Mr.R.Sampath

Mrs. Meera Sampath

26-12-1992

srividhya.sampath@yahoo.com, gregariousvidhu_92@rediffmail.com

1) King’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Madipakkam, Chennai - 600 091 (From LKG to Tenth Standard)
2) Prince Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Madipakkam, Chennai - 600 091. (Eleventh and Twelfth Standard)

B.E. Computer Science

Anna University (CEG, Guindy)

Reading story books, motivating inspiring books

Secured District third rank in 10th Matric exam (Kanchipuram District)

To speak candidly, I did not expect it. But I had an intuition that something unexpected would happen in the near future. But I was not excited too much. My father had a strong belief that I would get a state rank as he thought I was a state rank material. And thank God, state rank came my way.

The 12th classes began only after our eleventh common exams. Though there were professor classes (for 12th) which began by January. But I did not enroll myself in those classes. To me, starting earlier is actually a disadvantage because eleventh portions are the foundation on which the 12th curriculum is built. So focusing on 12th, ignoring 11th portions will actually go against the favour of the student. Thus it is always better to start one’s 12th preparations by May.

I felt that the teaching and materials provided by the school was sufficient to certain extent. But I got few question banks and guides which helped me greately. I did not take special coaching as I felt it’s mere waste of time and moreover I thought I would be enervated.

Actually, I did not have a patternised study schedule, though I felt the need for it often. But my health and laziness ditched me often. I used to study whenever my mood permitted.

Some days, I used to wake up as early as 3:30 am and it would go on till 7:00. We used to have special class everyday in the morning. After school, I used to study till 11:00. But frankly, I was not very regular as I had many intermittent lull days.

I would try to complete my portions on the day it was taught (to certain extent). The rest I would finish it on weekends. Meantime, we had records and observations to complete. We had daily tests which takes 6 hours to prepare. I used to refresh myself by visiting nearby temples.

I very well knew the importance of all the subjects and their various contributions to the 12th board score. I gave equal importance to all the subjects but the approach was different. The way you handle each of the subject makes the difference and it varies according to one’s interests.

a. Language (Tamil) Paper

My second language was Tamil. I basically love this subject because it provides scope to exhibit your creativity. Handwriting is the key here. And especially completing second paper is a herculean task. My teacher did the yeoman job in helping me complete my paper at least 10 minutes before the last bell. The way you present your answers is also important. One must do something in order to make one’s paper distinct and must lure the teachers to award marks with my teacher’s guidance. I was able to score 196 in Tamil paper.

b. English Paper

Again, English is also a paper which requires spontaneity. In second paper, there is general essay which need to be answered at least 3 or 4 pages. Citing quotes from the text and giving apt headings to paragraph and essay answers will fetch more marks. It is always preferable to study the text book than to study the guides as the former is more reliable.

c. Physics Paper

To be very frank, I would like to admit that my foundation in Physics was not that good. So I had to strain a bit in order to understand the concepts. Memory is the key here. Also the ability to grasp concepts plays a vital role. It is inevitable to remember the key words as the marks are awarded based on the key words. One needs to be precise in mentioning the year and temperatures. For attending one marks, I read each and every line of the book. Physics is a subject where one can score easily if understood well.

d. Chemistry Paper

Unwittingly, I have some affinity towards Chemistry, especially Organic Chemistry. I used to write equations in a separate sheet and then correlate it with equations in other chapters. I also learnt to derive products from the reactants. Temperature, pressure are some of the parameters that needs to be mentioned. Besides organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry is also quite easy. But physical chemistry is a hardnut to crack. So I had to pay extra attention to it.

e. Mathematics Paper

Scoring Centum in Mathematics was my aim. The more you practice, the more thorough you become. So it is necessary to work out the sums then and there. Blueprint cannot be relied upon as 2010 Maths questions paper saw some deviations from blueprint. So to be on the safer side, it is better to workout all the sums and pay attention to each and every step. I spent almost one to one and a half hours daily working out Maths. My teacher was a driving force because she used to reprimand me whenever I made my mistakes and it helped me score Centum in board exams.

f. Biology Paper

For scoring good marks in Biology, one must know one’s strength and weakness. Because choosing the right lesson to attend detail is the key point. I chose lessons 1 and 4 in Botany, lessons 5 and 6 in Zoology. I was not that good at diagrams. So I had to put in extra effort in practicing diagrams.

Handwriting is essential because only then the teachers - those who correct can decipher and comprehend the matter that is written. Learning to write speedily is essential for it helps in finishing the paper in a specified time. As and when a student takes his/her school tests, these two things can be improved gradually.

I believe in the adage that it’s always easy to speak than to act. Because I too used to read many interviews of the toppers, but I couldn’t implement them. But I will list few important tips that can be incorporated.

Dos

1. Have a good night’s sleep
2. Stay cool and calm
3. Visit nearby temple
4. Believe you can succeed and you will
5. Have great spirit and never let it fall; Be positive
6. Put in your maximum effort to get the best outcome; stay focused
7. Set your goal right and never deviate from it

Donts

1. Never get into unwanted, trivial fights, arguments
2. Never succumb to defeats and failures
3. Never get immersed in negative thoughts

One of the important reasons why I changed my school after 10th standard was that I wanted to get out of that extra attention which would add only extra pressure. But in Prince, I didn’t feel any pressure though few teachers insisted me on getting a state rank. Choice of school does play a key role and I stand as an example for that. Coaching should be good to achieve be it sports or studies.

Parents:

I am really blessed to be born to my parents. The freedom that they gave me added to my confidence. They never pressurized me. They perfectly understood my thoughts and deeds. My brother, pursuing C.A. was too co-operative. Even when I watched movies, they did not reproach me but were confident that I would have studied. They did not compel or coerce me to study and it worked really well.

Family (relatives):

Here are few members whom I would like to thank on this eve of my result. Rajan Vijayaraghavan (brother), paternal uncles (Narasimhan, Hari, Kannan), maternal aunts (Prema, Vedha), Friends and their moms (Jayashree, Chitra).

I was not too much excited about my results. I stayed poised and opened the net. After seeing my marks, I thought I might hold a state rank and then I received calls from my friends, Principal and I also saw the news which confirmed my guess. I was glad as it made my parents feel proud of me.

Candidly speaking, I considered 12th board exam as yet another school exam, but only needed a meticulous approach. So, I engaged myself in watching Cricket matches and films on television. I too had time to have chats with my relatives. You would not believe if I say that I watched IPL matches during board exams. It is the extra hype that the society and school creates, which makes you nervous and scared about exams. Undoubtedly 12th exam is a milestone but it is not the be-all and end-all of one’s life.

Obviously, it was great to be on the top. I was on cloud nine but I kept in mind that the more the accolades you receive, the more humble you should become. I also was featured on a live telecast hosted by ‘Kalaignar News’ channel. Few of the public do recognize me. Some would stare at me. It is a whole new experience which I would like to cherish. It was a red-letter day for me and my parents.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my father, who regretted for his decision giving VRS. But I made the most of him. I felt cosy and comfortable in his presence. I used to share everything to him. He had enough endurance to listen to all my peevish complaints and gossips. Great to have him as my father. Also I would like to thank my former school teachers Uma, Latha and many more teachers. I had lot of privileges in both the schools I studied. My family gave me a salubrious ambience to study. I owe them my success.

My father worked as an Assistant Manager - HR in TTK Pharma Ltd. My mother works in Foreign Post, a wing of Postal Department. My brother S. Shriram, completed his B.Com. and now pursuing C.A. (Final). These three members are the pillars of my success and I am always indebted to them.

I have chosen B.E. Computer Science - preferably in Anna University.

My suggestion is to stay cool and poised. Don’t get too excited about the exams. Don’t panic. Never feel the pressure. Remember, that we are competing with 7 lakh and odd students. Prepare yourself to face adverse conditions.

Remember that your ultimate goal is to score great awesome marks in public exam. So even if you miss out 2 or 3 marks in your term test, don’t get discouraged. There may be people around you who ditch you through their criticisms. But look at the positive side of it and implement it. Never deviate from your goal. March ahead and achieve it. There may be bad days which may frustrate you. But do remember everybody encounters such days. More tips would be given by your teachers as how to handle your exams. But very few would advise you how to encounter the pressure. I motivated myself through books. So always give self pep-up talks which will keep you charged up throughout 12th standard. Ignore the company of discouraging friends as their talks would de-motivate you. My very best wishes to all those who are to take the board exams shortly.

Special thanks to Toppers Talk. I feel greatly honoured by this opportunity offered by Toppers Talk. Had I known about this Website before, I feel now that I could have performed still more better. I always love to share my views regarding various issues. Now I feel really glad and I am immensely satisfied for I am able to share my success secrets which I am sure will inspire my juniors. It’s my privilege to post my views.

TOPPERS TALK IS TRULY A NOVEL IDEA. YOUR SERVICE UNDOUBTEDLY WILL LEAVE AN INDELIBLE IMPRESSION IN STUDENTS COMMUNITY.