Managing CAT preparation with college studies can be overwhelming if not planned properly. Majorly all high percentilers are either college students or working professionals Here are a few ways you should keep in mind if you are in college and aiming for a high percentile.Balance Between Preparation and College
Finding a balance between college commitments and CAT preparation is essential.
My college was relatively relaxed because of the time I had to spend, so I found a balance to fulfill college commitments and CAT prep accordingly. But this may only be the case for some.
Set Your Priorities
Setting priorities means determining
how much time and effort to dedicate to college activities versus CAT preparation.
It includes being the top-ranked student, being involved in many college activities, or just wanting to be a decent student and use the time for CAT prep.
Devise a Schedule
Set a schedule before every week/month of what to study daily or weekly so that you are ready with everything you need before studying and do not waste too much time when you are about to study.
Having a set plan helps clear your mind and ensures that you follow a structured approach.
I created a weekly schedule of what to complete within the time frame, leaving some room for changes and gaps that I could adjust along the way.
Almost every college in India has a 75% attendance policy (though not very strict in many). Plan your leave strategically to maximize your preparation time.
One strategy I used was to take leave on a Friday so that I got three days for preparation and could also study late at night. This way, I was able to get some extra hours.
Create your strategy as per your circumstances to create extra preparation time.
Maintaining Well-being
Balancing both commitments can be overwhelming, so taking short breaks, even for half a day, can be very helpful.
Keeping a check on your well-being is crucial as you don’t want to be burned out before the main exam.
Small breaks will keep you energized throughout the preparation journey.
Coaching
With the advent of online coaching, it has become more accessible to prepare, saving some time.
Some aspirants prefer studying with peers as it helps them concentrate and creates a conducive study environment.
Online coaching has its own merits; it saves time, energy, and maybe some money. It’s a very subjective call but can be considered a solid option.
Conclusion
Navigating both college and CAT preparation requires finding the right balance to maximize your success.
It's very subjective and how your preparation works has to be figured out individually.
Consider all the various options and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. 1 Is it possible to get a high percentile with a hectic college schedule?Ans. The majority of the high percentilers are either college students or working professionals and manage between the two which are hectic and demanding in nature.Q. 2 Should I devote all of my time to CAT prep?Ans. Managing both and keeping a decent academic record will help you during interviews as it will show your candidature and a person who can manage pressure well.Q. 3 How to upskill with the pressure of college and CAT?Ans. You will have ample time after CAT /XAT and even after interviews which can be utilized, but a high percentile is more important to reach that stage as upskilling can be done after some time also.The author of this article, Tanmay Bhardwaj scored 99.29 percentile in XAT 2024 and will be joining XIMB (2024-26).