WAT Tips for a Bschool Interview: How to approach Written Ability Test

Several institutions place varying weights on the WAT (Writing Ability Test) when choosing students for business school. Yet, it is typically a key part of the admissions process and can have a big impact on how an applicant is judged in general.

For instance, the weight assigned to WAT in the case of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) varies from one IIM to another, although it often falls within the range of 10-15% of the overall weight assigned to the selection process. This means that a candidate's overall score can go up and their chances of getting accepted can increase if they perform well on the WAT.

Other prestigious Indian business schools like XLRI, FMS, and SPJIMR also heavily weight WAT in their selection procedures in addition to IIMs. Consequently, in order to increase their chances of getting into their preferred B-school, candidates must prepare for and do well on the WAT.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the purpose of the WAT is to evaluate your analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills when writing it for IIMs or any other top business school.

Before starting to write for WAT, it is important to understand who your target audience is. So, for B-School admissions, your target audience is likely to be the admissions committee, which is made up of faculty, staff, and current students of the B-School.

The admissions committee is looking for candidates who can demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deep understanding of business concepts and issues. Therefore, you should aim to write in a way that showcases these skills and knowledge.

To do so, you can start by researching the B-School and its curriculum, faculty, and areas of expertise. This will give you a better understanding of the type of candidate the school is looking for, and the issues and topics that may be relevant to your WAT prompt.

Additionally, you can also research the B-School's mission and values, and try to align your writing with these. This will demonstrate your interest in and commitment to the school's values and goals, which can be a positive factor in your application.

Overall, understanding your target audience and tailoring your writing to meet their expectations and needs can significantly improve your chances of success in the WAT and the overall admissions process.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the WAT:

1.Create a Study Plan:  Choose a strategy that works for you. Make a schedule that allows youto practise writing, read widely, and study grammar and vocabulary, taking into account the amount of time you have available to you each day or each week for preparation.

2.Practice Writing on a Variety of Topics: You must be able to write effectively on a variety of opics if you want to do well on the WAT. Practice composing essays on subjects including politics, business, economics, and more. Set a timer to imitate test settings, and try to finish each essay within the allotted amount of time.

3.Analyze previous WAT topics: Analyzing previous WAT topics can help you to identify patterns and themes. This can also help you to develop a better understanding of the type of questions that are typically asked in the exam.

4.Read Widely: Reading is a fantastic approach to increase your knowledge base and sharpen your critical thinking abilities. Read books and essays on a variety of topics to expand your knowledge of many topics, as well as newspapers, journals, and online media to stay current on current affairs.

5.Develop a Structured Approach: When writing your essays, it's important to have a well-structured approach. Practice creating outlines for your essays, and aim to include a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.

6.Analyze the Question: Make sure you understand the question before you start writing. Analyze the question carefully and make sure you address all the key components of the question in your essay.

7.Seek Feedback: Getting feedback on your writing is essential for identifying areas for improvement and developing your skills. Seek feedback from friends, family, or a tutor to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, and work to develop a plan for addressing any areas of weakness.

8.Edit and Proofread: After you're done writing, spend some time reading through and editing your essay. Check for grammar, spelling, and other issues that could obscure your writing's clarity.

9.Stay Focused: In the test, it's important to stay focused on the topic and avoid going off on tangents. Make sure each paragraph contributes to your overall argument and is relevant to the topic.

10.Plan your essay: Before you begin writing, spend some time to consider the content you want to include. Make a list of the main points you wish to cover and arrange them logically. You'll be able to maintain focus and write a coherent essay as a result.

11.Focus on grammar and structure: Make sure your essay is well-structured, with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as these can significantly impact the quality of your writing.

12.Time management: In the WAT, time is of the essence. You will be given a limited amount of time to write your essay, so it is essential to manage your time effectively. Practice writing under time pressure to build your speed and accuracy.

13.Use Examples: Use real-world examples to support your arguments and illustrate your points. This will help to make your essay more engaging and convincing.

14.Be concise and clear: Use simple and concise language to express your ideas. Avoid using complicated words or jargon that might confuse the reader. Make sure your arguments are clear and easy to understand.

15.Be Confident: Finally, remember that the WAT is just one aspect of the B-School application process. Approach the test with confidence and do your best, but don't let it define your entire application.

By following these tips and developing your writing skills, you will be well-prepared for the WAT and ready to tackle any topic that comes your way. Good luck!

WAT topics

1.What is the most significant challenge facing the business world today, and how should companies address it?

2.What are the advantages and disadvantages of a diverse workforce, and how can companies ensure that they are fostering an inclusive work environment?

3.What are the key factors that contribute to a successful startup, and how can entrepreneurs increase their chances of success?

4.What are the key trends that will shape the business landscape over the next decade, and how can companies stay ahead of the curve?

5.What are the most important leadership qualities for a CEO, and how can they cultivate these qualities in themselves and their teams?

6.What are the pros and cons of globalization, and how can companies navigate the challenges and opportunities it presents?

7.What are the most effective marketing strategies for reaching and engaging with modern consumers, and how have they evolved in recent years?

8.What are the ethical considerations that companies must take into account when making business decisions, and how can they balance their responsibilities to stakeholders?

9.What are the key skills and attributes that are essential for success in the modern workplace, and how can individuals develop these skills?

10.What are the biggest challenges facing the healthcare industry today, and how can businesses and policymakers work together to address them?

11.What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the Indian economy, and how can businesses adapt to these changing circumstances?"

12.What are the most effective strategies for driving innovation in the Indian business landscape, and how can companies foster a culture of innovation?

13.What are the most pressing social issues facing India today, and how can businesses play a role in addressing them?

14.What are the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain for Indian businesses, and how can companies leverage these technologies for their benefit?

15.What are the biggest obstacles to sustainable development in India, and how can businesses balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility?

16.What are the advantages and disadvantages of remote work, and how can companies effectively manage their remote teams?

One sample WAT answer

Here is a sample of WAT Topic with Answer

Topic: What are the advantages and disadvantages of remote work, and how can companies effectively manage their remote teams.

- With many businesses being forced by the pandemic to embrace remote work practises, remote work has grown in popularity over the past few years and is now even more common. With respect to working remotely, there are undoubtedly benefits and drawbacks. To maximise the advantages and reduce the drawbacks, businesses must be able to manage their remote teams well.

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is increased flexibility for employees. Remote work allows employees to work from anywhere, which can be especially beneficial for those who live far away from the office or who have other obligations that make it difficult to come into the office every day. In addition, remote work can often lead to increased productivity, as employees may have fewer distractions and can work at their own pace.

However, working remotely has certain drawbacks as well. One of the major drawbacks of working remotely is the possibility of loneliness and isolation because they may not have the same social connections as they would in an office setting. Additionally, it may be more challenging for remote workers to collaborate and communicate effectively with their coworkers, which might result in miscommunications and delays.

Companies need to take a proactive stance if they want to manage remote staff efficiently. Establishing effective communication channels is crucial, both for the team as a whole and for each individual employee. Regular management check-ins and team meetings to discuss goals and progress could be part of this.

Providing staff with the resources and tools they require to perform their jobs well is a crucial component of managing remote teams. This could entail getting access to project management software, communication platforms like Slack or Zoom, and instruction on how to utilise them well.

The development of a solid corporate culture should be a top priority for businesses, especially when workers are based remotely. This could involve regular online team-building exercises, praising employees for their efforts, and other initiatives that provide remote workers a sense of community with their coworkers and the business as a whole.

In conclusion, remote work has both benefits and drawbacks, and businesses must be able to manage their remote workers efficiently to maximise the advantages and reduce the drawbacks. Companies may develop a successful remote work environment that benefits both individuals and the firm as a whole by establishing clear communication channels, giving workers the resources they need to execute their jobs, and placing a high priority on company culture.

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