The counsellor

Back-up plan
If I score poorly in CAT, what are my chances of getting through a reputed management institution? In that case, what should I focus on to make an impression? Kartik M
If you have work experience, make sure you make good use of that. If not, be sure you are thorough with the subjects you have studied in college. Remember, if you make it to round two despite your low CAT score, you stand an even chance at the final selection.You need to be confident and clear of what you want. Try to be as honest and sincere in your approach.
Graduate offer
I have heard that Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, is launching a Bachelor’s programme. Could you confirm?
Divesh Malhotra
Yes, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), a leading institution of higher learning with a strong century-old tradition of research, is opening its portal to undergraduate students by launching a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) programme. A balanced blend of core science and interdisciplinary topics, the programme is designed to serve as a launching pad for research and doctoral studies in cutting-edge areas of science and technology. The graduates will also be ready for attractive career opportunities in academics and industry.
The major disciplines offered are biology, chemistry, environmental science, materials, mathematics and physics. Students majoring in any of these disciplines will also take courses in engineering, humanities and inter-disciplinary areas for a well-rounded learning experience.
The inaugural batch starts from August 2011 and students will graduate in July 2015.
Admissions will be based on the following national exams: KVPY-SA-2010 , KVPY-SB-2010 , KVPY-SX (SB+2)-2010 , IIT-JEE (2011), AIEEE (2011), and AIPMT (2011).
Eligibility:
Class XII or equivalent with physics, chemistry and maths as main subjects. Applications will be accepted till March 31, 2011.
Sky is the limit
I completed my intermediate in 2008. I am now pursuing my diploma in mechanical engineering and would like to find out how I can join NASA.
Suresh Jaipal
To be an astronaut you need to specialise in aeronautical /aerospace engineering at an advanced level. The men and women who make it to America’s astronaut corps must possess a unique blend of personality traits. A glance at the biographies of the less than one percent aspirants who do make it through NASA’s weeklong screening process reveals top scholars, decorated pilots and accomplished scientists.
Astronauts spend years training before they can lift off into space. They learn to operate shuttles, perform experiments in zero gravity (and eat bugs if they must survive in the wilderness should a practice flight go out of control).
Early missions used to be short and dangerous. Now astronauts are trained for the long haul. So, you must be capable of negotiating long periods of isolation, extended confinement, boredom and uncertainty drawing on inner resources to sustain yourself.
Interestingly, over 1/3of NASA employees are of Indian origin. The NASA-Ames Research Centre has implemented a new automated recruiting and staffing system called NASA STARS. For more information on how to apply, please visit the NASA website: www.hr.arc.nasa.gov/students/index. html. For information on other student programmes or job opportunities, visit the following websites:
NASA Jobs:
www.nasajobs.nasa.gov
Federal Government Student Jobs:
www.studentjobs.gov
Education Associates Programme (EAP):
www.edassoc.arc.nasa.gov
Undergraduate Student Research Programme (USRP):
www.education. nasa.gov/usrp/
Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Programme (SHARP):www.mtsibase.com/sharp/
Number advantage
I am studying in class X. I plan to pursue medicine after class XII. I want to know why I have to study maths in +2, along with the other relevant subjects, since I fail to see its relevance. Please explain.
Vineet Suri
There are several reasons. First, maths with other science subjects, including biology, opens up many career avenues e.g. clinical research, biotechnology and bioinformatics, about which you may not be sufficiently aware of now, but which may catch your interest later.
Second, medical research on various health problems is growing, partly due to the world’s increasingly aging population. Medical research often involves complex statistical calculations, which is why many respected statisticians happen to be doctors. A strong mathematical base helps in statistics. So, if you choose to pursue medicine and later opt for medical research a grounding in +2 maths will help.
Third, according to a recent study by researchers at both Harvard University and University of Virginia, students with the most rigorous high school preparation in maths perform significantly better in college courses in biology, chemistry and physics. And only maths has such an effect. Other sciences such as physics and chemistry, contrary to conventional wisdom, do not have any significant effect on performance in sister sciences. So, studying maths is likely to improve your performance in the subjects you will be studying for medical entrance exams.
Achievement guide
I have a bright four-year-old son. He can memorise things quickly and is also very good at maths. What special training can we give him to make him an achiever?
Veena Marwah
Less than 1% of children are really gifted. However, there is no need to give him any special attention. Just leave him alone with lots of colours, paper, pencils, toys and books.
Try to expose him to as many new experiences, stimuli and learning opportunities as possible, so that he can discover his real talent. Don’t force anything upon him as it may hamper his growth.
Also it is too early for an IQ or any other test. Not all abilities can be captured in pen and paper tests.
I know of so many intelligent children ending up confused and stressed out because of well-meaning but over-ambitious parents, who vicariously inflict their aspirations on their kids — with disastrous outcomes.
So, I would urge you not to rush or push him. Just let him enjoy a normal and balanced childhood.