Top 12 Secrets to Crack MBA GD-PI-WAT

By Kirti Yadav
11 March 2021

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Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and Written Ability Test (WAT) hold a prominent part in the MBA affirmation measure. Apprehending how to get ready for GD-PI-WAT can yield productive outcomes. GD, PI and WAT To guarantee greater clarity and a superior comprehension of up-and-comers, the Written Ability Test (WAT) has become a piece of the affirmation interaction, also called WAT MBA.

Today, obtaining a good percentile in CAT/MAT exams isn't the only criteria for selection. A student has to undergo GD and PI or WAT, which test their various soft skills like presentation, listening, speaking, and problem-solving skills. MBA GD-PI -WAT preparation should be meticulous and rigorous so that you can clear your tests in one go. Students face the problem of how to prepare for GD/PI for an MBA. Here is the rundown of the top 12 Secret tricks to crack GD/PI/WAT like a pro-

"What is the Writing Ability Test (WAT)"

This part of the MBA admissions is mostly part of your application, where you have to provide essay-type answers to the questions asked. This could be either online or offline. Some B schools also have a WAT round during their interview rounds. Gain subject knowledge, have opinions on the ongoing trends and manage your time well, for smooth sailing through the WAT round.

What is Personal Interview (PI)?

A face-to-face interaction during your admission interviews into any college is a personal interview. The interviewing panel is selected by the college and generally includes faculty and admission councils. A personal interview helps the panel to understand and know the interest and needs of the candidates. The 'personal' in this word is all about your aspirations, strengths and personality. So, make it shine!

What is Group Discussion (GD)?

The group discussion round is yet another judgement round to see how good a fit you are for that particular college. Candidates are divided into groups of over 6 members, where a topic of discussion is given to see each participants level of knowledge, ideas and cooperation with others. A GD round includes:

A topic
Few minutes to jot down your points
10-15 minute discussion on the topic
A moderator, taking notes on each participants performance

Tips & Tricks to clear MBA GD-PI-WAT rounds

Group Discussion (GD)

Questions like how to clear GD comes to students' minds every time they appear for a group discussion round. GD is one of the contemporary methodologies used by organizations and educational institutions as a part of their selection procedures. It helps to drill various personality traits and interpersonal communication skills of the candidate. Follow these tips to know how to crack gd round and how to face it with ease-

1. Be a good listener:

Good listening shows your leadership skills and helps you receive information correctly. When you listen, you respond aptly with a sense of acknowledgement. Active listening allows you to formulate better counter questions and will retain your focus.

2. Try to summarize:

The first impression is not always the last. Start the discussion if you're confident about the topic and have good content. Otherwise, try to summarize at the end with a wise choice of words and clarity. Address each team member by their name while putting forth your views. Avoid shouting and yelling at other members, and address each participant graciously.

3. Establish eye contact:

When you talk with others, always establish good eye contact and speak gaily. It represents an imperative form of body language during communication. It makes you look focused and helps to build rapport with others. It is essential for GD/PI preparation as a whole.

4. Maintain a track:

Most of the time, GD participants tend to divert the given topic into a completely different direction, which creates confusion and anxiety. It is precisely when you can stand out and take the initiative to bring back the discussion topic on the right track. Don't try to be bossy but act as a facilitator.

But how to prepare for GD/PI at home? You can prepare for GD using the tips mentioned above and practice regularly.

Personal Interview (PI)

It is one of the preeminent engines to adjudicate the skills and competence of the candidate. GD/PI preparation requires consistent practice and sheer ascertainment. In face-to-face interviews, candidates often get nervous and fumble. The idea of words utilized, outward appearances, and non-verbal communication together decide the final result of an interview. Some of the tried-tested tips to quickly personal interview are as follows-

5. Prepare typical questions:

Prepare questions like "Brief me about yourself" or "talk about your strengths and weaknesses" beforehand. Preparing these questions can make you feel confident and prepared to some extent. Make sure you don't mug up the answers but accumulate your ideas in one place. Keep your tone natural and clear.

6. Show sportsmanship spirit with body language:

A firm handshake with a smile can boost your confidence and reflect your confidence on the interviewer. Always remember that what you feel will get exhibited by your body language. So sit straight and don't lean on the table.

7. Don't interrupt:

Many a time, interviewers do not get convinced with the answer. Try to stay calm and don't interrupt them in the middle. It puts a bad impression and indicates your dominating nature. Put your views politely after taking due permission. Be respectful.

8. Ask questions:

At the end, interviewers allow the interviewee to ask questions. It acts as a golden chance to create a long-lasting impression. Ask them about the college culture and show interest in knowing more about their college.

Written Ability Test (WAT)

Since now you know what GD /PI is, the question that arises is "How to prepare for WAT?" "What is WAT?" and "How to do WAT preparation?" The Written Ability Test is a trial to check your capacity to think fundamentally and how viably you can impart your thoughts and define a proper reaction in the given time in the written form. It is one of the newest additions in the selection process by colleges and universities. Some of the written ability test topics for colleges include current political, economic and business affairs. Some pivotal tips include-

9. Be clear and simple:

Don't use creative jargon and ornamented English to create an impression. Construct your words engagingly.

10. Make the content well-articulated:

Ensure that the content looks impressive by focussing on the introduction, body, and conclusion. Often, candidates forget to add conclusions in their writing, so make sure to focus on it.

11. Avoid grammar mistakes:

Making silly mistakes makes the interviewer that you are well-prepared for getting admission. Practice grammar every day, so you may avoid rookie mistakes.

12. Be confident:

In the end, feel confident about yourself and believe that you can clear stages swiftly. Your willpower can decide your final selection.

FAQ's

Ques1: What kind of questions are asked in the WAT round?

Generally, the questions asked in the WAT round are around the ongoing market trends and business knowledge of the industry. Some questions asked in the WAT rounds for IIM's are:
• Spending dollars on space programs is useless
• Gender diversity and academic equality
• Judicious disposal of e-waste by G20 countries
• We shouldn't believe all that we see

Ques2: How can I approach the WAT round?

As stated in this article, to prepare for the WAT round, you must gain subject knowledge, practice writing, understand and keep updated with the ongoing trends of the market and have good time management skills. They are judging you particularly on these skills, and polishing these over others is important.

Ques3: How can I perform well in GD?

There is a myth that to get noticed in a group discussion, one must be loud and talking over others. Doing this may in turn harm your chances of getting in as interviewers are also checking how you interact with others and present your ideas and thoughts. The quality of what you say here, matters the most, as it should be short and crisp, but should add to the discussion and steer it towards a solution.

Ques4: How to handle a tough question at a Personal Interview?

Smile and be yourself, these are the two high impact actions that will help you gain some time to think about how to answer a difficult question. If it is something you have close to no idea about, accept that and let the interviewer know. They will surely ask you another question. However, do not do these for all the questions as you will come off as less confident and unsure about what you are being asked.

Ques5: What kind of questions are asked in a personal interview?

In a personal interview, the interviewer can ask you anything from your personal life, family details, background, qualifications and future short and long term goals. The personal interview may also contain some questions on subject knowledge your personality type and your industry knowledge. Some questions asked are:
1. Tell me about yourself?
2. Why MBA?
3. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses
For more questions, read:

Conclusion

The get admission in any top B schools begins with getting shortlisted, followed by GD/PI/WAT. To get an incredibly decent GD/PI/WAT score, follow all tricks and hacks.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kirti Yadav

Senior Content Writer | Sunstone