Study Tips for CAT
Studying for CAT might be a strenuous task for some, but with good planning and execution one can get through the journey smooth and successful. A good way to start your study preparation is to understand where you stand on the areas to be tested and what needs to be worked out to improve your skills that meet the bar.
Some of the study tips that might be useful towards your preparation are listed here:
- Quantitative aptitude
Work on the basic concepts of mathematics by learning from CBSE school books. Get the previous CAT questionnaires and start working on them. Having a record on how you are performing on the various areas including, but not limited to algebra, arithmetic, geometry, probability, permutation & combination, work problems, etc. would definitely help you in tracking your efficiency towards the preparation! Come up with short cut methods and procedures; a suggestion would be to look for materials such as ‘Vedic Mathematics’ to device your shortcut strategy. However, do not let the extra effort digress your preparation.
- Verbal ability
Read a lot; for that matter, read anything that you can get. Be aware that CAT tests your ability in English standards. Get strong with vocabulary; English usage; grammar and verbal reasoning; be sure to work on the different types of questions using previous CAT questionnaires.
- Data interpretation
Be a good observer; you need to pay more attention and closely look at the data provided, when it comes to data interpretation. Be strong in the basics of mathematics; this will help you with quickly getting to the answers, rather than spending laborious time for calculation. Again as mentioned, work on sample question papers from the previous year CAT examinations!
Although logical reasoning is part of the above sections; it was left out intentionally, because it is a combination of your verbal and math skills. The logical questions should be easy to deal with if you are able to comprehend what is asked in the questions by removing the obvious redundant data!
- Practice
Work on all the types of problems and do not leave a single type. You need to get better on what you are strong at and improve on the areas that you are not. Take ample mock tests; some coaching institutions offer free mock tests too.
- Entangle yourself
It is quite possible to get lost during the preparation of CAT and loose attention. Keep yourselves entangled with other candidates, who are preparing for CAT. For some of you, combined study might work out better.
- Work life balance
Keep yourselves distressed; if you are currently studying, or working then often balancing your other work can hamper the performance of your CAT preparation. Ask yourself, how much effort are you ready to put for the whole preparation. Be genuine to yourself and spend time every day regularly in a systematic manner. Remember to take it slow and not garble all the information. Work your way through different types of problems and keep track of your performance in every possible area.
There may be many books, coaching centers, forums, advices, popular materials… but the fact that all these are the options available in turn to support you; don’t get carried away by all this, instead use them to enhance your confidence! Entirely, it’s about ‘You’ and you know better about yourself, than anybody else! Hence, device a strategy that works for you and keep fine tuning the same, until you get better results.
