| Monday, April 21, 2008
Choosing your dream college
The school exams are over, and here’s what to look for
before you take that all-important decision.
As students who have just finished Class XII, you may feel you
have earned yourself a holiday. But even as you kickback to
enjoy the end of examinations, it’s time to start thinking
about the next step on your academic and career path: college.
You can make things easier for yourself if you sit down for
some self-analysis before rushing out for applications and
entrance examinations. Of course, many of you may have already
decided on your dream career when you chose your group in
Class XI or even earlier. But if you haven’t, take time
to map out your talents and skills, the capabilities and qualifications
you already have, and your aspirations for the future.
B. Ravishankar, Global Head of the Talent Management Group
at HCL Technologies, feels students should first decide what
they want to do and then work backwards. “If they think
about what they see themselves doing after five years, it
would be easier to choose the course that is most appropriate
for them,” he says. He points out that it makes no sense
to study mechanical or civil engineering and then apply for
an IT job, especially when the realty sector is growing so
fast.
P.V. Navaneethakrishnan, the former director of entrance exams
and admissions at Anna University, agrees. “The most
important thing [in choosing a course] is the aptitude and
career inclination of the student. All other factors such
as popularity of the course are secondary,” he says,
warning that “parents should not thrust their views
on their children to make up for what they did not achieve
in their youth.”
Once you have decided on your course (along with back-up options
in case you fail to get into your preferred course), it is
time to decide on your college. Mitali Dave, who has just
completed Class XII, hopes to pursue B.Com. in a reputed college.
“It is not just about being with our school friends
in college. After all, it is our future and once we’re
admitted to a college, there is no turning back,” she
says. So resist the temptation to go with the flow, and do
your homework on prospective colleges.
The first thing to do would be to collect prospectuses, check
out college websites and actually visit campuses. There is
nothing like getting a first-hand look at the grounds, classrooms
and hostel facilities to get a sense of the place you will
spend the next three to four years in. “Infrastructure
is not just about the buildings. Look at the labs, the sanitary
facilities — some colleges are very poor on this —
and the libraries,” suggests Dr. Navaneethakrishnan.
Find out about the teachers
Teachers are all-important. Find out about the academic qualifications
of the faculty team, their reputation in research and whether
there is a sufficient student-teacher ratio. However, with
exams and holidays setting in at colleges as well, the campuses
may be rather empty. Talk to senior students, alumni and faculty
for the inside scoop. Mitali says she has been speaking to
her seniors from school now attending different colleges.
“I ask them how the college does academically, whether
there are opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities,
what the dress code is, how active the college is in the placement
scene and whether students get good job opportunities,”
she says.
For a more objective viewpoint, look at how colleges are accredited
by government agencies such as the National Board of Accreditation
for technical courses and the National Assessment and Accreditation
Council for others. Rankings published in magazines may also
be helpful. Scan prospectuses for descriptions of course content.
Especially with autonomous institutions, the different papers
you will study each semester may differ even for the same
course. “The new choice-based credit system gives students
a wide variety of options,” says Eugini Pinto, former
principal of Queen Mary’s College.
Ask about the fees you will have to pay and check for any hidden
costs in the fine print, ensuring that the total charges conform
to government norms. Find out about the scholarships you are
eligible for and whether bank loans are available.
Are you keen on sports, music or dramatics? It will be an
extra plus if your college encourages extra-curricular activities.
“Recruiters are now looking for all-round achievers,
not just at your marks,” says Mrs. Pinto. Active placement
cells and collaboration with industries will also give colleges
an edge.
Once you’ve settled on your dream college (and some
alternative options), fill in those application forms and
go shopping for your college wardrobe. After all, you can
get rid of those uniforms now!
Courtesy: The Hindu - Education Plus
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