CAT 2014: What after the exam?
Now that CAT 2014 is over, many candidates are wondering about the next step. Chances are most MBA aspirants are preparing for other management entrance examinations too.
So now, it’s perfectly okay to take a small break. But don’t stretch it long. Get ready for round two.
Take hold of your priorities. Start preparing for the next round of MBA interviews and entrance tests. Sooner or later, candidates have to take stock of their present situation and decide the next course of action.
Below, we have listed six points that a candidate should focus on, now that CAT 2014 is over.
1. MBA entrance exams
Most MBA aspirants appear for several management entrance tests in an academic year, such as Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT), Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MH-CET), IBSAT and so on.
Each of these entrance tests have different exam patterns. For instance, XAT aspirants have to write an essay along with the attempting the other sections like Quant, DI and VA. What is the difference between CAT and other MBA entrance examinations? Also, General Knowledge (GK) section is an important part of these MBA entrance tests. 8 tips to score well in GK
So technically, the MBA preparation cycle is still going on. After your CAT 2014 exam, MBA aspirants should focus on their weak areas, practicing more problems with 100% accuracy. Continue taking relevant mock tests and honing examination strategies.
2. GD/ WAT / PI
Next comes preparing for Round Two. Immediately after CAT results are out, candidates have to start appearing for Personal Interview (PI), Written Ability Test (WAT) and Group Discussion / Exercise (GD/GE) for admission to various MBA colleges. So, start preparing for round two as soon as possible – attending workshops, talk to the coaching experts, body language and so on.
The GD, WAT and PI rounds also focus on your knowledge of current affairs. Read:
Stay tuned to Shiksha.com for tips, tricks and first-person accounts of interviews at top MBA colleges and other admission-related information.
3. MBA specialisation
Selecting an MBA specialisation is a crucial decision for several aspirants. How to select or find the right MBA specialisation? What factors should one focus on while taking this crucial decision? Every specialisation requires unique skills and traits. Do you fit in those requirements? Where does your interest lie? Are you a sole contributor or team player?
The above questions are just some facts you need to consider before finalising an MBA specialisation. It is a good idea to start weighing your options vs the interests to avoid confusion later on. Read how to find the right MBA specialisation?
4. MBA College Selection
Selecting an MBA college is also a crucial decision. If one gets through the top five or six MBA colleges like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow and XLRI, selecting the college is an easy decision. But what about the rest? What if a candidate gets into colleges like FMS, SP Jain and JBIMS? How does one select the college? Read how to choose a B-School beyond top IIMs?
As a matter of fact, the MBA specialisation (point 3) and MBA college selection are somewhat interrelated decisions. If one is sure about what specialisation to pursues, the decision to select an MBA college become somewhat easier.
5. Plan B
For many candidates, things might not be so rosy. Your performance in CAT and other MBA examinations may not be up to the mark. In such cases, candidates need to take some crucial decisions such as:
- Should I take up a job?
- Will I reappear for CAT next year?
- If I take CAT 2015, should my focus be solely on preparation this year or continue MBA preparations with career?
Aspirants need to take several life-altering decisions immediately after CAT results come out in three to four weeks. Get ready for it! Taking a gap year for MBA preparation
6. Certificates & Documents
Keep all your certificates ready and photocopies attested. Get all the documents necessary for GD/PI/WAT rounds and MBA admission ready. This might seem like a minor and insignificant point, but can get pretty stressful later on.
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