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Last minute preparations for CAT- 9-Dec-2009
With the CAT examination around the corner, it is time to reflect on the way the last-minute preparations need to be carried out. The following last minute preparation tips should help you deal the test more effectively.
Be more relaxed and calm, even the best students can crack under pressure. Therefore, it is critical that you reduce the pressure and lighten the load off your mind if you are keen to do well. How could this be done?
Firstly, keep telling yourself that you have done your best to prepare and now will do your best in the exam. Tell yourself that the end result does not matter, yet believe in it. Keep it in mind that not doing well in the CAT is not the end of the world; you always have another chance and can prove your mettle in the forthcoming exams.
Secondly, leave behind serious work before two days of CAT.
In the last couple of days do not work with new test papers or exercises; at the most you should do is light revision, i.e. brushing up on formulas. Pick up problems from the mock papers and just run through them - try to recollect the concept involved and how could it be solved. If the concept or the working-out appears difficult, just leave such questions out. Tell that in CAT, you are not going to answer all the questions.
Scope-out the venue: This year, most of the exam centres are located on the outskirts of cities. On the day of examination you might find it difficult to locate them.
Visit the exam centre at least two days before the test-find out its exact location, how to reach the place, and how much time it will take to reach. In the past, students have been barred from taking the test as they arrived late at the exam centre (in many cases by just one minute!).
Ensure to carry a CAT kit: As per the IIMs, you should carry the following to the exam centre.
CAT 2009 admit card
CAT voucher
Any one photo ID drivers licence, passport, PAN card, voters ID, college ID, Employee Identification Card, Notarised affidavit with photo, signature, date of birth and residential address.
Valid document as proof of SC / ST eligibility (if required)
This year the following items will not be allowed inside the test centre- wristwatch, pen, cell phone and calculator.
The IIMs have specified that a scratch pad (with numbered pages) for calculations and rough work will be provided at the test venue.
Reach the exam centre at least two hours before the scheduled reporting time. The examination comprises of two sessions.
Session 1: Test will begin at 10 am and end at 12.30 pm. Check-in from 8 am. Candidates are required to arrive no later than 8.30 am.
Session 2: Test will begin at 3.30 pm and end at 6 pm. Check-in from 1.30 pm. Candidates are required to arrive no later than 2 pm.
DOs and DONTs
1 Once the test starts, you will not be allowed to leave the hall until it is over.
2 Do not go for the exam with any expectation about the pattern of the test or the models of questions. Such speculation will only make you over anxious and increase your worry.
3. Ask for a replacement or a change in the position before the exam starts, if the table / chair / monitor are not Ok. The invigilator may not entertain such requests after the exam starts.
4 During the exam, keep track of time - make sure that you keep looking at the timer on the screen throughout the test.
5 Avoid guessing and marking answers at random. But if you are able to definitely eliminate two / three choices (out of the four or five), then it is not advisable to leave such a question.
