To get into a prestigious MBA college, one should score high marks in the entrance exam. Some choose coaching institutes to crack the entrance exam, and some voluntarily take the challenge of preparing by themselves. So, to score good marks, one should know how to achieve it. But before students begin their preparation, one question constantly comes to mind: ‘ Can I score excellent marks to get into the top MBA colleges?’ This question arises more in the minds of students who prepare by themselves.
So, in the article, we will discuss six different methods or ways to crack the CAT exam without any guidance or joining a coaching institute.
1. Knowledge of Exam Pattern
Before starting the preparation, students should be thorough with their exam pattern and prescribed CAT syllabus. After that, they should plan a proper study strategy. To get an overview of the exam pattern, analyse previous years’ question papers to understand the importance of each topic. Generally, the CAT exam is a multiple-choice test focused on four primary areas: Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
2. Proper Study Material
Students who prepare for the exam by themselves can get plenty of study materials for CAT, such as question banks, books, sample papers available in the market. The student should practise relatable study materials such as practise papers and previous years’ papers to know their strength and weakness. Some essential CAT study material that will help get high scores include:
How to prepare for ‘Quantitative Aptitude for CAT’ by Arun Sharma
‘Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
‘The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT’ by Nishit Sinha
Subject experts wrote the books mentioned above that can be used for reference and self-study. You should keep your general knowledge updated. To do so, go through various newspapers and magazines.
3. Online Mock Tests
After you complete your essential preparation, start attempting online mock tests. It will help you get an overview of your preparation level. Attempting an online mock test is necessary as it directs you on the right path of preparation accordingly. Initially, one should try solving one to two tests weekly and gradually move to three-four tests every week. While solving the mock test papers, note down the errors to avoid repeating them in the future. One can enrol themselves in various CAT coaching institutes for the test without attending the CAT coaching.
4. Study Group
Students should plan for group study so that they can brainstorm themselves. By doing so, they can understand the correct method of preparing for a particular topic in CAT. It helps you prepare better when you discuss your problems. For example, if your friends have taken up coaching will help to clear your doubts by getting answers from experts. To understand a topic better, one should practise mock tests and sample papers.
5. Buddy up with the Internet
Follow and join different forums and groups related to CAT preparation to constantly update the latest on CAT. Education websites, news websites, and social media groups can be of great help. Articles, sample papers, study materials are available on most websites and can be downloaded for free.
6. Confidence and MotivationThere is always the tried and tested method to keep yourself motivated and be confident in your abilities. It is essential to keep yourself going if you study independently, even if you hit a small hurdle. With a positive outlook and a good attitude, you can crack CAT easily. Beyond this, you need to prepare your CAT exam preparation timetable and immediately start preparing for each section.
