Concluding drama of my time at (SOAS) played out in Summer of 2000, and it resulted, to the ‘unexpected’ goodbye of that year, instead of the next. For once, it was not I, who has determined destiny. A long fascinating chain of incidents initiated on 10 April, when much appreciated letter arrived from the School, which notified, application to read for a ‘graduate degree’ was successful, and that agreement was ‘conditional’ on scoring certain marks at the Summer examinations to be held. It’s a pleasant story, so far. In those days, the two assignments for each course, did not use to count, accordingly, was at liberty to ignore it altogether, but since, fitting incentive was introduced to those who came by after, now each signifies 10% of total marks. Habitual ‘defiance’ to the rules, was not constrained to that boundary, but also subscribed courses from three separate departments, and for that reason, the profile of study content was not typical. Both of described facts, contributed to ‘unforeseen’ pressure situation, at the moment that really counted. Had to sit three of the four examination papers on 02, 05, and 06 of June 2000. Normal routine students, were allowed for over four weeks to do the same thing, and that was not all. Hardly, slept during that time, reading all the way, and therefore, ‘concentration’ could not have been at a full strength, which of course, effected performance. In ordinary situation, events of those nature, will not usually stimulate any sort of ‘compliant or announcement’ from Mr Caliman, but now its just for reporting. Examination results were revealed in Mid-July, together with the final degree classification grade. It was then, it was discovered, ‘assured or targeted’ grade was officially missed by 2% of a ‘unit course’, it was 48%, instead of 50%. Appeal letter was prepared immediately and submitted to the School Dean of Undergraduates, and with copy to the Registrar. Petition was advanced, requesting, if the School could revise final grade awarded, by being stretched to the next higher rank, on the basis of being ‘borderline’ achiever, and that there was ‘unusual’ examination pressure. During those months of July-September, was in contact with relevant people, from time to time. Not yet known, of how you infer the story, however, those key people who mattered for the appeal are no longer with the School. On 18 of September, finally decided to meet in person, with the admissions officer, who was both foreigner and junior, not a professor, and he explained, it could not be possible for him to confirm original decision, as I did not get the required final grade. Two weeks later on 05 October, at last, have received letter from the School, which notified, the ‘appeal motion’ was rejected. That unlucky story, was put right, subsequent year at September of 2001, as enrolment was made on very good program at Brunel University. During the application process, was not even invited to attend interview or asked to obtain references. They must have thought, if this student, who is with such profile marks, has ended up with that final grade, that School’s standards must be very high. Perhaps, opulent letter I wrote, may have been decisive. Will doubt greatly, if bad-boy Barack, could recall for himself, a story that may match, the one being told above. Must have been ‘obedient’ student, as Americans are not with same sense of attitude, and probably he exerted above average effort to keep that ‘American Dream’ alive. youtube/watch?v=d2iiiyyV7CQ
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:16:31 +0000
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