The 100 percentile was unexpected; IMS was one of the key reasons behind my success

…says Shashank Samant who scored a 99.98 percentile on his last attempt in 2008, but gave up the opportunity then to take up a job with Morgan Stanley. In conversation with Radhika Arunkumar, he says 2010 beckoned him to take the CAT once again having decided that IIM was inevitable.

You have achieved a milestone, how does it feel?
I cannot describe the feeling in words! It feels very special, as I was not expecting 100 percentile at all. Though the CAT results were out in the morning I got my results only at 2 pm in the afternoon, and that was one of the most joyous moments of my life. I am very proud of this achievement and I have made my family and friends very happy. They were also happy to see my picture in all the leading newspapers the next day.

Any preferences in selection of the institute?
The top 3 IIMs of course - IIM-A, B or C, it does not matter.

Can you elaborate on your preparation towards the CAT?
I had given the CAT in 2008 and secured 99.98 percentile, so I had a fair idea what it entails. After giving a couple of simulated tests I realised that I was still strong in DI and Quant, but needed to improve my accuracy in Verbal section. So I brushed up my verbal skills in the week before the CAT by going through word lists, reading grammar rules and practicing RC questions.

Why did you not join any of the management institutes when you attempted CAT the last time?
I think work experience is very important before one attempts an MBA programme. Back then; I was not sure whether I wanted to go for an MBA. Also, I had received a very nice job offer by Morgan Stanley on campus. The work profile was really good and matched my interests as well. So I decided to take up the job rather than pursue an MBA programme right after graduation.

Any message for those who would like to ace the CAT as you did?
Finish the syllabus as early as possible and use the simulated tests for judging your strengths and weaknesses. Use it for also trying out various exam strategies. Focus on converting your weakness into strengths, and good result will definitely come your way!

Finally, how much would you credit IMS towards your achievement?
IMS has helped me a lot this year as well as in 2008. SIMCATs give a true reflection of your strengths and weaknesses and the difficulty level is similar to the CAT. The reading material was really helpful for revising concepts at the end. Overall, IMS was one of the key reasons behind my success and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to the entire CAT aspirants.