Score Fluctuations in VA-RC Section? Just Chill & Trust the Process 😊

With only a week left for CAT, let’s talk about an issue many aspirants face: score fluctuations in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VA-RC) section. At this stage, worrying about fluctuating scores is counterproductive. Let’s focus on what truly matters in the final days of your preparation.

Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Score Fluctuations

Key Truth: Score fluctuations are no longer controllable at this stage of prep. They’re a normal part of the process and reflect varying question types, test conditions, and even your mindset during mocks.

If you can’t control something, don’t stress over it. Worrying about fluctuating scores now will only distract you from what really matters: improving your accuracy and confidence in this final stretch.

What You Should Do Instead

Step 1: Analyze, Don’t Fix

Spend a couple of hours reviewing mocks or section tests where your scores fluctuated. Look for patterns:

Did a specific type of RC passage cause problems?
Was it a particular VA question type (Para-Jumbles, Misfit Sentence, etc.)?
Did a change in your approach hurt your accuracy?

At this stage, you’re not trying to “fix” everything. You’re identifying facts about what impacts your performance. These deductions will guide your approach during the exam.

Step 2: Make Use of the Insights

Based on your analysis, keep these pointers in mind for the final lap:

Recognize your problem areas: Know the types of content and questions that you find difficult.
Understand what works for you: Identify strategies or patterns from mocks where you scored well.
Refine your exam approach:
- Should you attempt RCs first or VA first?
- Should you focus more on accuracy or maximize attempts?
- What should you avoid doing during the exam?

Example: Flipping Your Perspective on Poor Scores

Let’s say you take a mock this week and your VA-RC score dips unexpectedly. Instead of spiraling into negativity (“I’m terrible at this; it’s all over”), reframe the experience:

Treat it as data. 📊

Every low score is a chance to identify a new data point:

Was it the type of RC passage (e.g., Philosophy or Abstract)?
Was it an RC question type (Inference vs. Main Idea)?
Was it a VA question like Para-Jumbles without options?

This mindset shift helps you remain calm and focused, making your prep more productive.

What You Can Actually Control

With only a few days left, focus on things you can influence:

Your Strengths:
- Identify RC topics (Philosophy, Psychology, Business, etc.) you’re comfortable with.
- Recognize VA question types where you consistently score well.
Your Weaknesses:
- Be aware of specific RC content or question types that you struggle with.
- Decide whether to skip, approach cautiously, or invest time in these areas.
Time Distribution:
- Balance your time effectively between RCs and VA questions based on your strengths.

Key Areas to Focus On

Three Basic Parameters to Analyze:

RC Content: Which topics (e.g., Philosophy, Technology, or History) are challenging, and which are manageable?
RC Question Types: Identify patterns—are you better at Main Idea questions than Inference ones?
VA Accuracy: Analyze your performance across Para-Jumbles, Misfit Sentence, Paragraph Summary, and Paragraph Completion.

For each of these, note what works for you and what doesn’t. Develop a personalized plan for your final days of prep.

The Final Push

Once you’ve identified your strengths, weaknesses, and effective strategies, apply them consistently.

Key Takeaway: Ironically, by not obsessing over score fluctuations and instead adopting an analytical approach, you’re likely to solve the problem itself! Consistency comes from a clear understanding of your approach—not from chasing perfection in every test.