Interviewer: Dr Rav Singh
Topper: Shriyas (Christ University Alumnus, Google Intern)
Dr Rav Singh: Shriyas, you got the call at 98th percentile. How did you convert SCMHRD despite that late call and a gap year?
Shriyas: I knew I was starting at a disadvantage, so I had to maximize the 50% GEPI weightage. I had faith in my preparation there. I focused on covering the score gap by perfecting my communication skills and demonstrating alignment with the college culture.
Dr Rav Singh: What is the minimum advice for an aspirant right after their last exam?
Shriyas: Bring your focus immediately towards GDPI. Reading the newspaper every day in the morning must be a simple 30-minute task to stay updated on current affairs. I wasn’t just reading; I was also practicing speaking in the mirror multiple times to gain fluency and confidence.
Dr Rav Singh: How did Shriyas approach the Group Discussion (GD) or Group Exercise (GE)?
Shriyas: I gave a lot of mock GDs at my coaching institute. This process of repeatedly practicing the format made the actual GE feel like a routine session. It helped me focus on collaboration and solution-building rather than panicking about the environment.
Dr Rav Singh: Did you have a specific plan for the Personal Interaction (PI) focusing on your profile gap?
Shriyas: The interview focused on current affairs and my personal growth during the gap year. I made sure I was ready to articulate how I used that time productively and why I was ready for an MBA. The panel is checking how you are as a person and your serious alignment with the program.
Dr Rav Singh: What is Shriyas‘s final advice regarding communication?
Shriyas: Do not undermine the power of communication. This is critical for the GEPI, but it extends far beyond. Once you enter a B-school, everything from you getting an internship to you getting a placement depends entirely on how well you communicate.
Dr Rav Singh: How did your preparation translate into the Google internship?
Shriyas: The skills I built for the PI—being well-rounded, communicating effectively, and linking my profile to my goal—were essential. For Google, I just had to tailor those core skills to the HR domain, proving I was prepared for high-stakes professional interviews.
