Are you ready for CAT 2007? With more test-takers than ever before, the CAT has become the most competitive exam in the world.

So how can you get an edge? How can you optimise your score?

Atul Prashar and Munish Kumar, competitive examination experts with Top Careers and You, answered these questions and more during a September 6 chat with Get Ahead.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the transcript:

Part I: 'Focus on quality of practice, not quanity'

CKB asked, I am working full time. I joined TIME Mock test series. My percentile fluctuate too much. From 60-80s. Also, Maths and DI are made too difficult in mock tests. Some time one single question has one full page solution.Will it help me in real CAT and how should I make consistancy ?

Munish Kumar answers, You need to segregate the time-taking and time-saving questions.The strategy is to attempt the time savers with maximum accuracy.

prabhu asked, well if sm1,whos average, starts out preparing real hard frm nw on,do u see any chances of him gettin through to a premier B-school???

Atul Prashar answers, Prabhu, he must take one or two mocks and get them evaluated by some expert.

santosh asked, Iam working in a company but still i want to do my MBA through CAT is it possible

Munish Kumar answers, You have to make a choice between job and full-time MBA. If you are clear about your goal, then only can you succeed

Raghavendra asked, Sir for working junta what is your advice for time management between cat preparation and work? esp in IT industry

Atul Prashar answers, You have offices late in the mornings and morning is the best time of the day to learn anything. Sleep early. Wake up early and schedule the preparation accordingly.

shekhar asked, sir i m a member of tcyonline bt i was nt able to give the mock test today i mean i was unable to enter what cd be the reason?

Munish Kumar answers, Please mail at tcy@tcyonline.com with error details you are getting

Cataspirant asked, Hi Atul, By mistake i filled my graduation marks incorrectly in the CAT Form. I put my marks as 7.5 in place 75. Will the Form get rejected? What should i do? Please help this is a genuine concern

Atul Prashar answers, Immediately contact the IIM where you submitted your application.

krishan asked, is it neccessary to fill all the forms for entering in b-school for mba?????

Munish Kumar answers, It is desirable to submit forms for six or seven Business schools. Out of which two or three could be top level and another two or three in the upper-middle, depending upon your performance level.

krishan asked, my performence in mock cat is not consitent it is varrying alot some times it goes very high and somtimes it go very low wat should i do to make it consitent????

Atul Prashar answers, Only a chapter-wise detailed analysis of previous mocks can reveal the real problem. Do take the mocks by training centers.

poli asked, What is the problem with Data Interp.? It should be easy.

Atul Prashar answers, Yes, it's easy if someone can make fast calculations and is good at percentages, etc.

vikas asked, hello sir i'm vikas and i have problem with 2 drop please tel me that can i face any probblem in my pi in any top b school

Munish Kumar answers, It all depends upon your ability to convince the interviewer about your valid reason.

rajesh asked, what is the most difficult part of the cat for Indian.

Atul Prashar answers, It varies from person to person. Your strenghts and weaknesses will decide what is difficult for you. Try doing a SWOT analysis of your strong and weak areas.

SACHIN112 asked, SIR CAN YOU PLESE GIVE SOME TIPS FOR BEGINNERS...PLEASE SIR

Munish Kumar answers, If you are trying for next year's CAT, work on basics of mathematics up to 10th level, grammar up to +2 level and devote a lot of time to diversified reading on subjects such as philosophy, psychology, religion, culture, science, business, etc.

ashish asked, Hi, I haven't just started cat preparation and two mock cats of ims i got 54% and 84%, does i have any chance of making it.

Atul Prashar answers, If you are surely going to give it a go this year, I recommend you take MAT as your Plan B.

shekhar asked, ok sir i ll mail the details,one more thing how much time s sufficient everyday including analysis

Munish Kumar answers, You should spend two-three hours for analysis.

Rutu asked, What is better : MBA in india now or MBA after 4 yrs work ex in Abroad?? Can u guide me on the same?

Atul Prashar answers, Depends upon your preference. An MBA from the USA is certainly the most preferred in the world but it really requires good quality work experience.

vikas asked, how many mock test/national test are necessary in a weak and what is the time i spend on these test analysis

Atul Prashar answers, Three at the maximum with + 2-3 hrs each on their analysis.

pecks asked, hi sir,i have mock tests of various institute with log in id so what should i do ?should i use them as sectional test or give them as a test only and check relative performance?i think many mock tests in a week will be too much.whats your take on this ?.....i generally dont get reply in such type of interactive sessions...so,plz try to give reply.

Munish Kumar answers, Doing much is not important. You should not take more than two mock CATs in a week. Then you have to analyse your performance and identify as well as work on your weaknesses.

Vladimir asked, This is the most stressful time of my life! How can I handle this pressure??

Munish Kumar answers, Ultimately CAT is only a test, not your life. If you want to do MBA, there are other options also. Stress will only have negative effect on your performance.

chandrakant wani asked, hello how to score maximum marks in quantitative

Atul Prashar answers, I CAT "maximum" need be replaced by "optimum" by balancing your attempt with a decent level of accuracy -- be it any section.

swati asked, i hav started preparing my quant sec. now. I hav completed my reasoning . so how should i prepare quant ,so dat i can finish it till my CAT exam..?

Atul Prashar answers, I suggest you switch to testing now and prepare only those topics which you find as weak links in your preparation..

vikas asked, can u gime me deatiles about web site related to aricles these are connected with rc

Atul Prashar answers, Check this: part one and part two

GAURAV asked, WILL U TELL ME ABOUT BOOKS THOESE ARE HEPLFUL FOR CAT

Munish Kumar answers, For details on MBA exams and preparation tests, visit tcyonline.com

vikas asked, how many hours i spend for basic concept regulerly , is it necssary in everyday or weakly

Atul Prashar answers, Do them on weekly basis only. Work on test analysis on week days and consolidate the coverage of weak areas on weekends.

Part I: 'Focus on quality of practice, not quanity'