If you have started your prep from scratch, and are halfway through or somewhere like that, it is alright to get a 49. IT IS NOT A TERRIBLE SCORE.
Also as we keep re-iterating at 2iim, the scores obtained in the first few mocks should not matter. At least the first 3~4 mocks. Why is that alright? we shall discuss in later parts of this answer.
Every DATA Point is Not useful:
If you start worrying about every data point available, then you are not looking at learning. You are still looking at the past. Learning from mocks are important, let’s say after July, after you are comfortable with most topics.
Quants and How to improve the same:
- Learn from Basics
- Do the Drill
- Take Mocks and get CAT ready.
So completion of syllabus is important. Revision of ideas is more than important.
Role of Drill?
Practice a gazillion questions. Practice away to glory. Read about automaticity here: Article: The role of Automaticity. Automaticity plays a vital role in switching off and on during the exam. No one is capable of continually staying switched on for 3 full hours, hence the role of automaticity helps enormously. This is an acquired skill. Hundreds of hours and thousands of questions will get you there. Solving 50 simple Quadratic equation through splitting the middle term will let you solve Quadratic equations easily, and efficiently. But one can’t get there until 50–100 quadratic equations are solved.
Why is this not a Terrible Score?
You can’t run before you walk. Nor fly before you run.
Obviously there are people who can score north of 200 in mock 1.
- Either they have a natural flair that works for them.
- Or they are repeating this exam prep.
If you are not part of the two groups, then there is no reason to panic.
The first 3~4 mocks sets the pace. One learns to navigate the interface, sitting in one place for 3 hours, staying awake, and at the top of their game for a continued period of time. I honestly believe this is an essential part of growth (the walking part, as opposed to running) in terms of CAT prep. Keep continuing your prep, practice a lot, continue taking lot of mocks.
Do NOT Do:
Do not stop taking mocks due to bad experience once. Then it could be termed as the equivalent of not wanting to walk, because you got hurt while trying to, and still wanting to run on the D Day. Life does not work that way.
Best Wishes for CAT Prep.