Brand name counts

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The first thought that strikes most Class 12 passouts in the city, is, if they would be able to get through the college of their choice. However, preferences have changed with time, with many students now opting for professional courses, or the ones, which promise to pay “high-salary jobs”. So does this mean the brand name of a college has taken a backseat? What is it that’s got students thinking? Choice of the course or a brand name that you can flaunt?
Says Richa, a non-medical student, “I’ve got a good rank in AIEEE, so I’m still waiting to see if I can get into a good engineering college. But if it’s not a good brand name, I won’t waste four years in just about any college. My second preference would be B.Sc. in Computer Science from any good college.”
Even those, who prefer professional courses are not willing to compromise on a popular college or course. “I’m looking forward to pursuing Chemistry (Hons) from a reputed college. Since my PCM percentage is 89 per cent, I should be able to get a college of my choice. After all, it’s all about a good brand name these days. I feel a brand name will work for me while looking for a job. But at the same time, ‘only’ a brand name wouldn’t work, if it’s just any regular course.”
Saumya Chopra, a commerce student, who scored 92 per cent says though the doors of SRCC, Hansraj and Lady Sri Ram College are closed for her, she aspires to do a course, which equals the value of a B.Com (Hons) degree from SRCC.
“Brand name works everywhere, that’s why I wanted to do Eco (Hons) from SRCC, Hansraj, or LSR only. But since I’m short by one or two per cent, I’ll now go for BBS from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies. This one has value equivalent to a B.Com (Hons) from SRCC. The value of a branded college is still much in the corporate sector. So, the catch is to get the right college with the right course.”
So, is it a blend of the right course and branded college name that works for youngsters today? “Yes, of course. You can’t simply do B.Sc. from any unknown college and expect to be recognised by the industry after three years. Right now, I’m really confused as I’m still waiting for my AIEEE counselling to start. I won’t give up on engineering, but I’ll have to really see if I also get a good college, else it won’t be worth it.”
Some want to cash in on the value of the course. Taniya Bhutani, a commerce student from Manav Sthali School says, “Since I’ve only scored 88 per cent, I can’t get through the best college so I’ll now go for a course which has a lot of market value. I hope I get through BBE, as the course is reputed, and is also offered in a selected few colleges.”
For Utsav Chaudhary, a young national level cricketer, “I would be happy with any course in a good college. Since I’m seeking admission through the sports quota, my aim is to get into a top college like SRCC or Hansraj. So, a valuable degree is not my agenda.”