SHOULD MARKS OF ONE EXAM BE THE SOLE CRITERION FOR ADMISSION INTO COLLEGES?

JUDGING students only on the basis of the academic performance is not a good idea. One must keep in mind that there are students who sometimes don’t do well in public exams but do very well in the course or college of their choice. Other areas like the recommendation from a teacher, etc, should also be taken into account during admission into a college. The Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system in schools is such that it looks into all aspects of a student’s life and the same process of looking at a student holistically must be followed in admission for colleges.
   — ABHA SE H G A L ,
   Principal, Sanskriti School

THE examination paper of ISC Board is a subjective paper, which is why it is difficult to score high marks. Moreover, the marking is very strict. However, in CBSE, the papers are generally divided as 60% subjective questions and 40% objective questions. This division of questions provides a scope for students to score even full marks. Delhi University’s cut-offs are in accordance to CBSE markings, which is why it’s so high. A student of the ISC board is bound to suffer; the high cut-offs are unfair to us.

   — JY O T I BH A T T A C H A R Y A ,
   Student, St Paul Academy (ISC Board)

THE cut-offs have crossed the limit. It’s been two days since the admission process has begun and we are only running around. With such high cut-offs, my child won’t be able to get a course of her choice and she has to opt for something else. Even after struggling in class XII to obtain good marks, nothing good is happening. The cut-offs should have been more realistic. Is it fair to base admission on the results of one exam, which leaves no scope for human error?
   — AB H I L A S H A SA X E N A , Parent

THE high cut-offs of the current academic year is the result of irrational markings of the CBSE. The marking system is unrealistic. How can a student be given full marks in any subject? It never happens and it is incorrect. It is because of CBSE’s lenient marking that students from other boards suffer during college admission. Colleges cannot be blamed for high cut-offs as they are left with no other option. Today, majority of students are able to score above 90% in their exams. It is the government’s responsibility to make the CBSE’s marking system tougher. If not, then students should be given admission based on a common entrance examination like the AIEEE, IIT-JEE, etc.
 

  — P SE N G U P T A ,
   Principal, Motilal Nehru College, 
   

THE entire education system in our country seems to be confusing. The Delhi University’s cut-offs are obviously not acceptable but it is our education system which is to be blamed. The government has made studying easier for students till class X but soon after that as they get into class XI and then class XII they feel the entire burden to score well. Ultimately they confine themselves to books and get good marks after tremendous struggle to get a seat in a decent college. And still they learn nothing. Our education system should have one system to follow not many.
   — PA L L A V I SI N G H ,
   IPEC (Inderprastha Engineering College),
   

ADMISSION to colleges/universities in the US is based on the confluence of a host of critical factors. Students are evaluated on their numerical profile — a holistic review of their cumulative grade point average (GPA), their SAT or ACT score, and their scores on various Subject Tests (SAT IIs) and Advanced Placement exams. Also, the student’s application itself (which sometimes includes an interview) is another critical factor. Students who put together an authentic application that includes thoughtful and revealing essays are at an advantage in the process. Support materials from the high school in the form of counsellor and teacher recommendations carry weight in the decision-making process, as does other priorities such as athletics and extra-curricular activities.
   — PE T E R J QU A G L I A R O L I ,
   Associate Director of College Counselling, English
   Department, Groton School, Massachusetts

I had decided to go abroad for my college while I was in school, and hence, I did my A levels instead of the Indian exams. I applied to six universities in the US, and got admission to three. Though admission to American colleges is not easy, at least it is transparent and fair unlike in India. Besides my scores, a lot of other factors I believe helped my application, such as my voluntary work, my essays and statement of purpose. From the personal essays the admission officer assesses you as an individual, your interests, and how the college/university can match your aspirations. It’s a more holistic approach. When I heard about the DU cut-offs and see the plight of my peers, I am relieved that I decided to go abroad and fortunate to get admission into NYU. It’s a four year Bachelor’s programme, I am majoring in Economics, and I am spending two years in London and two years in New York.
   — MR I N A L I N I SI N H A ,
   Undergraduate Student, New York University (NYU )

IN Canada, it may differ depending on the province or institution. Though generally, students apply to a faculty or programme of interest (such as Arts, Science or Business). While academic performance is the key criterion, some universities may require or consider the submission of supplemental information for some programmes (e.g. portfolio for a fine arts programme).
   — RI T I K A NA N D K E O L Y A R ,
   Second Secretary-Advocacy Programme,
   High Commission of Canada

IN the UK, students apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) which is a registered charity and students are allowed to apply to only five institutions. The UCAS application form includes the predicted grades, relevant subjects, statement of purpose and a reference letter from a professor/teacher in school/college. On the basis of these an offer is made to a student. The offers are conditional on meeting adequate grades in the examinations that the students are undertaking. Most students in the UK follow the A level and IB pattern of education.
   — KA U S H I K MI T R A ,
   Education Adviser in India, University of Sussex

FOR admission to Australian universities students need to have their high school grades. Each state has certain requirements and students have to match their high school qualifications with university requirements. For example, the University of Melbourne asks students for the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or an equivalent qualification. Some courses may even require an interview or audition. Finally, students must have a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Students located in South Australia apply through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre, a common application system.
   — KA R A N GU P T A ,
   Overseas Education Consultant
   

 

Sunil Sharma

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