SNAP 2024 Results Out: Meet Topper Rabara Aum who Scored 99.97% with ‘Smart’ Preparation! Read his Motivational Success Story and his (Surprising) Dream B-schools | MBAUniverse.com Interview

Q: Congratulations for scoring 99.97% in SNAP. Can you share your SNAP 2024 results details?
A: Thank you for your kind words! I am thrilled to share my results... I scored an overall 99.9710 percentile with a total score of 48 in Test 3, held on 21st December 2024. My sectional scores in Test 3 were 11.25 in General English, 20.00 in Analytical and Logical Reasoning, and 16.75 in Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency. Additionally, I secured 39.00 in Test 1 on 8th December and 33.50 in Test 2 on 15th December.

Q: Did you take other exams like CAT and XAT? How did you score? 
A: Yes, I appeared for CAT and secured a percentile of 93.99. While XAT results are still awaited, I am anticipating a score of around 35, which should translate to a 99.xx percentile. Additionally, I scored 256 in NMAT.
CAT, being the most challenging and my first exam, was a humbling experience! It highlighted areas where I could improve. This realisation motivated me to focus more effectively, and I approached the subsequent exams with confidence and a clear strategy. I am happy it resulted in significantly better outcomes.

Q:  Please share your education, work and family background? 
A: I completed my B.Com in 2023 and worked as a Brand Manager until August 2024, when I decided to dedicate myself fully to preparing for competitive exams. During my tenure, I had the privilege of leading a cross-functional team of 8, which was a transformative experience that deepened my interest in management and underscored the importance of pursuing an MBA. Academically, I have consistently ranked in the top 2% and have always maintained a competitive spirit. 

I come from a Hindu middle class family, where my father works, and my mother is a homemaker. I am immensely grateful to my parents for their constant support and encouragement throughout my journey.

Q: So, what motivated you to attempt the SNAP exam? 
A: The decision to attempt the SNAP exam was a natural progression for me, especially since I was already preparing for CAT. Given the similarities in the preparation approach, taking a shot at SNAP felt like an obvious choice. Additionally, SNAP’s unique focus on speed, accuracy, and decision-making aligned well with my strengths and interests.

Q: How did you approach your SNAP preparation? 
A: I’ve always relied on a smart and focused approach to my preparation, and SNAP was no different. I didn’t prepare extensively beyond what I had already covered for CAT, as I knew my strengths lay in quick thinking and speed, which are crucial for SNAP. I consistently scored around 40-42 in mocks, which gave me the confidence to excel. I strategically prepared for the topics unique to SNAP, addressing them in a phased manner. With each test, I refined my strategy and built momentum, ensuring that I performed at my best when it mattered the most.

Q: Did you do self-study or took coaching?  
A: I took coaching with IMS, and I am truly grateful to my mentor and the other faculties for their valuable guidance throughout the process. While the coaching provided a strong foundation, I was confident in my ability to self-study and took full responsibility for my preparation. 

I dedicated around 4-5 hours a day to focused study, reinforcing key concepts, and practicing mocks, which played a significant role in my success.

Q: Can you elaborate on your section-wise preparation strategy? 
A: For General English, which had 15 questions, I took a relatively relaxed approach as I was confident in my reading and verbal abilities. My primary focus was on Logical Reasoning (LR), which had 25 questions, as it held the most weightage. For Quants, with 20 questions, I relied on my problem-solving skills and existing preparation to manage this section effectively. My goal was to ensure high accuracy in LR and Quants, as these were critical to maximising my score. 

Q: Please elaborate on your exam taking approach on D-day…
A: Sure. During preparation, I always looked for the most direct path to the solution, actively working on shortcuts and using option elimination to save time. This strategic approach proved invaluable. In the actual exam, I allocated my time strategically: around 6-7 minutes for General English, 25-30 minutes for Logical Reasoning (as I found it more challenging on the day), and 20 minutes for Quants. Managing time efficiently and sticking to this plan was a game changer for me.

Q: Did mock tests play an important role in your SNAP preparation? 
A: Yes, I gave around 8-9 mocks in total, and each one was instrumental in shaping my preparation. Mock tests helped me build confidence and refine my strategies, especially with time management. I experimented with different approaches to allocate time across sections and identify what worked best for me. While my scores fluctuated between 32 and 42, I treated each mock as a learning opportunity, analyzing my mistakes and focusing on areas where I could improve.

Q: What major challenges did you face during your preparation? How did you overcome them? 
A: One of the major challenges I faced during my preparation was scoring low in some mocks, which could have been demotivating. However, I reminded myself to trust in my abilities and stay focused on the bigger picture. Believing in myself did most of the work, helping me maintain confidence and motivation. 

Apart from that, I initially struggled with managing time effectively across sections, especially in Logical Reasoning, which required a lot of focus. To overcome this, I practiced rigorously, analyzed my mock performances, and worked on shortcuts and strategies to improve my speed and accuracy. These steps helped me tackle challenges head-on and perform at my best.

Q: How did you maintain the motivation during exam preparation period? 
A: Maintaining motivation during the exam preparation period was crucial, and I relied on a mix of strategies to stay focused and driven. Firstly, I set clear goals for myself, which kept me anchored and reminded me why I started this journey. Every time I felt low, I revisited my aspirations and imagined the sense of achievement that would come with reaching them.

Secondly, I celebrated small wins, like improving in mocks or mastering a tough concept, which kept my spirits high. Surrounding myself with supportive people, especially my parents and mentors, also played a big role. They constantly encouraged me and believed in my potential. Lastly, I balanced intense preparation with breaks to avoid burnout, indulging in activities like photography or a short walk to refresh my mind.

Q: What advice would you give to future SNAP aspirants? 
A: To future SNAP aspirants, my biggest advice is to focus on consistency and time management. Understand the exam pattern thoroughly and identify your strengths and weaknesses early on. Work on improving accuracy and speed, as SNAP is all about solving questions quickly without compromising on correctness.

Mock tests are your best friends. Analyse your performance in every mock, learn from your mistakes, and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of confidence and self-belief. There will be moments when scores might dip, but trust in your preparation and stay determined. Lastly, keep a clear and positive mindset on the exam day, as staying calm can make all the difference. You've got this!

Q: Are there some myths about SNAP preparation that you’d like to debunk! 
A: One common myth about SNAP preparation is that it requires extensive study beyond what you do for exams like CAT. While SNAP has its unique elements, the core concepts largely overlap, so focused preparation on key areas like Logical Reasoning and time management can suffice. You don’t need to study “everything,” but rather be strategic and work smart. 

Another misconception is that SNAP is only about speed, and accuracy can be compromised. In reality, speed and accuracy go hand-in-hand. Rushing through questions without precision can cost you valuable marks, so maintaining a balance is crucial. Lastly, some believe that consistent mock scores are the only indicator of success. Don’t let a few low scores discourage you. Believe in your ability to give your best when it counts!

Q: So, what is your Dream B-school! 
A: My dream B-school is SPJIMR Mumbai or ISB. I’ve already received a profile-based call from SPJIMR and am expecting a call from ISB as well. These institutions align perfectly with my career aspirations due to their strong focus on holistic development and experiential learning. 

Q: Great. Best of luck. Your closing comments for aspirants who follow MBAUniverse.com… 
A: One thing I’d like to share is that this journey has been as much about self-discovery as it has been about preparation. I realised the importance of believing in myself, staying consistent, and learning from every setback. I didn’t just aim to crack exams but to grow as a person. 

To all future aspirants, I’d say, stay focused, trust your process, and don’t be afraid to push your limits. Success will follow!

We hope you liked Interview with SNAP 2024 Topper Rabara Aum. Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more such insightful content!