Preparing for CAT is often described as a marathon, and for me, a non-engineer with minimal exposure to mathematics since the 10th grade, it felt more like climbing Mount Everest. I started my CAT 2024 journey in March 2023 with a clear goal but many obstacles in my path. Here’s how I navigated through the challenges, discovered effective strategies, and ultimately secured my spot at a top B-school
As someone who hadn’t studied math for years, I found quantitative aptitude (QA) to be my biggest nightmare. I began with topics like modern math and arithmetic, hoping for an easy start since they were somewhat familiar. But my confidence took a hit when I reached algebra, geometry, and mensuration—topics that felt like alien languages.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension wasn’t my strength either. I struggled with comprehension & lacked a robust vocabulary, which made the section seem daunting. The only silver lining was LRDI section, where I initially felt confident.
Building a Routine for Progress
Balancing CAT preparation with a full-time job was no small feat. My days started at 5 AM. I’d cook breakfast and lunch, attend 7 AM coaching classes, and rush to work for my 9-to-6 shift. Despite the grueling schedule, I squeezed in study time wherever possible. I’d take Cracku sectional tests during office breaks and read Aeon essays during lunch to boost my reading speed and comprehension.
For VARC, I followed a structured daily plan:
· Two RCs per day from Cracku.
· Three to four verbal reasoning sets.
· I learned 10 new words daily and incorporated them into practice.
· Reading one Aeon essay daily for both vocabulary and critical thinking.
For LRDI, I solved 2-3 sets daily, building my confidence and ability to handle complex problems.
Struggles, Strategies, and Turning Points
By mid-September, I had completed the QA syllabus but hit a wall with mock tests. My scores were disheartening, and self-doubt crept in. Several times, I considered postponing my CAT attempt, but the thought of quitting after months of hard work kept me going.
That’s when I devised a focused strategy:
Play to your strengths: In QA, I concentrated on modern math and arithmetic—the topics I was comfortable with—and aimed for flawless accuracy.
Avoid negative marking: Instead of gambling with guesses, I attempted only questions I was confident about. This approach drastically improved my net score.
Prioritize practice over experimentation: I refrained from delving into entirely new topics late in the preparation phase.
This strategy paid off. During CAT, I attempted only six QA questions, all from Arithmetic and Modern Math, and solved Quants and LRDI section with 100% accuracy.
The Journey’s Reward
Looking back, the journey was exhausting but deeply fulfilling. The discipline, sacrifices, and unwavering focus all culminated in the joy of receiving an acceptance letter from a top B-school. If I could offer last-minute advice to future aspirants, it would be:
Focus on strengths, not weaknesses: Maximize your scoring potential in areas where you’re already confident.
Accuracy over attempts: A lower attempt count with higher accuracy beats high attempts with excessive negative marking.
Simulate the CAT environment: Practice mocks under timed conditions to build mental resilience.
Don’t give up: CAT is as much a mental game as it is academic. Believe in your preparation and trust the process.
Remember, no journey worth taking is ever easy. For those taking CAT 2024, stay consistent, refine your strategies, and don’t let momentary setbacks define your outcome. You’ve got this!
This story embodies not just my challenges but also the strategies that helped me turn the tide. If I can do it, so can you! Good luck, future MBA aspirants!
