SIMCATS v/s CAT
Posted by raj in CAT on Thursday, May 7, 2009
Here is a graph that will tell you about my SIMCAT performance. SIMCATs are the simulated CAT exams conducted by the IMS classes all over India. There were 16 in total and I had taken 15 of them. Take a close look. Some points to be noticed:
1) I never got even once a percentile of above 99 in SIMCATs.
2) My average percentile in SIMCATs is 90.24%ile
3) I have got below 90%ile in one third of my attempts and even a figure of 75 once.
4) My performance is as irregular as it could be. There is very less consistency.
5) However, I got 99.81 percentile in CAT
How to take mock CATs?
1) What I want to say is, do not dwell much over test performances. Take them as learning exercises and learn as much as you can from your mistakes.
2) Attempt as many tests as you can. Try to maintain an average of above 90 percentile.
3) Have a habit of concentrating equally on all sections in each mock CAT. Believe me, no good B school will take in students with below 80%ile in a section.
4) Remember that 99.99%ile in all mock CATs will not guarantee you the same in CAT and vice versa.
5) Solve papers at home also in addition to taking all India mock CATs. They will help you more.
Tell me about yourself
Posted by raj in PI on Friday, May 1, 2009
Let's discuss the most important question in an MBA interview!
" Tell me about yourself! "
Why is it important?
1. It is the first question which implies its answer creates the first impression. Believe me, a good answer could get you half way in a matter of seconds.
2. It is an opportunity to highlight your unique points and guide the interview towards them. For example, I met a guy who had won an international computer gaming contest and the whole of his 15 minutes interview was about that one contest. Believe me, its much easier answering questions about your strong points - Its like batting on a home pitch.
3. The basic aim of a personal interview is that the panelist wants to know you. In this context, this question is of paramount importance. The answer to this question decides each of the following questions.
What should be the answer?
Well, to be honest, I cannot tell you that. Each one of you has to frame your own answer. However here are some guidelines:
1. The answer should not be too long or too short. The ideal length would be around 1 to 1.5 minutes. (If you are not cut in between :) )
2. Maintain a sense of time. Go in a chronological order.
3. Mention the names of your school and college with pride and confidence.
4. Don't give too long a description about your family. Concentrate on yourself.
5. Decide what is your strong point. It could be academics or extracurricular activities or a special skill or a national/ international level achievement. While mentioning any of these, emphasize on what you learnt and what you intend to display by mentioning this achievement.
eg: I was the Vice chairman of a tech society in my college.
Say this as, "I have been involved in organization and publicity of numerous events as the Vice chairman of the tech society during graduation."
6. If they stop you in between, stop. Do not try to complete.
7. If you have finished your answer and they do not move on, wait for a second, smile and politely ask, "anything specific you wish to know about me?"
8. Maintain a track of what you have filled in your application form. It must be in sync with what you speak.
9. I would advise not to mention specifically, your long term ambitions while answering this question unless you are absolutely sure you will be able to answer any related questions. Remember you are there to prove your candidature as a student, not as a businessman.
10. Lastly, if they do not ask you this question, be sure that you try your best to divert the interview towards your strengths.
I suggest, you just sit down quietly and think about yourself and write it down in a notebook. Remember, it is you and only you who can frame this answer in the best possible way.
" Tell me about yourself! "
Why is it important?
1. It is the first question which implies its answer creates the first impression. Believe me, a good answer could get you half way in a matter of seconds.
2. It is an opportunity to highlight your unique points and guide the interview towards them. For example, I met a guy who had won an international computer gaming contest and the whole of his 15 minutes interview was about that one contest. Believe me, its much easier answering questions about your strong points - Its like batting on a home pitch.
3. The basic aim of a personal interview is that the panelist wants to know you. In this context, this question is of paramount importance. The answer to this question decides each of the following questions.
What should be the answer?
Well, to be honest, I cannot tell you that. Each one of you has to frame your own answer. However here are some guidelines:
1. The answer should not be too long or too short. The ideal length would be around 1 to 1.5 minutes. (If you are not cut in between :) )
2. Maintain a sense of time. Go in a chronological order.
3. Mention the names of your school and college with pride and confidence.
4. Don't give too long a description about your family. Concentrate on yourself.
5. Decide what is your strong point. It could be academics or extracurricular activities or a special skill or a national/ international level achievement. While mentioning any of these, emphasize on what you learnt and what you intend to display by mentioning this achievement.
eg: I was the Vice chairman of a tech society in my college.
Say this as, "I have been involved in organization and publicity of numerous events as the Vice chairman of the tech society during graduation."
6. If they stop you in between, stop. Do not try to complete.
7. If you have finished your answer and they do not move on, wait for a second, smile and politely ask, "anything specific you wish to know about me?"
8. Maintain a track of what you have filled in your application form. It must be in sync with what you speak.
9. I would advise not to mention specifically, your long term ambitions while answering this question unless you are absolutely sure you will be able to answer any related questions. Remember you are there to prove your candidature as a student, not as a businessman.
10. Lastly, if they do not ask you this question, be sure that you try your best to divert the interview towards your strengths.
I suggest, you just sit down quietly and think about yourself and write it down in a notebook. Remember, it is you and only you who can frame this answer in the best possible way.
Basic Algebra formulae for CAT
Posted by raj in Quant
I have noticed that a comprehensive list of all formulae required for CAT is often hard to come by on the net. I will be providing topic wise lists here after.
To start with, here is a one page list of basic algebra formulae you will need as a beginning for CAT. You have learnt these at school. But I advise you to revise them and have them ready at the tip of your toungue.
Click the below link for downloading the pdf.
To start with, here is a one page list of basic algebra formulae you will need as a beginning for CAT. You have learnt these at school. But I advise you to revise them and have them ready at the tip of your toungue.
Click the below link for downloading the pdf.
Will be posting next set of formulae soon!
How to start preparing for CAT?
Posted by raj in CAT on Thursday, April 30, 2009
Many candidates have a problem regarding where to start with the preparation for CAT. Here are a few guidelines that could help!
Some of these may sound childish but believe me, these are things that got me into IIM C.
1) Assess yourself. Know where you stand at the beginning by taking mock test online or solving previous years CAT papers.
2) A systematic approach is very necessary which implies that right study material is necessary. I personally used IMS class notes (BRM) which I would surely recommend. Have at least one complete set of notes covering all topics with you. Maintain one separate notebook for all formulae and one separate notebook for vocabulary building.
3) Do not start straight away with problem solving. Got through the basic concepts and learn formulae for each topic. Be thorough with multiplication tables, the squares and cubes till 20. Only then attempt exercises. Do not be tempted to leave any topic. Topics like probability and functions are not as tough as they seem.
4) Get into the habit of reading. Devote at least 15 minutes in the day to reading the newspapers. Follow all kinds of news. Build on your vocabulary.
5) Enroll for any of the good mock CAT series as June arrives (SIMCATs from IMS or AIMCATs from TIME). Regular paper solving is essential.
6) Remember, nothing can substitute hard work. Attending coaching classes will not help if you do not sit at home and study and solve papers. Rigorous study is not essential but regular study is what is needed. Get into the habit of solving few problems and a passage daily. Keep repeating formulae daily until you get bored of them.
Besides, work on building your resume from the beginning. Go for finance related or management related certifications. (eg: I had completed ITIL v3 certification in IT service management. It certainly helped during interviews)
CAT is not that tough as people have made it out to be. It is just about regular study and practice. Keep going!
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