Tensed up and waiting

The month of May is generally stressful for dental and medical postgraduate students, who after clearing the entrance examinations will have to choose their colleges and streams in the counselling sessions. The first round of dental counselling for courses under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) was held on May 12, and the second round is scheduled on May 24. While the first round of medical counselling was held between May 14 and 17, the second round will be held on May 25 and 26.

With a number of courses and colleges on offer, and each specialisation having its own cut-off ranks, students have had the unenviable task of selecting a seat during the first round of counselling. But, are they happy with the selection, or are they waiting for results of the other papers?

Postgraduate and undergraduate students tell The Hindu that the college is not as important as the stream they desired, and they would go through the grind of writing multiple examinations and multiple rounds of counselling to secure their desired course.

Muthu Kumar, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences (BIDS)

I have written only one exam: the Common Entrance Test (CET) for a postgraduate course in the dental stream. Currently, I have got into the branch of oral medicine. But I want to change my department and take up either orthodontics or conservative dentistry. I'm waiting for the second round of counselling to see if I can make a switch.

Neha Jajodia, Vokkaligara Sangha (VS) Dental College

I am waiting for the second round of counselling. I will choose my course depending on whether I'm selected in the second round. My career prospects also depend on that. I have written Manipal University, JSS Medical College, and the COMED-K (Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka) exams.

Antervir Kaur, Laurence Public Senior School, Chandigarh

I have written the COMED-K UGET 2012 entrance exam for MBBS, and am waiting for the results. I want to specialise in the field of radiology. I have written many other entrance exams including Punjab Medical Entrance Test (PMET), Maulana Medical College, Ambala. I have also written for colleges in Uttarakhand and Dehradun. I prefer to join a college in Punjab or one in Bangalore, if I get through COMED-K.

Krishna Pradeep, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences

I'll take up any seat that I can get! But I want to specialise in dental surgery. I have written the all India exam, CET, and COMED-K.

Vanali Umrania, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences

My rank is very low. I'm waiting for the next round of counselling, which is on May 24. I would like to join orthodontics. I have written many entrance exams — COMED-K, Manipal University, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and NITTE University, Mangalore.