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CAT results are out: What next?

Obtaining a good percentile in CAT or any other management entrance test is the first step to gaining admission to a top MBA programme in India. The GDPI process that follows the tests is equally or even more important in determining the B School a candidate would gain admission into.

A candidate should therefore prepare comprehensively for the GDPI process. The process after the test involves:

1.    Applying for the B-Schools which open their applications after the test. Be mindful of the last dates.

2.   Drafting detailed application forms for various schools. Each B-School or some B-Schools collectively (like CAP) would open application forms on their portals. They involve:

a.      Filling out your Academic Profile information

b.      Work Experience:

c.  Submitting proof for the work experience claimed. Some schools would also give candidates an option to provide their updated work experiences (from the one they have filled in CAT)

d.      Sections on Internships and Projects

e.      Co-Curricular Achievements

f.       Extra-Curricular Achievements

g.      SOPs and some other questions 

All Schools would not have all of these sections. In General, it is recommended that you have proof of anything that you claim in the form of certificates, e-mails or otherwise. Some Schools would also ask you to upload proof for these claims along with the application.

3.   SOP: I want to emphasise the importance of SOPs. Interview panellists generally peruse candidates’ SOPs and other answers before interviews. There is a high probability of questions being posed from those sections. B-Schools like FMS have marks for discussion on SOP specifically in the PI process. Therefore, it is recommended that:

a.    Candidates take time in drafting their SOP and other answers. If necessary, candidates can get them reviewed by mentors to ensure that they represent their candidature well. Tools such as Grammarly can be used to avoid routine errors. I would advise candidates to project their individuality while drafting their SOPs.  

b.   The SOP might also set the backdrop for the interview and the candidate should be careful about the information that is conveyed as well as be aware of that in the interview. If done right, a good SOP might be instrumental in securing admission to one’s dream B-School.

4.      WAT/GD/Interview

Preparing for the different subsequent stages is important to perform well in those processes. Depending on your evaluation, you can choose to prepare by yourself, or with the aid of a mentor. I would recommend seeking mentorship, especially if you are not used to similar processes. Mentors, with their experience, might be able to streamline and guide your preparation more effectively as well as give relevant feedback and tips to improve your performance.

Choosing a mentor might be tricky, and you would be better off relying on feedback from people you personally know. It is also important to keep in mind that different people might have had different outcomes with the same mentor. Mentors might also not provide equal attention to all candidates which should also be kept in mind while choosing one. 

Considering how crucial the following processes are, candidates need to start preparing for them as early as possible. 

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