All I wanted to speak about CAT

Around two and a half years ago,I got hold of a pdf from Pagalguy titled AIWTSAC-10.pdf, and read it all in a day without break. And that day I thought that one day I'll share my experience. It has taken me quite some time to come to this stage, but I finally have. The satisfaction is immense after accomplishing something that was a mere vision years ago.

My love with CAT got kindled after I fell in love with IIM-A. I wanted to be a part of this red building and spend two years of my life in this prestigious institute. I would lie if I say that the love was cursory. (My desktop wallpaper, my chrome homepage, my assortment of photographs etc. etc.) The preparation began on a high note. It was a dream, and CAT was my means. I joined CAT coaching to gear start my preparation, like everyone does. And it helped me a great deal in understanding concepts and not merely mugging them, a transition from formulas to logic.

And then I faced a lots of odds, dillemas and  tough decisions, but I was able to conquer every obstacle and come out well. (99.73%ile CAT) Now, the answer for this question, "How to prepare for CAT?"

1. Start by your fundamentals: This is a cliche, but as the saying goes, "the foundation of any building has to be strong". It pertains to both Quant and VA. I spent quite some time on this, and ensured that I knew my concepts to the core. This is the stage where proper coaching helps.

2. Start taking mock tests: There is a great deal of confusion about this aspect of preparation. An year ago, even I was brimming with a series of questions. But yes, mock tests do help, in their own way. Take every mock test as if it's your actual examination. I can still recollect the preparation I made before taking any mock. You have to be in a similar environment, and that is essential. And so does your time slots. Try to ensure that it matches with your actual CAT.And don't take tests for the sake of taking tests. These tests are not to tell you how good you are, but how you can be better. I used to spend hours analyzing these tests, and this analysis helped me taper down  my strengths and weaknesses. In short, it means that you should try to know yourself better. Try to perform better in every test you take, but don't get disheartened by a series of low scores. You are lucky if you are scoring low. You will know your scope for improvement. And I was not among the 99%ilers in mock tests, who boast their high scores on forums. Percentiles in mock are not a gauge of the actual CAT.

3.Overcome your weaknesses: I faced a lot of problems in VA. In spite of a good command over the language, I made a lot of errors. But then problems are meant to be solved, all it requires is perseverance.
Spend a lot of time knowing why are you making errors. It might take you weeks, but "DON'T QUIT". Immense help is available online these days. Try talking to people who have been in the same boat as you are. Spend a lot of time alone, and explore different ways. "Trial and Error" helps. In spite of Quant being my strength, I scored better in VA. But then who says, weaknesses stay forever. It is you who can transform them to your strengths.

4. Accuracy matters: I can really speak a lot on this. But all I need to mention is that I made just 40 attempts in CAT (18+22), which by all means is not a god figure. But I knew all along that these were error-free ones. Similar thing got replicated in XAT. Your performance hinges on ACCURACY. Anyway, the approach might vary in individuals, it being something highly subjective. But yes, it worked in my case.

5. The "C-Day": Go with a mindset that it is just another mock test. If you've been taking your mocks seriously, you won't face any problem in the environment as such. Get hold of your temperament. Life won't end if you don't make it. But give your best shot. Go with a fresh mind, adequate sleep and no pre-defined notions. CAT is notorious for throwing surprises. In my case, the difficulty surprised me. But then keep telling yourself that all these things don't perturb you. You can tackle any test: ; you have come well prepared.

6. Have Faith: I can't stress less on this. Have faith on yourself, and your abilities. Your past doesn't matter. All that matters is that you have an opportunity open. And it depends upon you as to how you grab it. It's certainly not easy, but then it's an adventure. With every small success you'll feel the enthusiasm. If you ask me, I still feel that those prep days were the best time of my life. My life had a purpose, an ambition. The people who have made it, are one amongst you. They aren't equipped with special abilities. No matter how mediocre you think you are, you can still bell the CAT.

And now for all those future CAT takers who are reading this, I wish you all the best. I have always been a silent reader of forums, and I wish that even my experience helps the people who will be taking the hyped exam in the years to come.

"Nothing can stop you, except you, yourself"

And now for your information, I have made it to FMS (It's not IIM-A, but a red building,nonetheless)

The dilemma: Can you?

Finally, today I have the time to pen down anything except B-school essays. We have all heard the saying, "forgive and forget", which is easier said than done. While I am a staunch follower of this adage, there are many who aren't. And is it really worthwhile to be it's adherent? If yes, can our society survive? Let's look at it from all perspectives.

Let's commemorate our childhood days with the circadian "katti" and "abba". No matter how angry we get at the first instance, we were eager to vindicate the culprit, who once broke your pencil, stole your eraser, or even laughed at you. As we got mature (or let's say immature), we could define "revenge" and "avenge", not only in our english exams but also real life. Violent activities become an everyday occurrence in classrooms.Imitation of your favorite wrestling superstar, your favorite movie star etc, becomes our passion, the raison d'etre.

However, this is one side of the coin. There are many who are born in poor families, where fight for food continues from dusk till dawn. Anti-social activities emerge as side effects in the struggle to be the part of the society. Can you forgive someone who stole your food while you're starving? Yes, idealistically feasible, pragmatically impossible!

In the journey towards maturity, we encounter people, who are dissimilar. Their opinions, values, beliefs, experiences and circumstances form a unique set. And so we indulge in quarrels, which is nothing but "difference of opinions". "Right" and "Wrong" become too subjective concepts to deal with, with a wide chasm, the grey area. But now unlike childhood, redressal can tend to infinity. (We are mature people now)

And finally, there is the side of  corrupt people, criminals and terrorists.Can you forgive someone who took thousands of innocent lives? Or someone who acquired thousands of dollars by unjust means? Or someone who is a rapist?Aren't they still a product of their circumstances? Don't they deserve a second chance or do they??

In this war between should and should not, we forget that life is too small for us to hold grudges. Nobody would want to leave this world with regrets, the "what ifs". Not forgiving someone implies carrying that "extra baggage", which in due course of time will daunt you. Sometimes, all we require is to be a child again.

However, the people who break law must be punished, for it is a deterrent. But it still is a short-term deterrent. We need to get these people rise above their circumstances, by building their value systems, and aiding them to have a life that frees them from the vicious struggle for survival. This might seem unrealistic in the present context, but each of us can contribute in a small way in making growth inclusive and not individualistic.

We have the chisel, to shape our life and the life of others. The next time, someone says, "you're wrong", just remember that there is no absolute right. The beauty of life is in the challenges it poses. What if we are different!! We are unique :)

PS: "When winds blow, some make walls and others wind mills"


    

The omnipotent: Ambition

If asked the reason for my inactivity in this blog and possibly everywhere else, my long hibernation, or perhaps my aloofness, all I can say is that my ambition caught me. Simply put, when majority of your thoughts are directed towards the ends you want to meet, when all that you explore are ways to meet it, when people start calling you obsessed,  and when you have something to prove to yourself, then my friend, all I can say is 'Bon Voyage'.

Ambition is something triggered my events in your life, small or big, which then gradually shapes into a desire. Activities, events, people, all get aligned to this, and then 'things start turning your way'. But then, don't expect that the route with be smooth, but it will certainly satisfy your quench for thrill and adventure. Obfuscated aspects of your personality stare you in the eye. There can't be a better way for self exploration. The pain of sacrifices, the pangs of frustration and the gravity of the risks will no longer poke you. Days and nights glide, minutes to hours, hours to weeks, weeks to months, and you strive tirelessly, with your storehouse of energy. There is no anticipation of success and no fear of failure. All you do is etch out ways to outperform yourself, while nearing the finale. 

You end up doing your best, free from "what ifs, buts". The satisfaction is bountiful, the happiness is immense, and you rise in your own eyes, by leaps and bounds. History holds many such examples, of people crossing their limits in a quest of what their limits are. 

And as karmayoga puts it, "You do your duty, god shall do the rest". Nothing will be able to efface this experience. You will emerge stronger, if not a winner. The meaning of your life is revealed in the moments you spent defining it. Your actions define your life and your ambitions defines these actions.

Have an ambition! Rise to your potential !

PS: There is a perfect match between what you are, and what you had thought you would be.