Mystory@Sweta Sarkar: How I chose my course and college

When in school, most students spend a lot of time trying to enjoy the school experience, hanging onto every moment. However there are some of us who look forward to the next big chapter, College. By the time I was in grade 8, I already knew what I wanted to pursue - English Honours. I loved the language and the subject and if I say so myself, I was rather good at it as well. So it was no surprise when the time arrived for applications; that is the subject I chose. I did some research about what it would entail since English Honours is not all stories and poems; it goes beyond that.

How I cracked college admission

Let’s take a step back though. Choosing the college. When I was in grade 10, I was looking at a list of the top colleges for English in my city and Lady Brabourne College was one of the top listed ones for girls. The cut offs were high for someone from an ICSE background and I was told that I should look at more attainable goals, since it wasn’t that easy to get into. Looking back, I think that is what set me on the path to conquering the improbable.

I resorted to research yet again, trying to find out about the admission procedure and gathered past question papers to practice. That really helped, since on the day of the actual test, it went like a breeze and I made to the first list at Lady Brabourne College which had been my first choice.

For my Masters, I went on to Shri Shikshayatan College, another highly reputed college. The choice for this one was a tad bit difficult since initially I had wanted to go on to the university itself and be a part of the giant class. However, Shri Shikshayatan had the reputation of having a great faculty and good scoring average among the students, which is what it ultimately comes down to. Anyone who has ever wanted to be a professor will know about the coveted 55% which is not so leniently given in language courses.

The admission process at Shri Shikshayatan College involved an interview by a panel of professors who were kind enough to ask me which era I’d like to talk about and the questions started. You’d think faltering would mean you were out, but they gave me another chance and I chose another era, this time, answering more eloquently. The list was out, and there I was. One of the 60 girls in my post graduate class.

Would I have anything differently? Perhaps prepared one topic a bit more before the interview instead of going in filled with dread. Research and study are the only things that will help and even though I did get through my masters course, I would have liked to have known a bit more going in.

My college life

During my 5 years at two colleges, both entirely different from each other, I gained some really valuable experiences. My undergraduate years were spent with a faculty who pushed me harder - to do more and be more. They accepted nothing but the best and what might have seemed cruel then, actually helped later on during my Masters course, when I realised how the past three years had prepared me for in depth reading and analysis.

While the faculty at Lady Brabourne College, pushes you to be the best of you, the ones at Shri Shikshayatan guide you towards the final flourish. The faculty at Shri Shikshayatan was exactly what a postgraduate student needs - a space to not only learn, but to question, research and grow.

Shri Shikshayatan truly has very many facilities for students to help hone their skills. From computer courses to foreign languages to a career counselor, they really set you up with what you need. Add to this plenty of opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. I spent the two years of my Masters class, being active in every way possible. From attending seminars to winning debates to being on the college magazine editorial committee to being in charge of the department drama for the annual college foundation day, there was so much to explore and so much to do.

The Post Graduate Department of English at Shri Shikshayatan Colleges has access to several seminars at the American Centre, Kolkata. From movie viewings to learning about higher education, access has always been on the easier side for us. We got to attend so many wonderful lectures and even be a part of their Black History Month Celebration. These experiences really build you up as you get to view so many different perspectives in one place. The Higher Education in the US Program was such an eye opener for many students who may dream of studying in the US but are uncertain about what to do.

The professors themselves are supportive. There is no wrong answer and every answer is listened to patiently and a student is given the chance to state her opinion as well; as long as it backed up with logic of course. We have spent hours in class, having open discussions and that broadened our minds.

Shri Shikshayatan has a student paper presentation every year where students are free to present their own research on a proper podium and in front of an audience. I guess nothing gets more real life than that, and truly is an important process for those who want to pursue research.

My only regret, or the thing that I would change is, being more active during my undergraduate years as well, so that I would have five years of valuable experiences rather than just two. So go ahead, soak in all college has to offer, both academic and extracurricular wise. You will look back and learn from every single one of it.

About the Author:

I work as a Mentor for WordsMaya, enriching one life at a time by building up their confidence and improving their English. A bibliophile with a penchant for writing, I can be found with a book on most occasions, whether on a bus ride or at a coffee shop. An eternal foodie, I miss the canteen of my PG days when grabbing a meal was as easy as I get.