DU First Cut-Off List 2015: Choosing Course Over College or College Over Course?

One of the biggest confusions that a student has to deal with while taking admission in a college is whether to do a course of choice from a lesser-known college or to go for a more popular college with little or no interest in the course it has to offer.

Now that the Delhi University’s first cut-off list is out for the academic session 2015-16, students are possibly going to get trapped in the race between college and course.

While many students consider the option of going for a popular college like Hindu College, St Stephen’s College or Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) , the brand value of many colleges like these is overhyped, according to professor Abdul Nafey, former dean of students’ welfare, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

He suggests that giving more preference to the college is pointless because at the end of the day, each student will earn a degree from Delhi University.

“The best decision is to pick up a course that one is passionate about. If a student wants to do economics, then why should he/she choose history or philosophy for the sake of a good college? A student may be happy by choosing a college for a few months, but ultimately one needs to perform,” says Nafey.

Professor JM Khurana, dean students’ welfare, Delhi University, is also of the opinion that students should ideally choose course over college.

“Once you are keen on pursuing a course, it doesn’t really matter which college you get. Considering the results of the last few years, the students who have topped their class belonged to different colleges across DU, not just any specific college. If one chooses a course one wants to pursue, he/she will by default work hard and put in one’s best,” he says.

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However, Shashi Tyagi, principal of Gargi College says that giving more preference to popular colleges can make a huge difference in the lives of students who are still not sure about what they want to do in the future. A good college can also give the required exposure to students for their overall development.

“A college can help a student develop his or her overall personality. A good college may have good facilities, faculty and a good academic environment allowing a healthier competition, but it is up to the student to make the best of what is offered,” she says.

So, how should a student find the best combination of both course and college? Well, the most important thing is to be flexible – with respect to both your course and your college.

Make a list of what interests you and the courses that DU offers. While doing this, do refer to the syllabi of the courses.

The next step is to make a list of colleges offering these courses. Then strike down combinations that fit your choice. If one of them does work for you, you know where you should apply.

With inputs from hindustantimes.com