U r attempting this year or next year.
For Next Year,
No, if you are self motivated, if you can dream big, if you have a never give up attitude. You need not to opt for coaching.
CAT is the exam which tests your reading ability and comprehension, your aptitude for secondary school mathematics and general data sets.
If you have good reading skills, vocabulary and you are good at secondary school mathematics then you are almost done with the basic preparation. All you need to do is identify your weak areas(use mock tests) and try to overcome them. Do this until you feel comfortable with each and every topic.
Yes,In case you are starting from scratch and you don't have any clue about the concepts then coaching institute might be helpful to you. They expedite the process of learning. All coaching institute could do is make you familiarize with the concepts and pattern, onus is on you to put some sincere efforts and master the concepts. Once you are good at the concepts start writing mock tests, build a test strategy, work on your weak areas.
One thing to remember is, preparation is not going to be a joy ride. There will be times you score really less in the mocks, you should not get demotivated by such results.
I personally feel that more than coaching a good mentor can make a huge difference, he can drive you in right direction and support you in the tough times. so find a good mentor and work with him closely.
Keep following Points in mind:
1) Do your own Research: These decisions can affect your life and thus its very important to do your own research. Never base your decision on another person opinion. Do not be swayed by brands or anyone recommendation. Check them and decide based upon your experience.
2) Small Batches: Batch strength should neverexceed 15-16 students. In most of the institutes, the class strength range is 25-80. No Teacher and not even any methodology can make your experience personalised if the strength of the class is beyond 15 students.
3) Hard Coaching V/s Individualised Coaching: Try to check how the system they run helps in individualised teaching rather than a group teaching. Always remember, the approach should not be subjective, it should be analytical. Check the whole methodology and check its effectiveness in making the whole experience customised for you.
4) Time-Based V/s Ability-Based Models:Mostly all institutes run Time-Bound Models. This model has a specific course schedule and is bound by time. These courses start and end at a pre-defined time interval. Even class schedules are planned and shared in advance. ButEduShastraruns an Ability-Based Model. In this model, there are 4-5 levels in the course and a student can only move from one level to another when he/she scores minimum passing marks. In this system, students keep on getting segregated into different groups based on their ability.
5) Limited Class hours V/s Unlimited Course duration: All will offer limited classes and tests. The reason is their base of Time-based Models. Ability-based models have unlimited classes till you reach your optimum ability.
6) Course Structure & Strength: Course structure and Teaching ways should be focussed upon. Most of the Institutes will have logic of selling their product by advertising their past toppers.
7) Success Ratio: This factor should have lot of weightage in your mind. Try to find the percentage of successful students out of total enrolments. Most of the Institutes will have less than 2% success ratio.
Mocks & Sectional Tests: GMAT Adaptive tests helps a lot in CAT.EduShastraworks on Artificial Intelligence based Adaptive Tests. These mocks are rigorous and tests your limit. They have in-house Computer-based (CAT) & Computer-Adaptive (GMAT) tests. Most importantly, tests continue till a student score stagnates.
8) Faculty: Ask for Faculty details before joining any Institute. Teachers should have reasonable pedigree in their respective fields. Teachers accessibility also is a very important factor. Go through their LinkedIn Profiles.
9) We Made Toppers V/s We will make you a Topper:Focus on how they introduce themselves Read their websites and concentrate on following links: About us, Their Vision, Mission & SOP statements and their course structure.
Thanks,
Azim Musa Shaikh