CAT 2010: Strategies for mock tests from experts - By: MBA

The month of August is already here. If you are preparing for taking CAT 2010 seriously, then you must have completed at least the basic preparation for CAT 2010. The next step is to check where you have reached and identify your areas of concern. The best method is by taking mock tests. This article of MBAUniverse.com will discuss the strategies of taking mock tests.
Vivek Gupta, CAT expert, author and IIM Bangalore alumnus says that until you have done the basic preparation for all the sections, it is not recommended to take full length mock tests. However, if you have completed the basic preparation, then at this stage you must take at least one full length mock test every week and sectional mock tests for the weaker sections. “You should take sectional tests as a warm up to full-length test,” suggests Aziz Manva, Content Head, TestFunda.com.
Since CAT 2010 will be a computer based test like last year, it is better to take your mock tests in a simulated environment. The best way is to enroll in a test series offered by the MBA coaching institute or websites which offer mock CAT exams.
Steps of taking mock tests
Atul Prashar, Product Head (Online CAT), TCYonline.com suggests three steps to attempt questions in mock tests.
Step 1 - focuses on attempting those questions that take less than the average time for you. One must attempt only those questions that are from his strength areas. Also a very important thing to do in the process is to MARK those questions for revision that you think are perfect-fit for Step 2. If you do not do this, you will have to waste time in recognizing questions later that would fit to be taken up in Step 2.
Step 2 - takes around 40 to 45 minutes. This round should be used for clearing cut-offs and ensuring high accuracy. The best way to do Step 2 as per the format of the computer based CAT exam pattern is to click on Review and then on ‘Review Marked’ as you have already marked the questions worthy of Step 2 in Step 1 itself. Questions of Step 2 are the ones that may require a little over average time and need a few more calculations than those in Step 1. This round takes about 60 to 65 minutes.
Step 3 - Optimize the score here. In this round, the Review screen decides your Navigation. Remember to get back to Review screen after attempting each question. Keep checking the number of questions attempted in each section and see if one section has not been attempted much. If you find that you had a balanced attempt, you may now attempt the section that is your strength area to optimize your score. The time limit for the three rounds may vary from person to person but lies almost in the given range.
Time management while taking mock tests
While taking mock tests, you should maintain the actual timings. Manva says that during mock tests, you should start with your strongest section. You can also take small breaks in between but that should not be too long. “Try not to take many breaks during the paper, but you will still need a couple of minutes in between otherwise you are liable to lose concentration. Time your breaks between sections. This allows you to regroup, change gears to get into another mode, and also have a look at the questions in that section,” Manva says. But you must keep in mind that you should complete your test within 2.5 hours.
Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more on http://www.mbauniverse.com/mba-syllabus-papers/cat-exam>CAT 2010 preparation.

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