Dummy's guide to the IIMs...

I have been getting calls from people who have made it to GD/PI stage of the IIMs seeking gyan. Felt the need to collate the FAQs in a single place and hence, this blog -
1) How do I start the preparation?
Get started on reading at least 2 newspapers (one business and the other normal) everyday. Attack the editorials with gusto. Develop atleast 2 view points on any and every topic of current interest. Reading of news magazines never hurt anyone. Develop good and well thought answers to the questions asked in the forms sent to you by the IIMs.
2) My undergrad insti is not known outside it. What can I do about it?
Honestly, nothing. It definitely is a disadvantage when your competition comprises the likes of the IITs, NITs and the BITS. But please note that at least 50% of the batch comprises of people from institutions such as yours. so, if they could shake off the disadvantage and get in, so can you.
3) My undergrad marks/acads suck. What do I do?
Nothing. Apart from coming up with a convincing answer that is. Work on it for the next few weeks and make it as convincing as possible. A few pointers - Let it not be defeatist / Dont ever blame it on the academic rigour, for remember you are trying to get into an institution that prides itself in its academic rigour. It helps to note that people with a not so great lustrous academic record do make it.
4) Extra-currics for me has been to date, a dirty 11 letter word never to be used in decent company.
While having extra currics never hurt anyone, the IIMs do have a fair number of people who do not have extra currics/hobbies worth the name. Question is how you present yourself, when faced with competition of the likes who have rockstar profiles. If you are able to come across as a person who is confident about oneself even faced with such competition, the battle is half won. On the other hand, if you do have decent extra currics or hobbies, be prepared to be grilled in it. Friend of mine who studied music for 8 years was asked to sing a song while a karate enthusiast was asked to demonstrate a kata.
5) What if the GD is a fish market and the PI is a stresser?
Well, first of all - best of luck. Having said that, a stresser and a fish market if used in the right manner could also turn out to be ur passport into the IIMs. The key is not losing ur cool in both situations. Please remember that the panel is more interested in reactions rather than your actual answers to the questions asked in a stresser.
6) My CAT score sucks or I have got only one call. What are my chances?
Would like to pass up this question for I have no idea. But what I can say is that, now that you have got a call, the best option is to give all you have to convert it. Similarly, the fact that you have got call(s) inspite of the CAT score means that profs have seen something in you and want to see whether you actually have what they want. Now go tiger.
6) Any other gyan?
Please remember that
a) The profs who come for the PI are extremely well read and are among the most accomplished in their respective fields. They possess razor sharp intellects and you would be better off treating them with deference and respect.
b) Avoid untruths completely. The IIMs and the faculty lay a lot of stress on integrity and even a perceived lack of integrity during PIs will ensure your non selection. If on the other hand you believe that you are better off lying about something in the PI, go prepared for it. Do not rely on your improvisation skills.
c) The most important thing is to convince the profs that you are equipped to handle the academic rigour and that you are genuinely interested in the course. Try to communicate these two aspects during the whole process.
c) The GD/PI stage is that of selection and not elimination. The panel would gladly select you, if you were to give it enough reasons to do so. So, just go ahead and give them what they need.
p.s. - this is my last blog from Chennai before I head back to B-School. Current visit turned to be very hectic with no time left for doing any of the stuff I had planned to do. Lets see what happen next time. Au revoir!
p.p.s. - hope to continue blogging even after I land in IIMB, but then if only good intentions could blog...