CAT tips: Don't take more than 2 mocks in last 7 days

CAT 2012 is just a week ahead. In the special series of Tip of the Day for CAT 2012, we discuss on the strategy of taking mock tests.

Noida, India (prHWY.com) October 5, 2012 - CAT 2012 is just a week ahead. In the special series of Tip of the Day for CAT 2012, ways of leveraging strengths and tackling weak areas have already been discussed. In today's article, we deliberate on the strategy of taking mock tests.

As has been told time and again, mock tests are the best way to prepare, judge and re-strategise preparation. But now that you have reached the last stage, you must have already done your bit. In the final lap of preparation, you have to restructure your strategy for taking mock tests.

Take two mock tests in a week: Now that you have reached the last stage, you should not take more than two mock tests in a week. An overdose of mocks can hamper your preparation. As Gautam Puri, vice-chairman, Career Launcher, puts it, "Take two mock tests in a week. Utilise the rest of the time in analysis and prepare accordingly." Leverage the days in between for analysis and preparation accordingly.

Take simulated mock tests: When you take mock tests, ensure that you do that in a simulated situation. In case of a full-length test, make sure that you are taking it in 140 minutes, with 70 minutes for each section, in a computer-based format. Try to take the mock test at the identical time of your slot. For example, if you have selected the morning slot, take the test from 10.30 am. Do not take any break during the test. Be absolutely cut off from any kind of communication and create the environment of an actual test centre.

Things to do before & after taking tests: Don't take mock tests unless you are thoroughly prepared and don't forget to analyse it. Vinayak Kudva, product head, IMS Learning, says, "Don't take a mock test unless you have gone through the past test's analysis, worked on the mistakes and are better prepared." Make sure that you don't repeat the same mistakes. In that case, you have to find out the pattern -- whether it is a silly mistake or has occurred owing to the lack of conceptual clarity. Work on it and fix the problem.

After taking the test, the most important part is to analyse your performance. Take the help of someone who can guide you. If you find similar mistakes repeating, practice is the only solution. But if it is due to conceptual incompetence, try to get the basics right.

Don't take mocks just before the exam: Don't take any mock test on the eve of the D-Day. Taking a new test will increase your anxiety level. It is better to utilize the time judiciously for revising and taking practice tests on weak areas.

Re-visit earlier mocks: At this stage, it is always better to go back to previously taken tests that rather than taking new tests. This will not only help you revise, but will also provide new insights on attempting a particular question. "In the last few days before CAT, an ideal way to revise is to going back to your previously taken mock tests. You can either re-take it or can go through the analysis," says Shaunak Acharya, 99.97 percentiler in CAT 2011 and an FMS student. Check whether you have utilized short cuts and tricks to ensure accuracy and better time management. Have a status check on the mistakes that you have been committing so far.

To read the previous tips on CAT 2012, click on the following links:
Leverage areas of strength to enhance performance in CAT

Self belief to help you win over weaknesses in CAT

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more on CAT 2012.

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Tag Words: cat 2012 exam, cat 2012, cat exam preparation

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