Get Ahead has invited readers who have successfully cracked the Common Aptitude Test to share their tips/mantras for success. These CAT tips -- from among the many we have received -- is the first in a series of reader-driven articles.

he first myth about CAT -- and about most other competitive exams -- is: 'It's too difficult to crack; it's beyond my ability'.

I'd suggest you dump the self-deprecation and take a reality check on what CAT is all about.

CAT's tough? Think again!

CAT is not about testing whether your English is as good as the Queen's.

CAT is not about cracking rocket science math formulae.

CAT is definitely not about testing your statistical prowess.

CAT is a simple, well-balanced test of your basic skills in English vocabulary and grammar, your reading and comprehension skills, your basic mathematical abilities and your ability to interpret graphs and charts.

All of the above require only sound matriculate/higher secondary level academic grooming.

Which leaves you with no excuse to hide behind the 'CAT is tough' routine.

Having said that, not everyone makes it. Of the 80,000 or so who attempt the exam, only 5,000 odd get calls from the institutions.

What sets the winners apart is their sheer perseverance and the sustained practice they have put in over a three to six month period. 

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Step-by-step method

Start with assessing your skills. Keep in mind this basic thumb rule: a good score would require 80 per cent in the Verbal/Reading Comprehension sections and 60 per cent or above in the Math and Data Interpretation sections.

Find your weakest areas and strengthen them. Revise your learning material, if any. Do several practice tests and monitor your progress continuously.

Set targets for scores. Monitor your progress and the time you take to reach your target. This is critical because it will keep you motivated and ensure you continue to focus on your goal.

Once you are comfortable with your mastery over the various sections, start with full-length mock tests. From now until November 21 -- the date CAT will be held this year -- aim to tackle at least 25 mock tests.

After five such mock tests, assess your strong areas. Brush your basics if necessary. This way, you know your progress and can track your scores.

Take at least five or six public mock CAT tests like the ones conducted by IMS, TIME, Career Forum, Career Planner, etc. You need to score in the top five to 10 percentile to have a realistic chance at cracking CAT.

The last week before CAT is the final dress rehearsal. Do around three mock tests. This time, use them to get into the 'flow' for the actual test, not to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Now is the time to feel confident about yourself and your level of preparation!

Tips, tips, tips!

Look for 'short cut approaches' to math problems. Read the learning material over and over. You will surely find your own 'tricks' of the trade.

Develop your own short-cut formulae for attacking certain problem types that are generally repeated in CAT.

Develop fluency in solving the 'some cats are dogs, all dogs are cows' kind of questions in the English grammar and vocabulary section. The more fluent you are in these, the more time you will get for solving other questions!

Read a lot of magazines and newspapers from now till D-day -- this will help you in both the Reading Comprehension section and during the GDs/interviews.

Devote a balanced amount of time to each section. You need a good overall scorecard -- not 40 per cent in Math and two per cent in Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension!

Last but not least, remember these suggestions are just thumb rules and tips -- there are no magic formulae to acing this test.

But CAT is not about selecting the best rocket scientist anyway.

Managers need to have good all round skills and planning ability. That's what you need to crack CAT. All the best!

Promod Radhakrishnan, a banking consultant with Cognizant Technology Solutions, holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (batch of 2000). He appeared for the CAT examination in 1997.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

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