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Taking CAT Again | How To Mentally Prepare Yourself

Feb 25, 2020 | 4 minutes |
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People take the CAT again for numerous reasons. Some take it because they didn’t get the score they wanted. Some perform well but still don’t get a call from the b school they desire, and then there are those who get a shortlist call from the school they desire but don’t clear the GD-PI-WAT round. There are more than 2 lakh aspirants who give CAT every year, so there is a big chance that you may not be able to clear it in your first go. Take this attempt as a learning experience and perform great next time. However, you can’t go in with the same prep you went with the last time, as it will significantly differ from a fresher. This time, you need to do a mental prep in order to motivate yourself at times when you start doubting yourself. For that check this article out. It has tips that can help you with the best preparation strategy.
Accept and decide what to do next 
So, what if you didn’t crack CAT or didn’t convert your GD-PI-WAT round. It is not the end of the world. Try to understand not getting in the first time and giving CAT again is not necessarily a bad thing or a sign of failure. You cannot let one setback demotivate you. There are many reasons why you didn’t make it last time. Dwelling on it is a waste of your time and money. Instead, use this as your stepping stone. Prepare well and achieve success in CAT2020.
Try to understand what went wrong?
Before you start your preparation for CAT2020 do a detailed analysis of your previous attempt. This will help you assess where you stand and find out what went wrong last time - speed or understanding of the concept? Between the two, concept understanding is where most of the aspirants screw up. If you master the concepts and revise the basics, you will be able to improve your speed. Tip: Try to analyze the time and accuracy you took to solve each question of each section. Use the derived data to plan your CAT prep accordingly.
Not just weaker section
Many CAT retakers have the habit of finding shortcuts and looking for quick fixes. Don’t just focus on your weaker sections and be done with your prep. Give equal time to improve each section. In order to ace CAT, you have to be clear of your basics and strategies steps to approach each section appropriately. You can be more selective, depending on your performance last time. Also, try to understand this in life that there is no shortcut to long-term success. 
Keep experimenting your approach
Many CAT retakers don’t want to take the risk of changing their approach when attempting different sections. It's good practice if you are someone who wants to maintain stability.  But, understand this! A successful CAT attempt is nothing but a permutation and combination of many strategies. So, don’t be reluctant. You have time to experiment with your go-to-prep strategy!  Also, try to remember- 
  1. No one strategy fits all.
  2. A strategy may not seem helpful now but prove a significant update later. 
Classroom V/S online Coaching - What Do I Choose?
Online Coaching Offline Coaching
  • Flexibility of time, best for working professionals 
  • Utilization can be based on attention span and time available.
  • Cost: INR 0-10,000
  • Can be viewed again for concept clarity or revision
  • Progress on your own pace
  • Doubt resolution/feedback on selective courses only
  • No peer-learning opportunity
  • Limited flexibility of time.
  • Dedicated hours regardless of your attention span
  • Costs around INR 35,000 - 60,000
  • Tight time schedules, hence one-time learning opportunity
  • Student has to go with the pace of the class
  • Doubt clearing sessions with experts
  • Opportunity to learn from fellow CAT aspirants.

Learn from other’s experience
You are not the only one you know! There are and there were many like you who had to take CAT again. There more than 2 Lakh people who take CAT every year of which only 14,000 get shortlisted. So, what did the CAT re-takers do to score well, get selected for PI-WAT-GD round and finally make it into IIM? Here is how: