What Are Your JEE Main 2018 Marks and Rank?
It was a vivid nightmare for me. Generally, I scored around 230-240, and sometimes even exceeded that mark. So, the 240 mark was my target for the final day of the JEE Mains exam. However, under immense pressure, I made a series of blunders that would have been unimaginable even in my dreams. One of these blunders was leaving the potentiometer question, the easiest in the entire paper, and consequently missing out on potential points. My situation worsened when physics, a subject I usually excelled in, became a significant hurdle. Despite my confidence in mechanics and electrostats, my weakness in modern physics, characterized by extensive calculations, resulted in a dismal outcome.
Unexpected Outcomes and Rankings
My expectations were shattered, and I anticipated a 210 or even 200. However, the final result showed a score of 203 and a rank of 5352. This experience emphasizes the importance of detailed preparation and being mindful of one's mistakes. It serves as a harsh reminder not to overestimate oneself, as it can be particularly devastating, especially when such exams carry the weight of future academic and career opportunities.
Reflections on Preparation and Exams
During my high school, I performed exceptionally well, securing a 10/10 CGPA in Xth under the CBSE board. This achievement did little to soothe my nerves as I faced the JEE Mains. My passion for science was evident from the early days, but my experience with my XIth syllabus was mixed. Physics and chemistry were fascinating and complex, enthralling me with their depth, while biology was a struggle with its mug-up elements. Initially, I was unaware of the JEE and its rigorous nature, possibly due to limited exposure.
During my XIIth, a friend introduced me to the competitive landscape, and I found it fitting for my passions. I joined a modest coaching center, but the quality of the institution was questionable, as there was only one alumni from its inception who cleared JEE Advanced and joined an IIT. Despite being the top performer in my school, I never felt triumphant due to the basic nature of the questions. This experience taught me the importance of thorough preparation and strategic planning.
However, my performance in the JEE Mains was notable, with a score of 120, enough to qualify for an NIT. Friends and family took pride in my achievement, but the only genuine emotion was my father's compliment, urging me to consider another year for improvement. Thus, I made the decision to drop a year and enroll in a highly reputed coaching institute within the state, driven by a fervent desire to achieve my dream.
Despite scoring a seemingly low 120, it was a significant milestone given my background and the competition. This journey highlights the value of perseverance and the importance of aligning aspirations with reality.