 |
| PC: Internet |
In the journey of life we all have goals at different stages. Each goal adds meaning, purpose and energy into that phase of life. Which stream to pursue in under graduation is probably one of the first significant goal in most students' lives. The very same thing becomes a crucial milestone for their parents too. This blog is a collection of information and experiences we personally gathered during the journey of our child from high school to admission in an undergraduate course.
For parents
The period from Grade9 to Grade12 is a crucial stage in our education system. If we as parents understand and plan for this, we can address most of the foundational requirements of each child effectively. Let's focus on some of these aspects:
Apples and oranges
Just as each child is unique, their needs in education are also different. Even among children who may belong in similar performance levels, the needs may vary.
 |
| PC: Internet |
The picture says it all. A rich forest is not made of just one species. The contributions of a vibrantly biodiverse flora and fauna is what it takes to build and sustain a thriving ecosystem. Similarly, we need to encourage each child to hone his or her individual skills and strengths. Only then they would all grow into self-confident, self-reliant and self-respecting adults. And that's what makes a human overall well-rounded and happy in the long term.
How to find out the inherent strengths of each child? Generally in Grades 8, 9 each child's natural inclination to the subject(s) of their choice will begin to show. There will be few subjects which they will naturally like to study more. The scores in those subjects will also be noticeably better than others. This is something that we, as parents, could use as indicators. In this case, let us avoid the most common mistake that parenthood drives us to make - Let us not enforce the subjects of our choice upon them. If a child scores better in the languages or Geography let us not judge or underestimate them by their comparatively lower scores in math or science. Doing this instills a serious, often irrevocable complex in their young minds, the consequences of which subconsciously last for decades . Similar is the way most introverted children get pushed to socialize or speak in public. We need to first understand that introverted children are not incapable of speaking. Rather, they inherently, have deeper observing skills, tend to generally use fewer words and prioritize speaking as the last resort. It's not a weakness; it's just a different nature. That's all.
During my stint as a teacher, I have observed the psychological stress that children undergo when they are forced into areas outside of their natural strengths and judged for the same. It is quite saddening and disturbing. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said that my tenure as teacher helped us become better parents.
 |
| Such a powerful illustration of how children are misinterpreted PC: Internet |
It is quite understandable that whatever we advise or enforce them to do, comes out of our love and care for them. But going along with their flow and then tangibly illustrating the benefits of our view point, works more effectively. They tend to listen better when the plus sides of our advises are more practical and conceivable.
Besides, each child would have at least one hobby or passion outside of text books. Discovering them and encouraging them to nurture that also helps in their overall well being. Hobbies act as channels to dissipate pent up energy, there by ensuring both their physical and mental wellness. Nowadays, pursuing hobbies also in a professional manner, how-much-ever possible, helps them in building a good SOP or curriculum vitae for their UG admissions also.
If a child is unable to attend instructor-led-physical classes for such hobbies, there are scores of content in YouTube, online channels that they can follow and self-learn as well. In this regard, we found that our child had interests in playing musical instruments, writing. So we enrolled her in piano classes for few years which later got continued as self-learning during her board exams and the pandemic. We also encouraged her to spend her holidays and free time reading and writing which culminated into a self-published short story during the summer vacation of class10.
Finances
This doesn't need much explaining. It is wise to start saving for children's higher education from the time they enter class6. Especially as we get a hold on what subjects they are into and what course they may pursue, finetuning our savings accordingly becomes quite imperative. Unforeseen change of schools, enrolling in coaching classes etc. also have to figure-in in our plans. In many ways, the time they step into Grade9, the financial clock starts ticking for us. Hence it becomes quintessential that we save/invest first and then manage our expenses accordingly.
Deep roots give strong wings
The time when a child enters higher secondary school is when the parents are in the thick of their middle age. Increased family responsibility, changing health, workplace stress, exponentially high competition in boards and entrance tests, hormonal changes, exploding population, pandemic, gaps in information exchange even in this era of information overload and countless other factors make this period generally quite challenging for the whole family. Each family member carries their own baggage of stress and exhaustion.
 |
| PC: Internet |
Emotional ups and downs are unavoidable. In all of this, let us as parents deal with family as a team. Undoubtedly children need quite some attention in this phase. But at the same time, we need to ensure that this attention is within its limits and doesn't become over-intrusive or counter-productive. Let's practice to have at least one meal (usually dinner) together as a whole family. Avoiding frequent junk food and replacing it with wholesome simple home cooked food is also very important. Similarly keeping oneself well hydrated. What goes into the tummy does impact what runs in the mind. Let's listen to what they communicate - through their words, silence, actions and then do the needful.
 |
| PC: Internet |
Everything has its limits. This applies to their teenage tantrums, laziness and freedom as well. Let's clearly communicate the limits of screen time. And, it is the right age for them to do all their chores on their own. This includes complete responsibility of their rooms, sharing house hold duties, running errands etc. Let's appreciate them every time they do this. Every second time they falter, they need to get composed yet uncompromising advice too. We should also clearly let them know the financial conditions of the family. In fact, teens actually appreciate clear communication of liberties and limits as it makes the picture lucid for them.
 |
| PC: Internet |
Yes, this phase can at times feel like walking on a tight rope. But no worries, let's take the leap of faith. All will be well eventually.
For children
You rock!
 |
| PC: Internet |
First of all, my heartiest congratulations, cheers and hi-fives to you. Last three years what you all went through was something that none of us knew before. Lockdowns, online classes, uncertain exam schedules, both parents either working overtime or any of them having lost their jobs in the pandemic, losses in the family, so on and so forth. You guys braved it all and here you are, returning to school or college. The resilience and power within you is giving humongous hope to the whole world. Hats off!
What next?
If you are in any grade between 9-12 then this blog is for you. Some of you might be clear as to what course you want to take in higher secondary or what major you aspire to pursue in UG. Some of you, not there yet. Whatever be the case, it is quite natural and just fine. As someone who crossed your phase in life (just like your parents) and as a parent who has recently been through the same journey with her child, I wish to share few things with you. Take it, the way it suits you.
 |
| An effective goal setting mechanism PC: Internet |
Once you are in grade9, start observing yourself. See which subjects you naturally go to, how are your scores in exams and other tests. At the same time, please ensure that you do not totally neglect other subjects. You need a certain basic understanding of all subjects till Grade10, as this is foundational. Hence maintain a decent score in all subjects while you shine naturally in few. Self evaluation, self motivation, dedication, hard and smart work - these four are pillars to excel in any goal. You could use the SMART goal technique shown in the picture above to plan each of your smaller milestones.
2. If you are a student of class10, please research on which group to choose in grade11. While doing this, logically evaluate your choices. See if you are choosing one subject because you don't want another. Many students tend to do this. For ex: We should not choose pure science group just because we want to escape from Math. Rather see if you are really interested in pure sciences. Am I doing math well though I dont like it? Or is it that I really can't comprehend it and so I dislike it? How am I scoring in other subjects? What do I want to become? - An engineer, linguist, accountant, doctor, research scientist, lawyer so on and so forth. Set your career ambition and work backwards to chose your college degree and the higher secondary group.
While you do this, take suggestions from your mentors, parents, relatives, school seniors and friends. There is no need to worry that they might oppose or restrict your choices. All they want for you is to qualify yourself well, earn your identity, become financially independent and lead a stable life. These are very important aspects for you to use in selecting your profession too. So, as long as you have done an unbiased research and collected data points, there's no need to be sceptic.
 |
| For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack - Rudyard Kipling PC: Internet |
When you are doing this exploration, also keep observing how your choices change. For ex: You may begin with observing that English is your favorite subject. But when you think of what profession would you like to opt in it, you may feel, I want to take a corporate job. In this case, you should use degrees like mass communication or business studies with appropriate majors. Where as, if you aspire to be part of academia you may want to choose literature as your major. So, please do in-depth and practically useful exploration accordingly.
3. Understand the financial position of your family well. This will motivate your performance. These days, most educational institutions offer merit based scholarship. So you can select the college also based on this. Also, if you aspire to do your Masters or PhD, understanding your family's financial situation will help you decide when and how to pursue it. You may choose to pursue Masters either immediately after UG or take a break, work, earn money and experience for few years and then proceed for higher studies.
4. Whichever domain you choose, please keep at least 2 alternate or backup choices. This comes handy when the first choice doesn't work out for some reason. And, as these choices are still based on your preference, they make you equally joyful and you will excel in them. For instance, our child's primary choice was MBBS but as we did not get the seat of our choice, the next alternate choice of Biotechnology research was chosen. As we did all this planning in grade11 itself, we got ample time to explore and select our list of preferred colleges for each of our choices
5. Do not make success or failure too personal. Both shall eventually pass. Observe both from a distance, like a third person. You will see that your successes reflect your strengths and your failures show the areas in you that need improvement. Hone your strengths and work on your weaknesses. After a decade or two, in retrospect, you will realize that both of these were light houses in your journey. So keep progressing without letting success get to your head and failure to your heart. Share whatever that bothers you with your family, friends. There is nothing that cannot be solved through an open conversation.
 |
| PC: Internet |
Is coaching class a must?
From our personal experience, I would suggest two types of coaching. For grades9, 10 it is better to take extra coaching based on the school curriculum. Which means, opting for a subject matter expert based on which subject(s) the child needs extra help. At this stage, those big institutes that offer entrance tests based coaching is not required as getting individual attention and foundational clarity on the subject(s) is important. So, a good tutor in your town or city or 1:1 online tutoring is better.
In classes 11, 12 whichever group is chosen, it is better to enroll in any coaching institute that preps the students for entrance exams. As competition and the number of candidates appearing for any entrance test is exponentially high, it becomes unavoidable to get enough practice tests and higher order questions. For this, one can opt either for integrated coaching classes in school or attend separate classes after school hours. This is based on one's own schedule, commute logistics and preference.
Choices in the field of Life Sciences
As we got first hand experience in this field through our child, I am sharing all the data we gathered. For children opting for other domains, please take the context of the below data and apply it accordingly to your field of choice.
Math, Bio, Phy, Chem (or) Bio, Phy, Chem, Optional Subject are the two groups that children who are interested in life science can pursue in classes 11, 12. Here, the optional subject will vary based on the school.
1. MBBS through NEET is the foremost option that comes to everyone's mind when Biology is chosen. Through NEET one can apply for allopathy(MBBS), BDS, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy streams of medicine.
2. Agriculture, Veterinary and Animal husbandry, Fisheries - These are the next set of courses that can be pursued by a life sciences student. Many Indian states offer admission for these courses through their state entrance exams.
3. Courses in Engineering like B.Tech Biotechnology, Biomedical engineering, Bio Engineering can also be pursued by students who chose Math, Bio in their higher secondary. Institutes like VIT(Vellore Institute of Technology) offer entrance tests for pure science students as well and enroll them for the above mentioned courses. Note: Math will be a compulsory subject for initial two semesters.
4. Students can also pursue pharmaceutical studies like B.Pharm, D.Pharm and M.Pharm. Many Indian states offer admission for these courses through their state entrance exams.
5. Dual degree programs like integrated BS-MS, Integrated MSc - Institutes like VIT, PSG, SRM etc. offer these courses. These programs enable students to pursue research and get placed either in academia or industrial, pharmaceutical research as scientists.
6. IISER, IISc - These reputed institutes are equivalent to IITs, NITs in the pure sciences domain. Entry is through JEE/KVPY/Institute specific exams like NEST. There are 7 IISERs in India and IISc is in Bengaluru. They offer world class research oriented curriculum for BS-MS, integrated MSc, PhD programs.
7. Biotechnology 4 yrs Research based Bachelor degree, 3 years Biotechnology/Microbiology UG degree - the 4 years research program in biotechnology is offered by Shiv Nadar University. This is an Institute of Eminence(IoE) as recognized by the Govt of India. Their UG research course involves the final year dedicated to research and thesis submission. There are other IoEs like Manipal Institute of Technology and other reputed private institutions like MS Ramaiah, Mount Carmel, Christ University, SRM etc. that offer 3 yr degree programs in Biotechnology/Microbiology. Jain University of Allied Health Sciences offers a 3 yr program in Virology/Immunology. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam Kerala offers a 3 yr program in Molecular Medicine. All these programs are well recognized internationally, thereby providing good scope for the students to pursue their Masters/PhD abroad.
All the courses mentioned in points 5, 6,7 above offer good scope to get placed as research scientist either in industries or pharma companies or in the academic universities. Please refer the below mentioned link for the list of colleges, entrance tests related to these courses. You can explore the colleges of your choice from the list, go to their website for further details that may be latest compared to the time I gathered them.
Note: There could be changes in entrance exams, question patterns etc., time to time based on Government's decisions. So it is always advisable to visit the website or talk to the concerned college and get the latest applicable information.
Schedule of entrance exams and admissions
This is an important aspect that parents also have to focus on. We would have selected a list of colleges based on our preferences. Of these, admission to few might be based on the common entrance tests conducted by the respective state or central Govts. While the other few might conduct their own admission tests. It is important to enroll for both type of entrance exams. So we need to frequently keep an eye on the college as well as Govt entrance exam websites every once in a while.
As applications are issued online, they can be filled up and submitted before the deadline easily. Consecutively, each institute will share the date and mode of their entrance test through your registered email or publish the same in their website. Children need to ensure that they participate in each of these tests without fail. Prior to the same, they can practice the previous year question papers of each college. All these are available via google search or in the institute's website itself.
Most of the private colleges and universities issue their application forms online in Jan-Mar every year.
Between Apr-June they conduct their entrance tests, interviews and complete their first one or two rounds of admissions. So, those children who opt for common entrance exams like JEE, NEET, CUET - if you have got selected in the entrance exams of any of the backup courses in private colleges, it is wise to pay the first installment/admission fees and block your seat. All the Govt based common entrance tests will happen only around June-July and by the time the results are announced it would be Aug-Sep. Hence in the event of the Govt entrance tests not working out for some reason, then the academic year wouldn't get wasted, if the alternate choice is ready. Especially, it is always advisable for children who write NEET to have their alternate choices handy.
Note: Refund of admission fees is a UGC order and most universities comply with it. There may be slight delays in refunding but most of the reputed institutes do give back the fee paid, with a small cut. Most of them generally list down their refunding terms in their website itself under the admission section. Please choose such colleges while blocking the seat as there could still be few colleges that do not refund.
Because of this preplanned arrangement, our child could get smoothly enrolled in Biotech research, as NEET didn't work out as per our preference.
To summarize, this journey from high school to college is packed with significant learnings both for children and parents. I hope the information I have shared is helpful for all. If you have any specific queries, please leave them in the comments section of this post. I'd be happy to share whatever I know. Best wishes.
🙏 GOD BLESS 🙏
Click here for the Tamil version of this post
Comments