Preparation for CSS has become a booming business in Pakistan. In every nook and corner of major cities and town, these are omnipresent with large billboards and colorful posters of successful candidates from previous exams. It is a dillema for an aspirant whether to join an academy or not.
As with every decision we make, there are pros and cons to this one as well. A smart and quick learner aspirant has very little to learn from any academy and should not go for it beyond one month or only go for the free classes which are offered at the start of a batch. Better not pay huge sum of money for something you can do on your own :) However most of the aspirants have to attend as it is difficult to set a routine for oneself on daily basis, sit down and study. Also if you are paying for something, naturally you expect something in return. Thus it help you to keep focus on your aim.
So for selection of an academy, look at the expenses, time, class timing, commuting, faculty previous success ratio and most importantly subject being taught at the academy etc. Most of the academies out there are without any genuine contribution and the success rate of these is nil over years. They have few part time teachers who can only teach some specific subjects and at time are used to teach subject totally alien to them.
So, the best way is to sort out yours is to go for the free classes which these academies offer periodically mostly after fortnight, however there is absolutely no restriction of your joining. You go here and they are going to welcome you with open arms and in an hour or two will convince you that by getting admission in their academy you will be half CSP already. However you must prudently evaluate the academy based on above mentioned criteria. If teachers are CSPs then do sit in their class in order to have an idea of their intellectual level. I bet you yourself will be able to discern in the very first class whether you are going to learn something from him or you will only waste your time by sitting for three hours in front of him. Keep in mind your time is important and you should not waste it by getting bored in a dull class. A lively witty and informative teacher is worth to learn from.
Don't be trapped by the sugary description of the one you encounter in an academy. Usually the academies depute their best one to welcome the aspirants. Don't hesitate to ask question like what will be timing of the classes? Do not easily go for so called "Scoring subject" being offered by the academy.
Although the change of syllabus by FPSC has hit hard the academies business but still they are able to cope with the shock and have started offering different combination of subject which are considered to be scoring. My personal experience to good to quote here. In each academy i went, I was asked to change my subjects. When i told that i have opted Economics they would be looking at me with pity. When i told that I have opted Statistics they out rightly rejected any chance of me being successful in the Exam. I refused the "scoring subject of "International Law" and kept adamant to go for IR and was able to score 79 marks in it. My point is don't let the academy guys to easily alter your subject combinations. I presume that you have already selected your subjects. If you haven't then properly discuss it with them and only opt for subjects after you are convinced that it is good for you. Don't make a choice only on basis of Academy recommendation.
Lastly, never ever pay the full fee which is said to be for four months or so. The best option to pay for one month and if you are satisfied that you can pay for another month. Academy guys will give you tough time but at last they are going to accept your offer as ther marginal cost for adding a student to a class is zero and if your offer five thousand they are ultimately going to allow you to take classes with strict waring that your should pay the rest of the amount as quickly as possible.
P.s. I have written the post in a go and error omission are expected. Don't hesitate to point out those in comments section below.
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