It’s that time of the year again!! The concepts are all done and dusted, mock tests in full swing and CAT around the corner. As the countdown for the most awaited entrance exams for MBA aspirants begins, the frequency of sleepless nights and consistency of jitters have witnessed a significant upsurge. It is typical for the stress levels to hit the roof and confidence to hit rock bottom as this coveted exam nears with each passing day. Nevertheless, it is imperative that you maintain your cool and refrain from pressing that red panic button. It’s time that you clear the deck and buckle up for the final D-day. Here are some strategies that might come handy in your last days of preparation:
Practice mock tests like devout practices religion
Solve at least one mock test each day. Allot three hours from your busy schedule towards the mock tests and the next one hour on assessing the results and identifying nemesis. Gauge your performance with each subsequent test and acquaint yourself with the test’s atmosphere.
Not the right time to fix the chink in the armor
By this time you must be well versed with all the major concepts, even if not, stop spending and an extra hour on trying to master those topics, instead strengthen your forte. Upgrade your speed and accuracy on topics in which you already have command.
Some topics are holier than thou
After solving a bunch of practice papers you must have realized that problems from certain topics carry more weight than others in the entire structure of the paper, specifically in quants. Anchor your final preparation around these topics instead of trying to earn the title of mathematics wizard.
To solve or not to solve
Learn what to pick and what to drop. The whole objective of the CAT is not to prove your mettle in solving complex problems. So, don’t get stuck in one question even if it’s easy and you once solved it on your own at home, move on and come back to it later after you run out of the question that you could easily solve. Besides solving an extremely baffling problem which goes beyond other’s head won’t fetch you any brownie points, so act smart and pick the right questions.
Formulas are sacred
Formulas like mantras are needed to be memorized religiously. Brush up all the important formulas and techniques such that you can chant it even while you sleep. You won’t require an extra minute to waste on recollecting a formula during the test if you have learned it by heart.
Accuracy be your claim to fame
It’s a standard misconception to focus more on improving the speed as the days nears the test. There’s absolutely no point in attempting more questions than the masses if the majority of it is wrong. Remember speed is important but accuracy is indispensable.
Lastly, untie those knots in your stomach and gear up for the final hour. It’s essential that you maintain your calm and composure and not lose your confidence at the last minute. Give yourself a break a day before the test, sleep tight and wake up fresh. Believe in yourself and know that this is not the end of the world. So all the best for your CAT and hope to see you in the MBA fraternity soon.