I Scored Less Than 70% in Plus Two – Is CMA Still a Good Option?
There is one day when most of the Plus Two students experience mixed feelings – while some of them may feel ecstatic owing to getting good scores, some of them might feel skeptical about whether the few marks will have any impact. One of the many queries raised by commerce students include, “I have secured below 70% in Plus Two. Does this mean that I am not eligible to pursue a professional course such as CMA?”
From interacting with numerous students, parents, and even young professionals, I came across one thing. The students who have reservations about their marks are mostly underestimating themselves. This is because the scores reflect just one dimension of their potential, which can imply nothing but how well a candidate performed in the examinations.
What should also be borne in mind is that securing below 70% in Plus Two need not imply that you cannot take up a course in CMA.
Understanding What Plus Two Marks Really Mean
It would be incorrect to undermine the significance of academic percentage. It not only indicates the ability of the person to score good marks in a definite period but also becomes significant for gaining admission to some other places. However, the matter is, in some cases, the academic percentage cannot guarantee the desired success.
There always come some years in which there appear lots of students having great academic performance but unable to cope with the professional subjects while there remain others who excel in any field they want to join with enthusiasm.
There could be several causes why some get less than 70%. The probable causes include personal problems and pressure during the examination period, among others. One requires just little more time before bringing out one's real abilities into play. In the case of CMA certification, one needs to think continuously and work harder than ever before.
What Exactly Does CMA Focus On?
One of the reasons that can make a student hesitate from pursuing CMA could be that they may think CMA is exclusively meant for academic toppers. But this is not completely true.
CMA covers practical topics in financial accounting and management accounting. It is these qualities that any firm expects from their professionals. Unlike other exams, success in CMA does not depend on memorizing everything all at once just for one test alone. It involves concept, application, and professionalism.
If you find your interest lying in finance, accounting, and business, then success can be yours, regardless of your Plus Two percentage.
The Reality Employers Care About
Majority of the students believe that organizations attach significant importance to the marks scored by candidates in Plus Two in their entire career. However, this need not be true at all. As time goes by, this becomes less important and the professional qualification and experience of the individual starts becoming essential.
Some important points considered while selecting finance professionals for an organization include:
- Candidate’s qualification
- Technical competence
- Communication ability
- Problem solving ability
- Professional approach
- Experience
- Business acumen
An organization will not be so worried about the percentage of marks obtained by the candidate many years ago but would like to know what contribution he/she can make to the organization. This is the reason that professional qualifications are still relevant to different academic streams of students.
Why Some Average Students Excel in CMA
There has been an observable trend in the success stories of many individuals from the field of finance. Some of them did not excel academically at school. However, what made these individuals successful is that they were clear about their future career aspirations.
This helped them to get very focused, disciplined, and highly motivated, something they could not have achieved while at school. Professional studies may be quite unique because there will be direct application to future careers.
Someone who had little interest in some subjects while studying Plus Two, may become very motivated while learning financial analysis, budgeting, costs, and strategy. This is because he is studying something he likes.
The Challenges You Should Honestly Consider
There has been an observable trend in the success stories of many individuals from the field of finance. Some of them did not excel academically at school. However, what made these individuals successful is that they were clear about their future career aspirations. This helped them to get very focused, disciplined, and highly motivated, something they could not have achieved while at school.
Professional studies may be quite unique because there will be direct application to future careers. Someone who had little interest in some subjects while studying Plus Two, may become very motivated while learning financial analysis, budgeting, costs, and strategy. This is because he is studying something he likes.
A Different Way to Measure Potential
The biggest misunderstanding committed by most students is that they base their whole future on one particular aspect. And what about those professionals whom we admire?
The successful people get the appreciation because of their achievements, efforts, and knowledge, and not because of the grades in higher secondary school. Companies seek efficient people who are capable of thinking, making decisions, communicating, and learning.
All this comes with experience. The Plus Two Mark Sheet just marks an episode in your life’s journey, but certainly not the destination point.
What Should Students Do Next?
In case your grades are below 70 percent and are also thinking of becoming part of CMA, then there are some questions that you need to answer for yourself.
- Do you have interest in finance, accounts, or business?
- Are you willing to commit yourself to professional education?
- Are you consistent even in difficult times?
- Does your ultimate goal include working in the corporate world of finance and business?
If your answer is 'yes' then your Plus Two percentage should not affect you. Forget about your previous performance and focus on your future. Professional development begins from the very instant students decide to forget their past and plan for their future.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
A poor score compared to your expectations in the Plus Two exam might prove to be de-motivating, but on the other hand, many successful careers can take off after such an incident.
Many successful people from the finance domain are those who have become successful despite their inconsistent academic performance in their education.
CMA remains a suitable program even after scoring below 70% and for individuals willing to carve out their careers in the domains of finance and accounting. In fact, CMA remains within the reach of individuals who are ready to work hard.
What matters is not that you scored below 70%, to begin with. What really matters is what the future holds for you. Your scores represent past records of your performance and hard work. But then, it's the future which needs to be achieved.
To understand more about professional commerce careers, explore our blog, learn more about Eagles Educity, or contact us today for guidance.