Managing Professional Exams with College

Leaving school and getting into college is a whole new journey and a different chapter of life. You may have been picturing college as a place filled with excitement, friends, and experiences like the movie, "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” but college life is not how Karan Johar picturizes it. Even though college life brings a lot of new things to try, new friends, it is also the time to make consequential career decisions for the future —like pursuing a CA, CS, CFA, or other professional courses. Studying for college and professional exam together can be quite challenging indeed, but with the right mindset and proper concentration, it's doable.

In this blog series, we will discuss what really happens after school and how to orient in a new college life based on what is really important for further life.

EP 1 - Navigating life After School

Here is the next step in the greatest adventure ahead of you, the one where directions and decisions made will dictate the paths taken.

The Transition from School to College

Starting college is a big step away from the familiar world of school. You’ve spent years in the same place with the same friends, but now everything’s changing. Your friends might be off in different directions, and you’re in a whole new environment.

In school, your main focus was likely on getting good marks and making your parents proud. But in college, you’re faced with some big decisions about your future, like choosing the right college, whether to go for BBA, BCom, or attending professional exams. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to shape your future. The decisions you make now will shape your journey ahead, so don’t be afraid to make choices that feel right for you

Understanding the Pass Rate Challenge

It is very important to know that pursuing a professional course while being in college can be more challenging than what you experienced in school where passing was relatively easy. These exams need more focus and dedication; sometimes the stakes are even higher, and there is huge pressure. In professional exams like CFA and CA, the passing percentage is relatively low and ranges between 30% - 35%. You have to be among the best-performing students to be successful. Take entrance exams like the CAT, where thousands of students compete for just a few spots in the top 10 b-schools. It's time to approach your studies with a new & strong level of dedication.

Decision Making

In school, taking exams wasn’t a choice—you just did it. But in college, you must decide whether to pursue professional qualifications, which can be challenging. It's also influenced by the expectations and pressures from friends, family, and society. These days, many students want quick results, like booking an Ola or Uber and canceling one if the other arrives first, but that approach doesn’t work for your career. This is your decision to make. While parents and teachers can guide you, it’s important to be clear about what you want.

Don’t let others’ opinions affect your decision — professional exams are about your commitment and growth.

Filtering Out Unwanted Advice

You’ll likely face a lot of noise from all directions when making important decisions. Friends, cousins, relatives, and all might have different opinions on each step. Their advice might not be of any bad intention, but it’s important for you to properly evaluate it, as there are chances that they may not have the right experience to have a say on your career choice. Avoid falling for suggestions like “Just enjoy your college life” or “Don’t go to that college because you’ll have to wake up early.” Instead of getting lost in the noise, seek guidance from those who have successfully navigated similar situations. This may help you make more apparent, more informed decisions.

Life after school is full of new decisions and challenges. As you start college, understanding these changes, especially around professional exams, is key. Check the full lecture on "Transition from School to College" by mentor Aswini Bajaj, a qualified 𝘊𝘈, 𝘊𝘚, 𝘊𝘍𝘈, 𝘍𝘙𝘔, 𝘊𝘈𝘐𝘈, 𝘊𝘐𝘗𝘔, 𝘊𝘍𝘗, 𝘙𝘝, 𝘊𝘊𝘙𝘈, 𝘊𝘐𝘐𝘉, 𝘊𝘐𝘙𝘈, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘐𝘔, lectured at 140+ colleges (including 𝐈𝐈𝐓𝐬, 𝐈𝐈𝐌𝐬 & 𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬), trained 30k+ of students 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲.

This blog is just the beginning—we’ll be sharing more insights in this series, covering everything from productivity tips to managing the many aspects of college life. This phase is a valuable opportunity for growth. With the right approach, you can successfully balance your professional and college exams, setting the stage for a bright future. Stay tuned for more insights!

EP 2 - Reason To Opt For An Exam

Exams can be a stressful experience for many of you. The pressure to achieve high scores often overshadows the real reasons behind taking these tests. It's all too easy to get caught up in the anxiety of performing well and forget why you began this journey in the first place.

In this blog, you will be able to determine how important it is to understand your motivations for choosing specific exams. When you take the time to reconnect with your goals and passions, it can truly change how you approach studying. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by stress, you can find a sense of purpose and clarity that helps you stay focused and motivated.

Understanding why you are taking these exams can make a significant difference in your experience. It can help you manage stress better, find more enjoyment in the process, and ultimately perform better. So, let’s dive in and explore how reconnecting with your reasons for taking these exams can lead to a more positive and fulfilling approach to your studies.

The Significance of 'Why';

When getting ready for exams, it's important to ask yourself: "Why am I taking this exam?" Knowing the reason behind your choice is key. It affects how you study, keeps you motivated, and helps you set realistic expectations. By understanding your purpose, you can focus better, feel less anxious, and be more productive in your studies.

Personal Experience: A Journey Through Exams

Reflecting on my experience during the CA Inter exams, I realized the importance of knowing my 'why.' While I was committed to excelling and aiming for a rank in CA, my interest in the CS Inter exams, especially in law, was minimal. This clarity helped me prioritize my efforts.

The timing was tough, with CA exams overlapping with my college finals and a short gap before CS exams. Despite not studying for CS until after my CA exams, I learned to balance my priorities, focusing on what mattered most. It wasn't just about passing CS; it was about pushing my limits, stepping out of my comfort zone, and striving for growth.

Managing External Pressure

As students, it's easy to feel the weight of external expectations. Friends, family, and society often judge you based on your exam results. However, it’s crucial to remember that your exam journey is yours alone. It’s not about impressing others or meeting their standards. You’ve put in the hard work, so the only opinion that truly matters is your own.

Stay Focused on Your Goals;

During your studies, you should disconnect from all the noises around you. It’s important to focus on your goals and remember that your efforts matter more than anyone else’s opinions. The pressure you feel should not come from others but from your desire to succeed. As long as you are dedicated and put in the effort, you'll find peace with your choices.

Staying focused on your motivations and goals is key. When you prioritize why you’re taking exams, external pressures fade into the background. If others don't understand your choices, it says more about their lack of insight than about your decisions. Stay committed to your journey, and don't let distractions pull you away from your path.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Path

In conclusion, understanding your motivations for taking exams is crucial. It guides how you approach studying, helps you manage stress, and enables you to push your limits in a meaningful way. On this note, you can follow Aswini Bajaj as a mentor for your professional exams like CA, CFA, CA, and FRM. Remember, your exam journey is uniquely yours.

Embrace it, stay focused on your goals, and don't let outside opinions influence you. By doing so, you'll navigate your exams with confidence and grow both academically and personally.