Take mock CATs after clearing your basics: CAT 2011 99.84 percentiler Souvik K Saha

Aug. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- There are just two months left for CAT 2012 and while most of you have already completed the basics and started taking mocks, others have just started the preparation. According to the experts, it is not impossible to crack CAT for anyone. All you need is to follow the right preparation techniques and strategy. To give you the right guidance, MBAUniverse.com is hosting a series of Live Expert Chat on how to prepare for CAT.

The last Live Expert Chat was held on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 with Souvik Kumar Saha, CAT 2011 99.84 percentile scorer and IIM Bangalore student.

Excerpts of the Live Expert Chat:  

Q: Anuj: What was your strategy for solving DI and Algebra and Geometry?

A: Regarding DI, the best policy is to read the question carefully at least twice, jot down the important data, read the associated questions and start working on it. For Algebra and geometry, your basics need to be clear. Also, be through with the formulas. For geometry, drawing the figure might help.

Q: Varun S: Hi I have scheduled my date in Nov. I am good at Verbal, LR and DI and not in Quant. I am preparing without any coaching classes. What should be my strategy for the next 3 months?

A: If you are still not clear with your basics, work on it as soon as possible. Most CAT questions check your fundamentals. Do not leave any section as the easiest questions might just come from that section. Finally, when you are clear with your basics, try giving previous years' CAT papers or mocks to familiarize yourself with exam conditions. Also, remember to analyze them carefully. For Quant particularly, revise the chapters and be through with the formulae. Often what is actually asked does not require much concept but plain application of formula. Identify which chapter you are weak in, for example, I was weak in Permutation-Combination, so I worked extra hard in it.

Q: Anuj: What are the best books for CAT preparation?

A: I would say there is nothing like must read books. However, you can go through Nishit Sinha’s Quantitative Guide, High School English Grammar and Composition’ by Wren and Martin, Word Power Made Easy’ by Norman Lewis, ‘Verbal Ability’ by Arun Sharma 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary’ by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis; ‘CAT Topic-wise 15 year Solved Papers’ by Disha Publications; ‘A Communicative Grammar of English’ by Geoffrey Leech. Read newspapers daily as well.

Q: Varun S: I will also appear for IIFT and SNAP. How would the preparation differ between these three entrance exams?

A: I did not appear for either. However, from what I came to know from friends, it does not require too much extra preparation. However, they have GK sections that you need to work on.

Q: Varun S: Apart from a high CAT percentile what else do IIMs look forward when selecting candidates for admission?

A: A lot of things, such as Class 10, 12, Work ex, Extra Curricular, Interview and essay performance. CAT is just the start.

Q: Ajay Sreekumar: What is an ideal date for taking CAT 2012? Which date had you selected and how did you make the decision?

A: I appeared on 8th November. I wanted to give it on a week day as most re-takers give it on weekends creating a rush. But there is no hard and fast rule as such.

Q: Varun S: It takes about 8-10 minutes to solve a Quant problem. How can I reduce the duration and improve time management skills?

A: There are various ways to solve a problem. You are probably not solving it the optimal way. Even when you get a question correct, work on finding a better solution while analyzing the test. Also, work on remembering some reciprocals and formula to make things easier. Finally, it is ok to attempt 20 to 22 questions in the first section, provided you have more than 95 per cent accuracy.