“SNAP is primarily a speed test” says topper Akshaya Iyer

With less than a week to go for SNAP 2015 exam, we decided to catch up with Akshaya Iyer, current student of Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune.

Iyer completed his BTech in Electronics and Communication in 2014 from VIT Vellore and was working as a decision scientist at Mu Sigma Business Solutions, Bangalore. He scored 99.78 percentile in SNAP exam.

SNAP 2015 exam will be held on Sunday, December 20. The test is conducted by Symbiosis International University (SIU). SNAP test scores are used for admission for 13 institutes under SIU.

Speaking to Shiksha, Iyer explains how SNAP is different from other MBA entrance tests and how it is primarily a test of speed.

 

Question 1: Most candidates preparing for SNAP, are also preparing for other MBA exams (such as CAT, XAT, CMAT etc), which more or less have similar syllabus. So, how does preparing for SNAP differ from these exams?

Answer: SNAP is a bit different from other exams as it also checks student’s competency in General Knowledge, English, Quant and LR. SNAP is primarily a speed test wherein one has to attempt maximum questions while maintaining accuracy. While preparing for SNAP, I focussed highly on solving Logical Reasoning as it is the most crucial section since it carries a weightage of 60 marks. Next, Quant was my strength. So I gave 30 minutes to it to attempt maximum questions.

 

Question 2: GE-PI is an important part SNAP. How can a candidate of crack this part of SNAP exam?

Answer: GE-PI is a very important aspect of SNAP. Along with SNAP test scores, it carries 50% weightage in the final selection. The admissions team at SCMHRD will soon bring EMBARK 2.0 for the students in the month of January, 2016. While EMBARK 1.0 dealt with Quant, LR, GK, English questions (meant for cracking SNAP exam), EMBARK 2.0 will prepare students for the next lap of the race. These are 'free for all' initiatives. Students will have access to Tips and Tricks on how to score better marks in Interviews and GE rounds.

 

Question 3: Did you follow a study plan while preparing for SNAP?

Answer: For Quantitative section, I used to solve a lot of questions and practiced as much as possible. For Verbal and GK, I used to study daily words and current affairs.

 

Question 4: Is it to join a coaching institute? Or is self-study good enough?

Answer: In my second attempt of SNAP, I did not join any classes. I think that self-study is very important for clearing the exam. But some guidance can give you that extra edge. For me that was provided to me by my mentors and friends – Ajay Zener (IIM A alumni) and Kushal Bohra (Currently studying in NMIMS).

 

Question 5: How did you divide time for each section during SNAP exam?

Answer: I used to spend more time in Quant section. It was my strongest section. Although in SNAP, I focused more on Logical Reasoning as it carries a lot more weightage.

 

Question 6: How did you work on improving your weak areas for SNAP exam?

Answer: I would appear for many sectional tests for GK and Verbal Ability sections. I used to practise more and more to get a better score.

Five tips for SNAP 2015 preparation

 

Question 7: According to you, what is the minimum time frame needed to prepare well for SNAP? How long did you prepare for it?

Answer: According to me, at least 1 - 1.5 months is the ideal time which a person should give to SNAP preparations. I prepared for almost a month since I had already studied majority of the syllabus for other exams.

 

Question 8: Which course and specialisation are you pursuing at present?

Answer: I am pursuing the flagship MBA programme at SCMHRD and specialising in the stream of marketing. I always had this fascination with brands and products and hence wanted to build upon it so as to be a strategic business executive in the dynamic field of marketing.

 

Question 9: Is life at college exactly as you expected? What all did you hear about your college before joining? Were they true or is life a little different from what you heard?

Answer: Life at SCMHRD is all about finishing off the latest assignment at 2 a.m. in the morning, waking up early to attend corporate lectures and thereafter brainstorming for committee work throughout the day. This college was beyond my expectations as it was here that i met people from various cultures and diverse backgrounds. As a matter of fact we have lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Doctors, Commerce graduates and national level athletes in our batch.

 

Question 10: Tell us three good things about your college?

Answer: Three good things about SCMHRD are:-

1. It’s a student driven institution. Students have the autonomy to plan and execute events as crucial as placements, admissions, cultural fest and corporate lectures.
2. We also have the opportunity to take part in corporate competitions from leading brands worldwide such as Mahindra War Room, Loreal Brandstorm, Philips Blueprint and Titan Elevate
3. We have a very rigorous academic curriculum which tests our mettle and helps us juggle multiple responsibilities at one time to be a better manager.