How Online CAT Affects Your Preparation Strategy

Any aptitude test involves two crucial stages-
1) test taking practice and
2) concept learning

Concept learning requires about 3-6 months of preparation. Test taking practice demands about 3 months of preparation prior to the actual test.

Concept learning requires you to first concentrate on building a strong conceptual foundation before fine tuning your test-taking skills. The basic skills and other areas assessed in the CAT are still the same. It is the test taking mode that has been changed. So, you need not change your preparation strategy as far as concept learning is concerned.

You need to compile a list of concepts previously assessed in CAT. With reference to these concepts, make a preliminary analysis of your weaknesses and strengths. Work on your strengths and weaknesses by taking sufficient tests. Practice as much as you can. Look up solved examples, solve other exercises and time yourself accordingly. You need to get comfortable with the computer, so try to attempt tests in a computer based format.

Online testing should not be mistaken for online learning. Just because the test is online, it does not mean the concepts have to be learned online.

Test Taking Practice is a key area. Now that the CAT is online, you need to acclimatize yourself to a computer-based testing environment. You need to be comfortable while using the mouse and keyboard. Your preparation plans should include taking tests on the computer. You need to be at ease while using the computer. It should not hinder your scoring potential.

The computer skills required for online CAT are very basic and minimal. The mouse is required to navigate between sections and questions. You need to use buttons like help, tag question, save, etc that are a part of the test format. You might have to use the keyboard for word processing, and of course for the registration process.

Remember that you need not be a computer wizard to crack online CAT. The CAT has been computerized to ease logistics and not assess your computer skills. Attempt a lot of comprehensive tests to benchmark your performance and improve your test-taking skills. Analyse your performance to fare better in the next test.

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