Almost all of us have written a test at some point in our lives. However, an aptitude test examines a candidate quite differently than the average school test. Aptitude tests are used by colleges to grant admission, by corporates to grant jobs and in general to test a candidate’s efficiency at problem-solving, prioritization, and numerical skills amongst other capabilities. If an aptitude test is that essential, it begs the question, how do we prepare for it? To begin with your aptitude test preparation, there are some salient features to every aptitude test preparation that can guarantee a good score.

Know your test

Each aptitude test is framed differently to test for certain skill sets. Therefore, it becomes quintessential that a candidate is familiar with the pattern of the test, the subjects or areas that are tested, and the time limit amongst other intricate nuances. Candidates should be aware of the test has negative markings for wrong answers or if there are optional questions, what are the nominal cutoff marks required to pass the test. Having a clear idea of these parameters would ensure that there are no surprises that the candidate might face on the day of the test. Moreover, it would additionally ensure that the preparation for the test is done accordingly with a focused approach. Practice mock tests Now that the pattern of the test is clear, the candidate must have a comfortable grip over attempting said pattern. For that, a candidate needs to take mock tests or test papers that have been asked previously by the test-taking authority. Taking the mock test and then analyzing the test allows the candidate to look at their performance with an analytical mindset. This ensures that the candidate understands the level of difficulty, what topics are tested more frequently, what kind of speed is required to finish the test, and which questions to attempt first. Furthermore, this practice develops a sense of confidence in the candidate and when the time comes to take the real test, the attempt is devoid of any nervous jitters or shocks.

Read the test paper carefully

Even while attempting mock tests, the candidate must make it a habit to take a few minutes at the start of the time to go through the entire test paper and read the questions carefully. All test papers cannot be similar and might have some adjustments or changes that might change the way it has to be attempted. Reading the paper before solving it helps the candidate in making a plan as to how the paper should be attempted, which questions to complete first, which questions to avoid or leave for later, and how much time to be devoted to a particular section. Candidates that have followed this practice have reported better scores than their peers.

Focus on time management

Time management in an aptitude test is as important as preparing for the topics that are tested, maybe even more important. You might know the answer to every question on the test paper but if you have not managed your time judicially, you will lose more to a candidate with lesser preparation but better time management. A candidate must set a time limit for each section according to the level of difficulty and their own strong and weak spots. The same can be achieved by practicing mock tests. It is also recommended that the candidate changes the way they attempt the test in different mocks to find the perfect way to attempt it for themselves. It can include devoting more time to a certain section or attempting that section at a specific point during the test. The perfect approach is different for every candidate and only practice can help them find it. Identify your weak spots When a candidate is preparing for a test by solving questions and taking mocks, they are bound to find that they are not consistently good for every topic. They might be the Mozart of grammar but have a weak foot when it comes to vocabulary. It can be the same case with two or more subjects. The candidate needs to practice as much as they can to identify these weak spots and then actively work towards building prowess.

Find a good mentor or support

Preparing for a test is a high-pressure activity that can go on for months. It is not expected that the candidate will bear all of it themselves with no external help or support system. A good mentorship program like tutorship or coaching institute will help the candidate with all the aforementioned grounds. A mentor would help you identify your weak spots, the institute would help provide mock tests based on the latest pattern of the aptitude test, it will provide you with time management techniques and models, and of course, teach all the topics that are a part of the test’s syllabus. Moreover, good mentorship also helps the candidate in relieving stress and providing moral support which is as significant as academic preparation. Lastly, it is salient that the candidate remembers that an aptitude test is supposed to be general and at the end of the day, it tests the candidate’s aptitude. Therefore, it does not require the preparation of a vast syllabus and endless hours but rather a focused and determined approach to acquiring a skill set. It is assumed that if a candidate imbibes the above-mentioned pointers and applies them to their preparation, there is bound to be a crucial increase in their scores, taking them a step closer to success. Best of luck!