- Story not too uncommon

By Rohit Mittal
Important landmarks in the story: As usual, it all starts with a dream: “To boldly dare to go…where the finest have gone before.”
Working towards achieving the goal, sometimes slacking, sometimes despairing and sometimes highly optimistic.
Clearing the first hurdle, preparing for the next, all the time questioning oneself “Do I deserve it??”
Appeared for the 2nd stage, waiting for the result.
All the time thinking, “This is my dream, I’ll be ecstatic if I achieve it.”
Result out, you get to live your dream!!!
Euphoric for some days, receiving calls, treating friends…
Settling down, thinking of doing some research.
Start background research, find out picture is not as rosy as is made out by the media/earlier hype.
You despair, a lot of deliberation starts, parents unable to understand what is the problem.
Still undecided, whether to go for it or give it another try.
Do some more research, talk to people from other institutes as well.
Find out story is not that rosy either even in so called ‘Meccas of Management’.
Some more research, some more talking, some more introspection…
You find that success in your future career depends on you more than anything else, you can actually realise your long term goals here as well.
You are finally happy n excited to join your dream :)

Legends:
Dream – Top 10 management institutes.
‘Meccas of Management’ – much hyped IIMs.
First hurdle – Written exams.
Next Stage – GD/PI/Essay/Extempore, etc.
Research – Talking to friend’s brother’s classmate whose sister knows someone who was a student there.
I have tried to capture the story of people (like me) who are confused whether to join this good B school this year or prepare again for IIMs and XLRI. Took a lot of time to prepare the final draft! I hope it helps some confused soul to decide what to do. Disclaimer: Not meant to demean any institute.