The transition from Taxation to Quantitative ability is quite tumultuous, with each Mock CAT leaving you with mixed feelings, read disappointed. The most important starting point is the material you use to prepare. Basics of each concept are extremely important to be able to work out application-based questions at the CAT level.
Verbal ability & Reading comprehension (VA-RC): I would recommend solving two RC-99 passages (Aristotle) per day. RC carries high weightage and a grasp on reading passages and effectively interpreting them to help you in other subparts of the subject. No matter how subjective it seems, there usually is the right answer. You just need to get into the mindset of the paper setter, and this will come only with loads of practice. Here, try to pick up passages that you aren’t comfortable with to get the taste of the real exam. The other subparts of VA are quite manageable with a reasonable amount of varied questions and answers. Make sure you pick the right material which has detailed explanations to avoid starting over.
Quantitative Ability (QA): This is a difficult area to conquer for most CA’s considering the fact that we bid bye-bye to pure algebra and geometry in school days. Regaining the ability to understand mathematical concepts and apply them in an advanced way gets a bit daunting. Nonetheless, a positive attitude and the right study material coupled with a mix of different types of questions would keep you just fine.
Data interpretation & logical reasoning (DILR): This one is a biggie. You either get it or you don’t. And you don’t get it till you solve varied types of sets. Find out the broad categories of question types and try solving as many as you can with a timer always on. It may even take you a few hours but the consistency has a steep learning curve.
I had worked for a year before applying for CAT, was privileged enough to get a few days of leave before the exam and scheduled my day very carefully. You need to consider your particular situation and fit in as many hours of the day (and night) as you can. Personally, I would say attitude plays a major role in sailing you through CAT and an MBA too. I have known peers who prepare very well and do amazingly on Mock CAT’s but get jittery on the D-day putting everything at risk. As CA’s, your profile is already strong if you have decent academics through school and graduation. Even if you don’t, you can make it up by taking unusual courses, enrolling in Government-certified internships, etc. I have seen people make it to the biggies (exclusive companies) based on these spikes than anything else.
Firstly, very few people are 100% sure of what they will gain out of an MBA and what their next career path will be. This is because a lot of uncertainties play their hand in putting you where you are. Nonetheless, wherever you are working, a CA+MBA will immediately put you on the trajectory to amazing career prospects which even the CA+CFA degree most times cannot. In another article, I would like to cover the experience inside college, juggling academics, activities and Placement processes and breaking a few myths. Until then, signing off.
Comments