Mystory@Sonal Bhosale: How I chose my course and college

Since my school days, I never liked History or Civics or any other subject for that matter. I was more inclined towards Science and Mathematics. Learning Biology was great because we got to learn the mechanism in which our body works and Mathematics was simply playing with numbers. That’s when I decided that I wanted to choose Science as my field of study. I took various aptitude tests as well. The tests suggested that I should join Fine Arts, but my love for Science and the fact that I could pursue my career in any probable undergraduate course after selecting Science stream didn’t allow me to change my decision.

After 12th, I was so sure I wanted to become a doctor. I loved Biology, and I still do perhaps because Biology is in my genes. But unfortunately, I didn’t clear the NEET exam which was held at that time for our batch. I couldn’t afford to take a break, not knowing if the board of examination would turn to NEET or CET the next year. That’s why I turned myself towards engineering which was a more obvious choice. I thought engineering is just a matter of 4 years. That’s it! And then we have jobs in our hands in just four years! But now I know, engineering in no piece of cake. It’s tough and interesting in its own way. If I wanted to choose engineering, it had to be in a college that provided good placements. And that’s how I ended up selecting Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune.

How I cracked college admission

I took CET entrance exam for PCMB group, PCM group and NEET entrance exam as well. Unfortunately, for our batch we had NEET entrance exam and I did not score well. That’s why medical option was straight away cancelled. I did not take a break to reappear for the exam, which now I think I should have done since the next year’s batch had CET entrance exam for medical. On the basis of CET’s PCMB score I would have got dental college, but I did not like the idea of putting my hands in another person’s mouth! So naturally dental option was also ruled out.

Then finally, on the basis of PCM score I took admission in Sinhgad College of Engineering. I had opted for PICT as well, but I lost that college by four marks. That’s when I learnt that every mark is important if I had to survive in Pune University. I had joined Vidyasagar Classes for 11th and 12th standard. Those classes were pretty hectic, for I had joined PCMB group. Coaching for all the subjects was really good except for Physics. The Mathematics faculty was fantastic because of which I could really score in PCM group. We gave the tests regularly in our class which shaped us from the beginning for any entrance test. I gave CET entrance exam only.

What I gained from my college experience

In the first year of college, I attended all the lectures like a nerd would, I mean literally! But then, as I realised the environment around me was so enthusiastic and lively that I decided to go ahead and bunk some classes and make some memories that will last for a lifetime. I normally attend the lectures that I like and all the practicals even if I don’t like, because practical aren’t an option!

I have participated in Sinhgad Karandak, one of the biggest college fests in Pune, for volunteering which was a really hectic job but I managed! I did it just to see all the Sinhgad Karandak events and plus I even got some privileges. Sinhagad Karandak also acted as a learning platform for the students since we got first-hand experience on how to organise events, how to manage them, how to communicate with different people and so on. Therefore, we got a chance to polish our managerial skills. Later on I also participated in Sinhgad Arts Circle and since I worked with the Arts Team I also got the opportunity to enhance my Fine Arts Skills for which I will always be grateful!

I love drawing and decorating and that’s why I feel that everyone should continue with their hobby despite a hectic schedule, because it gives you the happiness like nothing else would and helps release your tension. I really want to participate in more events such as fashion shows, but maybe in future! I love playing badminton and do play really well, but due to paucity of time I never could continue with my hobby in college. But if given a chance I would grab that opportunity because I love badminton.

Being in such a huge college, meeting new people really turned me into a person that I am today – straight forward, confident and fearless.

About the Author:

I am currently in the last year of my Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science) course. My hobbies include playing badminton, swimming, reading, watching movies, etc. I am also interested in interior designing and aspire to become a designer.