It is the time of the year, yet again, when college dusks dawns on carefree minds. After high school, “What next?” is the unanswered question, year after year. We, at GSG, thought it would be thoughtful of us to share with this year’s baton holders, what we learned in our yesteryears. Here, we review the factors which we thought should be considered when choosing a college and course.
1) Assess your interests & Abilities
2) List courses & suitable colleges matching your interests
3) Sort them based on criteria:
i) Facilities
ii) Tuition Fee
iii) Exposure
4) Explore and evaluate the filtered results.
5) Implement
1) Assess:
What most of us do not understand is that the course currently not so in demand in terms of job openings, might not be the same by the time you complete the course. Here is where foresight comes into play. Analyze how the market would be, four years down the road than jumping to conclusions. Another mighty reason to choose a particular course should be your passion, and not because someone else was successful in that field. Mostly, it is the path less taken that might lead to great treasure.
For a list of different career options after 10th or +2
Refer Educational Institution stats for Top 10 colleges in Various streams
2010 Best Colleges in various streams by India Today survey
2) Narrow down:
People fall for this illusion that the prestige of the college will get them a job in the clouds. For a fact, the reputation of a college can only create more opportunities through campus interviews. It means that you can concentrate more on getting through these interviews than having to look for them. Recruiting companies too give these colleges priority, which adds to the advantage.
3) Sort them based on criteria:
i) Facilities:
Academics alone being of high standards, but physical and basic requirements not being up to the mark is of little value. This includes lab and equipment, playground, library and reference resources, internet, the quality of food, accommodation, sanitary and other health factors for residents. We live in a world that is highly aroused by the impact of media, and it becomes essential to look into the health of both, body and soul. Availability of sports and other recreation is mandatory to divert the stress productively.
ii) Tuition fee:
Most of the time, the famous college and highly demanded courses can be very hard on your budget. Some others re-order the priorities with the fees topping the rest. It is always good to look for the best you can get for what you can afford. Spending way beyond your capacity to get admitted to any college would be a pointless exercise because the opportunities can be created even otherwise.
iii) Exposure:
Though exposure and facilities go hand in hand, they are controversial at the same time too. The locality of the college influences many into choosing it. In reality, there are equal distractions as there is positive exposure. Getting along with others and cultivating a people managing capability can go a long way than education alone. Attitude is molded here, and that is what most employers are looking for, primarily, in a candidate. If that is set to the right note, rest can be acquired without much pain.
4) Explore and evaluate:
People fall for this illusion that the prestige of the college will get them a job in the skies. For a fact, the reputation of a college can only create more opportunities through campus interviews. Getting through the interview solely depends on how well you carry out yourself. So, if you have to miss out on a branded, five-star rated college due to some reason, don’t worry too much about it. You can do just as well without it. Focus on getting the most out of what you can afford, and with a touch of right attitude and perseverance, all will be well.
5) Implement:
In all the counseling wow that is under way, it is very easy to get lost. Keep in mind that no college will satisfy you in all ways. It is the impact of the shortfalls that matter most. You might have to compromise on certain aspects, which is natural, but it shouldn’t come down hard on you in the long run. To be focused on your decision, one of the best things to do would be to visit the college in person. Speak to the students there and get to know what it is really like. Don’t be too surprised if the website is nowhere near reality. After all, college websites and brochures are mainly for promoting the brighter side. At the end of the day, what real time experience you gain matters way more than what you hear (and barely remember) in the sophisticated classrooms. The priorities might not be the same for all, but how you approach each of the above factors remains the same. However your vision might be, don’t be a football of others’ opinions.
GSG wishes all its student readers, and even others too, whatever is best for them. Do post your comments and questions.
Spellbinder
Editorial Team,
GSG
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