Expecting a 86th Percentile in CAT 2018 with a Raw Score of 85

Are you curious to know how your raw score in the CAT 2018 could translate into your final percentile rank? If you scored 85 in the exam, this article will provide you with a detailed analysis of your chances of achieving an 86th percentile. This guide will delve into the grading process, the factors affecting percentile predictions, and discuss common misconceptions.

Understanding the CAT Grading System

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive exam used for admissions into some of India's top B-schools. The exam assesses not only quantitative ability but also the candidates' verbal and logical reasoning skills. The raw score is the number of correct answers provided by the candidate, whereas the percentile is a measure of how well the candidate has performed in comparison to other test-takers.

How Raw Score Affects Percentile

Your raw score alone does not fully determine your final percentile. Several factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the performance of other test-takers, and the number of questions attempted affect the overall percentile. However, based on past trends and data, an 85 raw score often aligns with around the 86th percentile in the CAT exam. This prediction has been corroborated by various online percentile prediction tools, which simulate the exam based on historical data and current trends.

Key Factors Influencing Percentile Prediction

Exam Difficulty: The CAT exam varies in difficulty each year. If the exam was particularly hard, a top raw score could potentially place you higher in the percentile rankings. Conversely, if it was easier than usual, even a high-scoring raw score might fall behind. Performance of Test-Takers: The performance of other candidates taking the same exam also plays a significant role. If the majority scored poorly, a high raw score could boost your percentile significantly. Scoring Pattern: The scoring pattern can vary, and some exams may have different weightages and difficulty levels for different sections. Understanding the pattern of the previous year’s exam can provide insights into how your raw score translates into a percentile.

Common Misconceptions About Percentile Prediction

It's important to dispel some common misconceptions regarding percentile prediction:

Raw Score is the Only Factor: While your raw score is crucial, it is not the sole determinant of your percentile. Additionally, different sections might have slightly varying difficulty levels, and each section is scored independently. Therefore, a raw score from one section does not directly correlate with the percentile. Difference in Difficulty Year-to-Year: Exams on different years of the CAT can be vastly different in difficulty. Predictions should be made based on the specific trends of the year and not on a blanket assumption of statistical consistency. Mock Test Performance: While mock tests are helpful, they do not always reflect the actual exam's difficulty or the unique demographic of test-takers. A raw score from mock tests should be interpreted with caution and in light of historical trends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, achieving a raw score of 85 in the CAT 2018 can reasonably be expected to secure you an 86th percentile. This prediction is based on typical trends and the involvement of numerous statistical models. However, it is essential to keep in mind the variables that can influence your final percentile. Staying updated with the latest exam trends, understanding the scoring patterns, and performing well in all sections are crucial for achieving a competitive percentile.

If you wish to learn more about how your CAT 2018 performance might translate into your percentile, you may watch the video linked below for a detailed explanation:

Watch this video for more details

Remember, the key to success in the CAT is a comprehensive preparation strategy tailor-made to your strengths and weaknesses. Good luck!