we were very lucky with our teacher." He actively prepared us, assigned us specialized assignments, and helped us work through all the problem areas. I am immensely grateful to him! I chose BNTU, firstly, because of the excellent reviews, and secondly, I was determined to major in underground mining. For me, this is an opportunity to gain a sought-after, highly paid profession and realize myself exactly the way I've always wanted: by inventing new things and helping people, applying my knowledge of physics and mathematics. I intend to maintain the same high standards at university. I plan to excel in my extracurricular activities as well, but my studies will come first. My goal for the next couple of years is to learn, become a good specialist in my field, and mature.
Confidence in your grades is the best antidote to stress. Yegor, who is applying to the Mechanical Engineering Faculty to major in "Automation of Technological Processes and Production," follows this principle. "Digital Mechanical Engineering Production":
"In my opinion, BNTU is a leading university, the undisputed number one in our country, so the choice was obvious. I really like my future major; I think it's truly exciting and promising. If I were to rate my stress level right now, it's a two out of ten at most. I'm not particularly nervous, although there is a slight tension. My scores help me stay calm and confident. And to all the other students and their parents, I'd like to advise you: don't sweat the small stuff. Everything will be fine!"
Admissions Committee Opinion: Wait or Apply Now?
Faculty representatives note that the peak application load typically occurs in the first few days, but applicants' strategies can vary greatly. Sergey Nitievsky, senior lecturer in the Department of Electric Drives and Automation of Industrial Installations and Technological Complexes at the Faculty of Information Technology and Robotics, spoke about the advantages of submitting documents late in the application process:
"As of now, it's safe to say that the peak application load occurred on the first day." This is due to the fact that the documents were submitted by graduates of specialized classes who had passed the interview, as well as graduates of the technology park. There were quite a few of them, and they demonstrated a good level of preparation. The remaining applicants, seeing a large number of applicants without entrance examinations in the monitoring table, held back. They waited until the last day to make a final decision and be sure to pass the competition. The main advantage of submitting documents late in the campaign is that students can quickly monitor the situation right there in the admissions office. If they see a threatening situation with the passing score, they can hedge their bets and transfer their documents to a specialty with a reserve. Or, conversely, seeing that there are still openings in their desired specialty, they enroll in the one they had initially dreamed of but were afraid to choose. Ultimately, the advantage is that everyone finds their place at our university.
On the other hand, Sergey Kovshar, Dean of the Civil Engineering Faculty, believes that there's no point in delaying the application process, and that any doubts are best resolved through dialogue with the committee:
"The main influx of applicants occurred during the first two days, which is what we expected. It was difficult during peak days, since each applicant spends at least 10 minutes reviewing all the documents, but we managed. I believe that documents should be submitted immediately, in the first few days. The picture remains virtually unknown until the very last minute, so why wait? If anything happens, we'll be able to get our bearings later, since the application process is visible in real time. We talk to each applicant and use an individual approach. Many people ask questions like, 'What will happen if we don't get in?' We try to reassure them and tell them there's a chance they can get in. My main advice: if you've already decided on a faculty, you should try to get in by any means necessary. Even if you can't get into the major you initially planned. The main thing is not to worry and don't rush." This doesn't lead to anything good; it only complicates life.
Admissions Committee Contacts
For prompt communication with the BNTU Admissions Committee, please contact the following:
