We have finally reached the most dreaded week. By now you should be armed enough to face the CAT boldly. Continuing with our exclusive series ‘Road to CAT 2009-Advice from CAT Experts’ we bring to you advice for these last five days to CAT 2009.

Hirdesh Madan, Regional Head (North), Bull’s Eye, shares with you the strategies that will help you in becoming a winner. Hirdesh Madan graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Dr B.A.Marathwada University, Aurangabad with University ranking. After a brief work experience in marketing he did Post Graduation in Business Administration from Pune University.
 
Excerpts from the interview with Hirdesh Madan:

Q: What are your expectations from CAT 2009 computer-based paper?

A: This time the CAT exam paper is expected to have lesser variety of questions. It will be something similar on the patterns of GRE & GMAT exam papers, as there will be just 60 to 70 questions in each paper. There may be well-defined areas, especially in the verbal section. Keeping in mind that this will be the first time CAT aspirants are facing the computer based test, the difficulty level could be medium or moderate.

But one challenge that you may face is the uncertainty arising out of non-standardization of the CAT exam paper to perfection. Because of the spread of the examination across 10 days, different students may face different patterns of questions. You, however, would still be required to prove your mettle across all the three areas of performance.
Since the number of questions have been reduced to 60 -70 (as given in CAT bulletin) speed no longer seems to be a challenge. The focus would be more on testing logical reasoning and your analytical abilities.  

Q: With just five days to go, what is your advice to CAT 2009 aspirants? Please share the prep plan for all sections.

A: In the last couple of days, trying out new topics in any area should be avoided. Forget your weaknesses just build on your strengths. You should take at least one full length mock test on alternate days. I strongly recommend not to burn too much in these last five days. 

For Verbal section continue reading till the last day. Do not stop. For Quant preparation in the last five days, just focus on four important areas for a strong revision - Number System, Algebra, Geometry and Time & Speed. In DI, pure DI is most important and easiest; hence conceptualize major logics and approximation techniques. You should not waste time by putting in extra effort in areas which cannot be improved upon in the next few days. 

Q: What should CAT 2009 takers do a day before the exam? 

A: Try to visit your MBA coaching institute one day in advance if possible. Relax and keep you head cool. I recommend not studying at all one day before. Just recharge yourself for the D Day. Adjust your sleeping pattern two to three days in advance to match the test time especially if you are going to take exam in the morning shift.

Do not get anxious or jittery listening to the experiences of the people who have already written their tests. You should only take a general idea from them and focus upon your strengths and strategy. Studying all night just before the test is not at all a healthy idea. Eat healthy and sleep well.

Q: Please share some points that every MBA aspirant should follow while attempting the paper.

A: I think these five points should help you, if followed properly:

1. Read the directions carefully. Take four to five minutes to analyze the paper.  These four to five minutes investment can make the difference between failure and success.

2. Formulate a strategy keeping in mind the level and the kind of questions that appear in the paper after analysis. This includes sequence of attempts and time allocation.

3. This year as the number of questions will be less hence less choice for the students. For those students who are confident I would advise them to choose the the rejection strategy instead of selection strategy. It may work better.

4. Try to attempt limited number of questions, and answer those correctly. Attempt only those questions in which you can understand the given information and the question related to it.

5. Always keep in mind that the one who manages his time efficiently is the winner. If you have been averaging below 90 percentile in Mock CATs then do not think too much about sectional balance. Spend maximum time on the section that you find it easy in the test.

Q: How should the test-takers plan to attempt the paper on the basis of different sections in the paper and time management?

A:  Verbal Ability - In 2008, 20 of 40 questions were based on Reading Comprehension (RC). In 2007, it was 12 of 25 and in 2006 it was a whopping 15 of 25 questions.  This pattern indicates that you cannot afford to skip RC questions.  Since lengthy passages are not likely to be given, you can expect more of inference based questions.

Remember, RC is like data interpretation. And it is the only section, where the answers are right in front of you. You should also try to mentally summarize what the author wants to say in each paragraph. Make it a point to link the ideas in each section to those in the previous paragraphs Data Interpretation- Read the instructions carefully. Try to understand the information and directions given in the set of question. Once the blueprint is made then answering becomes easy.

Time Management- The pattern cannot be predicted but you should be flexible to accept any change in the pattern. Whatever may be the pattern try to score one-third of the maximum score.

Be wise in selecting the questions and your chances will be bright, don't waste time solving questions which would take more time.
 
Q: What are the parameters that a candidate should use while choosing MBA institutes after their CAT? 
 
A: Selecting the right MBA institute is all about matching your profile with the MBA institute’s profile. In candidate profile the major factor is the percentile. Other factors are past academic performance, work experience, extra curricular activities etc.
 
The desired MBA institute profile includes percentile cut-off range, weightage given to factors like work experience, academics, GD/PI. Other factors one can consider include specializations offered, geographical location, tuition fee and other living expenses and government approvals if you are looking at them. 

Though most of students always look at the placements and salaries, I believe if you are doing well in percentiles and GD PI you will get into a good MBA institute where salaries should not be an issue. Remember you cannot demand, you have to deserve to get into a good MBA institute. However if the MBA institute is relatively new, try to look at the promoter’s credibility, faculty, batch size, infrastructure, alumni and approach towards academics.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more interviews with renowned CAT experts!