“Success follows the One, who follows a schedule.”
CAT, the Common Admission Test, is a pivotal gateway for all aspiring to enter the prestigious realm of an MBA. The journey demands planning, dedication, and a well-structured strategy. The paths they follow may vary, but the destination remains the same. The goal of clearing the CAT exam unifies all the aspirants with varied perspectives despite their differences.
There are millions of options worldwide, and what matters is the priority one gives to a particular option. Whether they utilize the time for their goal decides the course of their journey. So, prioritizing tasks according to one’s needs will aid in achieving optimal ways to use the time.
As the CAT exam deadline is approaching, preparation is the priority. Stay devoted to your strengths. If the CAT aspirant is among the pioneers who began preparing early this year, they might be in the revision phase. If some topics are still left, completing them before the second week of September is advisable. Taking as many mock exams as possible will help analyze one’s mistakes. Learning from mistakes can be the key to success. One should put efforts towards improvising where the individual needs to catch up. Try to ace a consistent mock exam schedule by setting a goal on the first day of October, followed by regular feedback and improvement. Refrain from considering the results that other students will receive. Consider only the positive side of your results, and tailor your preparation according to your strengths and weaknesses.
To all the late entrants, those who started their CAT preparation process in May or June, it may seem like there is little time left. However, one can still work on the crucial aspects of preparation by building a solid foundation. Strengthening the basic principles will lay the foundation for success. Make sure you fully understand the foundational ideas in each section by delving into them in depth. Consider attending mock tests progressively as you strengthen your foundation. These exams will assist in understanding how to apply one’s knowledge in a circumstance similar to the main examination. The key here is to attempt the mock exams and meticulously analyze the results. Identify the challenging areas, the topics that demand more attention, and the questions that consistently confound you. Creating a tailored study plan reduces the existing weaknesses.
Lastly, for the starters who embarked on their CAT journey as recently as August, while the road ahead might appear daunting, remember that it’s not just about how early you begin but how effectively you utilize your time. For starters, it’s crucial to grasp the CAT syllabus comprehensively. Familiarizing with the weightage of topics from previous years will help improve one’s confidence. Rushing through the material to cover the ground quickly would not help. Instead, the focus should be on understanding concepts deeply. Working smart involves a balance between gaining breadth and depth of knowledge.
Amidst this rigorous period, take into account the value of leisure time. While a dedicated and disciplined study pattern is essential, taking breaks in between and allowing your mind to rest is equally important. Utilize this period in a way that will boost you up and also prevent you from being too burned out in the process.
As the days unfold and the pressure mounts with each passing day, remember that success is a journey, not a mere destination. The daily choices, the hours dedicated to learning, and the persistence exhibited in the face of challenges contribute to one’s growth. The CAT exam is a test of your aptitude but also a testament to your dedication and discipline. Stay committed, curious, and, above all, faithful to your journey.
Ajayshankar G S
Ajayshankar is an enthusiastic first-year student currently pursuing his master’s from IIM Kashipur. Learning new things across different domains has moulded him into an interdepartmental person with an optimistic mind. He enjoys playing football and cricket. He is currently one of the admission coordinators of IIM Kashipur. You can connect with him LinkedIn
Karan Kumar is pursuing his MBA in Analytics from IIM Kashipur. His interest areas include reading and analyzing on Geopolitics, Social Change and other world affecting recent scenarios. Through his articles he tries to give information and state various facts. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
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