CAT 2016 aspirants with not very good academics can have good chance to get IIMs and other top B-schools if the quick tips shared by Aman are followed.
Aman has never been a topper in school or college and the preparation and determination that he needed to compensate the shortcomings in academics can be well understood. But despite all the odds he converted call to IIMs and as he scored 98.67 in NMAT by GMAC he converted NMIMS also. Aman does not advise long study hours to prepare but favours quick tips that he followed and utilized the time with simple tips using technology.
MBAUniverse.com has brought a round of CAT and other exam toppers’ success stories for the benefit of CAT 2016 aspirants. In the series we present the success story of confident Aman who despite getting admission offers from IIM Sambalpur, NMIMS did not join any and preferred to become an entrepreneur.
MBAUniverse.com: What was your preparation strategy for CAT?
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): I was never a topper in school or college. For me MBA entrance exams needed a massive amount of determination. But this determination doesn't necessarily translate into long hours of non-stop studying. As I was working professional, I wasn't getting even 2 hours every day to study due to the hectic office work. But I had to crack the exam and quit the job. Almost every person advised and discouraged from quitting the job but it is my advice to aspirant not to listen to anyone but yourself. If you feel like quitting your job and studying- DO THAT! But DO NOT study and study the same subjects and same topics for 24 hours in a day. I scored 98.67 in NMAT by GMAC and converted NMIMS after I converted IIM Sambalpur earlier.
MBAUniverse.com: In view of the changed CAT 2015 pattern with 3 sections, please share your sectional preparation strategy
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): I will share the quick tips which are very much useful for the respective section-
Verbal Ability: Download Vocabulary apps on your phone, as Flash cards are too traditional now. You do not expect aspirants to carry a bundle of flash cards everywhere they go. But you can definitely install a small app on your phone. Similarly, there are apps for Phrases and Idioms. Use them everywhere- in office, at home, while travelling (if you are not driving!). There were no questions on idioms and Phrases last year, but be prepared for anything and everything. CAT 2016 may surprise the aspirants as per its tradition.
Reading Comprehension: I used to solve 3 RCs everyday, each from a different topic. Make sure you develop a habit of reading those topics which you hate the most. For most people, these boring topics would be Philosophy and Sociology. Never ever apply your general knowledge in RC question. If it is stated then only it is true, DO NOT assume things on your own. Make self notes for tone of the passage/author and similar questions.
Data Interpretation: Same as RC, I used to solve 3 different sets of DI questions everyday. Each should be a different one ranging from bar charts, pie charts, tables. DI was the most difficult set in last year's CAT but it is only calculation based in most other exams like NMAT, IIFT, SNAP, etc. So, you need to develop ways to develop your mental maths for quick calculations. You may need to learn tables upto what ever is your limit.
Logical Reasoning: This was the most interesting section for me. I used to solve 3 LR sets everyday, just like other sections. Practice different types of questions from previous year question papers. Take it as a fun activity challenge. The book by Arun Sharma is a good option, plus any book by a coaching centre like Career Launcher and TIME.
Quantitative Aptitude: There is a myth that Quant is easy for engineers and harder for non-techincal people. Solving previous years question papers would bring everyone on the same stage. Give special focus on Geometry and Algebra, because they form the core of the MBA entrance exams. I referred to Arun Sharma Quants Book and Career Launcher's books.
MBAUniverse.com: What was your strategy in testing room to attempt the questions from different sections?
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): Attempt your questions in 3 rounds and in the first round, attempt those questions which you are 99% sure about, and can be solved quickly. I cannot stress more on the imporatnce of this step- It is a huge psychological advantage. Once you know that you have succesfully attempted a handful of questions, you know you are near to/or cleared the cutoffs.
In the subsequent round, attempt those questions which would take time, but could be solved correctly. Now you would be among the top scorers, if everything goes well. In the final round, attempt a few (and not all) that you think are worth a try. Depending on the situation, you may have to skip the 3rd round. Because, you can plan everything beforehand but everything might not turn out to be the way you thought them to be. For example- CAT 2015 LR DI was a shocker for alomst everyone, no pre-determined strategies would have worked in such a crisis,
MBAUniverse.com: How many GDPI did you take part in? What were your GD/WAT topics?
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): I only took part in the GDPI of Narsee Monjee Mumbai. My GD topic for Core MBA was "increase in sales of 2 wheelers over 4 wheelers in India" and Topic for HR was "in what order would you save 10 people (doctor, nurse, old man, scientist, baby, etc.) if the planet was attacked and everyone except these 10 were going to die".
MBAUniverse.com: Few questions that were asked to you during PI round?
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): Few questions asked to me during PI round were "Did you read today's newspaper and tell about them in details", "Tell us about your blog- your views on intolerance, net neutrality,etc.","why do you want to do an MBA in HR?".
I was offered admission by NMIMS but I am starting a business myself and have quit the idea of doing an MBA.
MBAUniverse.com: Any inspiring story that motivated and helped you in getting success in the exam?
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): I used to read inspiring stories by successful students on MBAUniverse.com regularly. But my advice is not to blindly imitate the success mantras of toppers. Tweak them according to your needs and be a smart aspirant, rather than just a hard-working one.
MBAUniverse.com: Your message and tips you would like to share with the candidates preparing for CAT 2016
Aman(CAT& NMAT topper): Forget about each and every other thing in your life for the next few months. These next few months would decide the course of your life. Limit your social presence- offline and online.
I wouldn't say to deactivate your Facebook accounts because there are a number of groups related to MBA preparation which prove to be very very useful for an aspirant. You would get similar queries (and solutions) by fellow aspiramts, and you could help others and get helped by them as well. More than anything, the discussions on forums can be extremely important which will enhance your thinking process like never before.
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Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more success mantra stories and CAT 2016 preparation tips from toppers
