This article of MBAUniverse.com offers a set of model questions for PI and their suggested answers
(prHWY.com) February 18, 2013 - Noida, India -- To help aspirants, MBAUniverse.com has already launched a WAT, PI, GD preparation module (
http://www.mbauniverse.com/gd_pi_preparation/gd_pi_wat_preparation.php). It is rich in content and is being updated regularly for the benefit of aspirants.
However, it is a plus to have students of top B schools sharing their GD, PI and WAT experience. MBAUniverse.com is conducting live chat sessions (Topper's Mantra) with a number of students who have made it to reputed B schools. We are also publishing stories based on those chats for our readers.
In this article, Sumant Darshan of IIM Ahmedabad shares his WAT, PI, and GD experience. He is a B Tech, Engineering Physics, IIT Bombay. He achieved 99.85 percentile in CAT 2011. He has 22 months of work experience as business analytics associate with ZS Associates.
WAT: Written Ability Test or WAT tests your written communication skill and how aptly you can describe the given topic in a stipulated time period. The best way to prepare for essay writing is to read a lot and practise according to time. Be aware of current affairs topics as much as possible. Develop your own opinion around it and express your views in the form of writing.
IN IIM Ahmedabad, there is space for essay in the application form - it is about two-thirds of a page. Write keeping in mind the space allotted. Most of topics given in IIMs and top B schools are neutral in nature are on contemporary issues.
When you receive the topic, give it a small thought and jot down the points. Your essay will be developed on these points. Structure the essay properly - it is more important than the quality of the language and vocabulary. As a manager, you have to structure your thoughts properly. Clarity of the thinking process is also important.
You can obviously write against the given proposition (if the essay is on 'Is the social media bad', you can express your views against it i.e. in support of social media or on its virtues). But, make sure you establish your points logically and with genuine examples.
You can also use charts and diagrams to summerise or substantiate the concepts; but those should be simple so that everybody understands it. Always be conscious about the space constraint.
Personal interview (PI): In personal interviews, the most common question is: tell us about yourself. Prepare the answer of this question well and do not be monotonous. Do not forget to mention your future ambitions. Always maintain the eye contact with the interviewer and try to channelize the course of discussion to your strong points (education, extra-curricular activities, etc). When you are asked a question, think very briefly and frame the answer. Remember, your answer will lead to further questions. If you need clarification in a question, do not hesitate to ask it.
If you have some work experience, expect some questions on it. Here, the basic understanding of the concept is essential.
Always appear in a formal dress during an interview. Wear a tie and a blazer if possible. Try not to say 'no' to any question, as it creates not a non-favourable impression.
There is no specific time-limit for an interview. Sometimes it may continue for 30 minutes and in some cases, it ends in 10 minutes. Always stay calm and focussed. Do not stress yourself in thinking the hard work you have done in securing the interview. Remember the panel members are some of the best brains of the country and they are very cooperative.
Group discussion (GD): In GD, always follow a framework, called PREP (point, reason, example & point). Discuss the point or the argument given, say reasons to substantiate the point, give examples in support of the argument and conclude with a holistic approach to establish the point.
There is a perception that you can score high by initiating discussion in a GD. Actually, it is a double-edged sword. If your opening arguments are strong, it is fine. But, the advantage may totally be lost if your points are weak or you fumble.
There are some things that you must avoid during the GD - never cut a lady (actually nobody); your body language must show that you are listening with attention while others are speaking; never quote if you are not sure; and be assertive but not aggressive.
To read the previous Topper's Mantra, click on the link:
http://www.mbauniverse.com/article.php?id=6672
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