CAT Tricks By A 99.97%iler — Series 1 On Quant
This is the first part of the series on CAT. This is the link to the second one on VARC and this is the link to the 3rd on DILR. In this series, I will only talk about the technical aspect of how I strategized certain things. Two points must be noted:
- A particular strategy/trick, if worked for me, may not necessarily work for you
- This is only a technical take on tricks and tips. Doing well in CAT is also about several other factors. I can share that and my entire story of CAT if you want.
Series 1 — Quantitative Aptitude Tricks and Tips:
The focus here is only on certain additional tricks and not on the entire Quant. More helpful when you have attempted a few mocks.
A. Take a lot of mocks. If you feel that you want to strengthen Quant specifically, take sectional mocks. What is more important than taking the mock is review. Spent as much time on the review as the mock itself. Note your mistakes down
B. Find the pattern in these mocks. You will realize you are making similar kind of mistakes, like missing out on reading some values or some text in the question
C. Focus on every word carefully when you are reading the question. The mistakes happen in minute details within the question and the options. Give that extra 10 seconds to the question to see if some key word like ‘integer’, ‘whole number’, ‘only positive’ etc is present.
D. A lot of times questions get solved through options. One would not encourage that to be the prime strategy. But it has to be a part of the strategy for Quant. After reading the questions, do a quick scan through of options and if they reveal anything. All inequality questions can be easily solved by option checking.
E. Arun Sharma’s book is a great help. Mark down the formulas. Learn the key ones so that you are fast enough for every mock.
F. When there is a series of questions that you can’t solve — break the flow. Start from say last, or middle. Choose something you can. Getting into the flow is important
G. Always try to start with familiar questions to boost confidence. After taking a few mocks, you will realize that your arithmetic or algebra or something else is stronger. Or you may realize that you get uncomfortable with geometry questions. Start the attempt with strength. And, do not get attached to a question while solving. 2 minutes lost is better than 5.
H. Finally, once you have given enough mocks, and done all the practice- To get to that 99.9+ mark, very important that you start attempting this section orally. Read the question. Relate to what you know, see the options and mark the answer. Yes, Quant can be done orally or within a few steps if you have had enough practice and are watching the options closely.
At the end, it is all about taking mocks and analyzing it thoroughly and then trying not to repeat similar mistakes. Feel free to reach out in case of any queries:)
