One-sixth of an MBA! - Part 1

It was only two months ago that I entered the hallowed portals of IIM B and already the first term is getting close to being over! To use a cliche.. time really flies.

Let me take a moment pause here to reflect on what really transpired in last two months since I entered the gates with wide-eyed astonishment. The first thing that strikes you is the lush greenery all around. It makes you want to breathe a little easier, something I would realise later is quite a rare thing to do here.

The first week was a race against time. It almost felt like treasure hunt where everyone runs around looking for clues only to go to the next clue. Every now and then there was an announcement about submissions and meetings, and I, for one was enjoying the confusion and the commotion that marked the entire week. Anyway, we got into the groove of things by the end of the week and the days thereafter, didn't look so bad.

The orientation week, as its called, took us through all the do's and don'ts of campus life and some of them, particularly the ones about DCPs (deficit credit points, not deputy commissioner of police) scared quite a few of us. Anyway, lets keep those gory details out of my blog. Suffice it to say they are not good to have on your grades!

When the lectures began, life picked up on pace and suddenly we found ourselves stacked up with a pile of assignments, projects, quizzes, exams, mid-term and end-term announcements. The calendar looked like a land full of mines, waiting to go off the moment you step on them.

So far, the going has been decent enough. I managed to face upto a few of those mines, while a couple have hit me hard already. But as they say (don't they always say!) "The game is still not over"

So, here is to the first term at IIM B, my one-sixth of an MBA!

The Beginning of a Journey!

Starting your MBA prep? Or, already some way down there? Here are some of my unsolicited advice on what I believe, are a few prerequisites for a successful MBA journey.

1) Lots of hope and positive energy.

• Preparing for an MBA requires a lot of patience.
• You will have to deal with all distractions and get as many of them out of your way as possible.
• Stay positive about your chances and give it your best shot.

2) Absolute focus on the 'basics'.

• Its very important to understand the nature of the exam and what is being tested through that exam.
  
• Start revising your basic concepts in Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability and Grammar
• Keep yourself engaged in a parallel activity apart from your work/college. It can be a sports, a hobby or anything that differentiates you from others in some positive manner

3) Practice->Review->Practice.

• Start a cycle of practicing key exercises and then reviewing your progress at regular intervals.
• Keep track of your progress and make notes on what improves your performance and what slows you down.
• Make corrections accordingly and then go back to practicing.

What to expect from this blog?

This blog is to showcase my perspective of things happening around me while I go on with my journey as an MBA.

About Myself?

Let's start with my own CAT score, just to provide some credibility to this blog.

CAT Score: 99.92 percentile
Quant: 99.69 Verbal:99.89 DI: 95.07

Calls from IIM B, C, L, I and K
Final Converts: C, L, I and K

I also took GMAT and scored 740 (Q:51, v:38).

The entire preparation for CAT and its experience for me was such a joyride that I savored each and every moment of it, and I am sure that if you are about to jump on the bandwagon you will cherish these moments for a long time.

So, cheers to CAT and cheers to those who just never say die!!