Need advice: 18 y/o dropper preparing for JEE + CUET, confused about stream & college

Hey everyone,

I’m 18 and currently a dropper. I’m preparing for both JEE and CUET because I didn’t meet the 75% minimum marks requirement in my 12th boards.

Right now, I’m stuck in a dilemma:

• I don’t know which college I should aim for.

• I’m not sure which stream would be the right fit for me.

• Online, I keep seeing people talk about how not getting into a “good” university or choosing the “wrong” stream can ruin your career.

Honestly, it’s making me anxious. I’ve also seen news about students struggling with these pressures, and it’s hard to keep my mind focused on one path.

I really want to hear from people who’ve gone through this or are currently in the same boat:

• How did you decide your stream or college?

• Is it really that bad if you don’t get into a top-tier university?

• What mindset should I keep while preparing for exams like JEE and CUET?

I’m not looking for sugarcoating—I want practical advice and different perspectives so I can make a clearer decision.

Thanks in advance for reading and sharing your thoughts