Research the IIMs: If you have not started doing this by now, you should. Every IIM, especially the newer ones have their own pros and cons and if you are considering admission into them, it’s important that you do a thorough research on your own. You might be getting advice from multiple sources, it’s very important to listen, read, analyse and make an informed decision. Make lists, talk to people, dig deep into the history, academics, faculty, placements, culture and the student life of the IIMs, - do whatever it takes. This is your life at stake here, not to mention a remarkable chunk of time and a substantial amount of money.
Enhance Your Skills: No skill, and I mean it – absolutely no skill gets wasted in an IIM. It is true that it is a management program with lots of technicalities but everything that makes you different sets you apart is what matters here. If you like dancing, there are lots of opportunities to dance and teach others to do so. If you like cooking, there are food fests and competitions. Do you like graphic designing? Or video editing? Great! There are lots of invites and social media posts to be designed. Painting? Creative Writing? Singing? Quizzing? Name it, and I will tell you how it contributes to your college life and even is a great talking point during interviews (it has happened!). It’s important you take whatever skill you have to another level, it’ll help you a lot during your IIM journey.
Brush Up Your Academics: I can imagine many of you wincing as you read this, but academics are part and parcel of this journey. Remember, that when you land in the hallowed grounds of any of the IIMs, it is a gathering of some of the best minds in the country – you included. No matter what you have faced and achieved in your academic lives till now, tables turn here easily. It is a good idea to brush up on your academics – do some basic statistics, maybe read up on accounting if you are interested in finance. How about that high school Economics textbook? And not just, academics, you can do some basic courses, and read novels. As I said before, no skill gets wasted at an IIM – same applies to knowledge as well. So, whiff away dust from those old textbooks (actually do a Google search) and be better prepared for your new life!
Finally, Keep Calm: Yes, I know it was the first point as well, but it is important enough to be iterated. I understand your anxiety, the fear and the anticipation but opening the IIM websites 10 times a day won’t make the results appear magically. For now, just keep calm (at least try). Make the most of these days – like all periods of time in life, they’ll never come back again.
With that, I end my mini (actually micro) list of advice. You are free to add to it in the comments below. All the best to all the aspirants. Cheers!
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