Hi guys,
Just wanted to know, when is Quant question a Day getting started and its related discussion, for ofcourse CAT2007. Or is it already started.....pls let me know.
@reachmonil 
is all dat I can say...... U are bound to go to places..... Not juss into an IIM alone... Keep Rocking :):) as u alwaz do :D:D
Monil 😃 you've practically left nothing for me to write 
nevertheless felt great reading every part of it as I identify with your experience.
The journey has taught us more than it could have. This thread has always been close to every PGite's heart, including mine, I too would pen down my thoughts here but at a later date.
May the inspirational posts here and those to follow see their share of success 😃
.........................
But today, if I look back at this journey called CAT, it has taught me very important lessons in life. Most important, it has crushed my ego to zilch. And dont mistake this as self-confidence! I still walk into my class with confidence because I consider myself to be amongst the best in the industry. I can do justice teaching a 30 percentiler or a 99er. But anything called ego just vanishes after 3 flunks. And I am sure many CAT veterans would agree on this. The difference is I fail to lower the bar set for myself, infact I keep raising as a year passes by. But then, will I take CAT again? Maybe. Maybe not.
Over and above all, I have found this place, www.PaGaLGuY.com where I interact with the best brains of this country. Its a community that I owe a lot to. And it is because each and every one of you has made this place so special that I cant help but come to this site everyday.
Good luck to everyone and if I can be of any help, please send me a message. Some people are born geniuses, but most of us have to work hard, but ultimately we all get there. I respect the latter ones more.
Reachmonil :), the first time I heard this ID, I thought "man, what a wierd id, it sounded as wierd as anupam will return
".. the first time I met this guy, I observed something interesting in him, ... here we were trying to enjoy ourselves at Essel World under the naked sun, and there was this guy who showed this uncanny temptation to try hard.. no matter what he was into..
To quote from one of my previous posts on this thread, "With a glimpse of determination in his eyes, I knew this one was for the big one" ...
Monil was one guy who helped tremendously post CAT'05, when I wasn't sure of my chances, he used to call me almost regularly.. trying his best to console me with all his heart, it was at this time that I developed an admiration, a respect for him in my heart.
Dear Monil, you have been a great friend to me and to all PGites for all these years, and thou shalt continue to be so...
To end my post.. Some people are born geniuses, but most of us have to work hard, whether we get there or not is secondary, what is really important is the "never say die" attitude that we show, I too respect the these ones more :)!
ATB for the future,
-Vengeance
I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for appreciating my journey. 😃 More importantly, if it has been an inspiration for anyone, I would consider my mission complete.
It primarily goes out to those who tried CAT and failed to reach their Dream B-school. It hopefully drives a clear message, please don't give up. But, don't be rigid on your goals as well. Understand, they should mature with time. IIMs may be a goal for 1 season, A, B, C for the next, and maybe NO IIMs for the one to follow! Possible!
In the marathon post, I forgot to thank Govi. How could I forget him. 😐 He was the only person I used to discuss my CAT06 preps, Mocks and it has been a pleasure. Its been more so because we share a similar line of thought. We can even discuss chucking IIMs, appying throught GMAT, or anything else with ease. There is no point being over-awed by a particular institute when understand your need from a MBA programme and evaluating institutes. :D
I shamefully also failed to thank Sachin, my business partner and dearest friend, who has stood by me throughout. He is also on the forums, but a lesser known face around. Without his support it wouldn't have been possible for me to pursue CAT relentlessly for such a long time.
Aarav, Anupam, Rani, what to say! You people rock!
@All - I have got many queries regarding my DI preps, practice; RCVA preps, increasing from 80s to 99. I will try to come up with a detailed posts on the above and reach out to as many as possible. Soon!
@Monil,
A good post.You have summarised the life of a CAT taker.Mine included.
But I don't think that lowering the bar when you know you can do at the highest levels will serve anything but repentence later in life that I could have done it!!!
Crushing Ego.Well some may call it Ego.But confidence in one's ability...is what I think it to be.
One is not judged by a single Exam.Remember x factors are there for CAT.
You don't only compete with yourself(as in GMAT scenario) but with 2 lakh people also.Margin of error is so less.
CAT or no CAT this year,the traveller should scale new heights.
regards
~Aragorn
Hola..!
not much of a story to post here .. so ill just skip it ..!
After reading monils post I believe that some people are just born to be an inspiration for people like me ..
As for the post it self ..I think it covers almost all kinds of CAT givers ..
let me classify
The first time givers - the racing stallions
The second time givers - the crouching tigers
The third time givers - the fiery dragons
The tensed business owners
The burdened students
The over burdened IT proffessionals
The studying housewives
and wats common to all of them
theres one of each on pagalguy ..!
cheerios
Rishabh
"If you are at pagalguy .. means ur in safe hands .."
p.s. think about it ..!
Dear prem_ravi,
Unarguably the most inspiring journey towards CAT in this thread. I've always believed that any goal in this world is achieveable provided we persevere and work with a phenonmenol zeal towards achieving the goals. Your example has just strengthened my belief. Kudos to you for your efforts!
You personify what others may call "dogged determination to succeed no matter what the obstacles are", I've always yearned for stories like yours, today am priviledged to read a post from you.
I wish you the very best with your call.
May success touch you soon.
Best regards,
-Anupam will Return
look who is saying awr who is been himself an inspiration for many.who will forget your story bro:) whenver i pass thru IIM B i realize that u r pain was worth taking:)
Well puys
A puy encouraged me to write my experience in this post for CAT
Well my introduction first
Did my class XII in 1998 from ISC Board School in Bareilly
The went for IITJEE
Result IITJEE 98-AIR 3106
Result IITJEE 99 AIR 1891
Passed out as Mechanical Engineer from IT-BHU in 2003
Well I decided to go for CAT in 1994, yes when one my cousins told me about various lines I can choose after engineering.
Till March 2002 I was not knowing anything else about cat expect that they ask math and English
In March 2002 PT conducted a seminar in our college and I attended it and the test thereafter, I just gave the test did no RC questions and was feeling very dejected that I did about 70 odd questions out of 150 but Holla I toped with 44 marks
That gave me more strength, and then I bought IMS material from Allahabad and joined CL's test series in last phase for merely Rs 500. I studied for CAT for only one month.
Went ahead and gave CAT with an experience of totally 30 Mock papers in as many days.
Result 98.37 %tile but 69.25%tile in English as expected.
Then came XAT and then came call from XLRI for PGBM
But even after coaching from PT Indore I could not convert it.
I joined industry but I wanted to give CAT again so this time joined PT's Test Series where I used to get within All India Top 10 and kept working on IMS material
Gave CAT 2003 cancelled was very hopeful but then a friend called Sid it is cancelled (why on earth that happened it was my best paper ever)
Sat for re-exam and this time English was like hell for me
Final Score OA-96.xx%tile
VA & RC 15.16%tile (I was screwed)
But I did not lost the battle there went ahead and joined PT as Part Time faculty now (they kicked me out after 2 classes)
Any way on advice of a TIME and former PT faculty joined TIME Noida in classroom program. Unable to join classes regularly due to 6day office finally CAT came
CAT 2004 98.84%tile
VA 33.xx%tile (not again)
Then got a offer to teach for CAT at The Princeton Review (TPR) Delhi by an old friend from PT NOIDA. Taught 2 batches there (Maths and DI) and this time was working with a Korean company so no time for my prep and especially English
Got screwed up like anything not worth mentioning
In the meantime after the batches finished in TPR, I joined TIME noida as part time faculty for campus recruitment program teaching aptitude.
Then the good time began I left NOIDA moved to Faridabad, joined a GE group company and IMS Faridabad as part time Maths faculty (Center managed by former Director TPR) got full resources and help of English faculties there, was able to make a good reputation there.
Fully determined I took a very harsh decision in my life and left job to join IMS full time
Did IMS mock tests and went through English basics from IMS BRM and a book on CAT VA by Disha Publishers (PT's partners). Used to study every evening and at least 3 tests a week, used to ask problems from our faculties every time.
And friends then came CAT 2006
Uhhhhhhhhhhh
Took DI first went on for an hour 24 attempts
Then VA goes on for an hour 15 attempts
Then QA for 20 minutes 22 attempts (2 questions were wrong)
Then again VA and 5 more attempts (attempt kam kar bhai attempt kam kar 4 saal se ro raha hoon but CAT is always tempting)
Then came final result
DI marks 66 percentile 99.84
QA marks 90.2 percentile 99.99
VA marks 15 percentile 82.84
Overall 99.95%tile
No IIM call even this time
MDI called up this time; though no call from SP Jain as has 5.96 DGPA (Degree Grade Point Average) in engineering.
Very good extra-curricular, as I was in organizing committee of my college festivals and also got Title of Sangit Ratan and Sangit Accharaya in Tabla. Have presented more than 15 papers in national Level conferences.
But no call except MDI (IMT-G and TAPMI were also there) even with 4years work ex
Well joined Whirlpool group in December 2006 and finally on 14th march gave MDI interview, will join if I make it otherwise who knows friends U will see this old horse again posting his experience of CAT 2007
One thing which I have learned from CAT is u learn more when u teach.
And secondly u just need to be clear in basic and have faith on yourself and you can do anything in life be consistent and be disciplined
I will like to put the motto of my school here for all u puys
HE WHO LOVES KNOWLEDGE LOVES DISCIPLINE
So if we prepare in a disciplined manner nothing is impossible.
And yes I lacked discipline even in 2006 that why I was unable to improve in English.
Comments, queries and criticisms r welcome
A puy encouraged me to write my experience in this post for CAT
Well my introduction first
Did my class XII in 1998 from ISC Board School in Bareilly
The went for IITJEE
Result IITJEE 98-AIR 3106
Result IITJEE 99 AIR 1891
Passed out as Mechanical Engineer from IT-BHU in 2003
Well I decided to go for CAT in 1994, yes when one my cousins told me about various lines I can choose after engineering.
Till March 2002 I was not knowing anything else about cat expect that they ask math and English
In March 2002 PT conducted a seminar in our college and I attended it and the test thereafter, I just gave the test did no RC questions and was feeling very dejected that I did about 70 odd questions out of 150 but Holla I toped with 44 marks
That gave me more strength, and then I bought IMS material from Allahabad and joined CL's test series in last phase for merely Rs 500. I studied for CAT for only one month.
Went ahead and gave CAT with an experience of totally 30 Mock papers in as many days.
Result 98.37 %tile but 69.25%tile in English as expected.
Then came XAT and then came call from XLRI for PGBM
But even after coaching from PT Indore I could not convert it.
I joined industry but I wanted to give CAT again so this time joined PT's Test Series where I used to get within All India Top 10 and kept working on IMS material
Gave CAT 2003 cancelled was very hopeful but then a friend called Sid it is cancelled (why on earth that happened it was my best paper ever)
Sat for re-exam and this time English was like hell for me
Final Score OA-96.xx%tile
VA & RC 15.16%tile (I was screwed)
But I did not lost the battle there went ahead and joined PT as Part Time faculty now (they kicked me out after 2 classes)
Any way on advice of a TIME and former PT faculty joined TIME Noida in classroom program. Unable to join classes regularly due to 6day office finally CAT came
CAT 2004 98.84%tile
VA 33.xx%tile (not again)
Then got a offer to teach for CAT at The Princeton Review (TPR) Delhi by an old friend from PT NOIDA. Taught 2 batches there (Maths and DI) and this time was working with a Korean company so no time for my prep and especially English
Got screwed up like anything not worth mentioning
In the meantime after the batches finished in TPR, I joined TIME noida as part time faculty for campus recruitment program teaching aptitude.
Then the good time began I left NOIDA moved to Faridabad, joined a GE group company and IMS Faridabad as part time Maths faculty (Center managed by former Director TPR) got full resources and help of English faculties there, was able to make a good reputation there.
Fully determined I took a very harsh decision in my life and left job to join IMS full time
Did IMS mock tests and went through English basics from IMS BRM and a book on CAT VA by Disha Publishers (PT's partners). Used to study every evening and at least 3 tests a week, used to ask problems from our faculties every time.
And friends then came CAT 2006
Uhhhhhhhhhhh
Took DI first went on for an hour 24 attempts
Then VA goes on for an hour 15 attempts
Then QA for 20 minutes 22 attempts (2 questions were wrong)
Then again VA and 5 more attempts (attempt kam kar bhai attempt kam kar 4 saal se ro raha hoon but CAT is always tempting)
Then came final result
DI marks 66 percentile 99.84
QA marks 90.2 percentile 99.99
VA marks 15 percentile 82.84
Overall 99.95%tile
No IIM call even this time
MDI called up this time; though no call from SP Jain as has 5.96 DGPA (Degree Grade Point Average) in engineering.
Very good extra-curricular, as I was in organizing committee of my college festivals and also got Title of Sangit Ratan and Sangit Accharaya in Tabla. Have presented more than 15 papers in national Level conferences.
But no call except MDI (IMT-G and TAPMI were also there) even with 4years work ex
Well joined Whirlpool group in December 2006 and finally on 14th march gave MDI interview, will join if I make it otherwise who knows friends U will see this old horse again posting his experience of CAT 2007
One thing which I have learned from CAT is u learn more when u teach.
And secondly u just need to be clear in basic and have faith on yourself and you can do anything in life be consistent and be disciplined
I will like to put the motto of my school here for all u puys
HE WHO LOVES KNOWLEDGE LOVES DISCIPLINE
So if we prepare in a disciplined manner nothing is impossible.
And yes I lacked discipline even in 2006 that why I was unable to improve in English.
Comments, queries and criticisms r welcome
I know my post will be lost somewhere in the mesh of these chat groups. But i would be happy if i can inspire even one soul just as i was after reading the message posted last year from "anupam will return". Did few corrections in my weak points and believed in myself.This year was my 3rd attempt and i am awaiting results from BCIK. I already have a convert from FMS. Thanks anupam.
Hope i will make to IIM's this year!
Here comes a middle aged 30 year Old man with his own story behind CAT....
Well as most of us here, I hail from a rural Back ground, a very very small town in interior Tamilnadu where it is very hard to find even a Good State
For people taking CAT 2007:-
I have seen so many people posting in PG saying that Iam in my college final year so its difficult to focus on CAT or Iam working in an MNC so its difficult to focus on CAT, I have alow academic marks - will I get a call, Iam scoring very less in MOCK CATs - Do I stand a Chance....Take this from me if you work hard & determined, nothing is impossible ..At the age of 30, with loads of responsibilities & a family to take care when I could do it, why cant you??????????.
well prem when i first met you int he pg meet, i was impressed by the desire i have seen in you to pursue higher studies regardless of age and responsibilities..
and i missed this thread as i didnt want to hear anything related to cat this year after the fourth debacle in a row for me..
But today when i read it, i knew what i was about to miss...
I feel satisfied now in a strange way..all my 4 years of efforts( were they efforts ??? i contest now..
) doesnt pain me anymore..I have restructured my goals a few days ago but now cat is not a painful thing to me..
it has taught me may things for which i am thankful for... not getting into IIM's is somethign i will miss all my life but still no regrets..:)
I salute your spirit as it shows what a passion is..
glad to have a friend like you...looking forward to meet you at vineet's farewell party...
Cheers,
Atul
HELLO EVRY-1
This is twinkle thinks Cat 2 b a real challenge.This yr i gave cat it ws disastrous gave mat also score ws good in tht had calls frm bimtech,alliance,christ....but didnt opted any of these.still wanna appear for cat ones again n wanna give my best. Becoz life is a challenge n everyone should accept it if one is not satisfied wd wat he has........ 
HELLO EVRY-1
This is twinkle thinks Cat 2 b a real challenge.This yr i gave cat it ws disastrous gave mat also score ws good in tht had calls frm bimtech,alliance,christ....but didnt opted any of these.still wanna appear for cat ones again n wanna give my best. Becoz life is a challenge n everyone should accept it if one is not satisfied wd wat he has........
"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"..
Kindly post in relevant threads.U may use http://www.pagalguy.com/discussions/preparation-agenda-for-cat-2007-25019475 this.
Hi All
I am not sure , if this is a right forum to post this . If its not pls redirect me the correct forum.
I seek advice on the classical "working junta" question. I gave my MBA entrances this year and failed . I plan to give one good/hard shot at CAT/XAt this year. The problem is I am totally dissatisified with my Present job in this huge "Indian MNC" . Since i ok technically i have job offers from Int MNCs . What I am nt sure about is if i Should go ahead and join this high paying but pressure roles or stick with my Pyara "Indian MNC" which doesnt give me much work but gives me a quite low salary .
Just put urself in My shoes and say what u might have done in such a situation.
Hi siddzy
I think u r in a situation like mine
THe approach i have taken is to stay put and study - i have even refused a 2 year client side stint - i hope CAT07 backs my decision
It finally boils down to ur priorities in life - how desperate you r - if u think u just have to do it this year - stay put and study - if u think u can handle things - then explore
i know not much help - but still though it may help 😃
Rest of PG.com : I still read my suicide note..a note which arguably made me famous on PG.com J.. I can never forget the amount of love and support you gave me.. you guys deserve the best in life! All the best..
-Vengeance (once named awr ..)
PGPM Batch of 2006-08,
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
How did I miss this story of yours...Man, the simplicity & easy to approach attitude of yours had never made me to realise that u had such an agony before getting into IIMB..hatsoff to you..You told me everything about ur GD/PI stages when we met last time, but never about the 3 years of struggle..But the saddest part was that BLACKI-A...
For me u r a hero man...Thanks to GOD for giving me a chance to know u...Still unable to believe that r u the same guy with whom I was there for about 4-5 hours in IIMB hostel .........:-)
-Vengeance (once named awr ..)
PGPM Batch of 2006-08,
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.
How did I miss this story of yours...Man, the simplicity & easy to approach attitude of yours had never made me to realise that u had such an agony before getting into IIMB..hatsoff to you..You told me everything about ur GD/PI stages when we met last time, but never about the 3 years of struggle..But the saddest part was that BLACKI-A...
For me u r a hero man...Thanks to GOD for giving me a chance to know u...Still unable to believe that r u the same guy with whom I was there for about 4-5 hours in IIMB hostel .........:-)
@anupam will return
Your success story was truly an inspiring post for a CAT aspirant like me !!
You rock!!Youve just opened my eyes for CAT 07 😃 !!
ALL THE BEST wherever you are!!
Your success story was truly an inspiring post for a CAT aspirant like me
!!You rock!!Youve just opened my eyes for CAT 07 😃 !!
ALL THE BEST wherever you are!!
for the guys who have read it now i would like to add a new thing that his signature before was amazing lkike the present one
i will write it here in the same style
Realise the power of one,it works it really does.
my tributr to awr awesome story
your story have changed lifes of people:)
CAT 
Such an important exam for all B school aspirants!
I was also one of the aspirants, once upon a time.... :rolleyes:
Final Year engineering to start, joined a coaching class for CAT! 😁 CAT and MBA craze was on the rise that year and I remember nearly whole of my class was attempting CAT.
Approaching 7th Sem exams and also CAT 2003 :nervous: Since I was already placed in a top software company... so had a full go at the exam and did pretty well in the paper; 😁 😁 Came all happy from the exam centre and overheard some pl "Paper wud be
cancelled" : And we all were like
Why did this happen to us!! : People said, "Something better awaits you, hence such a thing happened" :huh:
CAT was now the first as well as the last exam of the same season.. Got a New admit card : But now final year project and all other things on full swing and more importantly the preps was rather slowed down.. 😞 So this CAT retest rather ended on a poor note and managed just about 90 pc .. : Didnt apply to many colleges, so end of story! :
Change of things, entered the corporate world.. went to Trivandrum for training but enthu for CAT was still there. I remember I took some of the quant books there to study, though never bothered to open those books there 😛 Filled up CAT 2004 form and apllied to none of the colleges apart from IIM's..
Joined Mumbai branch now and thought to study something for 2 months but here started the unlimited working hours in office & I was unable to find any time in a day to study QA & VA and practice DI. Decided not to apply to any Institute and just give CAT, that
too because I had filled the application form. 😉 This was strictly with ZERO prep
Then came the exam... gave it in the most relaxed mood and ended up with around 94 percentile ...
Found out a new hope.. that yes, I can do it!
Decided to put on full effort now and with decent work-ex as well Joined the mock test series, studied QA/VA in office/weekends, applied to all the top institutes... started very well in the mocks with 95-98 percentile range... good confidence level before
the exams! 😁 It was during this time when I joined PaGaLGuY.com :D:D
A little bit Over confident and shocked with the change of paper pattern... : Could not perform in those 2 hrs when it mattered the most and ended up with the worst ever percentile of all time. : 😞 Still got a call from MICA that too from CAT 2004 percentile
I had gone thru so much of this CAT process, had seen so many success stories, failures and what not! I started all those mock CATs again... revising concepts at home/weekends. Seems like I spent majority of sundays in taking mock CATs in past three years
One final CAT
After a little prep, did manage to convert Nirma and now I'm all set to join this college and do my MBA from 2007-2009. 😁 Being the aspirant of 2004-2006 batch, it has been a long journey indeed!
Many people argue correctly that I am compromising over a college, and I deserve better or foreign MBA. But there are a lot of personal factors involved in taking a final decision in joining a college this year. As you can see my effort over past so many years, I can't let it go just like that. Nirma is infact a good choice and I can surely help myself and the college grow with a good placement from there. And money is not the only thing in life, I wud be happy and satisfied with whatever package I get. Five years down the line, the only thing which matters is your performance in the company!
If you greatly desire something, you must have the guts to stake everything on obtaining it. What you risk reveals what you value. There is no point getting disheartened over less percentile in just your first attempt or more. You all have a long way to go. The basis of optimism should not be the terror of these exams but the inspiration, which you need to find within yourself. And never continue doing a job which you don't enjoy. If you feel you don't like to prepare for MBA and do something else, choose another field... If you're happy in what you're doing, you'll like yourself... Best wishes to all the aspirants. :D
And remember it's just an exam, not a matter of life and death!
:thumbsup:PS: Sorry for such a long post.. Shall write more abt various sections once the new season warms up!
PPS: Trivia on my CAT journey:
Started: During ICC Cricket World Cup 2003, SA .. :p
Ended: During ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, WI .. :p
One more mammoth post from an UnderDog! Hope it makes sense!
July 2003
July 2003 bole toh fultoos bindaas life! Bole toh got a job on the third day of seventh semester, in the fourth company coming in the college(NIT Calicut)! No classes going on due to the placements, and no tension in life! Daily life used to be playing games(computer/outdoor), watching movies or more imp, helping batchmates in their interviews or going to their parties 
if they get thru!
For the first time I see people studing for cat! TIME had organised a special batch for my college, and some people had joined it. Unke saat humne bhi CAT ka form bhar diya! 1100 bucks ka sawal tha, bapu nae bola ja jele apni zindagi
Had never heard about any site called Pagalguy 😁
November 2003
No tension! Junta from NIT Suratkal had landed up the previous night (center was Calicut), lots of boozing & stuff going on in the campus all night :satisfie: Early morning gave the paper, wapas hostel aye toh malum pada paper cancelled! 
A few of us were , the majority (including me ) were
Still hadn't heard about Pagalguy 😁
February 2004
Again no tension! Got up early morning, gave the cat again. Never bothered to check the result till the score card came. Got around 88%! Had to give a party coz i was the top scorer in the floor :biggrin:
Still hadn't heard about Pagalguy 😁
September 2004
Decided to give cat a rest for this year, busy in sw work & trekking! :)
Still hadn't heard about Pagalguy 😁
May 2005
Got together with a bunch of guys in my project who were serious about cat and prep. Joined CL full classes, worked on it full steam! We were part of a group of work-ex ppl who had weekend classes, but we enrolled for late night weekday classes in addition to it! (thanks to two wonderful CL faculty: Chandra Sir & Ankur Sir :- they sat with us every night!) Apart from the weekend classes, every day evening, it used to go from 8 to 11+, from may end to october! Those were the good old days!
Finally got to know about Pagalguy and joined asap 😁
November 2005
D-Day! Got completely un-nerved due to the new format of the CAT paper. Could manage a feeble 90%, and had applied to only the top 10-15 odd colleges, so no call. Also made the big mistake of ignoring other mba exams (SNAP/JMET/IIFT). Finally MBA 04 gave me a TISS & SPJain Dubai call, both which i couldn't convert :|
This was a hopless period for me, I had completely spoiled my work profile, as i had made it very clear that i was interested in mba. I had prepared like hell, the likes of which I could never replicate. Gave a few company interviews, but never felt the interest. MBA was in my blood. Decided to give it a shot again.
March-April 2006
Decided to start prep early enough. Also had new roommies who were giving cat for the first time (Newbies ); introduced them to the world of PG! Joined the mock series of TIME; also formed the famous ninja_talli-pankay82-Roman2005-kapil_b cubicle in my office ( Being a bunch of core mba-givers in the same cubicle, we used to openly discuss zillion quant/di/english questions in between work; be it questions from QQAD/DQAD/QuantMarathon/DIMarathon/Geometry/Parajumbles/etc
threads, we dicussed/shouted/quarrelled/solved it among ourselves!)
It was a sight for sore eyes! 😁 If one of us was on leave, he used to continue from home thru sms-es & phone calls!
November 2006
D-Day! This time CAT was a breeze, thought I had done quite well; later on I found out that people had done even more better! :lookroun: Again managed an average 93%.Later on gave IIFT/SNAP/JMET/XLRI/FMS as they came by; scored a decent 530 rank in JMET, a pretty good 90 marks in SNAP, and an exhlirating 99.65% in XAT!
Gave the simbi (sibm/scmhrd) college interviews, and the Xlri interviews, finally waitlisted on both the xlri calls with a decent chance of converting one of them.
Edit : Converted both of them, went for the BM course.
I learnt quite a few lessons from the 2 odd years of MBA prep.
CAT is not about proving that you are the best.
CAT is about showing that you can give even the best person a good run for his money.
CAT is not about determing where do you exaclty stand among the thousands those try for the same few odd mmgnt seats.
CAT is about ignoring those thousands of ppl and instead fighting against yourself to improve yourself.
CAT is not about waiting for a chance to show your skills.
CAT is about grabbing the chance whenever you get it.
The best person is never gonna be decided through CAT; do not keep cat as your only option in life; there IS life beyond CAT.
CAT gives you an oppurtunity; one out of many to go a step further.
If you are not able to step up this time, look for alternatives. Never get disheartened. Keep options open.
Amen.
A little briefing about what happened from early 90's. Way back in 1992, when I was in standard 9, there was an issue at my home. My mother was ill. Her illness continued till I was in my Engineering 3rd year i.e. 1999 (Now by Gods grace she is perfectly fine). Someone needs to be with her, throughout the day to take care of her.
My Xth standard board exam went for a toss(61%). My 12th standard board exam was OK OK, but still I remember those days when I went to the exam with tears in eyes as my mother was serious (I got 68%)..I couldnt get admission into any of the professional courses. Infact I had a major problem with English as mine was a sub normal school. My dad wanted me to join BSc, Maths course (I got 200/200 in 12th). Looking at my mothers condition, I wanted to become a doctor. I decided to appear for the higher secondary improvement exams (finally 89%).
1 year, I stayed away from every friend of mine, avoided speaking to any one as I felt people may divert me from reaching my goal. Results came & I lost my MBBS seat by just 3 marks. It was paining (still paining). Couldnt decide what to do..Got an admit from a Govt engg college, 800 Km from my home. Didnt want to join because of my mothers health. Joined a college under DOTE II which is 120 km away from my place.
From the day 1, I started traveling to college by train..The schedule was to get up at 4 am, catch the train at 5am,reach college at 8am, catch the train again at 7 pm in the evening & reach home at 10 pm. I could see myself becoming physically & mentally tired. Still I had so much of responsibilities at home. I had to help my father in taking care of my mother & my younger sister.
First year I got 61%. I was happy with my marks as I could hardly study anything once I reach home.
Second & third year were horrible & I could go only on alternate days to the college (labs I almost had 0 attendance). I had 3 arrears with my total percentage dropping to 52.
My mother started recovering & my father now started worrying about my career. He wanted me to join the Hostel & I did.
Final year went terrific as I was elated by the fact that my mother became all right. I got a 74% in final year & cleared all the back logs with an overall percentage of 58.4%
January 2000:
Companies started visiting my college for campus placements. I could see every friend of mine getting a Job in some big company. I was not even eligible to sit for the campus recruitments. Though I knew getting a job is going to be very tough, still, I was happy that I have performed my duties as a Son & a brother.
May 2000:
The last company for that years campus recruitment came & the minimum requirement was 55%. I prepared my 1st CV in life with the help of a friend.
After the interview & before the results (20 days), I started attending all walk in Interviews (as I needed a job to support my dad who was struggling due the expenses incurred for treating my mother)..The results came & I was happy to know that I was the only guy to be selected out of the 150 applicants. Meanwhile I had 7 other offers too in hand. 6 were technical (Software development) jobs & 2 were Sales Jobs. I decided to take the sales career as I had almost 0 knowledge in Technical.
My first Job:
I believed in one thing right from my day one at my Job. Seiyum Thozilae Deivam meaning work is Divine. Started loving my Job, as it was something I decided to take.
First 2 years as a trainee, I was made to handle the petrochemical Industries at a place, 30 Km away from Chennai. I had a hero puch those days. I had to go there daily & meet the customers. Every day I used to carry the lunch prepared by my mom. We all know how it looks around a refinery. I used to have my lunch sitting on those drainage pipe lines under the hot Sun. Most of the days, I had cried as the stinking smell & the scorching heat had never allowed me to eat(Had situations would had been better, I would have become a doctor-this feel was dominating my mind, but then consoled myself saying that this what GOD has given & there are so many even without this job), still I used to eat because of the fact that my mom wakes up at 4 am to prepare this lunch
2002:
These 2 years of hard work had gained me some name in my company. Still there was no change in the territory & all my seniors started telling me that u have chosen a career, which will give u the same role wherever you go. I was frustrated, I didnt know what to do? That is when I came to know about CAT as one of my colleagues had just then resigned his Job for taking up CAT. I just started garnering information about CAT as some one told me that Post MBA, the role in job & the luxury in life will change
To be continued.............
My Xth standard board exam went for a toss(61%). My 12th standard board exam was OK OK, but still I remember those days when I went to the exam with tears in eyes as my mother was serious (I got 68%)..I couldnt get admission into any of the professional courses. Infact I had a major problem with English as mine was a sub normal school. My dad wanted me to join BSc, Maths course (I got 200/200 in 12th). Looking at my mothers condition, I wanted to become a doctor. I decided to appear for the higher secondary improvement exams (finally 89%).
1 year, I stayed away from every friend of mine, avoided speaking to any one as I felt people may divert me from reaching my goal. Results came & I lost my MBBS seat by just 3 marks. It was paining (still paining). Couldnt decide what to do..Got an admit from a Govt engg college, 800 Km from my home. Didnt want to join because of my mothers health. Joined a college under DOTE II which is 120 km away from my place.
From the day 1, I started traveling to college by train..The schedule was to get up at 4 am, catch the train at 5am,reach college at 8am, catch the train again at 7 pm in the evening & reach home at 10 pm. I could see myself becoming physically & mentally tired. Still I had so much of responsibilities at home. I had to help my father in taking care of my mother & my younger sister.
First year I got 61%. I was happy with my marks as I could hardly study anything once I reach home.
Second & third year were horrible & I could go only on alternate days to the college (labs I almost had 0 attendance). I had 3 arrears with my total percentage dropping to 52.
My mother started recovering & my father now started worrying about my career. He wanted me to join the Hostel & I did.
Final year went terrific as I was elated by the fact that my mother became all right. I got a 74% in final year & cleared all the back logs with an overall percentage of 58.4%
January 2000:
Companies started visiting my college for campus placements. I could see every friend of mine getting a Job in some big company. I was not even eligible to sit for the campus recruitments. Though I knew getting a job is going to be very tough, still, I was happy that I have performed my duties as a Son & a brother.
May 2000:
The last company for that years campus recruitment came & the minimum requirement was 55%. I prepared my 1st CV in life with the help of a friend.
After the interview & before the results (20 days), I started attending all walk in Interviews (as I needed a job to support my dad who was struggling due the expenses incurred for treating my mother)..The results came & I was happy to know that I was the only guy to be selected out of the 150 applicants. Meanwhile I had 7 other offers too in hand. 6 were technical (Software development) jobs & 2 were Sales Jobs. I decided to take the sales career as I had almost 0 knowledge in Technical.
My first Job:
I believed in one thing right from my day one at my Job. Seiyum Thozilae Deivam meaning work is Divine. Started loving my Job, as it was something I decided to take.
First 2 years as a trainee, I was made to handle the petrochemical Industries at a place, 30 Km away from Chennai. I had a hero puch those days. I had to go there daily & meet the customers. Every day I used to carry the lunch prepared by my mom. We all know how it looks around a refinery. I used to have my lunch sitting on those drainage pipe lines under the hot Sun. Most of the days, I had cried as the stinking smell & the scorching heat had never allowed me to eat(Had situations would had been better, I would have become a doctor-this feel was dominating my mind, but then consoled myself saying that this what GOD has given & there are so many even without this job), still I used to eat because of the fact that my mom wakes up at 4 am to prepare this lunch
2002:
These 2 years of hard work had gained me some name in my company. Still there was no change in the territory & all my seniors started telling me that u have chosen a career, which will give u the same role wherever you go. I was frustrated, I didnt know what to do? That is when I came to know about CAT as one of my colleagues had just then resigned his Job for taking up CAT. I just started garnering information about CAT as some one told me that Post MBA, the role in job & the luxury in life will change
To be continued.............