CAT preparation tips@ Focus on time management: CAT topper

Sept. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- With just 35 days remaining for CAT 2012, all you need is expert guidance on the last lap of preparation. To give you the right advice on DOs and DON’Ts, MBAUniverse.com brings to you Topper Mantras. In today’s Topper Mantras, we share with you the experience of Anusha Subramanian, who scored 99.80 percentile in CAT 2011 and is a student of IIM Bangalore.

Anusha is an IT engineer from the National Institute of Technology Surathkal, Karnataka. After graduating in 2009, she worked with Oracle as a software developer for around three years.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Why and when did you decide to do MBA? What is your plan after you complete your MBA?

A: A few months into my job, I began thinking of my future career plans and decided that doing an MBA was the best first step for me. I was very particular on studying only at one of the best institutes in India, and hence applied only for the IIMs. After I complete my MBA, I hope to work with a good strategy consulting firm.

Q: What is your CAT 2011 percentile?

A: I scored 99.80 in CAT 2011. My sectional percentiles are 95.09 in quantitative ability & data interpretation and 99.99 percentile in verbal ability & logical reasoning.

Q: Please share your WAT/PI experience in detail.

A: Let me share my experiences of attending IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore.

IIM Calcutta – I had a good WAT and GD. My interview was mostly about events doing the rounds, a few maths questions, logic puzzles and some general questions about my future plans, etc.

IIM Ahmedabad – The WAT was tricky as we were given only 10 minutes to complete the essay. I was questioned on a wide range of topics ranging from work, recent happenings in the software industry and academics.

IIM Bangalore – My interview with IIM Bangalore was almost entirely based on the statement of purpose submitted earlier. I was quizzed in great detail about specific points in my SOP, regarding my work experience and future plans.

Q: Which institutes offered you final admission? Why did you choose IIM Bangalore?

A: I got final admission calls from IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow and IIM Shiillong. I chose to study at IIM Bangalore after speaking to seniors and friends. IIM Bangalore offers the best faculty, peer group and an excellent culture. There is a good balance between academics and fun. Here, the onus is on us, the students, to take full responsibility of our lives.

Q: How did you start the preparation and what was your overall strategy?

A: Since I was working hectic hours, I didn’t get too much time to prepare for CAT on weekdays. I tried to put in about 10 to 12 hours a week focussing specifically on time management and maintaining a good accuracy level.

Q: What was your preparation strategy for quantitative ability & data interpretation and verbal ability & logical reasoning?

A: Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation
This section is all about number crunching and speed. Solving practice papers in a simulated test environment at home helps prepare for this section.

Verbal ability and logical reasoning
Developing a good reading habit helps to do well in this section. Apart from taking mock tests, reading newspapers, good novels and magazines helps not only in verbal ability questions but also in interviews.

Q: What was your strategy for time management?

A: It is very easy to lose track of time while writing the exam. It’s very important to not spend more than two to three minutes on a single question. Un-attempted questions at the end of the section will prove to be dearer than the tough one cracking of which took several minutes.

Q: What is your message for MBA aspirants who will take CAT 2012 and other exams this season?

A: As the cliché goes, there are no shortcuts to success. Stick to your preparation strategy. Remember to take breaks regularly to rejuvenate you and keep the momentum going. All the best!

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