You know what I did after I gave the CAT?
I slept.
I slept for two days straight, waking only at mealtimes and for taking long, luxurious baths. From day 3, when I felt like rejoining the world, I picked up my books and went down to the centre where I was preparing for the CAT - and I started studying for the XAT. My success or failure at the CAT was irrelevant at that point. Moving forward was more important.
We tend to forget that the exam season is a battle, not a war. CAT, XAT, and the other acronyms are the battles in this war. So here are three things you should do in December, now that the CAT is done:
1. Chill
Catch up on your sleep. You favourite shows. Have you watched Fantastic Beasts and where to find them? If you haven't, I am totally judging you.
Go on a (small) trip. See your friends. Convince them you weren't lost in the Himalayas despite the rumour that your best friend from middle school started on Facebook.
2. Study
Even though the mother of all the exams is done, you still have the rest of the alphabet soup to contend with. XAT, SNAP, TISS-NET and whatnot. So brush up yourself, and grit your teeth. There is more to come.
3. Introspect
The interviews will begin soon. Is your CV ready yet? What is your answer to 'Why MBA'? Who are you, and why should you be in IIM/XLRI/insert-any-other-name-here?
Start thinking, bucko.
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About the Author:
Pooja Wanpal considers reading the sole aim of her life. She is obsessed with trekking, pani puri, and adores travelling. She is a freelance content writer, and has penned the novel, ‘Love and Lokpal’. She is currently studying Human Resource Management and Labour Relations at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. She is also a part of the InsideIIM Student Team 2016-17.