THE three local universities may have moved their competition for top talents from the traditional print arena to the Internet, but not every tech-savvy student is biting.

While NUS and NTU advertised on popular websites like Google, MSN, Yahoo and even social networking sites like Facebook, SMU came up with their 'youth channel' website, showcasing 19 promotional videos.

In a poll conducted on 10 potential students and graduates aged 19 to 33, half of those polled said they liked SMU?s video ads as they were "hip and interesting", while the other half preferred the NUS campaign.

Many like junior college graduate Ms Chermaine Goh, 19, said SMU's videos were "the most interactive and personal".

However, it seems that while the poll was split on who has the better ad, all of those polled said there was no relation between the most fancy online advertisement and their ultimate choice of university.

The potential students and graduates my paper spoke to said that while the advertising campaigns are innovative, there are other factors they would consider and prioritise.

Of those who polled, seven revealed that they are more interested in the opportunities that the universities offer, and not in the strength of their advertising campaigns.

This group of seven would choose NUS as their university.

Most of those polled said practicality and recognition is what counts.

Mr Iven Peh, 19, a student, explained: "I am looking for information regarding each course such as prospective careers, possible local or overseas internships, and details on the modules of each year."

Echoing similar sentiments is civil servant Ms Fujita Yuko, 26: "Singaporeans are a practical bunch and top brains will not be so gullible to fall for fancy ads or videos."

She added that potential students will probably consider more important criteria like the school's track record, scholarships available and company sponsorships.

"I would apply for NUS simply because it is reputed to be the best," said Ms Goh.