Strategy to Score 99 percentile in the CAT Exam, feat. Sanjali Uppal, IIM-B

Section-wise: 

VARC, 48.05, 99.78

LIDR, 18.5, 94.45 | QA, 12.7, 89.2

• CAT 2023 Success Story: Can you walk us through your preparation strategy?

My preparation for the CAT exam began in April 2023, when I took a sample mock test to gauge my starting point. The results highlighted that I needed to focus diligently on Quantitative Aptitude (Quants). Recognizing the importance of building a strong foundation, I initiated my preparation by revisiting the basics of Quants. I dedicated significant time to mastering fundamental concepts before progressively engaging in rigorous practice sessions to solidify my understanding.

In contrast, my performance in Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) was relatively decent. To enhance this area, I committed to solving a variety of problem types. I took mini-sectional tests—comprising two sets—almost daily, which helped me hone my skills and improve my problem-solving speed.

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For the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section, I noticed that I was scoring well with relatively less effort. I identified this section as a potential score booster and decided to focus on further improving my accuracy. Despite my relative ease with VARC, I remained mindful of the need to give equal importance to all sections. It became clear that many candidates tend to concentrate on their weaker areas, neglecting the sections where they could score well with minimal effort. I aimed to avoid this pitfall by ensuring balanced preparation across all sections.

From April to July, I revisited fundamental concepts across all sections and took topic-specific tests. Concurrently, I continued solving two LRDI sets every alternate day. To enhance my reading speed, I incorporated reading articles from sources like Aeon and The Hindu into my routine.

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As August arrived, I began taking full-length mock tests. Being a working professional, I typically attempted these mocks on weekends. Initially, I took one mock per weekend, but by October and November, I increased this to two or three mocks each weekend. The rest of the week was dedicated to reviewing and working on sections where my performance had been subpar.

One crucial aspect of my preparation was maintaining composure during mock tests. I reminded myself that I had prepared thoroughly and that any difficulties encountered in a problem or section were likely to be challenging for everyone. CAT is a relative exam, and managing stress and staying calm under pressure was essential to performing well.

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• CAT 2023 Success Story: According to you, what is the most important aspect of preparation?

The most crucial aspect of preparation is consistency. Many candidates start their preparation with enthusiasm, often beginning in January or February, but few maintain the same level of dedication throughout the journey. Success in exams like the CAT is not just about having good days; it's about persevering through the ups and downs. Some mock tests will go well, while others may not meet expectations. The key is to stay focused on your end goal and continue putting in the effort, regardless of the occasional setbacks.

• CAT 2023 Success Story: Which mock series did you enroll for?

Time and CL

• CAT 2023 Success Story: How many mock tests did you take, and how did they help you prepare for the actual test?

30+, Mock tests are crucial for CAT preparation as they help you test different strategies and pinpoint areas for improvement. Analyzing these mocks effectively is key to refining your exam-day approach. My top advice for aspirants is to use mocks to determine what works best for them, focusing on accuracy vs. the number of attempts, the order of questions, and time management. Mastering these factors will help you stay calm on the final day and build habits that ensure you perform at your best.

• Which section was your Achilles heel? How did you overcome that?

The QA section was my Achilles' heel due to the pressure of solving 22 questions in 40 minutes, which led to careless mistakes and negative markings. To address this, I prioritized QA from day one, spending four months building my basics, focusing on arithmetic and algebra through Arun Sharma's LOD 1 and 2 questions. I took multiple mocks to handle easier questions confidently. Once comfortable with these, I progressed to more complex topics like geometry and probability, and eventually mixed concepts. This structured approach, based on perceived difficulty, was key to my preparation.

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• What was your lowest point in your preparation journey?

In the first half of November, I faced a challenging situation as I was deeply involved in an urgent project, working 12-13 hours daily, including weekends, which left me with minimal time for preparation. This pause in my study routine, just two weeks before the exam, led me to question whether I should even attempt CAT, given the importance of revising close to the exam. However, the encouragement from friends and family was invaluable. They motivated me to take the exam, reminding me of the hard work I had invested. Their support underscored the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences who can provide motivation and guidance throughout the CAT journey.

• Which B-School interview calls did you have? How many of them did you convert?

BLCKI and FMS - converted BCL and FMS

• Which institute have you joined?

IIM-B

• CAT 2023 Success Story: Can you describe your institute interview experience?

My IIM interview was brief, involving two panelists, and focused primarily on case studies rather than traditional questions like "Why MBA." The discussion centered on three case studies covering topics such as profitability, digital literacy, and marketing campaigns. Despite preparing extensively for topics ranging from undergraduate studies to general knowledge, I wasn’t asked about them, possibly due to my stated interest in problem-solving which guided the interview’s direction. This experience highlighted the unpredictability of IIM interviews.

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