Scored well in CAT, but didn't make it to IIMs. Where did I go wrong?

 

 

Scored well in CAT, but didn't make it to IIMs. Where did I go wrong?

Getting admission into top business schools of India is not just based on a good CAT score. Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) focus quite a bit on prior academic performance and relevant work experience.

As a matter of fact, IIM Ahmedabad is notorious for being the toughest business school in the world to crack. Back in 2013, a QS survey disclosed that IIM-A admitted only 0.25 per cent of applicants for the class of 2012-2014, much lower than that of Harvard’s acceptance rate of 13% and Stanford’s 7%. Indian MBA candidates are amongst the finest academic achievers across the globe, further claimed the survey.

The reason why IIM-A has such low acceptance is simple – too much competition, too many candidates. To stand out among a pool of such wide applicants, the candidate needs to have terrific academic and professional profile.

So the answer to the question, “Scored well in CAT, but didn't through IIMs. Where did I go wrong?” is easy.

You didn’t go wrong anywhere.

With more than 2 lakh candidates vying for the best business schools in the country, it can be very difficult to make in to the top IIMs.

However, situation can be reversed with hard work, focus and dedication.

 

How to get into an IIM despite poor academic profile?

 

Now, let’s get to the main question: How to improve chances of getting an admission call from IIMs or other top B-Schools despite low academic scores?

The answer lies in the following five points:

 

1. CAT Score

Get a kick-ass CAT score. Work out your exam strategy. For CAT is not just about hard work and burning the midnight oil. It’s also about thinking smartly, choosing wisely and attempting quickly.

As Tarun Malik from Career Launcher says, “Working hard and scoring well in CAT are two completely different things.” Why did I score low in CAT even after preparing hard for it?

 

2. Performance in GD & PI

Irrespective of the academic background, candidates need to strike the right cord during group discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews. Top business schools like IIM Bangalore, SP Jain and XLRI consider the overall aspects of the candidate. So those who lose out on academics, can gain back through CAT scores, GD PI performance. So make sure to do your best in the discussion and interview rounds.

 

3. Work-experience

Good and relevant work-experience can also turn the tables in your favour. Working in an innovative firm with a good profile can prove crucial during your admission. Letters of recommendation from managers and work-related achievement adds up to your overall profile. It adds credibility to your candidature as a potential management student.

 

4. Extra-Curricular

By extra-curricular, we don’t just mean arts and sports during school and college. Take out time and start devoting time towards social causes such as NGOs and social movements. Such activities add great value to your overall profile and career.

 

5. Keep your options open

We’d like to end this article with this simple statement: “Keep your options open.”

If not IIMs, try for other top business schools such as ISB, SP Jain, XLRI, NMIMS, IIFT, MICA and many more. You can also opt to apply via GMAT scores. Read Why are Indian MBA aspirants opting for GMAT scores?  

Moreover, you can choose to build up a few more years of relevant work experience and go for an executive MBA.

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