Do’s and Don’ts for the Last Week of CAT VA-RC Prep

Hi CAT aspirants! 😊

The countdown to CAT 2024 is officially on—we’re just a week away! This is the final stretch, and it’s all about fine-tuning your VARC preparation while staying calm and focused. Here’s a comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you navigate this crucial phase effectively.

The Positives: What to Do

1. Finalize Your Strategy for Attempt 📝

Be clear about your VARC attempt strategy:
- Will you start with RCs or VA first?
- How much time will you allocate to each section?
Stick to what has worked for you during mocks. Avoid drastic changes—this is the time for refinement, not reinvention.
If you’re unsure, analyze your best mock attempts and pinpoint what worked. Use those insights to build your exam-day plan.

2. Practice Daily but Within Limits ⏱️

Maintain consistency by solving a mix of RCs and VA questions daily.
Take a few section tests to reinforce your focus for the full 40-minute duration.
Avoid overloading yourself—balance your practice with proper rest.

3. Brush Up on VA Topics 📘

Review the four VA topics (Para-Jumbles, Misfit Sentence, Paragraph Summary, Paragraph Completion).
Know what to expect from each and focus on maximizing efficiency over perfection.

4. Read Varied Content 🌍

Stay agile by reading articles across genres like Philosophy, Psychology, Technology, and History.
This keeps your mind sharp for any surprises in RC passages on exam day.

5. Relax and Stay Positive 🌟

Reflect on how far you’ve come in your preparation journey.
Engage in light physical activity or mindfulness exercises to keep stress at bay.
A healthy body supports a sharp mind—eat well, hydrate, and get enough sleep. 💪

The Cautions: What Not to Do

1. Don’t Start New Techniques or Strategies 🚫

This is not the time for experimentation. Avoid drastic changes in your approach, like altering your attempt order or switching between RC-first and VA-first strategies.
Stick to what you know and build confidence in your current methods.

2. Don’t Overload Yourself 🧘

Practicing too much can lead to burnout. At this stage, quality matters more than quantity.
Focus on clarity and precision during practice—this is your final polishing phase, not a crash course.

3. Don’t Panic Over Low Test Scores 📊

Mock scores in the last week are just practice tools. They don’t define your actual performance on exam day.
Treat any poor scores as learning opportunities and move forward confidently.

4. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others ❌

Your journey is unique. Comparing your scores or preparation with others will only create self-doubt.
Focus on your strengths and trust your hard work—it’s you vs. the exam, nothing else.

5. Don’t Skip Breaks 😊

Avoid studying for long hours without breaks—it leads to diminishing returns.
Take regular, refreshing breaks to reset your mind. Healthy relaxation keeps you sharp and motivated.

Bonus Tip

If you feel overwhelmed, take some time alone—a long walk or a quiet moment can help you regain focus and clarity. It’s a great way to stay grounded and manage last-minute stress.