Understanding GMAT, CAT and SAT

Dear sir,
I am in Class 10. I would like some details on pursuing an undergraduate course abroad in mechanical engineering. I plan to work in an automobile company in the future. Is there a particular course that is specific to the industry?
Vishnu M

                             Dear Vishnu,

All over the world, there are courses that can make you a good automobile engineer. Countries such as USA, the UK, Australia, Italy and Germany offer undergraduate courses and master’s programmes pertaining to this field. After Class 10, if you take up science — particularly, physics, chemistry, mathematics and electronics — you will be eligible to enter any arm of this industry after gaining admission into the right undergraduate course, which you may pursue either in India or abroad.
Ideally, obtaining an undergraduate engineering degree will give you a good platform. The automobile industry needs mechanical, electrical, electronics, computer science, structural, instrumentation and design engineers.

Dear sir,
I’m doing B E in computer science. I’m in the 4th semester now. I would like to go abroad for a master’s in business administration (MBA). I have a few questions:
 I would like to take up GMAT. Could you please tell me more about this exam, i.e. which institutes in Bangalore offer coaching; which books will help me to prepare well; and how much would I need to spend for accommodation and tuition fees abroad?
 How is GMAT different from CAT?
 Could you also help me with names of prestigious institutes in the U K and the required tests which I would need to take to gain admission?
 What is considered a good score in GMAT to get into any of the top 10 universities in the US?
What personal skills do I require to enroll for a management course?
Michael

Dear Michael,
I’m glad that you are pursuing your dream of a career in management by laying a good foundation with a four-year engineering degree. Soon after you complete your engineering, you would need to acquire two-three years’ work experience as you aim to do your master’s in business administration from any of the top universities of the world. GMAT helps business schools assess your qualifications for advanced study in business and management. Universities abroad use the test as a predictor of academic performance in an MBA programme or in any other graduate management programme. Both CAT and GMAT test your aptitude and ability to be a good manager. The  organisation authorised to administer GMAT is Prometric Testing (1st Floor, No. 38, Lavelle Road, 7th Cross, Bangalore-560001. Ph: 080-2292553/ 54). They will be able to help you identify appropriate training centres and relevant books for GMAT. You may browse the websites: www.mba.com, www.gmat.org.
Since you are aiming at entering one of the top 10 business schools you need to score above 700 in GMAT. Score between 600 and 700 would get you admission in tier 2  business schools.

The estimated cost of an MBA course in USA in 2008 was US$60,000 to US$80,000. The minimum cost of an MBA programme is US$35000 a year and living expenses come to US$10000 a year.