Story: "More than education."

My name is Lyubov. I was born in Magadan, now I am 22 years old.

I entered St. Petersburg State University in 2008 for a specialty degree.

I really liked biology at school, but I didn’t want to be a doctor. Therefore, in the 11th grade, thinking about where to study, I went on the Internet and found out about the existence of the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov. Yes, yes, imagine: I didn’t know about the existence of biologists. From then on, it became completely obvious to me: I should enroll in the biology department of Moscow State University. It is there that I will find my happiness, biology is my calling, I will definitely discover a cure for AIDS. Well, or not from him, but from some other terrible disease. There were only conversations and thoughts about the biology department. But this is home. At school, I kept quiet about my daring dream: I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get in, because the bar was very high.

Exams and admission to St. Petersburg State University

I had to pass 5 exams: 4 Unified State Exams (Russian, mathematics, chemistry, biology) and one entrance test in biology. I must say that I studied at a humanities school. In the 11th grade we had only 1 compulsory hour per week to study biology + 1 additional, the same was true for chemistry.

Since I knew biology well, I liked studying it and preparing for the Unified State Exam, I completely relied on my own strengths. Plus, I had a wonderful teacher. But with chemistry everything was not so rosy. I simply did not understand this subject, and I neglected it from the first year of study in the 8th grade. Therefore, I had to hire a tutor. Fortunately, the extra classes brought good results (thanks to the tutor who “trained” me like a monkey for the exam assignments). I had no problems with Russian: I passed the exam with almost the maximum score. But I didn’t study mathematics seriously, as a result of which I received a little more than 60 points.

Having passed the exams, I began to prepare for the entrance test at Moscow State University. It was scheduled for the first half of July. I collected the necessary package of documents: photocopies, beautiful color photographs, certificate and attestation. However, on the last day the trip was canceled due to some reasons that I would not like to mention.

After crying all night, I decided to apply to St. Petersburg State University for the Faculty of Biology and Soil Science. The Unified State Exam is the same, but without an entrance test. I sent a thick envelope by mail and began to wait for the results in August. I wasn’t accepted in the first wave, but how I jumped when I saw my name on the list of those recommended for enrollment in the second wave. And for the first time in my life I went to St. Petersburg to bring the originals.

First year of study at St. Petersburg State University

At the end of August I arrived in the city and settled in a hostel. I immediately liked the study. The teachers gave fantastic lectures, even the mathematician managed to keep us awake with his hilarious stories. During practical classes, we looked at algae in samples of Neva water, played with skull bones at anatomy seminars. The most interesting were biological disciplines, and the most difficult were mathematics, physics and chemistry. One guy gave such interesting lectures that at the end he received a standing ovation every time. I will never forget my first semester! So many things were done for the first time.

Near the stop near the faculty there is a smell of fresh Neva water

The faculty building is located on Vasilyevsky Island: nearby are the Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Nevsky Prospekt. I saw this beauty every day. The sky was especially beautiful in the morning and evening over Palace Embankment...

We were accommodated in a dormitory in Peterhof (2 hours drive to the faculty). View from the window in autumn.

It was the first semester that was the most difficult. We weren't coddled like we were at school. I had to do everything myself. Many have encountered the situation when a teacher puts pressure on a student, threatens expulsion, or simply refuses to help or explain the material. However, there were still few such teachers, and they were not from our faculty.

I must say that there was no sign of bribery at our faculty. Most likely, this is a specific feature of all natural science faculties: people come here to study.

In the summer we went on a wonderful internship to the White Sea. There our course united even more. Personally, I can say that after it I became more hardened: after all, the harsh conditions of life in the field did their job.

Monument near the building of 12 colleges (the faculty is located here). Students jokingly call it a monument to a flunking student.

Work while studying

The first 2 years there was absolutely no time for work: I was completely absorbed in my studies. Then I started tutoring, and a little later (from the 4th year) I worked for a year as a laboratory assistant at the VND department. Since I had more free time from the third year, work and study did not interfere with each other, I was able to provide for myself.

Now what?

Do I regret not entering Moscow State University? Definitely not. St. Petersburg State University gave me friends, a profession; St. Petersburg is an amazingly sensitive, elegant city!

Between classes we were in a hurry to get from one building to another. Along the way we took pictures of what we liked. St. Petersburg is a beautiful and cozy city.

However, now, in my last year of study, I am not sure that I will work as a biologist. I am grateful to fate for this university and faculty, for shaping my thinking and partly my worldview, but I would like to try myself in something new.

Almost all of my friends from the faculty are already working in departments. Graduate students collaborate with the best research institutes in the country. Some stay, some go abroad. Fortunately, our graduates are in demand around the world, and biology is now on the rise.

However, before entering the Faculty of Biology and Soil Science, be prepared to work day and night for the first 2 years, sleep little, have no time for work for the first few years and proudly pass by the cultural life of the city, because you do not have time for this. The percentage of expulsions from the faculty is high. Also, do not forget that the main difficulties arise not with biology, but with physics and mathematics. However, the pleasure of studying, communicating with teachers and classmates, practicing at sea and this city compensates for everything!

The university is a unique educational institution in Russia, since it is the very first and, as a result, the oldest university in the country. By Decree of Peter I, the university was founded almost 300 years ago.

Over such a long period of time, outstanding personalities in the fields of literature, science, politics, music, etc. have graduated from St. Petersburg State University.

The specialties of St. Petersburg State University are very diverse, some of them are unique, since there are no similar ones in other Russian universities.

Brief information about the university

On January 28 (February 8 according to the new calendar), 1724, Peter I signed a decree establishing Russia’s first educational University and Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg.

Education in Russia was focused on the European way of life, so the emperor invited foreign scientists and teachers to teach at St. Petersburg University. And already in January 1726, the first enrollment of everyone who wanted to listen to the lecture material was announced.

On October 31, 1821, the university received Imperial status. And more than once after this, St. Petersburg State University changed its names, and it was also repeatedly awarded the names of outstanding personalities: Andrei Sergeevich Bubnov and Andrei Aleksandrovich Zhdanov - figures in the political sphere.

But its final name “St. Petersburg State” received 170 years later in 1991.

Directions and specialties of St. Petersburg State University

Provides applicants with a huge selection of specialties, creative, unique, and in demand. No other Russian university can boast of such diversity. There is practically everything here: medicine, acting, natural sciences.

There are several educational programs at the university. It still trains specialists with the same teaching methodology, bachelors and masters according to the Bologna system, and, in addition, those who wish can enroll in graduate school and undergo residency.

Bachelor's, Specialist and Master's programs

For St. Petersburg State University, the list of specialties for undergraduate studies is as follows:

1. Archeology.
2. Business Informatics.
3. Biology.
4. Vocal art.
5. Oriental and African studies.
6. Geography.
7. Geology.
8. Graphic design.
9. Hydrometeorology.
10. State and municipal administration.
11. Environment design.
12. Journalism.
13. Engineering-oriented physics.
14. Story.
15. History of art.
16. Real estate cadastre.
17. Cartography.
18. Conflictology.
19. Culturology.
20. Linguistics.
21. Mathematics.
22. Mathematics and Computer Science.
23. Mathematical support and administration of information systems.
24. Journalism of international level.
25. International Management.
26. Management.
27. Mechanics and mathematical modeling.
28. Museology and protection of cultural and natural heritage sites.
29. Oil and gas business.
30. Organization of tourism activities with detailed study of the Chinese language.
31. Political science.
32. Soil science.
33. Applied computer science in the arts and humanities.
34. Applied mathematics and computer science.
35. Applied physics and mathematics.
36. Software engineering.
37. Psychology.
38. Advertising activity.
39. Religious Studies.
40. Restoration.
41. Liberal arts and sciences.
42. Social work.
43. Sociological research in digital society.
44. Sociology.
45. Tourism.
46. Personnel Management.
47. Physics.
48. Philosophy.
49. Philology.
50. Chemistry.
51. Ecology.
52. Economic directions.
53. Jurisprudence.

The specialist program of St. Petersburg State University is as follows:

1. Acting art.
2. Astronomy.
3. Clinical psychology.
4. Psychology of professional activity.
5. Dentistry.
6. Fundamental mathematics.
7. Fundamental mechanics.
8. Film and television artist.

The master's program includes more than 50 specialties at St. Petersburg State University.

Astronomy

Astronomy is a specialty of St. Petersburg State University, the points and duration of study for which are as follows: 256 is the threshold level that provides training on a budget place. The faculty provides education only in the specialty, the duration will be 5 years.

Russian language, mathematics and physics are the main subjects in which you need to score the required number of points. Upon completion of training, a diploma in the specialty “Astronomer” is issued, which also allows you to engage in teaching activities.

The Faculty of Astronomy of St. Petersburg State University has a considerable number of advantages:

1. Experienced and highly qualified teaching and assistant staff who conduct classes using modern methods and equipment.
2. St. Petersburg State University has several operating scientific schools that allow students, including those from the Faculty of Astronomy, to conduct practical and research classes using the necessary materials.
3. The faculty is conducting a detailed study of not only astronomical topics, but also physical and mathematical ones. This gives students an advantage as they become generalist graduates.
4. During the learning process, attention is paid to each student. This makes it possible to eliminate gaps in knowledge and, therefore, to prepare highly qualified specialists.

Vocal art

Vocal art is a young program department, formed at the Faculty of Arts of St. Petersburg State University in 2012. The training is aimed at both Russian and foreign vocal performers; in addition, it has no analogues either in Russia or abroad. This is one of the unique features of the vocal program.

Vocal Art is a developing project created by St. Petersburg University in tandem with the Academy of Young Singers of the Mariinsky Theater.

At the faculty, in addition to studying the basics of singing art, students also take a course in the humanities, which makes them multidisciplinary specialists. And yet the main thing is the vocals. Upon successful completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree, the graduate receives a diploma in vocal art.

One of the features of the faculty is practical classes, which are held in interesting institutions:

• Mariinsky Theater;
• philharmonic societies and concert halls of St. Petersburg;
• music colleges and schools.

Students are also regularly organized master classes with the participation of outstanding Russian and foreign opera performers.

Department of Biology

The Faculty of Biology of St. Petersburg State University includes 17 departments that provide in-depth study in all areas of biology (botany, zoology, microbiology, biophysics and biochemistry, etc.) Each department is assigned a research laboratory, allowing students to carry out research as part of the educational process.

The Faculty of Biology of St. Petersburg State University provides training in the following areas:

• Bachelor's degree - 4 years;
• Master's degree - 2 years;
• graduate school;
• doctoral studies

A diploma in biology from St. Petersburg University is a guarantee of a successful future graduate, allowing him to work in the scientific, teaching, industrial and medical fields.

Oriental and African Studies

The faculty provides full-time education leading to a bachelor's qualification. The duration of study is standard: for the bachelor's system - 4 years, master's - 2 years. It is possible to continue your studies as a graduate student.

For admission, you must pass the Unified State Examination in the subjects: foreign language, Russian language and history.

The Faculty of Oriental and African Studies was opened in 1854 at the insistence of Peter I. From that time to the present day, the faculty has not lost its status as a leading educational center for the study of culture, languages, traditions, history and religion of the countries of the modern and ancient East.

What is the focus of the faculty's education? This is first of all:

• basic academic training;
• a thorough study of the development of Eastern civilization;
• The largest number of oriental languages ​​are studied at the faculty.

Even foreign universities cannot boast of such indicators.

Upon completion of training in the specialty of Oriental and African Studies, the graduate is awarded a diploma, which is highly valued not only within the native state, but also beyond its borders.

There are 15 departments with a variety of narrow specializations. Two of them are reserved for the master's program in a thorough study of history and philology.

The faculty can boast of the extensiveness of geographical study, because in the process of education the cultural values ​​and other countries of the Far and Middle East, Africa, the Caucasus, Central and South Asia are studied in detail.

Faculty of Museology

The Faculty of Museology and Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage objects implies a 4-year full-time bachelor's degree course. Upon completion, graduates are awarded a diploma with a specialty in museum studies. This is a very popular profession, allowing you to find work not only in St. Petersburg, but also in other large cities in Russia and abroad.

What skills do graduates master:

1. Technologies of museum and tourism areas.
2. Fundamentals of managing museums and bodies for the protection of monuments and cultural heritage sites.
3. Knowledge of the structure of museum halls, the basics of arranging exhibition material.

Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Free Faculty has been working productively since 1996. It was founded as a project of St. Petersburg State University and Bard College (USA). Its main feature is its liberal educational program, which provides an individual approach to each student. The point is that every student has the right to choose subjects for study that are suitable for themselves, and not adhere to a strict schedule.

Another feature is that those who already have a higher or secondary specialized education can enter the faculty.

Finally

The specialties of St. Petersburg State University's master's, bachelor's and specialist's degrees are a prestigious education, listed in Russia, the CIS and Europe. However, admission requires a strict selection process with a high threshold level of points.

I will write as a student of the history department of St. Petersburg State University.

So, if you apply for the Unified State Exam on a general basis, you will be accommodated in a dormitory in Peterhof. And if we are talking about studying at technical faculties, all questions disappear here, since they are located there, very close to the dormitories. If we are talking about studying at all other faculties, then until the second or third year you will have to go to the city. It takes about two hours to travel one way, and this is somewhat annoying. People are moved to city dormitories on a first-come, first-served basis, which is formed simply based on Unified State Exam scores (yes, the Unified State Exam does not lag behind St. Petersburg State University students even after admission).

Next, it is worth noting the somewhat depressing policy of the university administration. Either they are talking about transferring the university buildings to the Russian Orthodox Church, or they want to move the entire university to Gatchina. However, describing all this could take a very long time. "There is no money, but you hold on." Let's move on to studying.

The educational process emphasizes science and the development of research skills. The teachers are great scientists and great masters of their craft: they read the lectures well and write interestingly. Not all, of course, but the vast majority.

There are practically no problems with educational literature. If something is missing in the university library, everything is there, for example, in the Russian National Library.

In general, each faculty is unique. The pros are different everywhere, but the cons are mostly the same. The latter, as a rule, proceed precisely from the “effective” policies of the administration. It is too striking that everything comes down to money, and not to education. Yes, I returned to this topic again, because it really catches my eye. However, in spite of everything, St. Petersburg State University maintains its brand and does not let anyone down. There really are practically no complaints about the educational process itself, as well as about the teaching staff. Well, there are only a couple of my personal dissatisfaction, relevant only for the history department, about which I would talk much more than about the entire university, because the university itself is vast.

The Faculty of History is at least a very broad humanitarian education, and it is unlikely that there is anything similar in other faculties. The Faculty of History of St. Petersburg State University has given the world the strongest historians. There are simply a lot of opportunities for studying history in St. Petersburg, since there are many archives and libraries. Of course, not everyone is happy with the prospect of working in a museum, archive, library or as a teacher. But here it is important to understand that the bachelors of history produced by our department (I’m talking specifically about the “history” direction, in which I study) successfully enter master’s programs at other universities and areas.

Now let's move on to the cons.

Firstly, there has been no history department at St. Petersburg State University since 2014. There is the Institute of History of St. Petersburg State University. And, since I entered in 2014, I was already subject to the curriculum of the Institute of History. Accordingly, new disciplines. Many of them used to be elective disciplines, and the form of certification for them was a test. Now these subjects (completely, it should be noted, “left”) are mandatory for everyone, and the form of certification for most of them is an exam. The teachers of these disciplines themselves did not know how to examine us, which sometimes led to completely ridiculous situations. It is also not uncommon for one teacher to host a stream of a hundred people all day.

First, a little information about the Olympiads. The start of correspondence rounds begins in November, the Olympiad diploma is valid for four years. The benefits for admission to the Olympiad are as follows:

• Participants in the Olympiad earn points in the format of individual achievements (depending on the level of the Olympiad);
• Winners and prize-winners of the All-Russian Olympiad for schoolchildren or other Olympiads from the “List of Olympiads and their levels for the 2017-2018 academic year” have the right to admission to a university without entrance examinations or 100 points in a core subject;
• Participants in a university Olympiad also receive bonus points (depending on the university), and if the Olympiad is included in the “List”, this advantage will also apply to other universities.

Now let's discuss admission issues using the example of specific universities.

Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

Anna Veklich

First Deputy Chairman of the Admissions Committee, Head of the Department of Strategic Communications at ITMO University

Can a person who is interested in physics, mathematics and other sciences besides programming fully develop themselves at ITMO University?

Absolutely yes. The mission of our university is the formation and development of a harmonious personality: in science, teaching, and extracurricular activities. It cannot be said that a student’s participation in an engineering club, KVN, dance or sports is more important or, conversely, less important than his basic education. Everything needs balance.

The task of the university is to provide students with the opportunity to achieve this balance, to form in the student both professional competencies (Professional Skills) and creative ones, those that will contribute to the development, in a broad sense, of his thinking: through Soft Skills (foreign languages, presentation skills, communications, mobility), new non-classical fundamentality (digital and entrepreneurial culture), additional education (online courses, summer schools, conferences), extracurricular activities (clubs, clubs, sections).

At the center of a modern university there should be a person, an individual. With this approach, physicists, mathematicians, and programmers will feel confident and be in the right atmosphere.

What areas of study are the most popular at your university today?

The profile of the university is IT and photonics, their mix. Therefore, educational programs of this particular profile are the most popular at ITMO. But their requirements are among the highest in our country.

Sometimes the passing score reaches 309 out of 310 possible (300 on the Unified State Exam and 10 points for individual achievements). And the average score in the field of study “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” at ITMO is the highest in the country - 99.8.

What is the average score of applicants and is it possible to enroll in targeted training?

The average Unified State Exam score at the university in 2017 was 90.0. This is the fifth result in Russia among all universities. Over the past two years, we have grown by almost 8 points and moved from 11th to 5th place in the reception quality rating. Students who entered the target places also showed good results - their average score was 82.2. This year there were 26 such guys. The average score of contract students also increased - from 64 points in 2015 to 75 in 2017.

ITMO University students

What percentage of applicants enter your university through the Olympiad? What educational benefits do Olympiad students receive?

This year, ITMO received more than 750 applications from applicants eligible for admission without entrance examinations (BVI). 384 people were admitted to the 1st year of undergraduate studies (winners and prize-winners of the Russian Secondary School Olympiads and the All-Russian Schoolchildren Olympiad). This is about 35% of the total number of budget places.

Which Olympiads are considered prestigious at your university?

• Open Olympiad for schoolchildren “Information Technologies” – 100 people;
• United Interuniversity Mathematical Olympiad for Schoolchildren (UMMO) – 43 people;
• Olympiad for schoolchildren “Phystech” – 23 people;
• Olympiad of schoolchildren in computer science and programming – 18 people;
• Open Olympiad for schoolchildren in mathematics – 18 people;
• Internet Olympiad for schoolchildren in physics – also 18 people.

If we talk about subjects, then, of course, computer science and mathematics are in the lead.

TOP 3 items:

• Computer science - 161 people;
• Mathematics - 155 people;
• Physics - 55 people.

By Olympiad levels:

• RSOSH, level 1 - 198 people;
• RSOSH, level 2 - 119 people;
• RSOSH, level 3 - 55 people.

At ITMO University’s preparatory courses, you can study both in the “General Preparation” and “Olympiad” or “Unified State Exam Preparation” groups. It all depends on your goals and the results of the entrance testing. Of course, all structures of the university’s pre-university preparation are focused on quality training for applicants, who in the future will form the core of ITMO’s first-year students.

Preparatory course certificates do not provide this opportunity. Neither at ITMO, nor at any other university.

But! Applicants who are studying courses at ITMO have the opportunity to receive individual career guidance within the framework of our new project ITMO.START, where you can choose your path: “Scientist”, “Engineer”, “Entrepreneur”, “Programmer”, “Leader” or form your unique path of development, mix and try different roles.

We involve schoolchildren in our own competitions, projects, and conferences. We organize excursions and popular science lectures by our scientists for them. And as a result, they have the opportunity to receive up to 10 additional points when entering our university.

If you enter ITMO for the 1st year with Unified State Exam scores of 265 (without ID) and above, then the university will provide you with an ITMO.FAMILY scholarship throughout the first year - from 7 to 15,000 rubles per month.

If you pass the session with “4” and “5”, the scholarship lasts for a year, or six months if you received a lower “4” for the exam.

SPbSU

Alexander Denisov

Deputy Head of the Department for Organization of Admissions at St. Petersburg State University

What areas of study are the most popular at St Petersburg University today?

In terms of the number of applications, the most popular areas were: Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, General Medicine, Economics, Management, Sociology, Jurisprudence, International Relations, Linguistics.

St. Petersburg State University (SPbSU) is the oldest and one of the largest and leading classical universities in Russia. One of the centers of national science and culture.

Currently, the University is housed in more than 400 buildings located in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad region and other regions of Russia, the main one of which is the famous building of the Twelve Collegiums on Vasilievsky Island.

In 2017-18, St. Petersburg State University is recruiting not only for free places, but also for paid ones. St. Petersburg State University is one of the famous and serious educational institutions of the Russian Federation. It deservedly enjoys the reputation of one of the Russian universities, distinguished by its strong preparation.

Studying at St. Petersburg State University in the 2017-2018 academic year: tuition fees, passing score, beneficiaries

1. Enrollment for bachelor's programs and specialty will be carried out from June 20, 2017;
2. Electronic applications for some programs can be filled out as early as 03/01/17;
3. In 2017, benefit recipients enjoy the advantage of admission;
4. In 2017, the passing score for exams for most areas is 65;
5. Information on current prices for this year will be provided on 06/01/17;
6. The lowest fees are expected in the “Social work” direction;
7. In 2017, “International Management” remains the most expensive.

Recruitment is carried out for bachelor's programs, training of specialists and masters for free and paid places.

See also:

Registration for first grade in 2017-2018: government services, documents, benefits

Personal file for admission in 2018: a basic set of documents

The basic set that forms a personal file for admission remains the same as in 2017:

• Application form sample PC of St. Petersburg State University (you can view the form through the university website);
• photocopy of Russian passport data;
• documents confirming educational level (or photocopies thereof);
• 3x4 photo cards (2 pieces);
• a medical certificate of a sample developed by the Ministry of Health or a photocopy of it;
• papers and documents indicating the availability of certain benefits for admission.

The form or electronic version of the application specifies the selected level of the program: bachelor's, specialist or master's.

Video: St. Petersburg State University is distinguished by its strong preparation

The medical certificate must include notes from all highly specialized medical specialists in accordance with a specific order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development. The certificate is valid if it is issued no earlier than one year before the deadline for accepting applications for those wishing to enroll in 2018.

Document submission date - what deadlines to meet?

Documents are accepted in a convenient way for applicants:

1. Full-time - via the university PC;
2. By sending by post;
3. Using the electronic delivery method.

Acceptance of documents for all specialty and bachelor's degrees begins on June 20, 2017. For master's programs, admission is open from March 1, 2017 (electronic submission), from July 3, 2017 (by mail or in-person appearance). The final deadlines for submitting an application depend on the exams for which the applicant is certified.

For those applying for paid places, the permissible deadlines for submitting the application and other necessary papers are slightly wider than for those applying only for the free form. You can check the timing via PC.

The maximum number of specialties (directions) for which an applicant is entitled to submit documents is three. This figure includes both paid and free options.

See also:

Admission to Russian universities in 2017-2018: enrollment date, documents required for enrollment, tuition fees

Groups of citizens applying for benefits in 2018

According to the law of the Russian Federation, there are some groups of citizens claiming benefits:

1. Winners and participants who have won prizes at Olympiads have the right to enroll without undergoing mandatory certification for the Unified State Exam. You can provide an electronic version of the winner's (participant's) diploma.
2. Free uniforms on a preferential basis are provided to disabled children of groups 1-2, disabled children from childhood, military personnel who were injured or ill during military service.
3. People with disabilities must provide proof of their benefits.

The minimum passing score is set for each subject

Based on the specialty, the direction that interests the applicant, the minimum points established for each subject will depend.

On November 11, 2009, St. Petersburg State University was given the special status of “unique scientific and educational complexes, the oldest universities in the country, of great importance for the development of Russian society”

For the mathematical and biological directions, the minimum passing score will be 65; for geology, geography and other geosciences the passing mark is from 55 to 65(depending on the exam); for the direction of psychology – from 50 to 65 points; economics and Management - from 60 to 63; sociology, social work – 60 points.