MBA Entrance Exam Tips

CAT has become one of the most difficult competitive exams to prepare for the candidates willing to pursue their career in business administration.For the entrance test, you need to adopt a strategy that enables you to build knowledge & speed skills without compromising on accuracy & rational thinking.

If securing a place in a top rated MBA program in the coming year is your goal, then it is time to focus on exam preparation. The Common Admission Test (CAT), the first test to be administered is slated for 28 November 2009 - 7 December 2009.
 
It must be recognized that being an elimination process, it requires an ability to adjust to the frequently altered examination pattern, varying question-solving speed, managing stress & keep an eye on the time.
 
CAT 2009 to be Online

The new computer-based test (CBT) will be embraced by IIMs across Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Indore, Kozhikode, Lucknow and Shillong, and will allow students to select a date convenient to them from a specified period of 10 days. The new system is also expected to help the IIMs cope effectively with the increasing number of candidates every year. While around 95,000 candidates took CAT in 2003, the number rose to about 250,000 last year, reflecting a growth of over 163% and bringing the administrative system under severe pressure. With the online test, CAT will be similar to the GMAT test in its process.
 
Preparation Planning
 
It depends on when you the start preparation, current level of expertise and other commitments apart from test preparation.
 
Typically, most candidates would plan the following steps in their preparation:

• Learn core concepts in numeric & verbal ability.
• Practice sample questions.
• Attempt mock test.
• Work on weaker areas.
  

As a thumb rule, preparation should be structured in a way to consolidate performance in the strong sections, while eliminating weakness in the other areas.
 
It is often the weak areas that provide maximum opportunity to improve performance. Based on your core skills, form a strategy to develop complete expertise. For instance, if verbal reasoning is the weaker area- make a conscious effort to improve through extensive reading on varied topics. On the other hand, those fearing maths would benefit from starting with a high school book to learn algebra, commercial maths, geometry and trigonometry.
 
Another focus area in early days is keeping abreast with current events in the economy, politics and corporate sector. This can prove handy in the group discussion & Exam stage. Think of relevant topics and organize mock discussion sessions with your peers.
 
Specialised Training Program
 
Given the complexity of the testing process and the stiff competition, a structured training course is often recommended. It can also provide a good practice ground to evaluate individual ability with different test patterns and provide structure to the preparation.
 
Continuous Appraisal of Progress
 
Build regular check points to review progress. At any point, if things are not working as per the plan, don't be afraid to adjust the approach.
 
Key success factors are as much dependent on knowledge and rational thinking as on speed and accuracy. Devote three to four hours a day to test preparation. After gaining adequate familiarity with the pattern of questions, shift focus towards attempting mock test. While approaching test preparation, consider:

• Joining a specialized training programme.
• Identifying weak areas as early as possible.
• Forming a peer group to exchange notes.
• Devising regular check points
  

Sheshdari Venkatadri, Alumni of IIM-C, Shares his experience on CAT Preparation:
 
Approach to test preparation ?
 
I, devoted nearly four to six hours a day to practice over four months. Kept 30 sample tests for the last month and re-did each test where I scored poorly.
 
Benefits of enrolling in a coaching program ?
 
Highly useful to gain a broad overview of the test pattern.
 
Working with a peer group?
 
Highly recommended – a few of us preparing for CAT compared scores and discussed individual areas of improvement.
 
Most difficult aspect of the exam?
 
Striking the right balance in the time spent on each section.
 
Final Tip to young aspirants!
 
The test is not just about trying to determine your verbal or numerical skills. Conceptual understanding is also a must and one must aim to work on mastering core concepts.