Some Handy Tips And Tricks.....
Answer Sheet:
Familiarise yourself with the dummy answer sheet in the CAT bulletin and get in some practice filling the circles as instructed in the bulletin. This will give you an idea of the format of the real answer sheet and you can save precious seconds on test day.
Follow Instructions Scrupulously:
Understand and follow all instructions on test day. Often, getting a whole set of questions right can depend on key instructions that are given at the beginning.
Organise Rough Work:
Do all calculations and draw rough sketches in margins alongside the questions. This way you won’t have to waste time turning pages to refer to the questions again and again.
Manage Your Time:
Time management is crucial in CAT since you have to get a minimum score in each section. The first three to four minutes should be spent scanning the paper and understanding the surprise elements present in CAT. Then, check the number of questions in each section and allocate time to the sections based on your experience in the mock tests.
Order Of Sections:
Start with the section you are most comfortable with. But don’t make the mistake of leaving the section you are least confident of for the very end. Sandwich it somewhere in the middle. Practise tackling sections in different sequences while doing mocks so that you are clear what order works best for you.
Selection Of Questions Within A Section:
The right choice can make or mar your score. It is very unlikely that you will be able to solve all the questions in the given time. Also each question carries the same weightage. So, first select the questions you find easy and keep the difficult ones for later. The easy questions are usually those that appear very familiar on the first reading itself and the method of solving is also clear to you. Remember, it does not make any sense to do questions that are more than five lines long, as even if they are easy, reading alone will consume a lot of time. Unless you have a lot of time, don’t attempt questions from topics that are not your forte.
Two-Round Strategy:
It would be a good idea to tackle each section in at least two rounds. In the first round, run through the section as fast as possible and be extremely choosy about the questions you attempt. All questions you decide to solve should be done in less than a minute. Try to finish the first round in about one-third of the time allocated for that section and try to attempt around one-fourth of the questions in that section. Attempt the unsolved ones in the remaining time in round two. In the verbal section for instance, you are likely to do questions on vocabulary and grammar in the first round and questions on para-jumbles and reasoning in the second. Use the mock tests to fine-tune your strategy for the E-Day.
Set An ‘Attempt Limit’:
In addition to setting a time limit, set an ‘attempt limit’ (maximum number of questions you will attempt) for each section based on the likely cut-offs and your accuracy level. As soon as the attempt limit is reached, move on to the next section even if the time limit is not exhausted. You don’t know what is in store for you in the rest of the paper, so don’t linger on at a particular section. If the time limit is exhausted before the attempt limit, then you must proceed to the next section.
One Last Piece Of Advice:
Make sure that workload over the last few days is kept in check. The benefit from too many practice tests in the last week is negligible. Relax. Spend the last days practising some weak areas. On the eve of the test, listen to your favourite music or watch television.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Personal Interview Tips.....
Personal Interview:-
Amitabh Bachan could go from being a window washer to the chairman of a boardroom without being introspective, but MBA's have to be. Before we jump in with questions and self-assessments, let's get one thing upfront and on the table. Interviewers develop an impression of you in the first few minutes of the meeting, and spend the rest of the interview confirming their initial impression. Therefore, practice, practice and practice some more... This page has all the possible tips on attending interviews for the purpose of joining an MBA program (in top B schools).
What to Expect in an IIM Personal Interview?
The focus of a B-school interview can range from specific questions about your job to broad discussions on life. Approach the interview as a conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal. It may be about your hobbies - your recent cross-country trip. This doesn't mean that the interviewers are not serious. It just means that you're being sized up as a person and a future professional in all your dimensions.
Try to be your witty, charming, natural self. Donot try to put on. The interviewers will be able to see your masks through. Students, faculty, admissions personnel and alumni conduct interviews. Don't dismiss students as the lightweights.
It is important to have a good idea of "What you consider to be your greatest strength, why and what are some examples that show this", before you go into an interview. Although the interviewer will most likely ask some pointed questions, you may also encounter something as broad as "So, tell me about yourself." These open ended questions are usually the ones that help you lead the interview.
Either way, you should have in mind what you want to convey about who you are before you go into any interview. Lack of preparation is a common complaint among interviewers, and if you are prepared, you will stand out among your competitors.
First steps on how to approach an interview?
Do your homework
Have well thought out answers for questions such as "What are your strengths? Why are you right for that particular business school? Why is that particular program right for you?"
It shows organization and forethought if you know some specifics about the program to which you are applying and can explain why those features fit well with your career goals. For example, if you are applying to the Xavier Labour Relation Institute (XLRI), through some simple research you will discover that they are strong in Human Resource Development. Perhaps, you have worked with a recruitment company or have been a trainer in an institute. Relate these in the interview.
Don't Waste Time
Don't waste time discussing things that are already indicated on your application. You can elaborate if the topic illustrates something about your character and preparedness for the b-school experience, but do not be redundant.
Remember that the first impression you create is very important. When asked to say "something about yourself", most candidates just blurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already there in the application. Why tell the interviewer something he/she already knows. Ideally, you would want to use this opportunity to show how you are different from the thousands of other applicants, not to blend in to the crowd.
A final word on approaching this question. After you have said what you have to say - don't venture any further. Don't drone. You just might say something foolish. Sometimes interviewers don't interrupt in order to give the candidate the impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a stress/error inducing tactic. Don't fall for it. If the pause gets too awkward for your liking, just add something like, "Is there something specific that you would like to know about me"
Amitabh Bachan could go from being a window washer to the chairman of a boardroom without being introspective, but MBA's have to be. Before we jump in with questions and self-assessments, let's get one thing upfront and on the table. Interviewers develop an impression of you in the first few minutes of the meeting, and spend the rest of the interview confirming their initial impression. Therefore, practice, practice and practice some more... This page has all the possible tips on attending interviews for the purpose of joining an MBA program (in top B schools).
What to Expect in an IIM Personal Interview?
The focus of a B-school interview can range from specific questions about your job to broad discussions on life. Approach the interview as a conversation to be enjoyed, not as a question-and-answer ordeal. It may be about your hobbies - your recent cross-country trip. This doesn't mean that the interviewers are not serious. It just means that you're being sized up as a person and a future professional in all your dimensions.
Try to be your witty, charming, natural self. Donot try to put on. The interviewers will be able to see your masks through. Students, faculty, admissions personnel and alumni conduct interviews. Don't dismiss students as the lightweights.
It is important to have a good idea of "What you consider to be your greatest strength, why and what are some examples that show this", before you go into an interview. Although the interviewer will most likely ask some pointed questions, you may also encounter something as broad as "So, tell me about yourself." These open ended questions are usually the ones that help you lead the interview.
Either way, you should have in mind what you want to convey about who you are before you go into any interview. Lack of preparation is a common complaint among interviewers, and if you are prepared, you will stand out among your competitors.
First steps on how to approach an interview?
Do your homework
Have well thought out answers for questions such as "What are your strengths? Why are you right for that particular business school? Why is that particular program right for you?"
It shows organization and forethought if you know some specifics about the program to which you are applying and can explain why those features fit well with your career goals. For example, if you are applying to the Xavier Labour Relation Institute (XLRI), through some simple research you will discover that they are strong in Human Resource Development. Perhaps, you have worked with a recruitment company or have been a trainer in an institute. Relate these in the interview.
Don't Waste Time
Don't waste time discussing things that are already indicated on your application. You can elaborate if the topic illustrates something about your character and preparedness for the b-school experience, but do not be redundant.
Remember that the first impression you create is very important. When asked to say "something about yourself", most candidates just blurt out their schooling, college, marks and qualifications. All this is already there in the application. Why tell the interviewer something he/she already knows. Ideally, you would want to use this opportunity to show how you are different from the thousands of other applicants, not to blend in to the crowd.
A final word on approaching this question. After you have said what you have to say - don't venture any further. Don't drone. You just might say something foolish. Sometimes interviewers don't interrupt in order to give the candidate the impression that he has not spoken enough. This is just a stress/error inducing tactic. Don't fall for it. If the pause gets too awkward for your liking, just add something like, "Is there something specific that you would like to know about me"
Tips For Building Vocabulary....
How to build a good Vocabulary ?
Be sure you have the communication
skills needed for a successful MBA
The Ten Best Vocabulary Learning Tips
Step 1. Read, Read, Read!
Most vocabulary words are learned from context. The more words you're exposed to, the better vocabulary you will have. While you read, pay close attention to words you don't know. First, try to figure out their meanings from context. Then look the words up. Read and listen to challenging material so that you'll be exposed to many new words.
Step 2. Improve your context skills.
Research shows that the vast majority of words are learned from context. To improve your context skills pay close attention to how words are used. Doing a search on a word using dejanews.com (for searching newsgroups) will give you many examples of how that word is used in context. Play our Daily Context Vocabulary Quiz.
Step 3. Practice, practice, practice.
Learning a word won't help very much if you promptly forget it. Research shows that it takes from 10 to 20 repetitions to really make a word part of your vocabulary. It helps to write the word - both the definition and a sentence you make up using the word - perhaps on an index card that can later be reviewed. As soon as you learn a new word, start using it. Review your index cards periodically to see if you have forgotten any of your new words. Also, do a search on a word using dejanews.com (for searching newsgroups) to get many examples of how the word is actually used.
Step 4. Make up as many associations and connections as possible.
Say the word aloud to activate your auditory memory. Relate the word to words you already know. For example, the word GARGANTUAN (very large) has a similar meaning to the words gigantic, huge, large, etc. You could make a sequence: small, medium, large, very large, GARGANTUAN. List as many things as you can that could be considered GARGANTUAN: Godzilla, the circus fat lady, the zit on your nose, etc. Create pictures of the word's meaning that involve strong emotions. Think "the GARGANTUAN creature was going to rip me apart and then eat me!"
Step 5. Use mnemonics (memory tricks).
For example, consider the word EGREGIOUS (extremely bad). Think EGG REACH US - imagine we've made a mistake so bad that they are throwing eggs at us and a rotten EGG REACHes US. Such funny little word pictures will help you remember what words mean, AND they are fun to make up. Also, find out which learning style suits you best. Everyone learns differently!
Step 6. Get in the habit of looking up words you don't know.
If you have a dictionary program on your computer, keep it open and handy. America Online and other internet services have dictionaries and thesauruses on their tool bars. Find them and look up any word you are not absolutely sure of. Use a thesaurus when you write to find the word that fits best.
Step 7. Play with words.
Play Scrabble, Boggle, and do crossword puzzles. These and other word games are available for the computer, so you are not dependent on a partner to play. Also, try out the Franklin Electronic Dictionary that features built-in word games.
Step 8. Use vocabulary lists.
For the serious vocabulary student, there are many books that focus on the words most commonly found in standardized tests, such as the SAT and GRE. There are also many interesting word sites on the Internet, many of which will send you a word a day by email.
Step 9. Take vocabulary tests.
Playing games, such as the ones on this site, that test your knowledge will help you learn new words and also let you know how much progress you're making. Offline sources for vocabulary tests include SAT prep books (we recommend "10 Real SATs" by ETS), and the Reader's Digest Wordpower section. For more, check out Amazon.com or your local bookseller.
Step 10.Get excited about words!
Come to appreciate the sometimes-subtle differences between them. Do you know the difference between something that denotes something else and something that connotes something else? If not, go look it up. Learn to say what you really mean and discover the joys of being able to express yourself in writing. Your future can depend on how rich your vocabulary is. A good vocabulary will make a difference on the standardized tests, like the SAT and GRE, that could determine whether or where you go to college. It will also determine the quality of your communication. So be in it for the long pull. Let building your vocabulary be a lifelong proposition. Remember: "In the beginning was the word." Until you have a word for something, it does not exist for you. Name it, and you have made your reality richer.
Be sure you have the communication
skills needed for a successful MBA
The Ten Best Vocabulary Learning Tips
Step 1. Read, Read, Read!
Most vocabulary words are learned from context. The more words you're exposed to, the better vocabulary you will have. While you read, pay close attention to words you don't know. First, try to figure out their meanings from context. Then look the words up. Read and listen to challenging material so that you'll be exposed to many new words.
Step 2. Improve your context skills.
Research shows that the vast majority of words are learned from context. To improve your context skills pay close attention to how words are used. Doing a search on a word using dejanews.com (for searching newsgroups) will give you many examples of how that word is used in context. Play our Daily Context Vocabulary Quiz.
Step 3. Practice, practice, practice.
Learning a word won't help very much if you promptly forget it. Research shows that it takes from 10 to 20 repetitions to really make a word part of your vocabulary. It helps to write the word - both the definition and a sentence you make up using the word - perhaps on an index card that can later be reviewed. As soon as you learn a new word, start using it. Review your index cards periodically to see if you have forgotten any of your new words. Also, do a search on a word using dejanews.com (for searching newsgroups) to get many examples of how the word is actually used.
Step 4. Make up as many associations and connections as possible.
Say the word aloud to activate your auditory memory. Relate the word to words you already know. For example, the word GARGANTUAN (very large) has a similar meaning to the words gigantic, huge, large, etc. You could make a sequence: small, medium, large, very large, GARGANTUAN. List as many things as you can that could be considered GARGANTUAN: Godzilla, the circus fat lady, the zit on your nose, etc. Create pictures of the word's meaning that involve strong emotions. Think "the GARGANTUAN creature was going to rip me apart and then eat me!"
Step 5. Use mnemonics (memory tricks).
For example, consider the word EGREGIOUS (extremely bad). Think EGG REACH US - imagine we've made a mistake so bad that they are throwing eggs at us and a rotten EGG REACHes US. Such funny little word pictures will help you remember what words mean, AND they are fun to make up. Also, find out which learning style suits you best. Everyone learns differently!
Step 6. Get in the habit of looking up words you don't know.
If you have a dictionary program on your computer, keep it open and handy. America Online and other internet services have dictionaries and thesauruses on their tool bars. Find them and look up any word you are not absolutely sure of. Use a thesaurus when you write to find the word that fits best.
Step 7. Play with words.
Play Scrabble, Boggle, and do crossword puzzles. These and other word games are available for the computer, so you are not dependent on a partner to play. Also, try out the Franklin Electronic Dictionary that features built-in word games.
Step 8. Use vocabulary lists.
For the serious vocabulary student, there are many books that focus on the words most commonly found in standardized tests, such as the SAT and GRE. There are also many interesting word sites on the Internet, many of which will send you a word a day by email.
Step 9. Take vocabulary tests.
Playing games, such as the ones on this site, that test your knowledge will help you learn new words and also let you know how much progress you're making. Offline sources for vocabulary tests include SAT prep books (we recommend "10 Real SATs" by ETS), and the Reader's Digest Wordpower section. For more, check out Amazon.com or your local bookseller.
Step 10.Get excited about words!
Come to appreciate the sometimes-subtle differences between them. Do you know the difference between something that denotes something else and something that connotes something else? If not, go look it up. Learn to say what you really mean and discover the joys of being able to express yourself in writing. Your future can depend on how rich your vocabulary is. A good vocabulary will make a difference on the standardized tests, like the SAT and GRE, that could determine whether or where you go to college. It will also determine the quality of your communication. So be in it for the long pull. Let building your vocabulary be a lifelong proposition. Remember: "In the beginning was the word." Until you have a word for something, it does not exist for you. Name it, and you have made your reality richer.
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