Clearing the CAT is half the battle of getting into a good MBA college. A good percentile is a must, but it guarantees nothing for a seat in a top business school. Admission depends on a series of rounds of screening after CAT score.
These are the steps to which the candidates expecting an uneventful selection process would be accustomed. Institutes shortlist the candidates in accordance with specific parameters such as academic skills, working experience, communication skills, and analytical skills. Step-by-step guidelines enable the candidates to perform the selection process with confidence.
Shortlisting by Institutes
Shortlisting is carried out by business schools during CAT score announcements based on percentile marks. Various schools shortlist category-wise, i.e., general, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates.
Apart from CAT scores, business schools also look at past academic records, work experience, and diversity. Work experience and academic record, if outstanding, can go a long way in improving the chance of being shortlisted to subsequent rounds.
All institutes look for the same, but one or two of the best-ranked institutions look for others like extracurricular success and leadership as well. Weeding out from within among the short-listed candidates by an equally good-balanced record showing scholastic ability as well as working abilities is an easy task.
SOP Preparation
Most of the MBA schools demand a Statement of Purpose (SOP) for admission. SOP provides the schools with an idea of a candidate's intent, attributes, and the motivation behind his seeking an MBA.
The leadership skill, problem-solving skills, and acquaintance of a candidate for a certain profession are immaculately exemplified in an outstanding SOP. An outstanding SOP is an image of high thinking and a well-written personal life incident that is congruent with the values of an institution.
Group Discussion (GD)
A group discussion is utilized to evaluate a person's communication skills, leadership skills, managerial skills, and working skills. Institutes use or start discussions on the basis of problems of daily life, business, social issues, or conceptual topics.
The candidates should provide their views in plain words through the usage of analysis and sound reasoning. Sound reasoning on facts and examples will definitely portray the quality of being unique, like anyone else is not.
Personal Interview (PI)Personal interview (PI) is the most critical component of the MBA admission procedure. It provides institutes an opportunity to analyze the personality, wisdom, and professional aspirations of the candidate.
The
interviews are usually conducted by the industry and academia panel of teachers. The candidates are assessed on confidence, analytical skills, mental sharpness, and industry awareness.
Written Ability Test (WAT)Each institute is conducting a Written Ability Test (WAT) to judge the writing skill of a candidate and his logical ability. WAT can be on any given topic like business ethics, economic policies, social problems, or current affairs.
An ordered essay, good supporting arguments, sound arguments, and a good conclusion leaves space for better chances of good marks. The candidates need to make their writing as simple, readable, and error-free as possible grammatically.
Final Shortlisting and Merit ListAfter all the rounds of tests are over, institutes prepare a final merit list based on the overall performance of the candidate. CAT scores, GD, PI, and WAT have different weightages in different institutes.
There are some institutes that give tremendous importance to work experience, academic record, and co-curricular activities. Good profile candidates and the same performance at each step of the selection process will get a place in the final list.
When the merit list comes out, shortlisted candidates must complete the admissions procedure within the time frame provided. They must deposit documents, pay the admission charge, and confirm the seat.
Other Selection Procedures Apart from the first two rounds of selection, institutes employ other criteria for assessment. These are extempore speech sessions, case studies, and psychometric tests.
Psychometric tests try the decision-making ability, personality, and thinking of an applicant. Psychometric tests allow institutes to know up to what extent of time an applicant will feel comfortable in a management course of study.
Preparation for the MBA ExperienceAfter admission, the students will have to prepare themselves to participate in the MBA experience. The study program is rigorous in coursework and therefore good time management, analysis, and team working are essential.
A head start is gained by cultivating the habit of reading business case studies, Excel practice, and presentation skills and also corporate networking. Internship also has to be completed prior to joining the program.
Joining MBA forums and interacting with alumni give an insight regarding institute culture and expectations. Positive attitude and preparation assist in settling well into business school life.
ConclusionCAT after-matriculation has multiple levels of option that are similar to the marks. GD, PI, SOP, and WAT rehearsals must prepare to be confident in stepping into a top-ranked MBA college.A well-prepared candidate will be assertive, can speak fluently, and be a pro in professional life, and therefore will most likely be selected. Knowledge of the admission process makes it simple to get into an MBA program successfully.
