The run-up to CAT

Updated on: Monday, October 26, 2009

Strategy is all important in this final run-up to the CAT. Most of you must have begun your preparations long ago. However, here are a few last minute tips to help you on the way. First, know what time of the day suits your body’s rhythm the best. Get in most of your hardest study schedule during this period because it will be the one during which your powers of concentration are working at their best.

Second, read, read and read the papers, newsmagazines and anything you can find on current affairs. More than half of the Verbal Ability section comprises of Reading Comprehension (RC) passages. So you need to be well versed with your reading and if you get around 65 per cent or so in your RC, this section should be aced without your losing sleepless nights over your command of grammar!

Third, never go on and on studying. Your powers of concentration are best in the first two to three hours after which they go downhill. Study in short bursts advise the experts.

The fourth point to remember is to have your theory on your fingertips. Go through your maths formulae and have that perfectly embedded in your mind.

Never put undue pressure on yourself and begin to think you can’t make it. Think positively and your results will also be positive. Take your mock tests and take them seriously. If you are not with any coaching centre, ensure that you take enough tests online. Analyse your performance and try to improve on your weaknesses. Time yourself and don’t try and cheat!

Says, Dr. Subhajit Bhattacharyya, Coordinator-Admissions, IMT-Ghaziabad, “The CAT examination is designed in such a way that the percentile and the percentage of marks scored by a candidate reflect the mental maturity, as also the academic maturity of the candidate. Candidates must try and score good percentage of marks and good percentile in each of the sections.’’

Experts advise that you do a whole load of puzzles and crosswords. This will help you in Logical Reasoning questions. Be organised in your preparation, expect the unexpected and never underestimate your strengths. Get your fundas right. Remember the formulas and practise them. Practise a wide variety of problems and read everything you can about a wide range of topics.

And last but not least, remember CAT is just an exam and not the end of the world.

The run-up to CAT

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