Prepare For An Entrance Examination

Create a practical study plan

Students usually spend more time in planning than actually executing those plans. Planning is art of the possible. So, create a plan which can be successfully executed. Give more time to topics which you find difficult and keep a buffer so that you can complete some pending tasks.

Get glued to your plan

Sticking with the plan is as important as making it. So, follow the schedule made by you to get to your goals. This will also boost your confidence as you will have already prepared for each and every topic that’s needed to make you ready for your entrance exam.

Know your strength and weakness

Everyone has specific strengths and specific weaknesses. It is pretty certain that if you are not clear on your weaknesses then you are not clear on your strengths either. Playing to your strengths and sailing through the weaknesses is the best exam strategy you can bet on.

Use fewer books for theory

Students have a habit of referring lots of books for each subject even though most of them cover the same thing. Having too many books would lead to confusion during time of revision and most of your doubts would remain unresolved without a go to book.

Read the questions cautiously

Examiners try to trap students by playing around with the question and options. So read the question carefully to understand what is required and see the options with great concentration. Watch out for the questions which are designed to have more than one correct answer and you are supposed to choose the option with multiple correct answers.

Plan your exam strategy

Planning the way you attempt various questions is quite important to crack the entrance exam. You do not have to approach the question paper the way it is intended to be. The important thing is not to waste time over questions which seem to be difficult. Finish off all the sections which you are really good at so that you can commit more time for the difficult ones.

Previous test papers will help you

Normally there are very few changes in the exam pattern every year. Hence, earlier year’s entrance test papers will give you a clear idea of what to expect. Besides, solving them will help you not only prepare for entrance exam but also help you in understanding the changing trends and make your preparation accordingly.

Train your mind for the exam

Your mind should be prepared to perform well during an exam. This requires consistency over a long period of time. If you are planning to give your exam in a particular time slot, you should practice solving papers at the same time so that your mind is trained to be active during that period.

Learn all the shortcuts

Every student has shortcuts which they use to prepare for entrance exams. Be it for remembering formulas or charts use shortcuts to save your time. There are some standard shortcuts which you can tap into but creating your own wouldn’t harm either.

For example: To learn the trigonometric ratios; P/H = sin, B/H = cos, P/B = tan, you can use a phrase “pandit badri prasad har har bole sona chandi tole” and then set the words like:

pandit (p)                   badri (b)                     prasad (p)

————-                    ————                         ————–

Har (h)                        har (h)                         bole (b)

=                                  =                                  =

Sona(s)                       chandi (c)                  tole (t)

Stay Physically and Mentally Balanced

Keeping yourself and your mind healthy is quite neglected during exam preparation but it can have adverse effects in the final outcome. Exercise daily and sleep well so that your mind and body are fresh when you are taking the exam. Avoid sleeping late and tune your mind so that it works best in the time slot of your final exam.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, there is no substitute for practice.

Last-Minute Tips

Taking the following steps will help you arrive on time and stay alert during the exam.

Get a good night’s sleep before the exam. Set out your admission ticket, identification card/tag, acceptable calculator, pencils, erasers, etc before going to bed. Set your alarm so you wake early enough to have time for a good breakfast.

Know where your test centre is located. Print out and review directions in advance. Arrive at the test centre early. Leave extra time to get there in case you run into delays.

Bring a snack. Bring something handy to eat during breaks so you can stay focused and sharp.

Be confident. If you’ve been working hard in your classes and practicing for the exam, you have what it requires sailing through with flying colours.