L.Mijiddorj: To get into Harvard, you do not necessarily need to graduate from best schools in the world.
Society
Ulaanbaatar/MONTSAME/. Economist at the Monetary Policy Committee, the Bank of Mongolia, L.
Mijiddorj gave an interview.
He graduated from the 'Baigal-Ekh' high school of the National
University of Mongolia (NUM). In 2012, he entered the Faculty of Economics, NUM.
After graduating from the university, he worked for the Central Bank of
Mongolia for six years, during which he improved his English language skill. As
a result, L. Mijiddorj passed the relevant exams and received an invitation to
continue his studies at one of the best universities in the world - Harvard.
-First of all, congratulations for receiving the invitation to study at
the best university in the world. Could you tell us when you started planning
and preparing to study abroad?
-Thanks. I have had an interest
to study abroad since I was a student. At the time, I used to ask myself “why can't I also get a world class
education, gain experience and contribute to the development of home
country?”
After graduation, I worked for
six years in the Monetary Policy Department of the Central Bank of Mongolia.
During this time, I have learned a lot. Also, I started preparing for the exams
namely TOEFL and GRE.
-Could you tell us about the difficulties you have encountered whilst
preparing for the exams?
- The biggest problem was
English. When I graduated from university, my English was not fluent. I spent
almost three years to improve my English by means of reading books, and
magazines, listening to songs and podcasts in English. I have taken an exam
called TOEFL four times and the GRE twice. After two years of preparing for the
TOEFL, I scored 93. But I had to retake the exam, as scores above 100 are
required to enter the best universities in the world.
- Studying English while working may not be an easy task. How
did you manage your time?
-Of course, it was not easy for
me. However, if you really want to do something, you'll find a way. For
example, our work starts at 9am. I came to work at 8am and spent one hour
preparing for the exams. I also did it for 1-2 hours after work.
-Was your goal aimed at Harvard, from the beginning?
-No, it was not. In any case, I
sent my application to universities that are ranked excellent and medium in the
world. I applied to about ten universities, of which four invited me to study,
and among them was Harvard.
-How about the application requirements for Harvard? Could you tell us
about the essay required for admission?
-As for Harvard, a cover letter
and an essay are required. In order to fulfill the requirement, it is necessary
to consult with your teacher in advance. Secondly, school grades and TOEFL and
GRE scores must meet the requirements. Thirdly, you need to write four types of
essays. The essay is the most important part and I spent the most time on
writing. After fulfilling these requirements and submitting materials, the
university will inform you after a certain period whether you have qualified or
not. It is very important to consult with an experienced person who has also
gone through all these phases. This person will help correct your mistake and
guide you in the right direction.
My essay covered a wide range
topics on what problems our country is facing and what possible solutions can
be made by pursuing master degree as a profession I have chosen, as well as my
contribution to be made to the development of the country. In my four-question
essay, topics were touched upon including the international development program,
problems in state administrations and its possible solutions, leadership and,
about myself. My essay based on my experience that have accumulated at the
Central Bank.
-Why did you choose public administration course from Harvard?
-In order to be specialized more
in the field that I work, I chose public administration course. Our course’s
core program is based on the global economy. As Mongolia is one of the
developing countries, it faces economic difficulties. In this context, Harvard
will help me find possible solutions.
- You have received an invitation letter in 2020. Could you tell us the
reason you have postponed your academic year?
-I sent all my materials in the
winter of 2020, and received the letter of invitation in the spring of the same
year. Although I got the right to study at Harvard, I struggled with problems
related to the tuition fee. Harvard University is very high-priced. The amount
of scholarship granted to me by Harvard University was not enough. So I had to
postpone my studies for a year.
Luckily, I grabbed the
opportunity to receive the Prime Minister's scholarship.
-Some people believe that getting into Harvard is like a near-impossible
dream for those who graduated from ordinary public schools.
-It depends on the person.
Harvard might seem a major challenge. But if you are able to fulfill academic
requirements, you should give it a try. To get into Harvard, you do not
necessarily need to graduate from the best schools and universities in the
world.
In addition, your English will improve if you practice it every day. You can watch movies, listen to podcasts and read books in English every day without paying for big private schools or courses. That is how I have improved my English.