Q: What was your overall preparation strategy for CAT?
I started preparing seriously towards the end of July 2023. With nearly four months left, I focused on covering all the QA topics over two months with occasional DILR practice sessions. I wrote one mock exam every day in the five weeks leading up to the exam. This was supplemented by constant sectional tests.
Q: Please share your sectional preparation strategy for CAT? How did you prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)?
Most of my VARC preparation took place through mocks. With every exam, I tried to improve my reading, comprehension and retention speed. After exploring multiple strategies, I landed on completing the RC with ten minutes to spare for the VA. I had to constantly remind myself to ignore unsure questions to avoid negative marking.
Q: How did you prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)?
I showcased immense improvement in DILR from being unable to solve a single set to managing three whole sets in mocks. I focused on selecting the correct sets and getting them right. I began with getting just one, then two and eventually three. I made it a point to move past sets if I spent 10 minutes with no progress. The speed and precision came with a lot of practice and exposure to different types of questions.
Q: How did you prepare for Quantitative Ability (QA)?
With four months to spare, I planned on covering the syllabus is two months. I made an elaborate schedule with all the topics alternating between ones I liked and disliked. Each topic was split into understanding the concepts, practising examples and solving without immediate access to solutions. Despite my efforts, I did not showcase the proficiency I was aiming for. As I went on with mocks, I focused on grounding myself and solving only 6-7 questions right without wasting time on impossible questions or risking negative marking.
Q: Was there any particular section/area that you were weak at? How did you overcome this challenge?
I would say I was weak at QA. I was unable to overcome it completely, but the eventual solution was to tackle all the easy to moderate questions without wasting time on the hard ones. Negative marking should not be ignored.
Q: What role did Mocks play in your success? How many mocks did you attempt before the exam?
Mocks played a huge role in my success. I was unable to even complete the very first mock I gave in January 2023. I was immediately humbled and disheartened. Upon covering around 60% of the syllabus, I began giving mocks again. Soon, my fear of mocks lifted, and I focused on improving my strategy and speed. Additionally, I had to constantly remind myself not to let the results affect me extensively - neither positive nor negative are entirely reflective of the actual exam. Overall, I solved at least 50 mocks and 60 sectional tests.
Q: Did you self-prepare for CAT Exam or did you attend a Coaching Centre and why?
I alternated between the coaching centre’s classes and self-study depending on the topic I was covering and whether I required help. If not a coaching centre, it is often useful to study with friends.
Q: Which books did you refer during your preparation and how effective were they?
I referred to the material provided by my coaching centre and Arun Sharma’s textbooks. Additionally, I went through the NCERT textbooks as required. Together, they provided all the necessary support.
Q: Please share your strategy for the CAT Day. What was your last-minute preparation? How did you plan your CAT test taking?
My last mock was two days before the exam. The day before CAT, I did not do any preparation. I just focused on distracting myself and getting ample rest. On CAT day, I glanced through all the important QA formulae once. My exam was in the afternoon slot and I made it a point to not listen to any information about the morning slot. I did not want to be going in with any biases. I had a specific strategy for each section and tried my best to follow it.
Q: How did you prepare for GD/PI/WAT Rounds?
My coaching centre provided preparation assistance for GD/PI/WAT rounds. I took multiple mocks with them and my friends. Practice helped me frame and further enhance to expected interview questions. Especially for SPJIMR, I took part in multiple group interview mocks.
Q: Do you have work experience? Please share how the work experience can help in MBA?
I have experience in administration and hospitality. Both have immensely enhanced my communication skills. Additionally, I have experience managing people, situations and deadlines. They also help me bring an element of creativity.
Q: What motivated you to Join SPJIMR? What were your top three criteria?
SPJIMR’s focus on values, smaller batch size, diverse cohort and location drove me here. Additionally, I found SPJIMR’s admission process quite welcoming.
Q: How has been your experience so far at SPJIMR? Please share some high points
My experience at SPJIMR has been very enriching so far. My interest in marketing has deepened with the interactive class discussions and case competitions. I am enjoying the exposure to a wide range of topics and interactions with industry leaders. I am pleased to be making meaningful connections with my batchmates.
Q: Whom you would like to give credit for your success? What role have your family & friends played?
My friends and family played a huge role in my success. Not only did they help with exam and interview preparation, they also ensured I remained motivated throughout.
Q: What challenges have you faced during your life, academics, and preparation? How did you come out of them?
The biggest challenge was my intense fear of failing the exam and interviews. The only way I was able to fix this was by giving mocks knowing they’d have to go poorly before they got better. I realised it was okay to embarrass myself in mock tests or interviews if it ensured I was getting better.
Q: According to you, how can B-schools make their MBA admission process less cumbersome for MBA applicants?
B-schools can perhaps start by ensuring stress is at its lowest on the interview day. Optimised slotting would ensure students won’t have to wait all day for their interview.
Q: Finally, your message and tips for candidates preparing for CAT 2024
Prepare your best for the exam and do not leave anything to regret. However, please remember that this exam is not everything. Do not let it consume you. And when it feels too overwhelming, take good breaks – they are truly underrated.
