If you are a student, you can definitely relate to the importance of a comprehensive test series. Isn’t it? But do you simply attempt them. Then here is a reality check for many of you: right test analysis. Yes, you read it right. Making the ‘right’ kind of analysis after you attempt your tests is as crucial for your performance as is mere attempting it. First things first, how do you understand that your analysis is the ‘right’ one? Read on these 5 tips to help you decide.

1. Understand the purpose: Many students often misunderstand the reason behind analysis. The goal is to check your level of understanding and outdo those thoughts that trigger your mistakes. So, while you are making the analysis, have your parameters to be checked beforehand.
   Shift your perspective towards the reasons and logic that led to marking an option and getting it correct or incorrect. Neither spend too much time thinking on the ‘why’s and ‘how’s nor move swiftly past any question.  

 

1. Be specific and delve deep: While analysing any question and your response to it, understand about the trail of thoughts that led you to mark that response. Understand the type of questions, your grey areas, number and nature of incorrect responses.This will help you optimise your performance.
   This process might take time for the first 2-3 tests. But soon, you will begin to cover up your grey areas and test analysis should not take more than an hour and a half.
     At the same time, be specific about what you want from the analysis. There can be thousands of factors behind you knowing a concept yet attempting question based on it incorrectly. Just keep in mind the goal and move ahead to the next question.

 

1. Don’t be emotional: Many a times, students get emotional with the analysis being made. They tend to worry too much about the negatives, similar kind of errors, silly mistakes, etc. Remind yourself the purpose of the test analysis, then. Don’t become afraid of the mistakes you did in that test, ensure to not repeat in future. The test analysis is made only to optimise your performance and not pull you down.

 

1. Act on your plan: Every student has his/her unique style of studying. Once you make the analysis of your performance in the test, stick to your original plan with just slight changes. These changes could involve focusing more on your weak areas than strengths or writing down the topics you tend to forget, or alike. Usually, students make drastic changes after the test analysis, focusing only on the weak areas or so.
   One must always remember, there are hundreds of factors that come into play while attempting your test. It is only the level of understanding that can supersede the odds.

 

1. Analyse at the right time: Once you have attempted a test, your mind has already worked rigorously for 3 hours. You must not analyse the test just after it. Also, you must not take a big gap as well.
   Analyse when your mind is fresh with clear goals for analysis. You must be able to clearly and objectively decide the reasons behind your responses. This will help you propel your efforts in the right direction.

These were few tips that can help you decide if at all you are making the test analysis rightly. It is crucial to work comprehensively for your goal and use this important tool (test series) in the best possible manner. Happy analysing!