CAT 2014: Choosing between Online and Classroom mode of preparation
By Ankur Agarwal
If you are thinking of appearing for CAT 2014, then the very first step you need to take in the direction of preparation is that of self-assessment. In order to determine how you want to proceed with your plans you need to have a clear idea of where you stand in terms of your basics, clarity of concepts, study habits, reading practices etc. Knowing where you will probably land in competition with your fellow CAT takers, will not only help you set more realistic target for yourself, but will also provide you with an idea of how much work you have to do in order to reach that level.
With all such things figured out, the next major thing you need to decide is how are you going to prepare for it. Are you looking at full-fledged classroom atmosphere or an online study mode? Do not rush to conclusions; weigh out all the pros and cons before opting for any one mode. As you do a reality check about your own skills and talents, it would be easier to decide whether you need the help of a tutor or you can study on your own.
Secondly, decide where you want to see yourself at the end of this journey, that is, pre-determine the set of colleges you are targeting. Now you can see how much effort it will take to reach there. If you think you can attain the required levels of excellence on your own, then an online program is a better choice. But if you think you need constant help or a mentor to design the entire schedule for you then perhaps a classroom atmosphere is what fits you.
Another deciding factor to make your choice easier is discipline. If you are disciplined enough to handle things on your own, stay on schedule without anybody’s help or pressure only then will adopting an online study mode make sense. Moreover, if you stay at some remote location where you don’t have any good options it is better to go for the online method of preparation rather than settling for some classroom environment which doesn’t contribute much to your knowledge.
Also looking at things from a more financial point of view, distance learning program is a good Rs 15,000 -Rs 20,000 cheaper than the classroom-structured program which is generally offered at Rs 30,000 – Rs 35,000. In comparison, online modes are available in the range of Rs 7,000 – Rs 12,000. However, when you are opting for any good MBA program, which generally starts at around Rs 10 lakh, then these extra Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 don’t really matter.
About the author:
