Let me say it straight, preparing for CAT and OMETs (like XAT, NMAT, SNAP, etc.) is not just a test of aptitude; it’s a test of strategy, patience, and self-awareness. Most students I’ve seen (and yes, I was one of them) don’t fail because they’re not smart enough. They struggle due to a few sneaky, easily avoidable mistakes that accumulate over time.

So here’s a list of common missteps— not to scare you, but to help you outsmart the process before it starts messing with you.

1. Treating CAT and OMETs as the Same Game

This one’s a classic. A lot of students focus entirely on CAT and then try to fit that prep into OMETs. But trust me, what works in CAT doesn’t always fly in SNAP or NMAT.

CAT is logic-heavy and rewards patience. SNAP is a race. NMAT gives you adaptive difficulty and no negative marking. XAT has decision-making, which CAT doesn’t even touch.

If you’re preparing for multiple exams, treat each one like its own boss. Adapt your prep style to match their expectations.

2. Ignoring Mock Analysis 

Here’s a confession: for my first 5 mocks, I just checked my scores and sulked (or celebrated) without digging deeper. Big mistake.

Mocks are not just practice tests. They’re treasure maps. And if you don’t analyse them, you’re missing out on all the gold. Set aside 2–3 hours per mock just for analysis. Yes, it’s tedious. But it’s also where real improvement happens.

3. Over-Reliance on Formulas and Tricks

Ah, the seduction of shortcuts. I know students who fill pages with tricks for time-speed-distance, ratios, and geometry, but then comes CAT day, they freeze when the question is worded differently.

Why? Because CAT doesn’t reward memory. It rewards logic.

Instead of hoarding formulas, invest in understanding concepts. Ask yourself, “Why does this formula work?” or “Can I solve this using logic alone?”

4. VARC Can’t Be Crammed Last Minute

If you think you can master VARC by solving RCs a week before the exam, welcome to heartbreak.

VARC, especially in CAT, is a habit game. It’s not about solving RCs, it’s about building comfort with comprehension over time. You need to read widely and regularly, including editorials, long-form articles, essays, and philosophical pieces. And if you’re targeting XAT? Reading becomes even more crucial because of the abstract tone of its VARC section.

5. Not Timing Your Practice Early Enough

Some students are like, “I’ll solve first. I’ll time later.”

But CAT is a time game. Practising questions without the timer is like preparing for a dance performance by walking through the steps in slow motion. Sure, you’ll learn, but you won’t perform. From the very start, train under time pressure. The same goes for OMETs, especially ones like SNAP, where speed is brutal.

6. Letting Mock Scores Define Your Self-Worth

This is an emotional one. I’ve seen people break down after a bad mock or cling desperately to a fluke good score. I did both.

Here’s the truth: Mock scores are feedback, not judgment. They show where you are, not who you are. Don’t get addicted to the highs or destroyed by the lows. Use them like a GPS, to course correct, not to self-destruct.

Preparation Is About Consistency

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no one prepares perfectly. Everyone stumbles, doubts, and panics. But those who reflect, adjust, and show up consistently? They’re the ones who make it.

So as you prep for CAT and OMETs, don’t just focus on what to do. Also, keep an eye on what to avoid.