’I never believed in group studies’
Tannvi Aggarwal of Apeejay Faridabad who topped CBSE class XII exams, on her success in the board exams.

By Shubhdarshani Mitra
May 30, 2009: Tannvi Aggarwal of Apeejay School, Faridabad, who scored the highest marks in class XII exams in CBSE board along with Mumbai’s Mrittika Sen, managed perfect 100 in three subjects, with lowest scores in English (93/ 100). Her total aggregate in commerce stream is 98.4 per cent. Aggarwal, who has a visharath in Indian classical music, was also deeply involved in literary activities in school. An organised and meticulous person, she believes in planning out her schedules beforehand. The teenager talks to Educare about her success. Excerpts from an interview:

Which subject did you score the highest and what was your least score in the board exams?
I scored 100 in maths, accounts and economics. In business studies I scored 99 and in English I managed 93. Economics is one of my favourite subjects and I did the paper quite well. So, there I was expecting a perfect 100. I was not weak in any subject though I found accounts a little tough. But then I practiced a lot and perfected the concepts with practice.

How did you go about your preparation? Did you have any particular strategy which you followed for the board exams?
Obviously, strategy was there. I have always been very serious about time management. I would plan everything beforehand, a week-ahead kind of a schedule. As in I would decide as to how much time should be given to a particular chapter or a subject and then I would implement that plan to the best of my ability.

Who decided that strategy? Was it you, your school or your parents?
Basically, I was the one who decided but definitely the school’s contribution was there. There were regular tests and if an exam was there, I would prepare for that particular subject.

Did you take help of a tutor or you studied on your own?
I used to take coaching for accounts, economics and mathematics as well. The main purpose was to gather additional information because since last two years, CBSE has started this ‘high order’ element in question papers. So it becomes mandatory for the students to go beyond the text books to broaden the outlook.

Did you study in a group or was it an individual affair?
I did individual studies. I never believed in group studies. I feel one should have fun and enjoyment with friends. As far as studies are concerned I like doing it on my own.

Have you already decided on your career?
For now, I want to do BCom honours, probably from Sri Ram College of Commerce and then MBA finance. I will be trying for the best college though there are no particular colleges in my mind at this point of time.

Did you face any kind of pressure from peers? What were the family expectations?
There was no pressure at all, especially from the family there was no pressure. They really supported me a lot. My parents made sure of an environment where I could study with full concentration.

Were you a very academically inclined student or did you involve yourself in extra-curricular activities as well?
I have been an academic person throughout but apart from that I was the head girl in my school. So I had to participate in a lot of co-curricular activities like dramatics and debates. I have won district level awards in debates. Moreover, when you are a head girl you are expected to take part in a lot of activities and so I had to be an all-rounder. So, it wasn’t like I was always into studies. My school encouraged me to develop an all-round personality. I have been learning music for the past 8-10 years and have completed my graduation in Indian classical music. So, my particular interest areas would be music and literary activities.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths would be my commitment and ability to organise my schedules. I have very high level of commitment towards my work. I am also a very meticulous and organised person. My weak point would be that I am not very good at expressing my emotions.