The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, commonly known as SNAP is conducted by The Symbiosis International University. The SNAP has over the years witnessed a steady increase in applicants opting for the SNAP to gain admissions into the various B- Schools under the Symbiosis International University. The test brings with it the age old excitement as well as a new sense of anxiety as students prepare to face the SNAP. In view of the need of the hour a few tips have been devised to assist students in their preparation.
Tip 1 General English: this section has questions that test one’s verbal ability, reading and comprehension skills. The questions are based on analogies, synonyms, antonyms, match the list, idioms, one word for many, fill in the blanks, identifying the correct and incorrect sentences, converting from active to passive voice, identifying sentences with similar meanings, punctuation, spellings, jumbled paragraphs and scrambled sentences. In a nut shell this section tests the applicant’s basic concepts of grammar.
a) Grammar: A useful tool to improve your language skills is by referring to Wren & Martin. This book is a perfect guide for improving your grammar, as well as your comprehension skills because it has exercises and examples for each topic. It also comes with a key that you can use to verify if your answers are correct.
b) Reading and Comprehension: you need to grab a copy of the Wren & Martin as soon as possible because it has very good examples for improving your comprehension skills. It has sample passages that contain questions on most of the aspects covered in the English section. A useful tool is to develop a habit of reading as this is one of the best ways to improve one’s language skills and vocabulary. When one comes across a word that they do not understand it is essential that students make it a point to open a dictionary, therefore ensure that you have a dictionary nearby whenever you read something.
Tip 2. Analytical & Logical Reasoning: the reasoning section consists of questions based on logical, analytical and critical reasoning therefore they are framed accordingly. So whenever you read a passage don’t forget to put on your thinking cap and ask your W/ H (How, Why, What) questions as often as possible. Practice difficult reasoning puzzles from mock papers and books on reasoning. Solving puzzles from popular puzzle books available in bookstores will also help. Focus on lengthy puzzles on distribution involving lots of variables.
Tip 3. Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency: this section mainly consists of questions that use bar graphs, line graphs, case lets (data given in the form of paragraphs requires applicants to extract the information provided to establish a relationship between the data given), tables, pie charts or circle graphs etc. to interpret data. Similarly the questions are based on the data that is interpreted, so break up the question and note down the information that is given to you.
Tip 4. General Awareness: reading newspapers and watching educational channels will boost your general knowledge. A good start to improve your knowledge of India to crack this section is by visiting www.india.gov.in which has information about the latest happenings in the country. Apart from this you can even read past issues of business magazines (from January 2012) and pay attention to the main events in the corporate world. Having information about organizations /associations like the UN and its associate agencies such as ASEAN, SAARC, NATO, BRICS etc. can help you to clear this section. A good knowledge about the stocks and GK questions like countries, capitals, currencies, inventions and discoveries in science can be very helpful.
Tip 5. Group Discussions: try to be loud and aggressive in an appropriate manner, if you need to get your point across. If students are unclear about the topic then it is advisable to wait for someone else to begin. Try and summarize the points that have been discussed at regular intervals this will bring the group back on track.
Tip 6. Topics to focus on: for Analytical & Logical Reasoning students can focus on are Matrix, arrangement, Linear Arrangement, Venn diagram, Puzzles, Family Tree, Visual Reasoning, Critical Reasoning and Syllogisms. For Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency sections students can focus on SD, Average, Probability, Divisibility, Numbers, Equations, Functions, Simple Interest, Geometry, PnC, Statistics, Counting, Tables, Line Charts, Pie Charts and Data Sufficiency.
Tip 7. Practice: it is essential that students refer to previous years question papers and rely on mock tests, as this will make them familiar with the paper pattern and will give them an idea about the type of questions asked. Thus, students are better prepared for the examination. Practice different topics in grammar that are covered in the Wren & Martin. This will strengthen your grammar skills and reduce the silly mistakes often made by students. Several websites have mock tests that can assist students in there preparation so students should take these mock tests as well.
Tip 8. Join Coaching classes: this will ensure that students practice regularly and are better prepared because they can resolve the queries that they might have about a particular topic. Students should not hesitate to clarify their doubts from the professor as this lets the instructor know if the pupil understands the matter taught.
Tip 9. Health Matters: it is important to ensure that you get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and most importantly exercise. It is important that you sleep in time, eat properly and exercise, if you wish to perform well in the examinations because both the body and the mind need to rest to function to its maximum potential.
Tip 10. Avoid Procrastination: it is important that students don’t put off tasks that need to be completed because certain tasks need to be done on time. Avoiding these tasks or engaging in irrelevant tasks doesn’t help as sooner or later you end up doing them in a haphazard way. Which leads to the tasks not done well and students don’t learn; what they need to while doing the task.
By following these simple tips clearing the SNAP will be easier and more fun, as students are better prepared for the examination.