In my last article we discussed about various methods of how to build a solid foundation in Math, wherein you will feel yourself to be in a comfortable position about attempting the QA section. In this article we will discuss strategies to maximize score in a CAT like test, in general

GENERAL STRATEGIES

In spite of good grounding in basics and n amount of practice (read, Mock Tests), the student still fails to devise a proper strategy of attempting a test leading to less than optimal scores. The chief reason for this is fear of the unknown. It’s like a cricket captain deciding to do “fielding” in the final match after winning the toss, because of preconceived notions (it could be past records, dew factor etc.). But absence of a sound strategy if the ground conditions change on that day will ensure that his previous efforts come to a naught.

CAT, which is now online, tests 3 important skills:

• Time Management
• Decision Making
• Stress Handling

Below are presented some guidelines which give you a peep into “test taking strategies” and which open possibilities to optimally utilize and apply the above 3 skills.

1. It is important to read the CAT instructions carefully. Since the instructions come already documented on the CAT website (www.catiim.in), it makes sense to go through the same.
2. It is also important to allocate equal time to each section. So, if CAT 2009 was of 2 hours 15 minutes duration, you should allocate 45 minutes to each section. Of course, in the 45^th minute of each section, whatever question you are involved into must be completed before moving on to the next section. While you follow this time allocation strategy, it might put lot of pressure on you when you reach the last section which turns out to be a difficult section and you get forced to attempt that section. To avoid this scenario, you should ideally allocate 35 minutes to each section, thereby saving 30 minutes in the end. In these 30 minutes, you can make a better choice of attemptable questions out of the remaining questions, as you would have gone through all the three sections in first 105 minutes. While you do this, remember not to attempt RC or LR questions in the last 15 minutes of the test. This is so because reading RC passage take 7 – 9 minutes and it might just turn out to be a tough passage which would mean the entire time spent in reading the passage goes waste. Similarly for LR set.
3. When the test starts, you have to make a choice as to which section (QA, DA or VA/RC) to start with. You should start with that section which is usually your strongest section, or in which you usually tend to score the maximum without superseding the time limit per section. So, if QA is your strongest section, then start with QA. The next section should be the one which is your stumbling block, i.e. weakest section and the last section should be the one in which you are neither the strongest nor the weakest.
4. Since the online CAT will display questions one at a time, read the questions in a particular section in sequence, i.e as it appears in the test. After reading each question, you need to decide whether to attempt or skip. This decision will depend upon your comfort ability in that topic and quickness in gauging the difficulty level of that problem.
5. Never let your personal emotions come into picture while solving the questions. Don’t think too much on why you could not attempt a particular question even if that question was from a section you were strong in. Just move on. Remember that the ability to leave a certain problem is as important as the ability to select. The order in which you attempt the questions within a particular section partially depends on this ability.
6. Instead of putting too much emphasis on getting the problem right, put more emphasis on getting the problem right in the shortest possible time limit. This will help you avoid too much deviation from the sectional time limit you have set for yourself in the test.
7. The above strategies should be implemented in Mock Tests before implementing them in the real CAT. Identify what works specifically for you. Of course, what works best for you may not work similarly for other students. That means there cannot be a single strategy or idea which always works successfully for all the students. After doing practice of 4 – 5 mock tests, you should be able to answer the following questions to yourself:
   • Which section to attempt first?
   • Which type of questions (which does not mean “which topic the question belongs to) within a section to attempt?
   • Whether the questions should be attempted in one go or to divide it into multiple rounds?
   • How many questions to attempt in a section as well as in total?
   • Whether to attempt questions based on pure guesswork or gut feeling?
8. After attempting any mock test, it is extremely important to do the analysis of the paper yourself. Identify what kind of mistakes you have committed, and also work out a plan to avoid such kinds of mistakes in future. These 4 – 5 mock tests should help you hone the skills required to attempt the real CAT test successfully. In the long run this micro detailing will create options for you to experiment a little bit in the actual test.
9. Avoid over-kill. There has to be a limit to how much a person can prepare, and every person has his/her own threshold. Do not slog; be methodical. Studying all night just before the test might have helped you in college, but not in CAT. Rather, you should pace yourself. The minute CAT starts getting to be a drag, take a break. You cannot do well on a test day unless you enjoy it.

- DIPAK MISHRA

Dipak is an MBA from the prestigious IISWBM, Kolkotta – India’s Oldest B-School founded in 1953, and the home of learning for many a distinguished business leader. A QA faculty at MBAGuru, India’s fastest growing CAT Coaching Institute, Dipak is immensely popular among the students as much for his QA fundae as for his affable nature. Dipak also is a designated mentor for students seeking help with institute application forms and guidance.