Tips to navigate the test on D-Day:
1. Remember, you can't control or prepare for everything, so be mentally ready for hiccups. Go with a problem-solving mindset.
2. Be calm. This will help you tackle unexpected challenges.
3. Don’t rush through the questions. Read them carefully to avoid silly mistakes.
4. Shed your ego and skip questions as soon as you get stuck.
5. Keep track of time.
Few tricks I found useful:
1. Keep a few VA Qs for the last. It might happen that after solving an RC, you have 3-4 mins left in which you can’t start another RC, so you can solve those VAs in that time.
2. Finish DILR 30-60 secs earlier to take a quick rest and drink water before starting QA.
3. Start QA from the middle or last question. The first question is often lengthy or difficult.
Final message:
I have seen this phase thrice, and from experience, I can say that our minds try to do all kinds of jugglery and try to find patterns/shortcuts even when there are none. So be cognizant of that, don't overthink. Prioritize your time into doing things that you can control that can actually help you score better over things you can't control, such as thinking which slot will be difficult, IIM Lucknow set the paper this year, so section X will be difficult or last year VARC was tough so this year it won't be, etc. Don't do this. Don't expect the exam to be easy.
DON’T PANIC! I started off my DILR section by picking the wrong set. When I looked at the timer, it showed 28 mins left with 0 attempts so far. I kind of panicked but was quick to recognize that, gathered myself, and finished 2 sets in the remaining time.
Remember, big things don't come easy. Most of the people will have a tough time navigating the exam. If you can somehow keep yourself aligned and don’t let the pressure overcome you, you have won the battle against 90% of the test takers. You need to be self-motivated. I or someone else can just act as a trigger. So, think about your reasons for doing an MBA. A better job, salary, career, recognition, learning, network, anything that keeps you going.
Lastly, believe in yourself and your hard work. No matter what is your level of preparation just go out and give your best. This is the day you've been preparing hard for so long. So, play to your strengths, and you'll do great. Good luck, and I wish you all the very best. Reach out to me on LinkedIn if you need any help.
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