Don't let it drag you down...

I've been thinking about trying to be more regular on my updates and thought will pen (?) down how I felt close to about an year back.

Around H2'09, I had been thinking about preparing for GMAT. By Dec, I had had a choppy ride with no goal of a score or a set test date in mind. Over the holidays I decided to push myself a little. I booked myself for a test in Jan week 1. I studied for a couple of weeks and set myself a goal of crossing 700. Why 700? On reading through various blogs, etc I realised that to apply to any decent college (btw, I hadn't even shortlisted the colleges I'd like to go for) as an Indian I'd have to get 700 to get a foot in the door. And even though I hadn't prepared a list of colleges that I'd aspire for- I thought about some reverse thinking. The test would help me shortlist colleges I could realistically apply for. I must admit I do suffer from diffidence ever so often and so did doubt if I belonged to a top college.

The test day came and I felt reasonably underprepared. I decided to take the plunge nonetheless. After 4 long hours I got 690 as my score. The score evoked mixed response from within. There was disappointment that I didnt cross the 700 mark and wondered if I should accept this as the best I could do and apply to colleges with this score itself. There was also hope that maybe I could do better and should aim higher. But I'd be lying if I said that the former wasn't the overpowering feeling immediately after the test.

I came home and thought about it for a couple of days and decided to re-take the test. I booked myself for a date in mid Feb and studied over the next 3 weeks with a focus to breach the 700-mark. The test day came and having not spent the night before well I was tense but still determined to give it my best. There were times during the test that I felt like dozing off, but pulled hard to stay focussed. The test ended and I came to the last step of deciding to publish my scores or not. I thought I had done well but could have done better. I stared the screen for 30 more secs and decided to go ahead with the scores. And I got 720!

Down the line, after shortlisting the colleges, applying to them, etc etc (more on that later I guess!) I have secured admission to Oxford's MBA program starting Oct'11. I am overjoyed to say the least (more on THAT as well :)).

Here are my key takeaways: don't lose hope- if you haven't reached your goal in the first go- try again! Never give up on hardwork- if there is one thing under one's control to succeed, its the effort one puts in. Don't underestimate yourself and aim as high as you can!