Experts and CAT Toppers opine that taking Mock Tests systematically and analyzing it thoroughly is best way to use last 15 days to CAT. MBAUniverse.com interviewed CAT Toppers and 99+ Percentilers from IIM Ahmedabad, FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, IRMA, NITIE Mumbai and other top B schools, and asked them how they leverage Mock Tests. This article brings you the tips and strategies from these Toppers.
Why Mock is important?
Before we dive into details, let’s quickly understand why mock tests are crucial to success in CAT 2013. According to the experts, Mock Tests offer the right practice, identifies your mistakes and its analysis helps to overcome your mistakes.
IIM Calcutta alumnus & Quant Expert ARKS Srinivas says, “In such an exam as CAT, you are never fully prepared. Every time you look at a Mock CAT paper or discuss with a friend, you realize that there are enough areas where you are not good at.”
Parag Poddar of IIM Indore gives his credit to Mock test for scoring 99.65 percentile in CAT. He says, “Online mock tests not only made me adept to the habit of reading from computer but also helped me to indentify my weak areas. He further added, “Regular mock tests and analysis is the best way to identify one’s weakness and improve on them.”
How many tests to take?
As per the toppers, importance of mock tests in CAT preparation cannot be denied. But, then the question is, how many Mocks are enough? When to give mocks and what should be its frequency?
Experts believe that 2-3 full length mocks apart from some sectional mocks in the areas of your weakness per week is good for preparations. However, it depends upon student to student and also on the level of their preparation.
Rohit Anand Garg, who was a working professional and scored 99.16 percentile used to devote 7-8 hours on weekends to prepare for CAT exam. He says, “Solve large number of mocks with various levels of difficulty. Practice is the only mantra for success.”
Dushyant Agarwal who secured 99.95 percentile in CAT 2012, says, “I focused on appearing for online mock tests. I used to give mock tests on weekdays and during the weekends; I concentrated on revising the basics.”
IIM Kashipur topper, Bhagat G. who secured 99.08 percentile says, “As far as my prep is concerned I studied least in the last few days. I only used to solve mock tests on regular basis.”
When asked on the ideal number of mock test to attempt in the last few days to CAT, Ark Srinivas, CAT expert says, “Plan to take one Mock CAT every 3/4 days from today. For the first three or four mocks, plan the methodology you will use to write the Test. Review your performance as well as the strategy used.”
When to take mocks?
Also, while working executives prefer to give Mocks on weekends, others prefer sectional and chapter based mocks.
Arks Srinivas says, “Your mock test timing should coincide with the time of your CAT exam If you are giving your exam in the first slot, try to give Mock test in the Morning and vice versa. His will make you habitual with the time format and will also help you during exams as you would be adaptable to giving exam in the respective time slot.”
IIM Ahmedabad topper, Arshpreet Singh with 99.97 percentile started his preparation early and devoted maximum time to mock tests. He says, “The ideal duration for study should be around 2 hours a day if you start early with around 3-4 hours on weekends for the online mock tests and their analysis.”
How to Analyze your Mocks?
Merely taking numerous mock tests won’t help you in your preparations unless you devote time to analyze your performance and avoid repeating the similar mistakes in future mock. Pointing out the importance of analyzing your Mock test, Verbal Expert S.K.Agarwal says, “One must start taking Mocks a month before CAT and get them analyzed by experts who can guide them further. Level of difficulty in mocks must gradually increase to score higher percentile.”
Siddhartha Tiwari from IIM Raipur assessed his performance after every mock. He says, “After every mock, analysis of accuracy, attempted questions as well as time consumed is very much necessary to assess the performance and the need for improvement.”
According to the experts, it is important to do some smart work along with the hard work. If you worked hard for CAT, now is the time to work smartly. The best formula to work smartly is Practice the mock test-Get it analyzed and Practice it again.
Jayesh Ruchandani who secured 99+ Percentile in CAT and successfully got admission in IIM Kashipur, says, “My mock CATs helped me analyze which areas are my forte, time taken to solve a problem of a particular difficulty level, accuracy and speed. Taking inputs from my previous mock CATs, I adopted a preparation strategy accordingly and was able to inch closer to the 99%ile mark with each test.”
“Aspirants have to devote ample number of hours in analyzing their mistakes so that it should not get repeated. You have to spend at least another 2 to 3 hours to review the exam you have written. Try solving the questions without seeing the solutions. At the end of the analysis, pick up at least two areas for Revision”, says Quant Expert ARKS Srinivas.
Toppers from MDI, FMS Delhi and IIM Raipur believe that Mock Tests provide the hands on experience for the examination day. Candidate gets an idea to work upon different type of questions. You can realize your mistakes through mocks and as a result, will be able to secure the high percentile. It helps to identify weak and strong areas.
Apurv Jain from FMS Delhi who secured 99.32 percentile stated, “During the initial phase I kept my focus on building concepts and neglected the practice part but I realized the mistake through mock tests and started practicing thereafter.”
According to the experts, all candidates must take mock tests according to their preparation. By doing this, one can achieve high percentile in CAT 2013 without obstacles.
With less than 15 days to go for the start of CAT 2013, it’s time to prepare with more zeal and enthusiasm to achieve high percentile.
Stay tuned with MBUniverse.com for more tips and strategies for CAT Examination.
