Order Order

Dear Students,

Less than two months are left for CAT and some of you might be wondering – What to do now. I guess it is time you started building your test taking strategy.

There are couple of issues that you should sort out before you enter the examination hall :

a. You should attempt the sections of CAT in what order?

As you must be aware that there will be three sections in CAT 2009.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LR/DI)
Verbal Aptitude and Reading Comprehension (VA/RC)

There is no universal correct order which works for all students. On the other hand, there can be a reasonable improvement in percentile if you figure out what works for you.

It is advisable that you start the exam with QA or VA. You should definitely avoid LR, DI and RC in the beginning. LR, DI and RC questions are clubbed together to form a set and you should not try and conquer a set in the beginning. The choice between QA and VA depends upon your strengths and weaknesses. I recommend that you take four Full Length Mock CAT Tests (eg: SimCATs). In two mock tests, you may start with QA and in two other mock tests, try starting with VA. Then you should analyze your performance in the four tests. Do not blindly go with the order in which you scored a better percentile. Also look at other key factors such as number of attempts and accuracy rate. You should not end with LR/DI/RC for the same reason. Suppose in the end you are left with 5-10 minutes. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to sort out a set in the last 5-10 minutes.

b. How should you divide the time?

You are required to prove your competence in all sections. Ideally you should divide your time equally across the three sections. The above ideal is for those who are equally good or equally bad in all areas. Most of us do not come in that category. CAT 2009 is a 2 hour 15 minute exam (15 minutes are allotted for the tutorial). There are two options that I can suggest. Please try out both the options before deciding upon which suits you better.

Option 1 – It is static in nature. The 135 minutes can be divided into 40, 45 and 50 minutes depending upon your comfort level with various sections. Your favorite section should be given the least time and the area you find difficult should be allotted 50 minutes. This would help you clear the cutoff in all sections.

Option 2 – It is dynamic in nature. You allot 40 minutes to the three sections. In the end when you are left with 15 minutes, revisit the section in which you could not perform.

For any of the above options to work you would need two things – a watch and discipline. All of know which one of the aforementioned is harder to acquire.

With this I would like to wrap up the third session of Handa Ka Funda. Cheers!

ravi6663

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