13 Reasons Why? || CAT 2020 - Anuj Gupta, FMS Delhi '22

By Anuj Gupta

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So, this article is all about the 13 Reasons Why? even after working so hard people fail to perform well.

So, here I go with the list:

Accuracy: During CAT’2020, I knew that I could have attempted more and so was feeling dejected after the exam. But when I checked the answer key, I was surprised at my score, as my accuracy was higher than I had ever been able to achieve in mocks. So, be accurate as this can make a big difference in your final score. Achieve a good balance of speed and accuracy to perform well.
Speed: Within 15 minutes of the VARC sections, I realized that the speed at which I was solving the section was low as compared to what I expected and planned. So, instantly I changed my approach of attempting the section and gave a boost to my speed. So, realizing when you are going slow and when you are going too fast in the exam plays a great role. Go pre-planned as to how many minutes you are going to give to each RC, DI/LR set, or Quant question.
Breakup and Move on OR Hold on a bit more: “This question is so easy! But why am I unable to reach the solution! I am not moving to another before solving it. Or should I move on?” The dilemma which most of us face while attempting the mocks or the main exam. So, going prepared on what to do in such a situation always helps.
Going with an assumption: This will mostly happen to the 2nd and 3rd slot people. As you people might be already aware of which section was tough in the previous slot, the efforts you put to score high in a particular section go down. Not with all, but happens with few. Same with the easy section, wherein over-confidence, you can commit serious mistakes.
Don’t give up: It happened to me during my first attempt in 2018. DI/LR has always been a tough nut for me to crack (Though I scored the highest percentile in DI/LR in my second attempt amongst the three sections. It’s life. Always expect the unexpected). So, I solved only 2 sets in half an hour and I was not sure whether they were right or not. Instead of putting in more effort and trying to solve more, I gave up and spent the next hour solving only 3-4 questions and pondering over whether I would give CAT for the second time or this is the end. So, don't give up in the middle of the exam. Just focus on scoring as much as you can and leave the rest on destiny.
Be flexible: I had a plan and a few strategies in my mind during the exam. And I started attempting the VARC section in the way I have always attempted in mocks. But things were not going as planned. So, I stopped reading the passage and pondered for around 20 seconds over the ways on how this section can be dealt with. The moral is that you never know what situation you face in life, so go with a plan but be flexible enough to make changes to that plan.
Let your past not affect your future: I was disheartened and confused after VARC, as this was my best section when it comes to scoring during mocks and now I don't know how I performed and how much I will be scoring. And before I could react, DI/LR started. I know now I have to perform best in this section to compensate for the VARC and get the motivation for performing well in the Quant Section. And I did it. I performed far above my expectations in DI/LR. So, forget the section once it's done. Don’t let a not so good performance in a section affect your performance in another section.
Complete Blank Out: “My mind is just not working. I can’t think of any solution. What was that formula? Why can't I recall it?”. This is the most common situation faced in the exam. The mind stops working and you are unable to proceed further. In such a situation, stop everything and take a 10-20 seconds break. Think about that great evening with your love (Being Single Alert!!). Think about that awesome trip with your friends. Think about your favorite movie. In short, think about the best moments in your life and after a few seconds come back to the computer screen with a smile on your face and a calm mind.
Don’t Compare: Sitting for a competitive exam, makes us compare our capabilities with that of others. Avoid this for the coming days and the D-Day. Don’t think if the other person knows more than you or is more prepared. Think about yourself. Think about how to give your best. Think about how you can improve in the last few days. And leave the rest to destiny.
How can you forget my birthday?: Got the image of your angry love screaming on your head (Being Single Alert Again!!). Difficult situation, No? Same difficult situation you encounter when you lose a question just because you forgot a trick, formula, or a concept. Here, you will be angry with yourself. So, make sure you read all the short notes and formula cheat sheets available.
Treat Me Well: This is your rough notebook asking you. The most ignored but important aspect while giving the exam is how you manage your rough notebook. Don’t make it a mess. Divide each paper properly and solve questions in such a way that when you return to a particular question you can search for the half solution you reached previously in the notebook. This can save a lot of time invested in each question and can help in increasing the number of attempts.
Confidence: I know that you know what I am about to say. But still, I feel like it's my responsibility to repeat this point in your mind. Yes, be confident. Don’t get discouraged by a low mock score and don’t get elated by a high mock score. Just keep your emotions balanced.
Wake up Sid?: No, don’t wake him up. Let him sleep peacefully before the final exam. Let him be a panda for a day. And not only for sid. It’s a piece of advice for all of you. Have a proper sleep before the final day. Keep yourself healthy both mentally and physically.