CAT 2011 preparations: Right time? Self study? Test prep? - By: MBA

The CAT 2011 aspirants have started their preparations and some are getting geared up for starting their preparation. MBAUniverse.com brings to you the important mantras for preparing in the right manner.
For beginners & for those who prepared for CAT last year

Beginners: If you have just begun your preparation for the CAT 2011, the suggestion is that the first step should be to take a diagnostic test. This would help you determine where you stand today, which in turn will help you understand the extent of effort you need to put in for success at CAT 2011. Also, you would get a fair idea of your weaknesses and strengths.

Next, you must chalk out a study plan. Allocate 45 days to get all fundamentals of Quant, Verbal and DI/Logic in place. Slot one hour per area, i.e., 3 hours of study every day. Every week, take one full length test and keep fine tuning yourself. For first 45 days, start taking full-length tests every 3 days. You must ensure that you learn from the feedback of each test.

'Right time' to start preparing for CAT 2011
The CAT should ideally be given with 8 months preparation, as then a student has enough time to space out his preparation and work at a comfortable pace. Several steps which are key to giving a good CAT cannot be taken overnight or crammed into a couple of weeks’ time. Starting early enables a student to work out the best possible strategy and implement it effectively. If you are a beginner, it should take you not more than 12 to 18 months to get a handle on shape of things, and consistent preparations over such a time period can significantly enhance your final chances of cracking the aptitude test as well as GDPI assessment.

Starting the basic preparation
The preparation for CAT is a step by step process. At this time the first step to follow is to gather information about CAT 2011.

The CAT 2011 aspirant should first collect all the information regarding when the test would hold, where to collect the CAT 2011 form and what are the different subjects included in the test? The test has the following components such as quantitative ability, data interpretation, data sufficiency, logical reasoning, reading comprehension and verbal ability.

The next thing to do will be to make your (Strength Weakness) Analysis. You need to analyze your strength and weakness. It is necessary to know yourself where you are now in the current state.
Aspirants also need to organize their studies. As you need to study for CAT 2011, make a habit of reading and make some rules for it. Prepare a time table and try to follow it.

Choosing the MBA test prep institute
There are many MBA test prep institutes. It is very important to make the right choice. The parameters should be unique pedagogy, updated course content according to the pattern of CAT 2011 and other entrance exams, number of mock tests an institute provides for practice, course material, faculty etc. These are the parameters you should judge before you choose an MBA test prep institute.

Suggestions for those who want to go for self study method
Self study is a good method to study. But when we talk about few of the tough entrance exams, like CAT, it is definitely important to have proper guidance and approach towards studying. Few of the books which students should refer to are: 'High School English Grammar and Composition’ by Wren and Martin; ‘Verbal Ability' by Arun Sharma; 'How To Prepare For Quantitative Aptitude For The CAT' by Arun Sharma; 'Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Entrance Examinations' by Abhijit Guha; 'How to prepare for the Data Interpretation for CAT’ by TATA-McGraw Hill publications; 'How to prepare for the Data Interpretation for CAT’ by Arihant Prakashan; 'Reasoning and DI for MBA Exam' by Arun Sharma; 'Business English and Communication' by Clark Grade C.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more preparation tips for CAT 2011.

About the Author

MBAUniverse.com India's No.1 MBA Portal for MBA Aspirants, Students, Executives and Educators. MBAUniverse.com covers the daily updates from all the top B schools in India, interviews eminent personalities in the MBA education domain and provides a platform to interact with MBA students, experts and fellow aspirants.

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