How To Analyse Your Mock Test

Three months to CAT and a major part of the preparation includes writing a lot of Mock test. And why only CAT, any entrance exams that you’re planning to sit for will require you to write Mock tests. And a serious aspirant should definitely have a strategy in place while attempting Mocks. The point is to get the most out of this stage of your preparation and to get better with each Mock test which will enable you to give your best for the D-Day.

1. Write a Mock Test: This is the most difficult part to do. To write your first mock test. Most of the people keep procrastinating saying I don’t know enough to write a mock test. But it is important to know exactly where you stand to further facilitate your test prep. So keep the procrastination at bay and start today.
2. Analyse your performance: Analysing doesn’t only mean checking your score and then aiming for better scores in the next mock. By analysing, I mean, see where have you taken maximum time (for correct, wrong and un-attempted questions), which section did you screw up in, which answer you could have gotten correct but didn’t, and why. Also analyse your performance in each section- which topics you’re good at, which ones you’re terrible at. Make a table of your correct, wrong and un-attempted questions for each section and keep a tab on it.
3. Solve the test again: Solve each and every question again. Even the ones you got correct- check for alternate and time minimising approach for the same. Focus on the ones you didn’t attempt and got wrong. Solve the ones you would have solved if you had more time. Lastly, look at the solutions provided and how are they different from the ones you thought of. And once that is done, identify your weak areas and your strong areas.
4. Study again: Now your entire focus should be on weak areas. If any one of your section is weak, give sectional tests every day to get enough practice. If any topics are weak, try and solve all the types of questions of that particular area/topic. Give a topic wise test for more practice. Get back to basics if need be. This is the step where in you maximise your strength and minimise your weaknesses. Make the most of it.
5. Draw out a strategy for the next mock: Mock tests are close representatives of the actual exam. And these entrance exams are more about strategy than anything else. Some entrance exams allow you to choose the order of the sections. To know what works for you, you’ll have to give multiple mocks and see how you perform with change in the strategy. Strategize within the sections too- what kind of questions will you attempt first, how much time for each question, which questions will you tackle later if you have time, etc. And then, give the next mock and follow the steps again.

Mock tests will even help you get acquainted with the online pattern and user interface of each exams. Mock tests are mirror's/reflection of your current level of preparation and not the mirror of your actual test. It is important to know that and not get disheartened if you score less than what is expected. These mocks are for you to get better and not to demotivate you. The results could be over-whelming, but you shouldn’t let a good score or a bad score get to your head. While analysing your test, also analyse or assess your mood. Believe it or not, even your mood will have some impact on your test. Make an excel sheet that consists of all your mock test scores which will enable you to keep track of your progress.

Make a habit of testing yourself, pushing your limits and rising beyond what you are. Isn’t that what you want when you pursue a management degree anyway?