Belling the CAT: Relax before you hit the exam hall

Final Tips for CAT ’11

NEW AREAS
During the last 2-4 weeks of preparations, do not start studying subjects you have not touched so far. Due to some reasons, if you have not focussed on certain areas, do not worry since it is unlikely that you will attempt all the questions.

REVISE & ANALYSE
This is the time to revise key concepts and taking mock tests and thoroughly analysing your performance, learning how to approach the questions, finding out the kind of mistakes you are prone to and honing time management skills.

NOT TOO MANY MOCKS
I strongly recommend that you do not take too many mock tests! Remember, analysing your performance is more important than just taking the test.

 

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

• Ensure that you see and read every question and stick to it. Don’t miss any question.
• Start by attempting questions you are confident about. For example, if you have decided to attempt Quant before Data Interpretation (DI) in the first section (since you are stronger in Quant than DI), stick to the plan. Don’t experiment or change your mind at the eleventh hour.
• Do not spend more than 2-2.5 minutes on one question. Even if you are able to answer the question in 5-7 minutes, it will be at the cost of other questions. There will be enough questions that can be attempted.
• Read every question before deciding whether to attempt it. Don’t be in a hurry to attempt the question till you have fully understood it.
• Do not set any target for a minimum number of attempts in any section. Whatever be the number of attempts in the first section, please tell yourself that you have done well and these will be enough! There is no point in getting de-motivated at the end of the first section.

TAKE CARE OF THE NITTY-GRITTY

• Please ensure that you carry a printout of the CAT admit card and a proof of identity, as specified. You will not be allowed to carry anything else inside the test lab, so plan accordingly.
• Sleep well the night before the exam. Ignore all rumors and focus on what you need to do.
• Prepare yourself to wait. Be patient. You would have to spend close to 90-120 minutes at the test centre before the test starts.

FINAL WORDS

• Go into the exam with an open mind and expect the unexpected.
• Focus on accuracy rather than speed. You have enough time – 70 minutes for attempting maximum 30 questions.The level of difficulty in each section of the test paper may be different, so, do not get carried away or get influenced by what you hear about the number of attempts by other students! Keep cool! 
• When you start the second section, wipe out all thoughts of what you did in the first section.
• Last, but not the least, don’t give up till the last minute is over! Be confident!

  The writer is Director, Triumphant Institute of Management Education, Pvt Ltd, New Delhi. He is an alumnus of IIM, Ahmedabad)