3 Reasons to Overcome your Fears and take SimCAT 1

3 Reasons to Overcome your Fears and take SimCAT 1- We are on the eve of SimCAT 1, and many students, especially first-time CAT-takers, are feeling hesitant and anxious about taking it. We have identified the common reasons behind this fear, and this post aims to address them.

1: I Have Not Finished The Concepts Yet

This is the main reason why first-time CAT-takers who have just started their CAT preparation feel reluctant to take the first SimCAT. They believe that they should first complete learning all the concepts before attempting any tests.

However, the CAT is not like school or college tests where memorizing formulas and reproducing them is enough. Cracking the CAT is 50% about understanding the concepts, and 50% about test-taking skills such as time management, question selection, and difficulty assessment.

Test-taking skills can only be developed through practice, and the best way to practice is by taking as many SimCATs as possible. So even if you feel unprepared, it is important to take the test and solve whatever you can!

2: I Do Not Want To See A Poor Score

It’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a ‘poor score’ in the CAT, only percentiles matter. For example, in CAT 2013, a test-taker who scored 0 got the 55th percentile. This means that even if you perform poorly, you can still outperform a significant percentage of test-takers.

In the same CAT (2013), one of our students attempted only 16 questions in each section and still secured a 99.89 percentile. So even if you attempt a small number of questions in each section on SimCAT 1 and get a few right, you can still achieve a respectable percentile on your first attempt.

3: CAT is tough, and I am Aiming at Other Tests

Many students aspire to do an MBA from a decent school and may consider other tests that are perceived to be easier than the CAT. However, it is important to remember that the CAT is the bulls-eye among all MBA entrance tests in India. Just like in darts, where practicing by aiming at the bulls-eye maximizes your chances of success, giving your best shot at CAT positions you well for other non-CAT tests.

Serious aspirants aiming for the IIMs will also be preparing for other tests, so even if you are not aiming for CAT excellence, you will still be competing with those who are. By preparing for the CAT, you put yourself in a stronger position to excel in non-CAT tests as well.

Remember, during the whole test-taking season, never miss a SimCAT. SimCATs provide the best simulation of the CAT in terms of test structure and difficulty level. Therefore, you should always be eager and prepared and have 3 reasons to Overcome your Fears and take SimCAT 1. Best of luck!