Hi, I am a student from Lucknow(I.S.C. board) and am expecting around 92%(90 in all 5 in my class 12). I didn''t take any coaching(for engineering entrance or otherwise) in either 11th or 12th standard, except for a crash course at Aakash institute, from 26th March till date(and it goes on till 28th May). I scored 110 in my J.E.E.-MAINS(pen and paper test) getting: 9 in Physics; 30 in Chemistry; 71 in Maths(though, I made a 2, very dumb, blunder in my Physics and 1 in Maths. So, as you can deduce(I don''t come in any catagory), I didn''t qualify for J.E.E.-ADVANCED. I also appeared in S.R.M.E.E.E. and V.I.T.E.E.E. in which I my ranks were, 8600 and 3600, respectively. Most people tell me I can get Computer Science(my first choice, I love the subject) at V.I.T., Vellore and the same at S.R.M.''s Modinagar campus( I know Modinagar isn''t good). I did appear in U.P.S.E.E., but, I''d rather not study, further, in Uttar Pradesh. I still have my B.I.T.S.A.T. left, but I''m not very hopeful. I want to drop for a year, and do the year-long course at Aakash. My parents, are understanding, and, say that they are happy if I g to V.I.T. or I drop. I just wanted t ask you(all) if it would be the correct decision for me. Mt dream, has always been, to study Computer Science at I.S.M.(I know its childish to say such things). Though, most people, peers and seniors, are telling me not to drop, and go for V.I.T., I have this belief than I can get an N.I.T. next year, if not I.S.M. I call upon you to guide me and thank you for your advice.

if u are going to do postgraduation in future then its better to go to vit(it has better placement then some nits like nit-j) but if ur thinking of getting a job after btech then drop would be better....................................................................................................but donnot take drop untill u think u can get into iit or good nit(above 200 marks in jee) other wise it is of no much use to drop vit and take admission in some avg. nit next year(you woulld only get a rise of .5 to 1 lakhs)...........................................if u want to enjoy ur college life any day go for vit...................

Hi Sandeep,

This situation is faced by many students year after year with the competition being so tough. What friends say is based on what they have heard from other friends and the likes who have little experience about making such decisions.

You have to consider two things. If you think you could be dedicated (for one year) and prepare well with no diversions then dropping a year is worth the while. Remember you have to do well in all three areas of PCM. Your Maths is good. You''ll have to improve drastically in Physics and a bit in Chemistry as well.

And also I''ve seen many who say they are determined, passionate, and will be focused and all at the beginning of making such a decission. That is an emotional decission and half way through the preparation after taking a drop, they lose focus completely and end up in the same situation again.

So sit and think. If you are determined and you are sure that you can keep yourself focused for one full year then a year''s time is definitely worth it. Otherwise you have take an admission.

And one more thing, never think like you''ll take an admission and then you''ll prepare and take the exam while in VIT. That''s not a good choice to make. Neither can you concentrate on your college work nor on your preparation.

So make a wise choice. And wish you all the best.

Regards,

Ashwin (IIT Madras).