10 reasons why i chose PCM and decided to go for engineering.

1. I was never really interested in engineering, but i always had an inclination towards science. However, my favourite subject was computer, and initially i wanted to become a graphic designer and get into the animation stream.
2. My parents were supportive of my interests and we did some research on the avenues relating to these fields. Eventually we came to the conclusion that although the scope for graphic designing and animation is increasing but it is still limited. Moreover, there were only diploma courses available for these streams. If someone really wanted to get into animation-there were amazing uni's abroad, but we could not afford them.
3. My uncle, my dad and a couple of others gathered one day and told me pursue a proper UG course and get a qualified degree, and stop sticking to the idea of animation.They did not imply engineering, it could be anything as long as it was solid. I argued that i did not care about the money, i cared about following my dreams. They told me it was bullshit because later in life it all comes down to money. Reality check: they were not wrong.
4. So i did not have to particularly chose science or engineering. I could go for Commerce, but the subject seemed alien to me.
5. I could go for humanities, and i did want to. I wanted to be a lawyer but i would have to study History? Seriously? no way.
6. I could take up bio and go for medicine, but i did not want to keep studying for long years, as the medical kids have too.
7. I took up maths because i had always been good at it and found it interesting.
8. I could have done a normal hons. course. I did not necessarily have to go for engineering but i did not do that.
9. The reason is that i had a passion for computers since i was a little kid. I wanted to do something related to that. Computer engineering or maybe game designing or something of the sort.
10. Finally i decided to pursue engineering.I though maybe once i do that, i can still do the diploma in graphic designing and follow my dream after all.

Only time will tell whether this decision, these thoughts took me uphill or downhill.

My advise to anyone who has a hard time choosing their stream:

           Firstly, whatever is in your mind should be researched thoroughly.

You should research about your choice, about the universities-and the requirements they need for a candidate, the pay and security of your option.

There are many upcoming and potentially prospering streams which people do not even know about. If you stick to the cliques you will never find out. In the very least look them up.

Scholarship programs: India has a number of scholarships for different field. In fact, there are even scholarships such as the Dr. Manmohansingh Scholarship which help student study abroad in prestigious uni's like Cambridge at both UG and PG levels.

{e.g. http://www.cambridge-india.org/studying/scholarships.html }

Then you will have to make the tough choice.

However there is one important factor here: Competition is everywhere and in all streams. If try to take up commerce or arts, lets say, only because who do not want the hassle of the competition in science, then you are wrong. Think carefully, chose wisely.

You will HAVE to work your ass off regardless of the stream you take.

Be determined and all the best.