This year, close to 300,000 aspirants took the CAT exam in 2023. Assuming that they would make it to the top 10 B-schools in the country. However, aspirants fail to realize that they are fighting for 5,000 seats - that is ~1.5% which is undeniably great pressure. It is presumed that aspirants have been preparing all this while. If not, there is still some time. To be frank, there is no ideal strategy for acing the CAT, and different methods work for different people. However, If aspirants are looking for ways to improve their performance on the final CAT exam, here are a few general tips that can help them. Check them out! for a more effective and well-rounded CAT preparation Tips.
CAT Preparation Tips
- Take mocks
As clichéd as it may sound, it helps. Take at least 3 mock tests every week. You can choose from any of the reputed test series available. Finish the test in one go, and spend time doing a detailed analysis – what worked for you and what you need to improve on. It is recommended that you go through all the solutions, irrespective of whether you got it right or wrong. If you get it right, you may learn a different way of solving the problem. If you didn’t get it right, read the concepts related to the solution and solve 4-5 sums to strengthen that concept. This way, you will also end up revising all concepts through your mocks.
2. Take sectional tests
If you feel that you are particularly weak in an area, take sectional tests after going through the concepts.
3. Group study
If you believe discussing helps you get things quicker, do discuss your mock test solutions with like-minded people. Some people work better when alone, whereas some find motivation in a group.
If you're preparing for a big exam, it's important to not only take mock tests but also prioritize your mental well-being. After all, a calm and focused mind is crucial for performing your best on exam day. Here are some helpful tips that would help you in managing your mental well-being.
4. Handling pressure:
Sometimes in exams, even brilliant people seem to perform below their potential because they let the pressure of the exam get to them, despite being decently well-prepared. That’s the last thing that you would want to happen to you after months of hard work and preparation. There is a simple strategy for aspirants to avoid such situations in exams– think about what is the worst that can happen, maybe you don’t score as well as you expected to. However, you still have that job in hand! If not, you are in your early twenties – you can always get another job and come back stronger next year. The moment you understand that CAT is not the final word, you take pressure off yourself. But be careful not to get complacent using this approach, there is a fine line.
5. Manage your time well
Use time well in these coming weeks. If you are unable to study much on the weekdays, make sure you work hard on the weekends. Take a week off before CAT if possible, it helps you prepare better.
Check the RTI data analysis and selection criteria for the top IIMs.
6. Condition your mind and body
Get comfortable with the timings, try to schedule your mocks around the time you have your actual CAT. This helps you get into a routine, and your brain will be at its liveliest during those 2 hours. If you are nervous about the final day, visit the center and have a look at the surroundings, a sense of familiarity should make it easier.
And last but not least, remember that CAT is just the tip of the iceberg. The real struggle begins once you make it to the gates of these hallowed institutes.
All the best!