MBA / IIM SPECIAL..... CRACK THE CAT

 CRACK THE CAT 

Education Times, in association with IMS Learning, recently conducted a seminar on how to prepare for the CAT. Experts fielded a number of questions by potential test takers. Here are the excerpts

What is does the CAT test you on?
The CAT is designed to filter potential managers from a huge populace. Over two lakh students appear for the test every year. The paper has 60 questions to be solved in 140 minutes with an equal number of questions across two sections — quantitative ability, data interpretation and verbal ability and logical reasoning. Further, the test
places sectional time limits to ensure that the test-taker does not spend more than 70 minutes per section. The test has negative marking for incorrect responses, thereby placing a premium on accuracy.
How can I score well in the CAT?
Completing the test successfully depends on the percentile required to get into your desired B-school. The first step, therefore, would be to find out the cutoff percentiles of various institutes that you are interested in applying to. While a 95+ overall percentile (with equal competence across sections) can get you into the IIMs, you would need at least 75+ overall percentile to get into good B-schools across the country. Once you have defined your benchmark, you should follow an effective and efficient study plan to meet your target.
    The first step is to identify your current level of performance in a proctored
environment by taking the simulated mock tests. After taking the test, analyse your performance to identify your strengths and weaknesses. After this, divide your time equally to improve your performance from one stage to the next. Within each period, target to achieve the stated benchmark by working on your conceptual and application skills and fine-tuning your test-taking skills.
    Track your improvement in each section by repeatedly taking such mock tests at the end of each period. If your attempt and accuracy are greater than or equal to the benchmarked percentile, you are ready to move on to the next stage. If not, analyse the test to find out where you need to improve. Use the explanatory answers provided with each test to improve your performance.
Which institutes/ tests should I apply for?
Your primary objective while shortlisting institutes/ tests to apply to should be getting at least one call for an interview. The parameters used for selecting the institute should match with your reasons to pursue an MBA, your existing profile and aspiration and also with your scores in mock tests. Do not apply to more than 10 institutes apart from the IIMs. Go through the placement data and job profiles of each of the institutes you intend to apply to. Also visit the website of the institutes and compare the infrastructure and faculty with other institutes. Prepare a list of B-schools that suit these parameters and discuss the same with your mentor. Track the application calendar of these institutes and the test required. Ensure the forms are filled well in advance before the deadlines.
How much time should I spend on preparing for the CAT every day?
Ideally, you should not spend more than four hours per day. The manner in which those four hours are utilised depends on the individual student’s strength and weaknesses. Some may prefer to spend more time on polishing verbal ability (VA) while others on quantitative ability (QA). Ultimately, ensure that your progress in each section is equal. Organise your day in such a way that the hours spent preparing are those when your brain is most active. Working professionals for example, shouldn’t study at night after a hard day’s work.
Could you suggest a test preparation strategy for the final test?
Take a test every three days. If you take the test on day one, get into the analysis mode for day two and three. Make sure you get in touch with the basics of your weak areas during this period. While taking the test, you could mentally slot the questions into the following categories: a) those you can understand and solve, b) can solve but will take time, and c) can’t solve. This way you will be able to prioritise and plan your time. Also, developing this habit in practice tests will hone your ability to pick the right kind of questions. It is only a myth that you should take as many tests as possible before the CAT. Most successful CAT takers will tell you that they cracked the test not by
taking innumerable tests before the exam but by taking a few of them and conducting a thorough analysis of their performance in them.
How can one analyse a test?
For attempted questions, check whether your mistakes were silly, careless or conceptual errors. Check if there are better ways to solve questions. Did you comprehend the problem irrespective of the level of difficulty? If the concept is new, learn the concept and move on.
    For unattempted questions, solve each one of them. Identify the questions which, when solved, could have led to a higher score. Also, identify why you left them. Lastly, ensure you have read all the questions carefully during the test.

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