Admission Open!

Tell me child, "What is the name of this fruit?" asked the teacher pointing at the picture of an apple. "Banana" my toddler replied. I wished to be invisible right away! That was an last interaction round between the Principal-teacher and parents- kid. The question was repeated again, but, the answer did not change.

Children are, let's face it, a mystery and what's going on in their little heads is often as baffling as it is hilarious. My toddler who is a bit more naughtier than others was hell bent to name,"banana" for every fruit he was shown.

Just when I was thinking that we had successfully done with all the multiple interaction rounds namely interaction with kid, interaction with parents and this round of interaction with both parents and kid came as a shock!

We had been preparing for these rounds for my son's PRE-KG admission since months. I had left no stones unturned to teach him basic answers, manners and discipline, also he was very good in his kindergarten school. But my son was in no mood to give the correct answer. The Principal too asked us humourosly whether banana is the only fruit we give to our son.

I thanked my lucky stars as he identified the colours, shapes correctly and was about to throw the wrapper of the chocolate given by the teacher anywhere but dustbin, instead he threw in the dustbin kept in the room in the nick of time.  On a bad day, a tad of 3 year old is most likely to throw tantrums, and behave unalike what he is taught or expected.

I was not very sure if the interviewers were pleased by us. Anyways, we had to prepare ourselves for another interview in another shortlisted school in the vicinity, that was scheduled for the next day.

When we had shifted this year in this city, little did I know that I will have to struggle for my kid's PRE-KG admission. Admissions have gotten more and more competitive in the past decade. We all know how a tenth passed student have to struggle to find a college of his choice. I have realized that even school admissions are not different. They can be unnerving for child and for parents as well.

Nowadays, parents are quizzed by the school really thoroughly and you have to be well prepared. If you are not prepared for them, your interview can impact your child's chances negatively.

Being new to the city, my happiness knew no bound, when I saw a reputed school just a few minutes away from my house. This school topped my shortlist of schools. Among the schools with SSC BOARDS, CBSC, ICSC and International, we had to shortlist considering the flow, vicinity, admission process and the fee structure. Yes, the fees! Today, one year of school fees exceeds the total education expenses of one's life.

Besides these multiple interaction rounds giving me nightmares, I was also worried as my child did not fall in categories like sibling, alumni, girl child, management or EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) quota. I could see the chances of getting admission this year to any school I had shortlisted, becoming bleaker!

It is a fact that if your child is your first child, if your child is not a girl, if you are not an alumni, and if you belong to the general category, the admission becomes difficult as the seats are further filtered in terms of annual income of parents, residential address, and stay at home Moms. It is like finding an Oasis in the Desert than getting the school admission. Not to mention, the intensity of the interaction rounds that may surprise you!

I could truly comprehend the toughness behind school admissions today. I could relate to the struggle of all those parents seeking admissions for their children either for PRE-KG or LKG. Parents of toddlers will truly relate to the roller coaster rides of interaction rounds. Actually, one can't blame the schools, as these institutions also have to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations thus framed. The evergrowing population and competition is adding fuel to the problem, So the parents need to abrase themselves thoroughy if the they wish to seek admission for their kid in the desired school.

 Nonetheless, after completing the interviews and the interaction rounds in the schools, it became a usual practice for me to desperately check my inbox daily for a positive reply from schools. One fine day, the wait was finally over, when we received a mail from one school and I took a deep breath! I knew I would be busy for another 10 years with the school projects and exams till he would complete 10th class. I was relieved as no more worries of admissions for another decade.

A piece of advice..school admissions are hard nut to crack so prepare yourself  well in advance if you wish to pull through them.

On that note, I would like to draw your attention to my earlier post,"AVERAGE IS MEAN" wherein I say that, 'Choosing a career of one's choice after tenth demands an impactable academic score in tenth class.' Similarly, Choosing a SCHOOL of your choice for your kid demands an impactable planning even before planning a family !!!