Let’s not talk about FYUP

The board exams do not stop at scoring good marks. While most students dream of going on well deserved holidays after the results are declared, their plans are invariably thwarted by the ubiquitious monster called ‘admission cutoffs’. This year this monster will appear after the confusion over the FYUP is cleared. College pundits, however, have predicted higher cut-offs than last year!

Apprehension, anxiety and expectation are the three things that are common to all students during the months of June and July. Therefore, in this issue, I along with my fellow CJs make a sincere attempt to understand the various complications associated with college cut-offs.

The first thought that struck us was how dependable or effective really are cut-offs in terms of selecting the right students for a particular course? The first cut-off lists in every eminent college almost invariably create a feeling of panic and uncertainty amongst students. This is followed by a series of speculations (some healthy, others totally unnecessary) and future predictions. Many students and their guardians feel that the cutoff lists of prominent colleges should have a wider margin of intake and the admission process should be swifter. In other words they feel that a more decisive first list coupled with a shorter timeline of intake will save students from enduring several weeks of stress.

There are many who believe that entrance tests command an upper hand over these much talked about and dreaded cut off lists. Entrance tests help in eliminating the students who do not have the aptitude for the course. For instance CATE (Common Aptitude Test for English) or the entrance test for journalism ensures that no one without a real passion for the subject can pursue it. But then another pertinent question arises here - are entrance tests really worthwhile? After all, should a student be barred from taking a course just because he/she did not perform well in the test? In that sense, do cut-offs not seem more profitable to students?

So, does it mean a combination of the two would be more appropriate ? Cut-offs with additional criteria might just be the answer in terms of selecting students with skill and talent. This in our view is a pertinent point to be contemplated upon!

While pondering over these perspectives, we also discovered a common fact – nearly all students are confused at the admission stage. Most students are pressurised by their parents to take popular streams in class 11 and 12. Consequently, they do not know which course to select in college. Further, tips from so-called helpful seniors, concerned relatives and friends push one deeper into a quandary of indecision.

Do you know what this confusion leads to? Students apply for almost every course that they are eligible for and this results in higher cut-offs. Since there is no check on people changing streams and everyone is allowed to apply to every possible course (regardless of stream pursued in class 12), things become more difficult.

So, are you still apprehensive about the cut-offs? Or do you feel better after reading what we had to say? Whatever the case may be, you should now relax. After all, you have done what you could and now you can just wait. However, I do agree it is terrible to wait for something!

Make your choice wisely about your choice of course and college! After all you can’t reverse this important decision.

Source: HT Education