CAT Mock Test@ CAT experts, toppers share tips at MBAUniverse.com workshop

Sept. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- “Maintaining perseverance and cool on the D Day is the real challenge. If you can meet it, you can be sure of success in CAT 2012…” this is the message that the previous year’s CAT toppers and current students of noted B-schools like FMS, University of Delhi and IIM Rohtak shared with aspirants at the mock CAT workshop, organized by MBAUniverse.com  in New Delhi on September 22.

CAT 2011 toppers Shaunak Acharya, Dhawal Singh and Mohith S shared their experience of preparation for CAT 2011 and the resultant success.

Shaunak Acharya, a student of FMS, University of Delhi, who scored 99.97 percentile in CAT 2011, said the current difficulty level is less compared to what it was during the paper-pencil-based format. This, he said, will favour candidates. Shaunak said acquiring a quicker and more accurate thought process is important for CAT. “So, think about mock tests or anything on preparation whenever you get time. Utilize the time when you are travelling or any idle moment. Think about the formula you had used or a technique which powers you with a quicker or more accurate method of solving questions. You will be able to solve questions even without using paper and pen.”

He also emphasized practising the application-based topics of the verbal ability section. “Practise more para jumbles and other application-based questions as they are more scoring.” The basic mantra is to be regular in your practice. Take as many mock tests as you can and make sure you analyze them well.”

Dhawal Singh, another CAT topper and student of FMS, said, “If you can solve 20 correct questions in each section, it will secure you above 99 percentile. Focus on your accuracy.”

According to him, knowing own strengths and weaknesses is the key. Always start the exam with questions asked from your comfortable areas. “Start the exam with areas which are your strengths. If you are not taking the test in the Day 1 slot, talk to your friends and fellow test takers about the pattern. “Don’t depend on it totally, but at least get an idea about the trend.”

“For the last 15 days, you should solve at least three puzzles for logical reasoning. They can be on arrangement or blood relations or any other type. Solve one reading comprehension passage to make yourself comfortable for the D Day, In Quant and DI, speed is the key,” suggested Dhawal.

Mohith S, a first year student of IIM Rohtak, who scored 97.95 percentile in CAT 2011, said focus on maintaining composure on the D Day is very important. “I know a lot of people who used to score very good during mock tests but on the actual test day, their performance remained average. You must not be stressed and treat it as another mock test,” he said.

While sharing the strategy for the next 15 days, he said, “Focus on time, take as many mock tests as possible and analyze. Prepare your test taking strategy and abide by it during your mocks. But be flexible on the D Day.”
A one-hour mock test was conducted for participants present in the workshop. Experts like Mr Ravi Handa (quantitative ability & data interpretation) and Mr S K Agarwal, (verbal ability) analysed the test.

Ravi Handa said, “You should not enter the test center with a set target. You never know what is in store for you until you check the questions. Don’t attempt questions which you are not sure of. If you are confident about, say, six questions, that’s good enough. You may take calculated risks but don’t force yourself.”

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more on CAT 2012 and MBAUniverse.com endeavours.