How A Non-Engineer With Gap Years Made It To IIM Ahmedabad || Mehul Aggarwal, CAT 2022 99.51%ile

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Academic Background: Defying Expectations

Throughout my academic career, I considered myself an average student. Despite this, I managed to score 87.4% in class 10th and 88.5% in class 12th. During my graduation, I secured a respectable 75%. As a non-engineer, doubts often clouded my mind, making me question my ability to crack the CAT exam. Nevertheless, I chose not to be discouraged by these thoughts and instead gave it my all.

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CAT Preparation: Overcoming Challenges

One of the greatest challenges I faced during my CAT preparation was tackling the quant section. Since I hadn't studied quant since class 10th, I was naturally worried about my performance. However, I refused to let this obstacle hinder my progress. Through consistent practice and unwavering perseverance, I not only overcame my fears but also achieved a remarkable 97 percentile in quants. I focused on working smart rather than simply working hard. Instead of trying to cover the entire syllabus, I honed in on my strengths and weaknesses, regularly taking mocks and solving sectional tests. In the quants section, I particularly focused on Arithmetic, recognizing that excelling in this area would secure my section's cut-offs.

The VARC section, being a literature enthusiast, was relatively easier for me. Leveraging my existing reading habits, I dedicated myself to further increasing my reading speed and comprehension.

For DILR, I chose not to limit myself to the syllabus. From day one, I delved into high-level problem-solving, which expanded my thinking abilities and ultimately resulted in a remarkable 99.79 percentile in the DILR section.

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Shortlist Calls: Turning Opportunities into Triumphs

Despite scoring an impressive 99.51 percentile in CAT, I received shortlist calls from only two old IIMs - IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Kozhikode. However, instead of being disheartened by the limited number of calls, I remained focused on converting the opportunities I had. I prepared rigorously for the interviews, staying updated with the latest news in the financial world. My curiosity and keen interest in global events proved to be invaluable assets during the interview process, ultimately helping me secure my place at IIM Ahmedabad.

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Gap Years: Embracing Authenticity

After completing my graduation, I had two gap years. Initially, I was concerned that these years would negatively impact my chances of admission into a reputable B-School. However, rather than fabricating experiences, I chose to embrace honesty and stay true to my journey during the interviews. This authenticity set me apart from other candidates and allowed me to showcase my genuine dedication.

Tips for Incoming CAT Aspirants: Empowering Your Journey

• Embrace mocks and sectional tests regularly, without waiting to complete the entire syllabus. Consistency is key.
• Develop an exam strategy that aligns with your strengths and weaknesses. Remember, the CAT exam is as much about mindset as it is about knowledge.
• Focus on Arithmetic in quants. It's sufficient to clear the cut-offs. This tip is especially helpful for students who have a fear of math.
• Read daily for at least one hour. It could be anything - newspapers, books, magazines, etc. The key is to develop a reading habit.
• Practice time management. The CAT exam is a test of not just knowledge but also time management. Keep track of your time while solving the questions and try to complete the section within the given time frame.
• Stay updated with the latest news and current affairs. This will help you during the interview process and also in enhancing your verbal ability and reading comprehension skills.
• Stay motivated and believe in yourself. Remember, success in the CAT exam is not just about academic proficiency but also about your determination and smartwork.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cracking the CAT exam and securing a spot at IIM Ahmedabad was a dream come true for me. It taught me the importance of consistency, dedication, and perseverance. I hope my journey and tips will inspire and guide other CAT aspirants in their journey towards success. Remember, the CAT exam is not just a test of your academic proficiency but also a test of your mindset and approach towards life. Stay motivated, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Success will follow.