I wrote my first mid-term last week (3 weeks after class started). I was worried I'd be rusty so I put in a few extra hours of studying. I did well, but the Professor warned us there's a negative correlation between midterm and final grades.

I wish I had some stories to share, but the week after studying was dedicated to putting my all into applications to the top tier consultancies (submitted them today). Spent more than 10 hours in presentations and networking between five firms. I know it's going to sound like BS, but I easily put in another 30 hours getting my applications together. Yesterday alone, I worked on my applications for 7 hours after attending a 6 hour workshop on Private Equity and Leveraged Buyout Modeling. I've come to far not to give it my all. I can accept failure, but I won't be able to face regrets of not putting in 100% effort.

Call me sick, but putting in these hours is gratifying... nothing beats working hard towards your dreams.