It has been a long journey towards CAT 2008. By this time next month, i would have reached a major cross road and the path would be much clearer than what it is now.  Irrespective of the result, I will be a relieved and much wiser person. During the course of the 3 years of preparing for CAT, I have learnt a lot. Not just in terms of English Grammar or Quantitative abilities, but also in terms of life skill and personality traits.

For an outsider, these exams may seem to test just the math and english skills with the syllabus of a Tenth standard. But for those who have actually been working themselves out, it is not just about some formulae or some grammar rules. It is about how you handle a situation and how you handle yourself and how you improve upon yourself. In these 3 years, I have been able to gain some acquaintances, and some close friends, thanks to CAT. I have also been forced to battle some of my weaknesses with mixed results. 

To successfully crack the CAT ( or any other challenge for that matter) , one needs to do the following

1) Have a clear Goal: To achieve anything, you need to have a vision of what you want and why you want it.  Though the CAT is hugely popular, it need not be the best option for you. There is no need to study and slog for CAT / MBA, just because your friends / colleagues are doing the same or because you parents wish for it.  Take the time to analyse what you want to do with your life and how MBA will help it. Study the various specializations offered and choose which one would be the best fit for you. Then analyse if there is any other way to achieve your goal. If the other ways prove to be a better option, then follow that path.

2) Plan your journey: Once the goal has been decided, it is time to plan your journey. Evaluate the resources available to you. Estimate the time and money you would need and the level of effort you would need to put.

3) Live the journey: Once your clear on what you want to do, why you want to do and how you want to do it, take the jump and start working on it. Remember to stay focused. This is the part where the men are separated from the boys. This is where you face your weaknesses along with other obstacles. When you fall in doubt, energise yourself by looking at your goals. Take help from your friends and othe well-wishers. When you achieve successes on your way, remember to celebrate them. They serve as a memory during other times and they also help you to boost your confidence.

4) Learn the lessons: Once the journey is complete, remember the lessons you have learnt and make sure that they stay in your memory. Irrespective of whether the journey is successful or not, remember that you took the effort to pursue your goal and you did your best…