This is the story of Sandeep, the son of some friends of mine, and now a green card holder in the United States, from where he is unlikely to return. When I last saw Sandeep, he was a personable and charming young man. He had always done well in school, both in academics and sports. Active also in the school debating and dramatic societies, he was considered to be a good all-rounder, the sort who was bound to succeed in life. This forecast has proved to be true. He has succeeded in life and is doing very well, but in the United States and not here. The loss is ours, yet considering the circumstances, can one blame him for leaving and seeking his fortunes elsewhere?
When Sandeep took his school-leaving exam a few years ago, he got an aggregate of 79 per cent. We thought he had done well, but when I went across to congratulate him, both he and his parents were sunk in gloom. The reason for their depression was that Sandeep had set his heart on doing economics honours in a particular college in Delhi, but the cut-off point for applications was a staggering 88 per cent. This was a hurdle that had to be crossed before any of his other achievements and abilities were considered. Instead, the college offered him English honours. Faced with the prospect of doing a subject that held no interest for him or of doing the subject of his choice in a mediocre college, he decided to try for admission in a prestigious college in the US. His SAT scores were excellent, and since the college there took into consideration his other activities as well, he was offered a place with financial aid.
Sandeep’s experience is by no means unique. Each year, hundreds of students, unable to gain admission into good colleges leave for the US, There was a time, admittedly many years ago, when students aimed primarily at getting a first class in their exams. This meant 60 per cent, a score considered more than reasonable. Ironically, at a time when there were no avenues open to a student other than treading the academic path, getting a first class or even a high second class ensured both place and subject of choice in a good college. Yet today, it is a percentage that actually and unbelievably can close the doors of most institutions to the applicant!
Once again it is examination time. Just around the corner are the school-leaving examinations and students are burning the midnight oil, trying to master and remember the intricacies of the large number of subjects they will be tested in. These exams, they know, are critical: the results they obtain will decide to which college they will gain admission. Will such a college be acceptable? Or will they be forced to think of the alternative of studying abroad? And sadly, having studied there, staying on?
