CAT 2014: How to handle test day jitters
With three days to go for CAT 2014, aspirants must be feeling a plethora of emotions: Excitement, nervousness, stress and exam pressure, and so on.
It is okay to face exam day jitters. Anxiety and apprehension is a part of exam-taking process.
However, these jitters should not hamper your overall performance. It is important to overcome the exam anxiety to give your best.
Stay calm, relaxed and focused. Concentrate on the exam. Not on the consequences.
It’s time to reap the fruits of your hard work.
To help you overcome the frequent exam jitters, Shiksha.com presents a few tips:
1. Stop studying
The best formulae to stay calm is stay away from books in last few days. You have been studying for long, preparing for the big day. Do not take unnecessary stress. Take a break from studies now. Stressing yourself with preparation in the last three days will not make a huge difference. You have to be calm to perform well in the exam.
2. Visit the test centre
You should not strain yourself physically or mentally on the exam day. Leave your house on time and reach the test centre before the reporting time. Read more exam day instructions.
Therefore, visit the test centre a day or two before the exam day. Going directly to the centre on November 16 or 22 might become a hassle for you. Don’t estimate the time it will take from your place to the test centre. Arrange your transport beforehand. Do not depend on the last moment to arrange it. If you are travelling on your vehicle, check it checked the day before, so that you do not have to face any unnecessary troubles.
3. Exam day documents
Arrange the documents to be carried to the exam center beforehand. Don’t carry bags, luggage and unnecessary items as nothing will be allowed in the exam centre. Try to carry only the important things, so that you don’t stress yourself. Carry your admit card printed on A4 sheet. Also carry your Photo ID card and its copy (containing both your photo and signature) before you enter the CAT 2014 exam centre. The Photo IDs must be duly signed by you before submitting it to the test centre.
4. Relax
Try to be calm and patient. It will help you concentrate properly on the exam. Do whatever makes you happy. Just try to be relaxed. Try to maintain composure on the exam day. Do not let random emotions overcome you.
Listening to music might help with this. Listen to your favorite songs on the way to the test centre. Talk to people rather than talking to yourself. If you are a quite person, then motivate yourself to perform well.
5. Think positive
Positive thinking is the best remedy for all stress and tensions of the brain. Remove all negative thoughts and perceptions from your mind. Also, forget all the stereotypes about CAT. This is the time to perform. Do not stress yourself thinking of your past and future. Stay happy with your present and enjoy it.
“What's more important is you enjoy the journey so that you relish the destination rather than approach the journey and destination as a burden!” says Parasharanchari from Endeavour Careers.