AN INTERVIEW OF NUST TOPPER "TALHA REHMAN"

1- How are entry tests different from regular F.Sc studies?

Talha: In F.Sc you learn concepts, and Entry test tests these concepts. To pass entry test, your speed matters as much as your preparation. It is a game of luck and time. F.Sc can be cleared by selective study, but selective study is not a choice in entry tests. You have to do everything. You can’t take risks. Its a matter of your future.

2- How to top entrance test?

Talha: There is no shortcut to achieving great fortunes. To be on the top you have to do what rest don’t. People who are top 1% have worked harder than rest 99%. Success feels great, but it comes with a price; that is hard work and utmost dedication. So believe in yourself and keep up the hard work.  

3- How can one get through entrance tests without attending preparatory school/   academy?

Talha: Its a matter of your future. Don’t risk the rest of life due to some money. Do join some academy. If you don’t afford expensive ones, go for academies with an affordable fee package. The point is that in academies you follow a schedule and that make you practice a lot of MCQs, which really set you apart.

4- Is interest more important in choosing the right field or other things?

Talha: Interest matters a lot. But the issue with some students is that they don’t know what they are good at at F.Sc level. Same was the case with me. I kept shifting between EE and ME, till I chose EE at the last moment. That was a good decision. So take a moment to discover yourself. Go by passion, you will get everything.

5- Is this true that ‘theetas' study through all night in every season?

Talha: I am not a ‘theeta' so I don't know :3

6- Can you please signify the importance of morals over money in education system?

Talha: Education has become a business in Pakistan, but I think if someone is offering you quality education at an affordable price, there is no harm in letting him make some money off it. The private institutes have provided employments and solved the problem of Quantity of Education. Now in every town and village education is available. Overtime, due competition among themselves, these private institutes will have to improve their quality and fees too. Hence we are on the track towards betterment.

7- What are the reasons why students can't get through entrance tests?

Talha: There are many reasons. Some are “too cool” to prepare for tests. They think they have learnt enough and need no to revise anything. Then there are some others who have not studied well in F.Sc. So they can’t effectively revise the two years course in three months and attempt conceptual MCQs from it in allowed time. Some are too afraid, they get confused in tests. Time is very big issue. Almost 50% students don't have their tests completed in time. They just mark MCQs randomly when run out of time. Actually they have not practiced enough. 

8- What is the significance of "Studying smarter not harder”?

Talha: "Studying Smartly" in terms of "Selective Study" works in F.Sc. In entrance tests, its a losers philosophy. Your test can be from anywhere. Time is just enough and there is negative marking too. So study all. Studying smartly in entrance tests would be focusing on subjects which carry more marks in tests like Maths/Biology and Physics. Attempting a lot of MCQs helps a great deal. Don’t skip anything. No matter how talented you are, you can’t beat a hard worker. So invest what you want to achieve. If you are okay with average marks; its fine don’t study at all. But if you want to be on the top, work by the sweat of your brow. Follow the instructions of your teachers in this regard to get the direction to work in (Studying smartly).