Smart ways to bell the CAT
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Get the basics right. Brush up the theories and keep track of performances in mock tests. These will prove vital for success
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The Common Admission Test (CAT) is fast approaching. By this time serious candidates should be trying to complete their fundamental books. "Funda" books are very important, because good understanding of basics is critical. If one has attempted shortcuts during the initial "funda" building stages, he/she is surely going to plateau out much before CAT.
Tackling weak links
Remember, that this is the only time you will have before CAT to strengthen your weak areas. Over the last 10 years of preparing students for CAT I have seen innumerable examples of aspirants who worked on weak areas and converted them into very strong ones. This is especially true in the case of many who think that Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation are their weak links.
Once you identify the topics you are weak at, go back to the books and read them thoroughly. Attempt all possible questions in those areas, exploring 2-3 different ways of doing them. Don't leave even one question until you get it right. It's an arduous way to get it right, but hey, success never came easy. Most of those who clear CAT have gone through this process diligently.
Mock CATs
"Funda" books are important but they rarely excite anyone. Section tests are better, but too short. It is the feel of the real thing that is the key now. So, Mock CATs and full 2-hour tests get into the focus now. But don't get too excited and do a test every day. Take one or two tests a week. But more important than taking a mock test is to analyse it completely. A standard rule of thumb is that the time spent in analysis should typically be twice the amount of time spent on the test. So, for a sectional test of 30 minutes, one must spend one hour analysing it. Mock Tests have very specific purposes to play. One, to get you into the habit of concentrating for 2 hours at a stretch. It builds you mental stamina. Two, learning time management techniques. How to manage sectional time, and time you spend on each question. Three, experimenting with different techniques. It is during the mock tests that you can experiment with different approaches to sections and questions. Things like how to practice the elimination method while selecting the answers, how to attempt the paper in rounds etc. are all practiced and perfected during mock tests.
Finally, understanding of self. You understand your strengths, weaknesses, and common mistakes when you analyse your 2-hour mock tests. Spend time studying your common mistakes and means to avoid them. Also spend time on the questions you answered correctly, and how it could have been done faster.
Make sure that you utilise the mock CATs to the fullest by religiously following these principles.
Tracking progress
Maintain a scorecard of your scores in mock tests. The scorecard should include details such as overall score, how many mistakes, scores in each section with accuracy ratios. For each test you should also have a column for comments where you can write you observations, strategies, common mistakes etc. Over a few weeks you will see a distinct pattern emerging giving you directions on what works for you, what doesn't, what areas to work on and what the right strategy for you should be.
Is it the end of the long and boring "funda" books? No. Keep spending time on the theories and formulae given in these books. Especially for questions that you are repeatedly getting wrong answers.
Art and science
Although I will never dissuade anyone from working hard, working smart is really the key here. The approach towards CAT is similar to an Army General's preparation towards war. You work out your strategy, identify potential areas, strengthening potential weak links, and using the best resources most economically. It is both a science as well as an art.
So make sure that your approach is scientific as well. Maintaining a scorecard is really the first step. Looking for trends, identifying weaknesses and working on them are all scientific approaches towards preparing for CAT.
So think smart and act smart.
Gautam Puri
Managing Director Career Launcher (I) Ltd
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