Would you change your RELIGION for college admission?

As college cut-offs get hideously competitive, students are apparently resorting to desperate measures.

A couple of weeks ago, an acquaintance overheard a conversation a fellow traveller, a college student, was having at an Indian airport.

The student revealed that while she was an Indian by birth, she had obtained citizenship of a neighbouring country, switching nationalities for just one reason -- college admission.

And what does your nationality have to do with your education? Everything, apparently -- a well-known Indian college offers a lower cut-off percentage for students of the neighbouring country, as compared to Indians seeking regular admission.

In another incident we heard of, a teenager converted to Christianity in order to enroll in a college that reserves seats for those who follow that faith. She reconverted to her original faith after the admission was secured.

Before passing judgement on these youngsters in haste, we want you to analyse what prompts such potentially life-altering decisions.

What drives those seeking a sound education to such desperation? Unfortunately, such measures are becoming all too common.

Do you have a similar story to share? Did you or someone you know have to do something equally strange in order to get into the college of your choice?

Please share your stories with us -- write in to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'What I did for college admissions'), telling us of an experience you went through or heard of.

We'll publish the most interesting entries (you need not use your real name and e-mail IDs will not be disclosed).

Illustration: Courtesy Careers360