" Tips for Written Test, GD and Interviews by IIM Students "

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Guest

Anuj Sehgal
Batch of 1999-01
IIM-Ahmedabad.

I think there are 2 parts to preparing for CAT. Let us assume that one has to take the exam in December of year 2. The first part is to
prepare and do the ground work for the more rigorous second part.

The first part of the preparation which includes improving reading speed, building ones vocabulary and increasing mental calculation speed one needs to start in say the June of year 1.

Reading speed could be increased by reading newspapers, good books on various subjects and not only fast reading but one should be able to comprehend what one reads.

Mental calculation can be increased by doing simple maths WITHOUT THE USE OF CALCULATOR. Getting rid of the calculator which becomes a habit in college is very important.

Vocabulary can be improved my seeing the meaning of difficult words while reading in a dictionary and then using these words.

Part 2

This is where u join a professional coaching and take practice tests. This can be started in June of year 2. Practice is the key to success and most importantly continuous practice. For instance if u take regular tests for a month and practice all four sections (Quanti, DI, Verbal and RC) and then do nothing for the next 15 days then all your practice goes down the drain.

So one needs to build the tempo and maintain it and be continuous in practice.

Ideally one should take practice tests for 2-3 months continuously which should culminate in the exam in December so that one is at his/her peak just before the exam.

Also it is very important to score qualifying marks in each section and so pay attention to each section during the exam and try and attempt say 20-25 questions in each section first and then go for the section in which u feel u can do better.

Ideally one should take practice tests for 2-3 months continuously which should culminate in the exam in December so that one is at his/her peak just before the exam.

Replies (3)

Guest

Dhruva Banerjee
Batch of 94.
IIM-Ahmedabad.

TIPS

In Entrance Exam...
When in difficulty, if the value of the mutliple choices are not very close, use "short cut mental" calculations to arrive at approximate answers. The number closest to the approximate answer is likely to be the correct one.

When constraint of time, focus on ansering questions CORRECTLY rather than answering MORE questions.

In an interview...
a) be straight (don't bullsh*t if you don't know)
b) use plain and simple language (avoid jargons) and
c) be aware of current affairs (review of newspapers, current affairs magazines help).

Guest

Baskar Vembu
Batch of 94.
IIM-Ahmedabad.

Take all tests timed. i.e. even if you're doing one section of half hour say verbal. Time it and take it UNDISTURBED.

Analysis of the test is more important than the test taking itself. for example a 2 hour test taken should be analysed : All questions including those which have been attempted right. This would introduce one to more elegant solutions etc.

Maintain section wise data across tests on parameters like No. of questions, no. attempted, right, wrong and net score.

Analyse this trend to arrive at the areas or sections where one needs to spend available time in the most optimum manner.

Flash cards for Verbal (Dont know whether they are still part of CAT, but anyways...)

Guys who are diffident in quant need loads of practise so buy up GMAT/GRE stuff but reduce the time provided to a maximum of half of the time specified in those books.

Group interaction keeps oneself motivated hence keep the networking on : make sure they're serious guys too...

Guest

Pradip Jain
Batch of 2000.
IIM-Ahmedabad.

CAT requires a consistent preparation for about 4-5 months. Hardwork and sincerity is the key to success.

Make sure you get your fundamentals correct in the initial months.

Comprehensive tests should be taken regularly from October onwards. Prior to that don't take more than 2-3 comprehensive tests.

Analysis of any test is the most critical part. Typically a section test of 30 mins requires 1-1/2 hrs analysis and a comprehensive test of 2 hrs would need about 6-7 hrs of analysis.

No. of tests you give are not important. For example taking 15 comprehensive test with proper analysis would be a better strategy than going for 40 tests without doing proper analysis.

LAST MOMMENT TIPS

During the last week don't take any test. (seriously i mean it)

Make sure you watch atleast 2 movies in the last week.

Have a good sleep on saturday.(just prior to the d-day, i myself had slept for 10 hrs)