Mumbai, July 1: With the first merit list out, anxious parents and students, who have just passed their Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations, flocked in large numbers to various colleges in the city. Emotions ran high: If it was a thumbs-up for some, Lady Luck eluded others.

Meher Gheewala, a student of Cumballa High School at Napean Sea Road who did not find her name in the first list for Arts at K C College, Churchgate, said: ‘‘I secured 59.33 per cent in my SSC exams and was praying that my name appears at least on the second list in the other colleges where I have applied.’’

Meanwhile, the merit list did not matter much for some students. Aditya Jain from St Xaviers Boys Academy, who passed with distinction, said: ‘‘I missed the first list by a few percent for Science in K C College. I am confident of getting on the second list in all the colleges where I have applied.’’

Anirudh Surajdaja, elated about getting admission to H R College, Churchgate, said: ‘‘It is a big relief that I got through in the first list under the open category itself.’’

The high cut-off percentage left many confused about the choice of subject.

Aarti Palrecha of Gopi Birla Memorial High School, who secured a first class and wants to pursue Commerce, said: ‘‘If I don’t get admission for Commerce in any college, I will take up Arts. I have still not made up my mind as it all depends on where I get through.’’

A few harassed parents even had some suggestions about the admission process. Rajul Jain, who accompanied her son to check the results, said: ‘‘It is so difficult to go from one college to another to check the list. It would be easier if the colleges announced and carried out the entire admission process online.’’