CAT: Facts and Myths
Common Aptitude Test as it is commonly called CAT 2022 is the doorway through which post- graduate management program aspirants get admissions in the country’s top universities and colleges. A computer based test with a two hour duration, it is divided into three sections- i)Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC), ii) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and iii) Quantitative Ability (QA).
Being the most significant MBA test, there is a myriad of information available on the internet, often creating confusion amongst the students. With not every source of information being genuine, it thus becomes important to sift out the myths and the facts in order to provide essential and ciphered information.
Myth 1: CAT is extremely difficult.
Fact: Thorough preparation helps clear the exam.
While it is true that CAT exam does possess a certain level of difficulty higher than the other entrance exams, but it isn’t hard enough not to crack.
Over the years, CAT has maintained difficulty level at ‘moderate to high’. One needs to plan and follow a well- thought preparation strategy followed with regular study routine of 4-8 hours.
Myth 2: CAT comes easier for engineering and math students.
Fact: Practice multiple questions and tests.
Many questions in the exam have to do with numbers, data and probability. But it doesn’t solely amount to the fact that it can only be answered to, by a certain section of students. With enough practice and model papers solved, any student regardless of their educational background can handle the questions well.
Interestingly, many a math and engineering students would be found complaining over the VARC section, as they happen to face troubles dealing with the nuances of the English language.
Myth 3: It’s impossible to pass the exam without enrolling in a coaching institute.
Fact: A student can do without one.
With easy availability of information with a single tap, students can well access to the required study material, model test papers, online tutorials, study groups and much more. In fact, a lot of students have managed to pass the exams studying all by themselves and seeking help online through many platforms. All one needs to imbibe, is a serious sense of self-discipline and regular studying.
Myth 4: Mock tests score determine the final result.
Fact: Not true!
One might get a high score in their mock test but might barely pass in the final exam. Mock tests are simply created to give the student a fair idea of what kind of questions and exam pattern to expect and to help them strategize their studying plans accordingly. Mock tests should be taken as a source of reference but not enough to size down one’s entire knowledge and preparations done over the months.
Myth 5: More number of questions answered = more marks.
Fact: Correct answers matter more.
One shouldn’t only focus on answering as many questions as possible, it’s rather necessary to answer the questions accurately.
Myth 6: Keeping a track of one’s peers is important.
Fact: It’s rather better to focus on one’s self first.
It is good to be aware about the progress of one’s peers as it keeps the positive spirit of a healthy competition flowing and also helps one be motivated. But a student shouldn’t focus all their energy in constantly comparing themselves with their peers. There will always be someone better and someone less. Thus, it’s advisable for the student to keep track of their own progress and learn to appreciate their efforts too, lest it shouldn’t mar their performance.
Myth 7: Females tend to score lower than males.
Fact: The world has long moved on from gender stereotypes.
As long as one has studied hard and harbors a thorough understanding of concepts, the student’s gender orientation isn’t the deciding factor for their scores.
Myth 8: Change your studying strategies over time.
Fact: It’s better to stick to your original plan and improve it over time.
It’s very easy to get influenced by certain factors and numerous advices given by different people. One shouldn’t pay heed to everything they hear or blindly adopt someone else’s course of action, simply because they seem to do better. Constant altering of studying plans will rather lead to inconsistent results.
Myth 9: School and graduation marks are extremely important.
Fact: School and graduation score isn’t the only important factor.
No doubt, a student’s school and graduation marks are glanced at, but they are one of the many requirements in the admission process. One’s CAT score and interview holds more importance. Hence, a student shouldn’t get demotivated by their low scores in school and graduation (if any) and work harder on their CAT preparations.
Myth 10: One can only take the CAT exam once.
Fact: The exam has no specific attempt limit.
Since CAT is an exam of skills and aptitude, not clearing it in one go doesn’t mean the end of the world. One must remember that practice leads to perfection. There are numerous candidates who fail in their first CAT attempt, but that does not mean that they will never be able to crack the exam. Resilience and dedication can help the candidates sail the boat.
In a nutshell, many myths air around the students preparing for their CAT Exam which can often subject them to unnecessary stress. It is thus, important to verify the facts before blindly believing everything that is out there. A student’s life shouldn’t merely revolve around a test’s score. Thus, one shouldn’t lose heart and hope easily. With proper planning, good study material and honest hard work, it doesn’t become an impossible feat to achieve.
