The questions were wide ranging: from 'How should I allot time for preparation' to 'How should I improve Quant/English areas'.
While answering a query to an MBA Aspirant that how much time should one devote to preparing the Basics and taking MOCK tests, Mr Shivakumar replied, "I would suggest it is 80% to tests and 20% to basics. Also, I suggest that for every 2.5 hrs of testing you need to spend atleast 4 hours of analysis. In this process you get back to basics to clear your doubts. Do not make studying basics as an end in itself. Personally I do not feel that revision for the sake of revision is of any use unless there is a purposeful process involved in it."
On the chat, Mr Shivakumar shared the tips on improving Quant section and said, "Figure out areas where you seem to have conceptual gaps. Focus on each area for a few days at a stretch. Pick all the important questions across geometry from your practice material and do it at a stretch. It would significantly reduce the gap that you are seeing in your performance now. Last but not least take the last 3 to 4 years CAT as tests."
On the subject of working on English section, Mr Shivakumar suggested, "The critical thing to improve any section is practice. How much time do you spend on verbal? If you take Grammar do you have a log of all errors that you have made with the appropriately correct answers? Spend time on Reading thru short tests at least an hour everyday. Do not forget to analyze it."
Analyzing the previous CAT exams, Mr Shivakumar predicted a few things on CAT '08 and said, "Prediction of cutoffs would be inappropriate and would make no sense. But in terms of the type of paper, it is likely to be similar in structure like CAT 2007. It is likely to find a better balance between Verbal and non verbal section. Personally I hope Verbal would be a little more "student friendly" and less subjective."
Mr Shivkumar earned his engineering degree from Indian Institute of Technology (Madras) and his MBA from Indian Institute of Management (Calcutta). He currently heads all activities related to research and development, course design and faculty training, and is leading the team involved in tutoring. He also plays the role of academic mentor.
To read the full transcripts of the chat with Mr Shivakumar, click the link (http://www.mbauniverse.com/
