Impression Counts?

As much as we would like to think interviewers are impartial, they aren’t. It may not be overtly apparently but the underlying social perceptions still shape people’s presumptions and influence their impressions. Otherwise, in terms of academic and non-academic performance, how can a 4A level distinction 2S paper + an illustrious CCA record compounded with an Outstanding Student Award (from a non top 5 JC) lose a scholarship to a 3A level distinction 1S paper student from a top 3 JC?

Which brings me to this article published by the Straits Times 2 weeks ago.

According to a poll done by various people, it was discovered that the general perception was that SMU garnered the best looking individuals, followed by NUS and then Ngee Ann Poly. Important factors leading to this belief include personal experience and general reputation of the institution.

I ponder, can this be extrapolated to the scenario I mentioned above? That interviewers are free from biasness? That academic perception of various educational institution matter?

Here is the actual paper. CLICK HERE.

- The Benthic Canine

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~ by Elvin Yio on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.