Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
Introduction
Aman, a literature graduate, secured an impressive 99.64%ile in CAT and received 18 out of 20 IIM calls, with a staggering 99.95%ile in the VARC section. His journey from a UPSC aspirant to an MBA candidate is a testament to his strategic preparation and disciplined approach. In this blog post, we will explore Aman’s VARC strategy, his study habits, and his advice on coaching versus self-study.
How To Prepare For VARC?
Daily Lectures and Consistent Practice: Aman emphasizes the importance of attending daily lectures and attempting a few questions every day. This routine helps in building a strong foundation and maintaining a steady pace of preparation.
Reading AEON Essays: Inculcating the habit of reading daily is crucial. Aman used to read AEON essays every morning while having tea. This not only improved his reading speed but also enhanced his comprehension skills.
Practice with LOD Level 1 & 2 Books: Solving questions from Level of Difficulty (LOD) Level 1 and 2 books is essential. These books cover a wide range of questions that help in understanding different types of problems and improving problem-solving skills.
Mocks and Sectional Tests: Aman highlights the importance of giving full-length mocks and sectional mocks. This practice helps in time management, especially in the 40-minute VARC section. It also aids in identifying strengths and weaknesses.
Importance of Mock Tests
Mock tests are not just practice; they are your litmus test for understanding your preparation level. Aman advises taking mocks regularly—approximately once a week—especially in the last six months leading up to CAT. This frequent practice helps gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Learning from Mocks
Each mock test serves as a crucial learning opportunity. If you score 80%, consider it your baseline and aim for 99% next time. Aman wisely notes that mock scores can sometimes be disheartening, but they should never demotivate you. Instead, use them to pinpoint weaknesses and refine your exam strategy.
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Efficient Mock Analysis
Aman stresses the importance of meticulous mock analysis. Collaborating with peers like Shudhanshu and Boyinak, who solve the same mocks, can offer fresh perspectives and innovative problem-solving techniques. Learn from their strategies to quicken your solving pace, ensuring you can tackle more questions effectively within the CAT’s demanding timeframe.
Time Management and Accuracy
CATking mocks emphasize both speed and accuracy. Sectional mocks are particularly beneficial for honing specific skills, whether it's verbal, quantitative, or logical reasoning. Measure your progress diligently and strive for consistent improvement in both speed and accuracy across all sections.
Continuous Improvement
No section should be taken for granted, even if you excel in it initially. Dedicate effort to mastering every aspect of the exam. If you consistently score well but miss a few questions, focus on enhancing your performance to achieve perfection. Utilize resources like CatKing's YouTube channel for insightful solutions and strategies to stay consistent in your preparation.
Commitment to Excellence
In your CAT journey, leave no stone unturned. Approach every mock with thorough preparation and unwavering determination. Aman’s advice is clear: don’t underestimate any question—every easy question is a stepping stone towards achieving that coveted 99%.
Which Books I Should Prefer For VARC?
Norman Lewis’ Word Power Made Easy: For non-native English speakers, Aman recommends reading "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis. This book helps in understanding the roots of words from Latin, Greek, and French, making vocabulary building easier.
Which Types Of Questions To Approach?
Reading Comprehension (RC): RC is a significant part of the VARC section, consisting of essays ranging from 350-500 words with four questions each. Aman suggests starting with RC and dedicating around 25 minutes to it. If the essays are lengthy, attempt three essays with correct answers instead of all four.
Para-jumble, Odd One Out, and Para Summary: After RC, focus on para-jumble, odd one out, and para summary. Para-jumble requires rearranging sentences to make a coherent paragraph. Odd one out involves selecting the sentence that is out of context. Para summary is like filling in the blanks and is relatively easier.
Para Completion: A new question type in the VARC section, para completion, involves completing a paragraph with a suitable ending. Aman found this question type easier and suggests practicing it regularly.
Overcoming Fluctuating Scores
Initially confident in his verbal ability, Aman noticed varying scores in mocks, ranging from 80%ile to 99%ile. This realization led him to focus on his strengths, attend more lectures, and adopt an exam-oriented approach. Consistency and discipline in studying are key to performing well on the exam day.
Should I Opt For Self-study Or Coaching Institute For Cat Preparation?
Aman’s take on self-study versus coaching is insightful. After four years of preparing for the UPSC exam, he had only four months left for CAT. Initially, he made progress with self-study but realized the exponential growth possible with coaching. He credits gamified study material and expert faculty for his success. Coaching provides structured material and guidance, which can significantly enhance preparation.
Parting Advice
Aman’s journey underscores the importance of consistent practice, strategic preparation, and leveraging available resources. His disciplined approach to studying, combined with the right guidance, can serve as an inspiration for future CAT aspirants.
By following Aman’s strategy and incorporating his tips into your preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of excelling in the VARC section and achieving a high percentile in CAT. Best of luck on your journey towards securing a place in your dream MBA program!
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F.A.Q
1) Where do you get a recording of mock analysis?
Answer : After you complete the mock, the analysis will be open by one (to move to next video, you have to watch at least 10% of the video).
2) Will I get books?
Answer : You will be getting eBooks on your dashboard for all sections. 100 + eBooks (LOD 1 & 2)
3) Will you give a study plan ?
Answer : Yes,the day you register for the course,we will have an induction where we will share the entire schedule with you which you should follow.
4) Can I take mocks that are already passed in the schedule?
Answer : Yes,you can give mocks after the given date is passed.
5)Can I give same mocks multiple times?
Answer : No,you cant give one mock more than one time because you have the solution with it already.
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