Interview: Preparatory Department at USUST
A new academic unit has recently been launched at the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, and it is already generating strong interest among prospective applicants. This is the Preparatory Department , so-called ‘foundation year’,which gives students an opportunity to prepare systematically for admission, adapt to the university environment, and gain real competitive advantages even before beginning their full studies.
The first group has already been formed: 37 participants have started their preparation.
The new unit is headed by Yevhenii Sorokin, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Metallurgical Fuel and Refractories, and a specialist with extensive experience in the admissions campaign.
– Professor Sorokin, the opening of the Preparatory Department is a new step for the university. What results did you start with?
– The first admission round has already taken place. We received 45 applications, but after the group formation process was completed, we were able to enroll 37 participants, who are currently studying at the Preparatory Department. Some applicants submitted their documents after the official order had already been issued, so they were physically unable to join the first group.
Today, 22 participants study in the on-campus format, while the rest study remotely. They represent different categories of applicants, different ages, and different life experiences, but all of them are united by one goal – to prepare well for admission and confidently adapt to the university environment.
– Why did the university decide to open a Preparatory Department?
– We saw a real demand for it. There are applicants who need more than a short test-preparation course, they need systematic study combined with gradual adaptation to the pace of university life. The Preparatory Department offers an excellent opportunity to build the foundation that even strong applicants.often lack.
The current program lasts three months, and from September it will become a six-month program. Classes are held four times a week in the afternoon, with two class periods per day.
– What is the main advantage of the Preparatory Department?
– First of all, it is the systematic approach. The participants learn four subjects simultaneously: the Ukrainian language, mathematics, the history of Ukraine, and one elective subject – physics, chemistry, biology, or a foreign language.
The second important advantage is the opportunity to study in the future at the expense of the state budget. For many applicants, this is highly important.
And third, students may receive an additional 15 ranking points when applying for certain specialties supported by the state.
– Who teaches at the Preparatory Department?
– This is one of our strengths. Prospective applicants are taught by a team of experienced university instructors who have prepared young people for the NMT for many years and know well the specific nature of admission testing.
We deliberately involved specialists who not only teach their subject, but also know how to explain the logic of test tasks, teach students how to work under time pressure, and reduce psychological stress. Sometimes the problem is not just lack of knowledge, but the fact that an applicant becomes confused at the very moment of testing.
– Has the next intake already been planned?
– Yes, the next group will start in September. It will be a full six-month cycle of the new academic year.
– What if an applicant did not manage to join the Preparatory Department?
– That does not mean the opportunity has been lost. The university preparatory courses, courses are still available, and students can still join them now.
– How do the preparatory courses differ from the Preparatory Department?
– In the courses, participants choose one or several subjects depending on their needs. Most often, these are the Ukrainian language, mathematics, and the history of Ukraine – the disciplines that form the core of the NMT. It is also possible to prepare in physics, chemistry, foreign languages, and even for the creative drawing competition.
– Why are university courses often more effective than private tutors?
– Because here, students work with a team of instructors focused specifically on admission results. In addition, after completing the courses, an applicant may receive up to 10 additional points when applying for certain technical specialties. Believe me, this is very important. Based on my experience in the admissions committee, I can say that even 1–2 points sometimes become decisive for obtaining a state-funded place.
– Is it still possible to prepare for the NMT now?
– Yes. Even a few months of systematic work or a short intensive course can significantly improve results if a student already has some basic knowledge. The main thing is to organize the preparation properly.
– What advice would you give to prospective applicants right now?
– Do not be afraid of the NMT and do not focus only on ‘trendy’ specialties. It is important to choose a field that genuinely interests you. At USUST, there are about 60 specialties and 266 educational programs, many of which will be critically important for the country in the upcoming years.