Loads of people read my post SMU:Victim of its own success. When I wrote it I didn’t realise that so many people would read it upon searching for something related to SMU, but read it they did. I got a lot of really great comments on that post, go read them to see the various opinions of people who are still in SMU, who were in my batch, and some who didn’t go to SMU but similarly felt sad about how the school has fallen back on its claim of being different.
Almost 1 year has passed since then, and I’m wondering if what I wrote still rings true? Or if the situation has changed? I haven’t been in school for a while now, but it does still seem that the intense competition faced by students (between themselves) is still there, or has even intensified. I know of current students who actually feel depressed about the state of things, and I feel really sad about it.
Well, the actual reason for this post is that I don’t want people to read what I wrote almost a year before and hold it as truth if it simply isn’t true anymore. Any current students out there who could weigh in with their opinion? Or, am I harping too much on this and should I just simply accept the fact that SMU has become what it has become? Is it inevitable given that it is a Singaporean school after all, hence kiasu-ism is bound to rear its ugly head in our classrooms?
(I’d also just like to clarify that despite what I wrote about the school, my times in school were great, because of the awesome friends that I made, some really good Professors, and frujch. My main contention was and always has been the unnecessary competitiveness that simply sucked the soul of the school, with people studying in the library from Week 1 — I know, what?!)
i liked it when it was a thinking school, when i felt sufficiently challenged by my peers and seniors who pushed boundaries and made me want to think and respond… today’s exam warriors, however, are as far removed from inspirational as is possible, and while i really want to care, i guess i just don’t anymore
SMU is declining … worse, it’s seemingly intent on becoming the same as everyone else as this comment by Alan Goh – director of SMU’s office of undergraduate admissions – proves:
http://robcampbell.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/the-illiteracy-of-the-marketeer/
I think that with every incoming batch, the bar keeps getting set higher. Whether that’s SMU culture deteriorating or students themselves just becoming more kiasu is not really the main point. The point is that students are entering SMU with this pre-conceived notion that they need to work their butt off from the minute they matriculate. And that’s simply not healthy. The university itself has not changed that much in my three years here. I mean it’s not like the Prof’s have become more “you must get a 4.0 GPA” type. Students are getting more competitive, especially now, where internships and jobs are hard to come by.
So are we still different then? I think we are. I honestly think that no other uni in Singapore offers the kind of experiences we have in SMU or as a result of being in SMU. My personal experience has been awesome. I think SMU is truly what you make of it. I mean like in your case Nab, frujch happened because you made it happen. The point is that SMU makes it possible. Maybe doing a lot of other things means you will not get that A+ in all your courses, and not graduate summa cum laude. But heck, I’m willing to pay that price, in lieu of so many more experiences.
The sleepless nights will always be there. The break weeks will always be non-existent. The library will always be over-crowded. But none of that is SMU’s fault. It’s a choice at an individual level we either make or not. SMU does not make that choice for us. If we are going to fault SMU for not trying to stop us from making the wrong choice, that’s just weakness.
Just my two cents. Maybe being here for a long time has given me “school spirit” hence biasing my opinion. But I wouldn’t bet on that.
Hello, I’ve been offered Business by both NUS and SMU.
My broher was from SMU as well – your generation i think – bukit timah campus. He vehemently insists I go into SMU – but I doubt he is as aware of the change in culture as you guys seem to be. Keeping global rankings and recognition in mind, would you still suggest I opt for SMU over NUS?
I’ve nothing against or for either of the universities, just looking for some insights, since all SMU ppl say “Choose SMU” and NUS ppl, likewise.
Hey Nikita,
Well you know I can’t say which one you should choose. You probably know more about the global rankings and recognition about both SMU and NUS. Thing is, I don’t know much about NUS pedagogy to say whether it might be better than SMU Business.
Here’s what SMU can offer you: (bear in mind that I’ve already graduated)
1) American-style pedagogy – small tutorial class, high weightage of class participation, more interaction with professors
2) SMU encourages its students to pretty much seize every opportunity they want, and usually helps them in any way they can. Think CCA activities, Business Study Missions to many countries, many places in the international exchange programme, and our Office of Career Services is very helpful in helping students garner internships and jobs.
3) Small student population means that people are generally close-knit, and if you’re into the school spirit thing, you’ll pretty much like it here. You’ll definitely meet a lot of great, talented people in this school.
These are the big three that I can think of. Of course there are drawbacks, most of which I’ve outlined in my post above, and perhaps you’ve heard from others as well.
This is all I can offer you. The decision is yours to make.