PRIME-CAT Preparation

Preparation

The selection process of premier business schools is shrouded in secrecy.

To start with the business schools don't define the syllabus for the entrance test clearly. They don't tell the cut-off mark to get short-listed for the next phase of the selection process. They don't tell the marks assigned for the various phases of the selection process. Further all business schools take back the test paper at the end of the test.

This element of secrecy, and the concurrent lack of authentic information, lead to a variety of apprehensions in the mind of a candidate.

For example, the candidate does not know

· The total number of questions the test will have.

· The number of sections and number of questions per section.

· The number of questions based on Language and Quantitative Ability.

· The various patterns of questions in Language.

· To what depth the questions in Quantitative Ability can come? For example, should one prepare in Co-ordinate Geometry?

· The cutoff mark for each section.

· The overall cutoff mark for getting short-listed for GDs and Interviews.

· If there is any improvement in his/her performance over a period of time.

· The number of candidates who would be taking the tests, and how well prepared they are.

Since most of the candidates taking the tests would be in their final year of graduation, and given that they are already loaded with academics, computer courses, tuitions etc, the time they have for preparation is limited.

Now the question arises, how does one prepare for the entrance tests?

The preparation strategy should aim at maximum effectiveness and improvement in the least possible amount of time. Smart Hard work is the order of the day. Nation-wide competitive examinations are not for blind sloggers.

The Preparation strategy should focus on

· Getting acquainted with the various patterns of questions that have been coming in the entrance tests.

· Developing the knowledge base required to tackle the questions.

· Practice, practice, practice in a simulated test environment.

· Defining yardsticks of performance in a phased manner of increasing difficulty, and achieving them.

As it is not possible for a candidate to be equally competent in all sections, and since all the questions in the test cannot be solved in the given time, a well-prepared candidate should be conscious of the test dynamics and be ready with a test taking strategy involving

· Assessment of strengths and weaknesses.

· Time allocation per question, per section.

· Decision criteria for selecting, deferring or rejecting a question.

· Sequencing of sections.

It should be borne in mind that improving the command over the language sections will take a longer time when compared with that required for quantitative sections.