Dropping the idea of pursuing literature, I dove headfirst into writing and marketing. I joined a startup as a copywriter and social media manager, working closely with the marketing team to launch campaigns and promote the brand. It was during this time that I had my "eureka" moment – I realized that marketing and business were my true calling. While I couldn't picture myself as a literature professor, I could clearly envision myself as a marketer and businesswoman.
In January 2022, I stumbled upon MICA, the Mecca of Marketing, while researching the best marketing colleges. It was love at first sight! I delved into its curriculum, pedagogy, and alumni base, and I was convinced that this was the place to pursue my marketing dreams. However, getting into such a sought-after b-school wouldn't be easy. The first hurdle was the CAT exam, and my main concern was the quant section since I had abandoned math after 10th grade.
Despite my reservations, I committed to preparing for the CAT exam, knowing that my dream B-school was within reach. With only eight months left, I faced the challenge of balancing a full-time job and studying. I would come home in the evening, watch video lectures while eating dinner, and practice math problems until bedtime. Since my verbal and logical reasoning skills were strong, I dedicated most of my time to mastering quants from scratch. Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, I encountered a setback in March when a road accident left me bedridden for over a month. Nevertheless, I tried to keep myself positive and make the most of my time.
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In late April 2022, I took my first mock test and scored an impressive 98%ile, sending me into a state of euphoria. However, I let overconfidence get the best of me, and my dedication waned. I started prioritizing office work over my preparations, and the results showed when I scored a disappointing 32%ile in a subsequent mock test. Realizing that I needed to fully commit to my preparation, I resigned from my job, serving my notice period to free up more time. Unfortunately, wrapping up my tasks at work left me exhausted and unable to focus on lectures. Nevertheless, I persisted, giving my best despite wishing for more time or an earlier start.
From September 2022 onward, I devoted myself entirely to preparation. Although I struggled with quants, my verbal and logical reasoning improved steadily. I immersed myself in learning tricks and solving numerous mock tests to enhance my skills. By November 2022, with the exam day fast approaching, I felt more confident and relaxed. On the day of the exam, I gave it my all, even though it didn't go exactly as planned. I scored 94.32%ile, ensuring my eligibility for MICA.
Immediately after CAT, I had only a week to prepare for MICAT. I dived into the preparations with renewed determination. MICAT, with its unique sections like psychometrics and descriptive, required additional effort. I thoroughly enjoyed preparing for the descriptive section, which allowed my creativity to shine. Every day, I would challenge myself with picture prompts, and time myself to simulate exam conditions. However, when MICAT 1 results arrived, I was crestfallen. I had failed the psychometrics section and didn't qualify for the rest. It was a devastating blow, and I felt that my dream of attending MICA was slipping away.
However, I had one more chance with MICAT 2, and I was determined not to leave any stone unturned. I threw myself completely into preparation, giving my all. When MICAT 2 finally came around, not only did I qualify in the psychometrics section, but I also delivered my best performance overall. I received a GEPI call from MICA, and I began preparing for the next phase.
GEPI preparation at MICA was unlike any other b-school. Alongside the standard interview questions, I created a creative portfolio with QR codes. I conducted multiple mock interviews with mentors to fine-tune my performance. The day of the GEPI arrived, and as I stepped onto MICA's beautiful campus in Ahmedabad, excitement overwhelmed my nerves. A surge of energy erased my anxiety, and I felt at home in the auditorium, waiting for my turn. First, the group exercise went decently well, boosting my confidence for the personal interview.
At 4:45 PM, my name was called for the PI. As I waited outside the cabin, I noticed the panellists taking extra time with my SOP form, which made me a bit nervous. However, once the interview began, it turned into the most enjoyable interview I had ever experienced. It felt like a warm conversation rather than a typical interview. We discussed my likes and dislikes, and my work, and engaged in a delightful game of wit. The panellists resonated with my love for books, and I left the interview room with a wide smile, knowing that MICA was where I belonged.
Then came April 11, 2023, the day the merit list was released. And there it was, my name in the offer letter, confirming that I was finally ready to pack my bags and embark on the journey of a lifetime at my dream b-school – MICA.
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