Mindset Comparison Between Tier 3 College Students and Top Institutes like IITs, NITs, and BITS
Understanding the differences in mindset between students from tier 3 colleges and those from top institutes like IITs, NITs, and BITS is crucial for anyone seeking to succeed in the highly competitive academic and professional world. In this article, we will explore the values, attitude, and aspirations that define each group, highlighting the distinct characteristics of each.
Values: A Foundation of Merit and Appreciation
Values form the bedrock of a student's mindset. For students attending top institutions like IITs, NITs, and BITS, one key value that is consistently emphasized is an undying commitment to merit. This means that these students understand and believe that success is directly linked to one's effort and intelligence. For instance, at BIT S, this value is so strongly instilled that even government authorities have struggled to influence the student body and faculties.
Conversely, in many tier 3 colleges, there is a prevalent notion that hard work and intelligence are separate entities. Students from these colleges tend to focus on immediate outcomes, such as putting a project on the Play Store to enhance their resumes. This narrow focus on outcomes often lacks the broader understanding of the why, the process, and the underlying principles that IITian and BITSian students value.
Understanding the Why: Embracing the Process
At institutions like IITs and BITS, students are more driven by the understanding of why behind their actions. This means they can articulate the rationale for their choices, such as selecting a particular tool or architecture. This deeper understanding allows them to articulate their choices more confidently and defend their decisions more robustly.
Value of Appreciation
The culture of appreciation is another significant differentiator. IITians and BITSians are inspired by the success of their peers and colleagues. They believe that life is non-linear, and everyone has the potential to achieve greatness at any time. Because of this mindset, they are more likely to appreciate others' successes without feeling threatened. This mutual admiration fosters a supportive and collaborative environment, which is vital for success.
Attitude: Collaboration and Resilience
Attitude plays a crucial role in shaping a student's mindset. Students from top institutions like IITs and BITS often exhibit a more collaborative attitude, which is evidenced by their willingness to share knowledge and actively seek feedback for improvement. This collaborative spirit boosts their motivation and provides a support system that helps them navigate challenges more effectively.
Attitude Towards Failure
The attitude towards failure is notably different between these groups. IITians and BITSians view failure as a learning opportunity rather than a catastrophic event. They believe that their degree's brand value protects them from significant long-term failures, making them more resilient. Terms like “lite lo”, which means taking failure lightly, are commonly used among BITSians to provide emotional support to peers who face disappointment. This mindset ensures that they do not dwell on failures, allowing them to move forward quickly and logistically evaluate the failure.
In contrast, students from tier 3 colleges have a more rigid approach to failure, often leading to prolonged emotional distress. This difference in attitude can significantly impact their ability to overcome challenges and continue pursuing their goals.
Always Hustling Attitude
Another key aspect of the attitude of students from top institutions is their “fight” or always hustling attitude. This drive ensures that they continue to seek out and take advantage of numerous opportunities, thereby maximizing their chances of achieving success. This relentless pursuit of excellence is not only evident in their academic achievements but also in their personal and professional growth.
Aspirations: Long-Term Ambition and Drive
The aspirations of students from top institutes like IITs and BITS are often more ambitious and unrealistic compared to those from tier 3 colleges. These students are proactive and highly driven to achieve their goals, often setting aspirational targets that might seem beyond the reach of their peers.
Access to Resources and Mentors
Access to resources such as mentors, successful alumni networks, and industry exposure plays a significant role in shaping the ambitions of IITians and BITSians. These connections provide invaluable guidance and exposure to opportunities that might be out of reach for students from tier 3 colleges. Consequently, they are more likely to set audacious goals, such as becoming the owner of a multimillion-dollar MNC.
Long-Term Approach and Opportunity Cost
Much of the success attributed to IITians and BITSians is often seen as a product of quick wins, but in reality, it is the result of a long-term approach to career planning. Even when they achieve seemingly overnight successes, such as landing top placements despite poor CGPA, it is the consistent efforts and sacrifices behind the scenes that led to such outcomes.
Understanding the opportunity cost is another critical aspect of their mindset. They recognize that every decision involves trade-offs and are prepared to make difficult choices. For example, a student who wants to start a company may disregard job placements, knowing that this decision aligns with their long-term vision. This clear understanding and acceptance of opportunity cost enable them to make calculated and consistent choices, minimizing regrets and ensuring alignment with their goals.
Overall, the mindset of students from tier 3 colleges and top institutes like IITs, NITs, and BITS reflects the broader cultural and institutional values they are steeped in. While there are valid reasons for the differing mindsets, understanding and embracing the strengths of each mindset can help individuals achieve their goals more effectively.