Uniform or No Uniform

School is a place of learning. It is where students learn things they need in order to achieve their goals. There are factors that affect the learning of students. One of the factors is said to be the clothes that they wear. Some schools claim that having a uniform promotes learning while other schools do not feel the need to require students to wear the same clothes. The major differences that could be discussed between having a uniform and not having one are the effects each has on students, the cost of clothing, and the convenience that each brings.

Having and not having to wear a uniform affects students emotionally and psychologically. Both have effects on students because students tend to act differently when they wear a uniform or when they do not. For example, when students wear their uniform, they become more disciplined because they know that they hold the name of their school. However, if students do not have a uniform, there is more freedom because they know people would not know easily from what school they are from. According to Isaac Grauke’s Pros and Cons of School Uniforms, having a school uniform lessens fighting and violence caused by students teasing others who wear less fashionable clothes. Apparently, students from other schools that have no uniform are sensitive with their clothing, which causes them to focus more on what they wear rather than to focus on their studies. Grauke also said that wearing a school uniform develops school spirit and increases a student’s sense of belonging. Although having a school uniform promotes school pride, it has little or no effect on a student’s academic learning. (2005)

Another significant difference between having uniforms or not is the cost. Students spend less money on clothes if they have a uniform because school uniforms are cheaper and they can be “handed down to other kids in the family.” (“School Uniform”) If a student attends a school without a uniform, he or she would spend more money on clothes because he or she would have to wear regular clothes at school. Students tend to buy more clothes because there is a possibility that students will be bullied if they wear the same clothes. Having a school uniform or not has its own conveniences. By having a school uniform, students may not have “to worry about what to wear on a school day.” (“School Uniform”) This lessens the time that students spend on deciding which clothes to wear. When a student does not have a uniform, not only do they spend more time picking out clothes, they also spend more money. However, not having a uniform is convenient due to unpredictable weather patterns. Students may opt to wear comfortable clothes, like thin clothing and shorts, when it is hot outside or thick clothing when it is cold or rainy. For schools that have a uniform, students do not have a choice of what to wear in hot or cold weather. Students are stuck with wearing their uniform no matter what the weather is.

Having a uniform or not has its pros and cons in its cost, its convenience and its effects on students. These are the main concerns that parents and students face when choosing a school. However, one must consider that having a uniform or not has close to no effect on the quality of education a school provides. Picking a school that implements the wearing of a school uniform or not is purely a matter of personal preference.

List of References:

"Do Uniforms Make Schools Better?" Marian Wilde, GreatSchools Staff, 2010.

(http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/defining-your-ideal/school-uniforms.gs?content=121&page=all)

"School Uniform" Kids' Health, 21 August 2009

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=286&id=2485

"Pros and Cons of School Uniforms" Isaac Grauke, Sep 09, 2005

(http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/pros-and-cons-of-school-uniforms-182.html)

Applying for DLSU

Considered as one of the best schools in Metro Manila, De La Salle University was first established by the Brothers of Christian School in 1911. The school was exclusive for boys until 1973, when it first admitted female students. De La Salle University is known for its excellence and for being ahead in terms of education. In 1994, the University was one of the first Philippine schools to have a full internet connection. In 2002, De La Salle University became the first Philippine university to earn Level 4 Accreditation – the highest level granted by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities. With the schools’ mission statement, La Sallian achievers for God and country, it would not be a shock to know that most parents want their children enrolled at DLSU.

There are steps to follow in order to apply swiftly in this prestigious university. First off, the applicant should proceed to the Accounting Office at the Andrew Building and pay for the Non-refundable Processing fee that includes the Application Form, information materials and testing fee. The official receipt must then be presented at the College Admissions Office (CAO). If there is no receipt presented, the student would not be able to get the Application Form and other requirements. Upon receiving the forms needed, the applicant can now start filling out the Application Form with complete and correct information; otherwise, it would not be processed. The Application Form can be submitted after completing the requirements to the CAO together with a certified true copy of Secondary School Records accomplished by the Registrar, Two Recommendation Forms from either the High School Principal, Class adviser or Guidance Councilor, Two identical 2x2 photographs of the applicant and a photocopy of the National Statistics Office (NSO) Birth Certificate. The Entrance examination date will depend on the earliest testing date upon submission of requirements. The examination must be taken on the scheduled date written on the exam permit. Rescheduling of Entrance Exams is not allowed.

Aside from the individual status letters that will be mailed to the address indicated in the Application Form, the results of the exam can also be accessed through the DLSU website. The applicant could then be classified as either a passer, a waitlister or a non-passer. If the student passed the Entrance Exam and decided to pursue his studies at DLSU, another process called the Confirmation should be followed. The original 4^th year Report card of the student, signed DLSU Statement of Responsibilities and an original copy of the Birth Certificate printed on NSO paper should be submitted along with a payment of P5000 cash at the CAO. The said payment is non-refundable but will be credited to the Student’s Tuition and fees during enrollment. Upon presenting the official receipt of Reservation fee at CAO, the student will then receive the Enrollment procedures, Medical and Dental Exam schedule, Fraternity Waiver Contract, High School Achievement Form, Designation of Parent/Guardian On-Record Form and NSTP Form. All forms should be filled out and submitted during the enrollment day together with the rest of the payment for the fees. Non-submission of these requirements within the deadline would forfeit the student’s slot. For the non-passers and waitlisters, they could still opt to apply for reconsideration.

A freshman applicant of De La Salle University will find it easier to apply if he will bring the requirements and follow the process. In preparation for his examination, it would help if the student reviews his past lessons and familiarize himself with the surroundings of the campus. Only a few steps are required to be followed in order to apply in De La Salle. After finishing all the requirements, taking and passing the exam, all that the student left to do is to know his priorities in order to stay at the University. An opportunity like this does not come often so everyone should grab the chance because “The Future Begins Here”.