HOW TO ANALYZE MOCK TESTS?

HOW TO ANALYZE MOCK TESTS.

The CAT exam is the test of your problem-solving and decision-making skills for the corporate world. When you prepare for any competitive exam, it becomes crucial that you evaluate your ongoing progress, and mocks are the perfect companion for you if you want to analyze your progress report.
Mocks are the replicas of actual exams and, if given in a simulated environment, will help you build confidence and a more robust understanding of the topic. But it is also necessary that you analyze to ensure the quality of your efforts and track your preparation.
Whether you prepare through CAT coaching or self-study, mock analysis becomes more vital when you have only one or two months left for the actual exam. Mock without analysis is like preparation without books, so it becomes necessary that you check and analyze your mocks mercilessly so that there will be no chance of your failure.
But how can you get the most out of your mock test? Today, we'll discuss how to analyze mocks effectively and minimize errors.

The process to analyze CAT mock test

Enroll in the mock test series

I know it sounds a bit abstract, but you should enroll yourself in a mock test series first because many students don't give an adequate number of tests or do not give at all. It majorly happens due to procrastination or not having enough time. It is true that mocks require a lot of energy and dedication to complete but remember there is no substitute for success; you have to work hard every day to excel.

You can analyze the interview of all previous toppers from any examination; two things are common in their preparation: 1st is practice, and 2nd is the mock test. Enroll yourself in a good test series now.

Project a score before starting the test

It is the root cause of getting low percentile even after giving sufficient mock tests because you don't perform your 100% or lack motivation towards it. Don't give mocks because everyone else is giving; remember, you need an excellent percentile to get admission into your dream college and not anyone's appreciation.

The right way is to project a score for each mock and each section of it and then start performing. After completing the test, evaluate your accuracy and try to increase your target to a higher number. If you follow this approach, then you will surely see your performance increasing.

Section-wise analysis

The most important part of your process is to take note of your section-wise performance. Try to make a habit of recording all your performance data in an excel sheet. Save all the sectional and overall data in the sheet, compare them with all previous data, and improve upon your weak areas.

While analyzing your test sheet, observe each step and focus on the specific areas where you commit mistakes because most of the time, it happens because of minor errors that you don't score well in the test. Then check the steps you followed to solve the questions as there are some shortcuts as well.
At last, analyze the questions you didn't attempt at all and the sections where you scored less. When you do all the assessments of your performance, it becomes easy for you to spot those errors and remove them in the process when you give mocks next time. Repeat the whole process again and again until your error percentage decreases to 2% or 5%. And don't leave your strength areas for the 11th hour; practice them thoroughly to gain more percentile.

Solve the same mock again

Here comes the time when you solved all your questions and got a brief idea. Now it's time to solve the previous mock again, and this time, you should focus on unattempted and wrong questions. Segregate all the correct answers, and those take more time and try to find a shortcut to solve those answers quickly.

If you follow all these steps religiously, you will see that your accuracy and performance improved more than the previous test.

Follow the cheat sheet

You should keep a cheat sheet handy to solve the tricky question quickly. This sheet includes various shortcuts and formulas for maths and reasoning, tricks for Data Interpretation diagrams and coded for quantitative aptitude, and grammar rules with all new words you learn during the preparation.

Remember that each mock is designed differently from the previous one, and unique tricks and tips are required to solve them. To do this, two things are essential: revision and practice. You practice, practice and revise, revise to remember all that you learned.

Focus on weakness

This is the most common problem with every human being. We are superior in some aspects and weak in others, same goes with study as well. You are well-versed with mathematics, but maybe you are not good at English, but that doesn't mean you stop focusing on weaknesses. Write down every different and challenging thing you come across during your preparation. Try to solve at least 20 questions of the same frequency to gain expertise on the topic.

Build your own strategy You must make your own strategy after performing all tests and assessments. Try to improvise the plan after every CAT mock test. After giving sufficient mocks, you understand your weaknesses and strengths and gain insight into your preparation strategy. With time you build the habit of not making the same mistakes again.

Repetition of process

You should remember that mocks are like warm-up exercises before a workout. It not only builds your physical strength but mental endurance as well. There is no ideal number of how many mocks one should give but try to give at least 50 mocks to ensure minimum error and maximum success. Keep attempting mocks and analysis until the last week of the exam. Remember, Resolve and Repeat is the key to success.

If you follow the rules mentioned above religiously, there are chances you won't commit any mistake again. Don't lose your confidence and determination if your score is low initially. Competitive exams are all about strategy and smart work. Do the research. Prepare the plan and work hard to achieve your goal.
I hope you like this insight for the CAT mock test. Keep studying and work hard for your dream college. Good luck with the exam.