Hi, I’m Diksha Verma. Like many of you, I had big dreams when I sat down to take CAT 2024. I was aiming for a 99 percentile. In my mind, even my worst-case scenario was somewhere between 95 and 97. But when the results came out, I was shocked. I scored an 88.27 percentile. I never expected this, not even in my worst nightmares.
I had given it my all. For six months, my entire life revolved around CAT. I pulled all-nighters, drank way too much black coffee, took countless mocks, and pushed myself harder than ever before. I thought all this hard work would pay off. I was ready to show the world that I deserved a top score. But it didn’t happen. I didn’t get a 99, not even a 95+, not even a 90+. Just an 88.
Free CAT Mocks 2025: Daily Sectionals!
I cried for days. My IIM dream, my FMS dream-gone. It felt like everything I worked for had slipped away. But you know what they say in cricket, “Some eighties are better than centuries.” I don’t know how that applies to me yet, but maybe someday I’ll understand.
Drop Year? Not For Me
When the results first hit me, I was broken. But I knew one thing for sure: I didn’t want to take a drop year. I believe taking a drop is for people who know they can work harder, or for those who are chasing the brand name that IIMs provide. Personally, I just wanted somewhere to start-though of course, that start would’ve been much sweeter at an IIM or FMS, but it’s okay. Me? I had already given it everything I had. I didn’t have the energy or the heart to go through the whole CAT process again. I’m a fresher, with no gap years or work experience behind me, so the idea of taking a drop year felt even more daunting.
So What Did I Do?
Instead of giving up, I decided to focus on the opportunities I still had. I prepared for the interviews for all the colleges that called me. I converted a few, got waitlisted in some. I did a lot of research, spoke to seniors, read articles, and finally decided to join a tier 2 college.
Why I Chose a Tier-2 College?
For me, the goal is still the same: learning and growing. I know it might be harder to stand out in a tier 2 college. Maybe I’ll have to work extra hard to get the best placements or internships. But I’d rather do that than go through another year of CAT prep. I want to move forward, not stay stuck.
What I Learned
If you’re in the same boat-if you didn’t get into an IIM or your dream college-know that it’s not the end of the world. There are so many good colleges out there where you can learn, grow, and build a great career. It’s not just about the college name; it’s about what you do once you get there.
Taking a drop year is a big decision. If you truly believe you can do better, and you have the energy and resources to give it another shot, go for it. But if you feel, like I did, that you’ve already given your best, there’s no shame in moving forward with the options you have. Success isn’t a straight line, and sometimes, the detours end up being the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know exactly how my story will play out, but I’m excited to find out (and if you want to know that too I'll share my linkedin in the end). Maybe one day, I’ll look back and realize that my “eighty” was better than a “century” after all.
So, if you’re confused between a drop year and joining a tier 2 college, listen to yourself. Do what feels right for you, not what everyone else expects. Your journey is unique, and it’s just getting started.
Connect with me on LinkedIn
Read More
- Online vs Offline Coaching: Pros and Cons
- DILR Strategies to Score a 99 Percentile
- Free Formula Book for Quants
- From a Failed UPSC Attempt to IIM-C
- From Journalism to IIM-K
- VARC Guide For Engineers
- Staying consistent with the 6-month-long CAT journey
- Alternative Options to the CAT Exam
- Avoiding Exam Burnout
- Is this the right Time for an MBA
- Quitting a Job for CAT: Is it the right thing?
- Train your mind for the 2-hour Exam
