Mystory@Rashmi Aggarwal: How I chose my course and college

Mystory@Rashmi Aggarwal

My choice in school was purely based on interest and was a very naive decision; the ones made without keeping in mind future prospects. However, the choice turned out to be the right one.

I had a decent score in my senior secondary and thus was free to choose any subject I wanted to. My obvious choice was to continue with subjects I thought I had a good understanding of or to choose subjects which seemed interesting and different from what I had studied previously.

My current course was a decision which happened after one year of hard work. Again, it was guided by my wish to explore diversity. This was something very different from my field and previous education. Also since its entrance exams involved topics and subjects which have always been my strong areas, so I had the confidence that I’ll be able to clear them. The choice of my college was purely based on merit and this was the best I could get viz. my score after going through the interview process of various institutes. Today, I am totally satisfied with the institute I am in.

How I cracked college admission

Most MBA institutes in India mostly accept CAT (Common Admission Test) scores, though a lot of private institutes conduct their own tests.  I took only two entrance tests – CAT and XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test).

I did not join any coaching class for preparation as my schedule was packed due to my job but I took study materials from T.I.M.E. which was really helpful in understanding the paper pattern and the expected difficulty level. I mostly prepared through Android applications available online. It helped me prepare on the go and saved time. It also improved my efficiency at mental calculations as during transit I didn’t have the liberty of using written material. A lot of guidance regarding preparations from my friends also helped me select the topics I wanted to focus on while preparing.

I was trying for all the top colleges in the country which included IIMs and other IITs while preparation. My score wasn’t sufficient enough make it to IIMs, I targeted private colleges and IITs instead. After interviews and other shortlisting process I was selected in IIT Roorkee.

What I gained from my college years

IIT Roorkee is a fun place to be, with its vast campus, ample facilities and ever engaging schedule. MBA, which is usually a hectic programme, is enjoyable here because all the activities are crafted in such a way that the whole day is spent well. Every moment of our time spent on campus is planned, interesting and stimulating.

Being a residential institute, it gives us the freedom to explore and work round the clock. A typical day usually starts with completing assignments of the previous day or in the gym or on the field depending on how one wants to spend his/her time, followed by lectures that are both engaging and tiring. Evenings are usually spent in libraries, on the field, organizing events, attending seminars or socializing. With such a large array of activities available, one cannot possibly have a fixed schedule as there is always something more to explore. Living in the campus, there is always something or somewhere you can contribute. Nights, post-dinner, are usually spent in the hostel completing assignments, preparing presentations, listening to music or socializing. Hostel is where most of the learning happens and the most important discussions take place. This is how my day is typically spent in college.

I actively participate in sports activities, cultural – technical events and collaborations with various non-profit social organizations working in partnership with the institute.

If given a chance, I would like to take out time to learn a new sport or a new art, which I haven’t been able to do yet.

My experience at college so far has been a great learning experience. It has taught me a great deal about managing my time and resources efficiently. The institute doesn’t only impart knowledge, it imparts wisdom. It just isn’t a course, it’s a transformation process. From being an average youngster to standing in queue among elites, is a privilege this institute has given me. 

About the Author:

I am currently pursuing MBA from DoMS, IIT Roorkee. My roles of Class Representative and Alumni Relations Coordinator keeps me busy. I love belly dancing and whenever I feel low, dancing is the way to cheer me up. I am mostly with my HOD discussing important matters. Doing winter internship in Coca- Cola was an amazing experience.