Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT

Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT

Common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT
Sahil Dahal

Students consistently make the same kind of repeating errors while studying for the CAT. It will take a lot of hard work and long hours to reach your eventual destination getting accepted into one of the prestigious MBA programs at IIMs or another prestigious institution. But the best method to ace the CAT is to develop a clever plan and improvise it as you go along with your training. You also need to be aware of the typical errors CAT applicants make. We've compiled a list of common mistakes you should steer clear of to succeed on the CAT entrance exam to earn your CAT preparation easier.

Not Going Through the CAT Syllabus

The most important thing for a CAT exam candidate is to carefully study the list of topics covered in the test and become familiar with the exam's structure and format. This includes understanding the weight of each subject, such as Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. By thoroughly reviewing the syllabus and exam pattern, the candidate can create a targeted study plan and increase their chances of performing well on the test.

Not Formulating a Strategy or a Study Plan

Some students spend an hour or two studying for the CAT, skimming the material. It's like navigating a maze without a strategy or study plan. The study schedule must be created with your strengths and weaknesses in mind. The weight assigned to each exam segment must also be taken into consideration. Additionally, candidates must prepare for the WAT, group discussion, and personal interview stages after the exam. As a result, it would be beneficial if you made it a practice to read newspapers and periodicals to stay informed about current events.

Not Devoting Enough Time to Each Topic

When students rush to the next topic without giving notions enough time to sink in, this is another cause for concern. Candidates should put more effort into comprehending the foundational ideas of each section before hurrying to finish the course. Candidates can only score well on the exam with sufficient concept knowledge. For instance, candidates should comprehend terminology like inference, assumptions, and so forth in critical thinking problems. For each area, you must become familiar with the various question types.

Not Attempting Enough Mocks or Over-attempting

The purpose of CAT mock exams and test series is to guide CAT exam candidates. These practice tests allow students to get an idea of the types of questions that will be asked on the exam and the level of study required to perform well. After taking a mock exam, candidates can assess their strengths and weaknesses in various topics. However, students need to be careful not to rely too heavily on mock exams, as they may develop preconceived notions that could negatively impact their performance on the actual exam. While mock exams may be similar to the real exam in many ways, they can never be the same. 

Not Analysing Mocks Results 

Students need to evaluate mock exams to identify areas for growth. By analysing test results, students can gain insight into issues such as the relationship between the number of questions attempted and accuracy, the amount of time spent on each question, and the appropriate selection of questions based on difficulty level. To achieve a good score on the CAT exam, it is essential to predict and consider these factors accurately. Examining mock exams is an essential part of the CAT preparation process.

Not Having a Balanced Approach

The CAT paper's level of difficulty fluctuates every year. The anticipated number of tries and percentage for one year may change next year. While placing a strong emphasis on increasing their number of tries and achieving high accuracy, students should adopt a balanced approach. The CAT is less about speed and more about complicated decision-making.

Not Setting Targets

Students who do not set goals may spend too much time on subjects that only require a small amount of preparation time. It is recommended that students create daily goals and plan their study time accordingly. This is especially important because some subjects are given more weight on exams than others. Students can make the most of their preparation time by setting goals and prioritising their studies.

Spending Too Much Time on One’s Area of Interest

It is natural for students to want to focus more on subjects and topics that are interesting and have the potential to result in high grades. However, for the CAT exam, students must pass the specific cutoffs for each of the three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). To maximise their chances of success on the exam, students should aim to learn and understand a broad range of essential subjects and practice commonly asked questions. This will ensure that they are well-prepared for all aspects of the exam.

Adopting a Pessimistic Attitude

Getting discouraged or feeling hopeless can lead to failure. A negative mindset will make preparing for the CAT exam more difficult rather than easier. If students need help with any specific subject or topic, they should seek assistance as soon as possible. It is important to remember that a bad attitude will drain energy and motivation rather than being helpful. Maintaining a positive attitude and staying focused on one's goals is best.

Procrastinating

Procrastination is simply the act of delaying or postponing an activity. Many CAT applicants struggle with this serious issue. Students put off their CAT study since it is difficult for them to concentrate on all the numerous entrance test topics. The time is now, so go to work on their planning.

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