In the series we present the success story of Sunny Pandey who scored 67+ in IIFT 2014 and Scored a 99+in all other exams like CAT/XAT/NMAT/SNAP.
To help out CAT/XAT 2014/IIFT 2014 aspirants in their exam preparation, MBAUniverse.com will introduce a CAT/XAT/IIFT Topper every week on MBAUniverse.com Forum where CAT 2014/IIFT 2014 aspirants can directly ask questions with CAT/XAT/IIFT Toppers .
Our first IIFT Topper 2014 in this series is Mr. Sunny Pandey, apart from IIFT, he has successfully appeared in CAT/XAT/NMAT/SNAP exam too scoring a equally good score.
Sunny is very hardworking, a quick learner and have a very positive attitude of never giving up . His answers to MBAUniverse.com questions about IIFT/CAT/XAT preparation strategy and his message to IIFT/CAT/XAT aspirants reflect his strong will power and optimistic attitude which would definitely help our IIFT 2014 aspirants.
Q: What was your prep strategy?
A : I started preparing from the month of April and my strategy was to cover the course by the month of July so that I have enough time to take mock test and analyze them. I was a bit weak in Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude, so I laid special emphasis on these topics. I used to do a lot of Charts and Graphs problems in an exam like environment. For English, I used to read newspaper on a daily basis and practice 2-3 questions of each kind. I used to devote 1.5-2 hrs on weekdays and 6-7 hrs on weekends.
Q: What was the strategy in testing room to attempt the question from different sections: Quantitative Ability & DI, Verbal Ability & LR?
A : I started with verbal section first and completed it in 5 minutes, after that I went to GA and LR and by 25 minutes I was done with them. So I had 1.5hrs left and 3 sections to finish. I first started quants and solved 18 question straight, it took me around 25 minutes. Then I went on to RCs and completed this section in 25 minutes. In 5 minutes, I revised the paper and looked if I had missed any question. In the last 30 minutes, I tackled my nemesis, DI. It was calculation intensive and by the time you are in final phase, mental fatigue starts to set in. I could only attempt 10-12 questions in DI. In the final 10 minutes I carefully verified my OMR.
Q: Which exams did you appear? How did you prepare for them? What score did you get?
A: I took CAT 2013(98.02 percentile), XAT 2014(99.02 percentile), NMAT 2013(99.96 percentile) and SNAP 2013(99.65 percentile). My strategy was to prepare comprehensively for CAT, as it covers most of the syllabus. For other exams like SNAP, XAT, and IIFT 2014, I had to read GK which I prepared from Manorama Yearbook. I also took mocks for all these exams so that helped me adapt to speed tests.
Q: How many GDPI did you take part in? What were your GD topics?
A: I attended GDs at XLRI and IIFT. My topic at XLRI was “Is transparency a barrier to free trade”?. At IIFT, topic was “Do good sportsmen make good administrators”? Both GDs were very cordial. One always gets enough time in an IIFT GD.
Q: The institutes that offered you admissions?
A: I was offered admission at IIFT(Delhi Campus). I was waitlisted at XLRI.
Q: Few questions that were asked to your during PI round?
A: My PI started with “Tell me about yourself”? I was well prepared for that question. After that I was asked how Aam AAdmi party is changing dynamics of Indian Politics. I was also asked about my hobbies.
Q: Which is the institute that you have decided to take admission and why?
A: It was an easy decision for me as my aspirations were more aligned with the program offered at IIFT. The legacy and wide network of its alumni also convinced me to join IIFT.
Q: What advice and tips you would like to share with the candidates preparing for CAT 2014?
Ans 8: First and Foremost, take mocks very seriously. They are for you to test your approach and temperament while taking the test. This time aspirants are allowed to navigate through various sections so play on your strengths and try to maximize your score in that area. Having said that, always give yourself enough time for your weaker section because there is a cut-off that might hamper your chances of going to a top notch institute.
Q: Your message to future MBA aspirants.
A: I’d like to wish them all the very best for their exams and life. This is just an exam and world doesn’t ends here. Keep calm and do spend some time doing what you like. This will take pressure off your shoulders. Before joining any college, do thorough research on what you want to do with your career and how can this college help you in that.
Q: Why did you want to do MBA?
A: After working for around 20 months, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in management for better growth opportunities. Also, the room for newer experiences and learning were few in my job, so I decided that time is right to go for management education and add new set of skills to my repertoire. I aspire to grow in General Management sector as it will allow me to work in cross-functional roles.
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Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more prep tips on IIFT 2014 test
