Do’s and Don’ts when taking Mock CATs

Common Aptitude Test or as it is called CAT needs complete and correct preparation before appearing for the examination.However, the scenario is many students are seen rushing for the last minute preparation and in the process end up creating a massacre. Many fail to understand this is the ideal time to recapitulate whatever one has learnt in the last few months. This is the best time to sit back, do an overview of the important topics studied earlier. It will be best if a student can bring back the mental peace and remember certain tips before appearing for the test.

There are certain do’s that are necessarily to be remembered before the final call is taken up such as:

• Relax: This is the ultimate time to take a long breath, build up the positive confidence and concentrate on the important things. It is the ideal time to sum up the entire study materials by allotting the time for each separate section. Apart from these things, one needs to sleep and eat properly to maintain one’s health in a proper way.
• Analyze: Appointing a time and solving the problems from the test papers within the same time frame will help a student to speed up in the next test. This will also help to find out both the negative and positive areas, thus helping to a student to highlight on them more seriously. Such a venture will help one to finely tune the strategies for separate sections to be solved in the paper.
• Practice: It will be a good idea to go through the past years set of questions so that one has the basic idea how the actual paper will look like. The best part will be to conduct self exams in order to get a proper overview of one’s preparation. Going through different set of question papers and trying to find out answers for them will definitely find a student a good rank in the tests.
• Time management: This is one of the most important factors that need proper attention. In order to succeed in a competitive exam a student must remember this vital factor because if there is not enough speed one can really never complete the entire question paper and have to remain unanswered for many questions. This can lead to losing of lot of marks and hence, practicing enough for solving the entire paper on time is very important.

Some Dont’s those are necessary to be remembered:

• Do not begin any fresh topic: Trying to learn a new topic will only add to the tension instead of helping a student in anyway. If by any chance you fail to memorize any given important topic then there is no need to panic. It is better to recapitulate the old ones rather than struggling with the new ones. It is safe to thoroughly look into the already done topics and revise them again and again for perfection.
• Never focus on Mock CATs score: One should always remember to concentrate mainly on the preparation rather thanfocusing on the marks received by the students in the tests and mock tests. This will help them to be ahead in the competition by concentrating on their studies solely rather than marks.
• Move ahead: Do not get stuck only on one question. It will be a good idea to move ahead and answer the remaining questions in order to complete the remaining paper. The better idea will be to solve the easier ones quickly and then in the remaining time trying to solve the tough questions and securing the marks.
• Canopy should be avoided: It is be a wise idea not to solve any questions without knowing the exact answers for them. Guessing the answers, which will turn out to be wrong will lead in reducing the marks to a great extent. Always remember in the CAT exams what matters the most is the quality and not the quantity that will open bright doors for a good future. Every single and correct option will increase the rankings to a great extent.
• Strict no to rumors: It will be a wise idea not to lend ears to any of the rumors in the examination hall that will not only make you panic but also will lead to shake your confidence. This is because in such exams every set of questions is different and if one set is complicated it will definitely not mean the other set will be the same for you. The best idea will be to concentrate on whatever you have studied and have complete faith in yourself and your preparation.
• Never get tensed: Tension is the spoiling agent of all good situations that leads in creating havoc unnecessarily. It will be a wise idea to keep your cool and then trying to solve the tough questions with you own capability and knowledge. Taking too much pressure will not only increase the mental stress but it will also lead to decrease the level of self confidence. This is quite dangerous because it will force to forget whatever one has studied and reduce the minimal chances of getting a good rank.

However, frightening it might sound one should always remember to keep their spirits high in every scenario and try to overcome their weak points by analyzing on them thoroughly. Remembering the above said points will not only help the students to overcome their tensions but will also lead to assisting them in scoring high marks in the CAT exams.

When To Know You Should Get Help Studying for the CAT Exam

Whether you should get a tutor for the CAT exam or not is a difficult decision to make. Tutors are able to help you study for the CAT exam, and they will make you more confident when it is time to take the test. They also cost money, and fitting a tutor into your daily schedule might be difficult if you have a busy life. Here are the things you should consider before getting a tutor.

Comprehension
How well do you comprehend the material that is going to be on the CAT exam? Can you easily go through data interpretation and quantitative ability questions? If so, then you may not need a tutor. If you feel yourself answering many of the questions wrong on sample versions of the exam, then you might need a tutor.

A tutor can help you comprehend the questions better, and he or she can improve your overall score. It is a good idea to get a tutor immediately if you are having a hard time understanding any of the common CAT exam areas.

Confidence
Are you confident in your ability to do well on the CAT exam? Don’t be arrogant about your abilities. Take a good look at your abilities, and see if you are really confident about taking the exam. Admitting either overconfidence or a lack of confidence can help you decide if you need a tutor or not.

A tutor will assist you with feeling more confident about the exam. The tutor won’t directly affect your confidence, but going through sample questions on the exam will make it much easier for you. The tutor can also help you understand the subjects better, and this will boost your confidence by making you feel more ready to take the exam.

Tutors are also equipped to find holes in your knowledge. For example, you may be confident about a section of the test, but the tutor might be able to find problems with your verbal reasoning for specific questions. Getting a tutor can help you close these gaps, and that can improve your overall performance.

If you are reasonably confident, then you may not need a tutor. Take a sample CAT exam to see how good you are at comprehending the questions. If you do well, then perhaps a tutor isn’t right for you.

Scoring
How important is scoring to you? If you are looking to get into an average school or get average scores, then getting a great score may not be of importance to you. If you need high scores to get into an elite school, then you obviously want to do better on the exam.

If you really want high scores, then you should get a tutor immediately. It doesn’t matter if you are confident in your abilities, or if you are doing well with sample exams. A tutor can still get you ready for the CAT exam, and this commonly raises test scores.

Time
Do you have the time for a CAT exam tutor? Many people feel they either do not have the time to study for the exam, or they make excuses to keep themselves from visiting a tutor. Unless you have extenuating circumstances, then you should really find the time for a tutor if you need the help.

Change your job schedule around, find a tutor that can accommodate your schedule or set things aside so you have the time. Getting a good score on the CAT exam test is incredibly important if you want to get into the best schools. A better education generally leads to a better lifetime income, and most people are happier when they are in the school of their dreams.

If time is a factor, then realistically look at your schedule. Change things around so you can get the help if you really need it.

Conclusion
When should you get help for the CAT exam? Most people should get help immediately. The CAT exam is difficult, and the score can mean the different between attending a good or bad school.

If you need a high score, or if you don’t feel confident in your abilities, then get a tutor today.

Author Bio
Tom Demers writes on a variety of technical securities, including Bit9 endpoint security.

CAT SYLLABUS

CAT 2012 entrance examination syllabus

There is no prefixed pattern for CAT 2012. The syllabus given below is based on the experience of previous CAT Papers, specially CAT 2010-2011. The list may not be exhaustive but almost the entire gamut is covered. In an earlier post, I have tried to list down best CAT preparation books.

Quantitative Ability (QA) / Mathematics:

Arithmetic-

Ratios and Proportion, Ratios, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Percentages, Partnership, Time-Speed-Distance, Work and time, Number system, HCF, LCM, Geometric Progression, Arithmetic progression, Arithmetic mean, Geometric mean , Harmonic mean, Median, Mode, Number Base System, BODMAS,Alligation & Mixtures, Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Installment Payments, Clocks, Calendar,

Algebra-

In-equations , Quadratic and linear equations, functions, Logarithm Geometry, Mensuration and solid Geometry

Geometry (Lines, angles, Triangles, Spheres, Rectangles, Cube, Cone etc),Mensuration, Co-ordinate geometry.

Other Mathematical Topics:

Set Theory, Venn Diagram, Probability, Permutations & Combinations, Binomial Expansion, Maxima & Minima Progression, Surds & Indices and Complex numbers, etc.

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Importance of fast calculation for competitive examinations

This is the era of competition and to succeed in the competition you need to fire up and keep yourself up-to-date with the fast moving world. The internet is a real boon to all the students and competitive examination takers. All the data and any sort of help that you wanted is just a click away. Many mathematics gurus have extended their helping hand to students and share their ideas over the internet these days. Nowadays if you are thinking to appear for CAT, MAT or even your campus interviews you have to appear for an aptitude round which tests your mathematical skills.

Why is speedy mathematics required?

1. Time is the most crucial factor. The person who can calculate quickly and accurately wins the match. Mental mathematics saves much of your time. Mental mathematics techniques like Vedic Mathematics, Trachtenberg method, etc. are 10-15 times faster than the conventional way of solving. Vedic mathematics is a very good option to train yourself in quick calculations.

You might have seen QuickerMaths.com. It is an initiative of Vineet Patwari, (the owner of FireUp) who has used all his love for this subject to make this website. You too can follow this link Quicker Maths and help yourself to learn quicker methods to solve mathematical problems.

2. It is an easy way to do away with your math-phobia and to teach students mathematics simply and easily.
3) It sharpens your brain.
4) It enhances your concentration, speed, accuracy and memory.
5) Speed Maths or Vedic Maths is very simple to apply and the tricks are very simple to remember also.
6) It boosts your confidence and makes you acquire a love for this wonderful subject.

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Why reading is a good habit?

Many of us love to read and can read anything and everything may it be newspaper or a bag made out of newspaper. I have many friends who love reading T-shirt quotations. On the other hand some don’t like to read as much as others may be it reminds them of their school days. Whatever may be the reason of their behavior; they still need to overcome this problem and put in some effort in reading.

The benefits of reading

1. Reading exercises your brain- Are you shocked? Yes, our brain cells also need exercise just as much our muscle cells do. Reading helps to engage our brain cells and this makes you sharper and smarter. Our brain cells try to paint an image of the things that we read. Reading is a better exercise than watching a movie! You are awestruck. Yes, it’s true.
2. Reading improves our vocabulary and language skills as well – A person who is an avid reader has a much better language skill compared to a person who is not into so much of reading. The reason is simple. Books and other study materials make us aware of the use of language and also improve our vocabulary. It’s the easiest way to improve your vocabulary. If you are a regular reader you will come across various writing styles and usage of words. It will surely reflect in your writing and verbal communication as well. Keep reading books and other materials, give yourself variety and your vocabulary is sure to improve.
3. Acquiring knowledge – Yes my friend, reading opens a whole new world for us. It answers our queries, makes us aware of the unknown and satisfies our inquisitiveness. Reading does it all. Books enlighten us and you can become knowledgeable every time you encounter a new piece of information. There are millions of books and millions of diverse subjects in the world. Whatever you want to know in the world books answer all your queries.
4. Reading increases attention and concentration. Reading a novel takes quite an amount of time and at times we become so engrossed in it that we forget the world around us. Such is the passion for reading. Reading helps build concentration and increases the attention span too.
5. Reading entertains us. Reading is more entertaining than watching a TV show. Many of the passionate readers will surely agree with me. Just imagine the first time you had read the Cinderella story for the first time as a kid. I can bet you loved reading it. It was very entertaining. So I can assure you reading entertains you thoroughly.
6. Reading makes us more creative. Reading enhances our power to think and helps us increase our imagination. It makes us very creative and helps make innovations. I get so many ideas about paintings from the description of the various things I read in books. It really helps me think bigger and brighter.

Reading reduces stress. After a stressful day reading a motivational story may help you unwind in a better way. It may really boost your enthusiasm to even work harder the next day.

Some good books to read are mentioned below.

Many of the readers may want suggestions about some good books to read. You may find the following books quite interesting.

1. How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
3. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
4. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
5. Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish by Rashmi Bansal
6. The white Tiger by Aravind Adiga
7. My Experiment with Truth by M.K.Gandhi

I have linked each book with their flipkart page, so that you can read more about them. Also read the reviews.

For fun reading you can try these two books

1. 2 states – the story of my life by chetan bhagat
2. Five point someone by Chetan bhagat
3. The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi
4. Chanakya’s Chant by Ashwin Sanghi

The list of books to read is endless. Hope you enjoy these books. If you are planning to do an MBA in near future, you must read few suggested books to read before going for mba.

Happy reading!!

How to improve your vocabulary?

Very often we find the people around us have a real good knowledge of English and we feel shy and unsure about our English vocabulary. Believe me many people I know have faced it at some point in time. The solution to such a problem is to improve your English vocabulary. It’s not something like rocket science that you can’t understand. If you have the desire, it’s not very difficult to improve your vocabulary. From my own experience and my observation, I am suggesting few tips to improve your vocabulary. Start following these tips and within few days you will be start realizing the change in yourself. I am sure that will also boost up your confidence and score in competitive examinations like CAT

Tips to improve your vocabulary

1. Make a habit of learning 1 new word each day. Your habit to learn new words will take you a long way. Believe me. You may think where I shall get a new word each day. I have a solution for you – FireUp Free SMS Service. Just click onto this link and register yourself and you shall receive a new word with it’s meaning and usage each day on your mobile number. It’s anytime anywhere learning. Make a habit of learning a new word each day and try using them in your daily life. Try to use them in your written and oral communications.

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Managing Your Time Effectively

Time has a habit of running ahead of everyone. Most of us lack the potential to manage time and henceforth this result in some major failures in our lives. We all have some or the other experiences relating to this. Only if we can manage time and walk hand in hand with time ; we can be successful in real terms.

If we lose health we can recover, if we lose wealth we can regain it. But if we lose time we lose everything. So dear all, please value time more than money.

I feel I should suggest you a few tips to manage time.

Time Management Tips

Make your schedule

You must be aware of what you have to do and accordingly make a schedule. There should be time for work as well as play (I mean rest). Your schedule must include the details like what has to be done when and try to follow the time limits as far as possible. Making a work schedule does not mean you will not look over your health and responsibilities. Remember if you are healthy and happy only then your work will be satisfying. Schedule is not everything remember to keep time for yourself, your friends and your family.

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LOGICAL REASONING and CAT

Well before we discuss logical reasoning and its relation with CAT. Let us just gather some information about logical reasoning before we talk about LR and CAT.

Types of logical reasoning

1. Deduction
2. Abduction
3. Induction

Deduction refers to the logical reasoning associated with determining the conclusion of a given statement.

Abduction refers to analyzing the conclusion that has been provided. Based on the conclusion we have to determine the precondition.

Induction is the method of learning based on a series of examples.

These are the general rules of Logical reasoning. Now coming into the section of your interest CAT and logical reasoning.

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How to prepare for CAT 2011?

If you are reading this article that means you are interested in CAT and either you are preparing for CAT 2011 or you are planning to take MBA in a few years time. Weather you are keeping track of the CAT or are appearing for it this year let me help you clear all your questions and give up some tips about CAT 2011.

Let me tell you a true story, a friend of mine working in the IT sector was irritated with the monotonous office work and was deciding to appear for CAT 2011. I suggested him not to waste time and to start preparing for the examination. If he puts in the right effort he shall crack CAT this very year and if luck doesn’t favor him this year, he will crack CAT in the next year. I suggest all of you to follow his example. If you are seriously interested to have an MBA degree from a reputed college start preparing for CAT from today itself.

There are a few things you need to know before you start your preparations.

CHANGES IN CAT 2011

New Pattern of CAT
CAT 2011 is about to set a new trend. This year CAT will have only 2 sections: Section 1 will strictly focus on Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation while the second section will focus on Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning. Do not panic about this change is the pattern. It is a boon in disguise to most of the students as you can adjust time between two sections much easily as compared to adjusting between three sections.

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Writing Effective Emails

Electronic mail better known as E-mail is one of the fastest method of communication these days. E-mail has also adapted itself to the modern office culture of the fast growing modern world. E-mail can be used for both internal as well as external communication. E-mail used for internal communication is generally in a relaxed tone and may be short (but you can also attach files or make it longer). E-mails for the external audience are nothing but a letter. It can be sent to an individual or to a group at once. We are free to customize the look of your e-mail from an informal memo format (as used for internal communication) to a formal letter (as used for external communication).

Follow conventions that govern e-mails at work

• Respond to emails on time.
• Start with emails most recently received and work backward, as earlier issues may have already been resolved.
• Send an email only to those who need to read your message.
• Follow the corporate chain of command; do not immediately send your email message straight to the top.
• Clearly specify a timeframe within which necessary actions must be taken.
• Send a “Bcc” (a blind carbon copy, or a copy of your message that is sent to a recipient without other recipients knowing) only if your corporate culture considers it appropriate.
• While informal, email still has basic guidelines for polite correspondence.

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