1.Starting Late for NEET Exams
Millions of medical aspirants test their fate once a year in the NEET exams. The difficulty level of the examination ranges from medium to hard. Therefore, given the high competition, vast syllabus, and criticality of the examination, the aspirants begin their NEET preparation well in advance. Are you starting your preparations a little bit late? Well, do not worry! This blog will walk you through the dos and don’ts of NEET preparation to help you make the most of the available time.
The Significance of Early Preparation
They say that the “Early Bird Catches the Worm”. This saying is especially applicable to NEET aspirants. The syllabus for the NEET examination is quite elaborate. To qualify for the exam, the aspirants must delve into the core of the topics and understand every concept in it. Moreover, applying your knowledge by practicing mock and previous year’s questions is essential to promptly complete the NEET exam. Thus, beginning your NEET preparations early will allow you ample time to study, revise, and practice. Students start preparing for the NEET exam from classes 9 or 10.
Impact of Procrastination on Performance
43% of students have identified procrastination as the chief cause for delaying exam preparations. Procrastination is an enemy of your dreams. The more time you lose by procrastinating the less you have for your NEET preparations. This in extension hampers your time management and takes a toll on your productivity and performance. Procrastination also increases your stress levels and chances of failure.
Tips for Effective Time Management
Sometimes we wish that there were more than 24 hours a day. Unfortunately, this is impossible. However, we can get more tasks done than we think with the right time management strategy. Learning time management can help you in NEET preparation. Let us take you through some popular time management tips.
- Use your cell phones or digital planners to set reminders for your tasks. This will ensure that you do not miss your deadlines.
- Make a to-do list with the tasks for each day. You can tick off your tasks once you complete them.
- Create a timetable with the tasks you need to do and try to follow it.
- Get rid of all distractions
2. Neglecting NCERT Books
There is a sea of NEET study materials available for the aspirants to choose from. The right study material is key to qualifying for the NEET exams. Neglecting NCERT books is one of the major mistakes in NEET preparation that you can make. They are the most important NEET study material. Let us explain why your NEET preparations are incomplete without NCERT books.
Importance of NCERT Books in NEET
ost students opt for the NCERT books for NEET preparation. These books are available for every subject including Zoology, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Botany. The topics covered, theorems, and questions in the NCERT books help students succeed in the exams. Study shows that about 50 to 60% of NEET questions come from NCERT textbooks.
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
Around 15 to 16 lakh Indian students sit for NEET exams every year. The number is increasing with time. Unfortunately, there are certain misconceptions associated with this exam that confuse students. Let us burst some of those myths for you.
- Myth 1: You have to be a star student to crack NEET.
This is not true. Your previous academic brilliance is not related to your NEET performance. Evidence has shown that average students with proper guidance were able to qualify for NEET exams.
- Myth 2: The NEET exam is very tough to crack
This is not true. The exam is undoubtedly critical but with proper study materials and guidance, you can easily have a clear understanding of the relevant exam topics. This in turn will enable you to qualify for the examination without much difficulty.
- Myth 3: All study and no play will help you qualify for NEET
This is not true. It is important that you also pursue your hobbies while studying for NEET. Only studying can puzzle your mind by overburdening it. Make sure you set some time every day to do the things you love.
Strategies to Incorporate NCERT Effectively into the Study Plan
NCERT books are indispensable in NEET preparations. You can take your NEET preparation to the next level by using the right strategies to incorporate your learnings from NCERT books. We are sharing 3 such strategies for you to apply.
- Take notes while you are studying. Jot down important points, formulae, and concepts that you find in the textbook to revise later.
- Give time to study the diagrams in the NCERT notebooks. Diagrams leave a visual imprint of the concepts in the student’s minds. Therefore, take your time to understand the diagrams.
- There is nothing more useful than applying your learnings. You can do this by teaching others. Solve the sample questions present in NCERT books to test your learnings and identify gaps in your NEET preparation.
3. Lack of Structured Study Plan for NEET Preparation
Studying without a plan is one of the common mistakes in NEET preparation. Even the best study materials and guidance fall flat in the absence of a structured study plan. Apply the tips discussed below to create your personalized plan for NEET preparation.
The Role of Well-Organized Study Plan
Students are likely to get lost amidst a sea of study materials and feel stressed given the limited time. A well-organized study plan is essential to help them embark on the path to NEET success. With the right plan, students can get a proper framework for NEET preparation. Moreover, it helps students in time management through the creation of a timetable. With a proper plan, it becomes easier for students to stay focused and cover the whole syllabus.
Avoiding Random Studying and Cramming
Cramming is a big no-no in NEET preparation. Yet your NEET performance has shown that studying randomly and cramming are worthless. Random studying puts additional mental pressure on students ‘ minds, making them lose concentration. In turn, this may fatigue the overworked students. You can successfully avoid cramming by doing the following:
- Sticking to a study schedule
- Setting daily goals
- Advanced planning of a month’s study routine
- Tracking your progress
Creation of a Personalized Study Plan
A tailor-made study plan assists you in your NEET studies in a way that appeals to you. It also prevents errors when studying for the NEET. The first step to designing your own personal study schedule for NEET preparation.
- Study your syllabus, noting the topics you need to learn
- Dividing what you must study into the important and not-so-important
- Break the available time into study blocks of 30 to 60 minutes.
- Don’t forget to allow for short breaks and recreational activities
- Keep track of how you’re using these study blocks
- Modify your plan if required
For long time coaching
4. Overemphasis on Selective Topics
Focusing on just a few topics or just one subject is one of the common mistakes in NEET preparation. It is not enough to qualify for NEET. You need to be well-versed in all the relevant subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Also, do not ignore the topics you are weak in, instead focus on turning them into your strength.
Understanding the Entire NEET Syllabus
We cannot predict what questions will be asked for NEET in advance. Thus you should have a good knowledge of almost all the topics to increase your chances of qualifying for the exam. Understanding the entire NEET syllabus is the key to preparing your study goals and timetable. Since the syllabus for NEET is vast, students are more likely to skip certain topics by mistake. Having complete knowledge of the syllabus will prevent such errors in NEET study.
Risks of Neglecting Certain Subjects or Chapters
In a competitive exam like NEET, you must study all chapters and subjects. Every single mark in the NEET exam takes you a step closer to your dreams of studying medicine. Ensure that you study every topic mentioned in the official NTA NEET syllabus. This will help you attempt more questions in the exam and keep you one step ahead of your competitors.
Balancing Focus on Weak and Strong Areas
Failing to balance your time between topics of your strengths and weaknesses is one of the major mistakes in NEET preparation. In the NEET exam, your proficiency in all topics and subjects is tested. Always follow a holistic approach while studying for NEET. Strengthen your grasp over weaker topics to prevent losing marks if questions come from these portions. Also, do not forget to keep revising the areas which you are good at.
5. Ignoring Practice Tests and Mock Exams during NEET Preparation
Practice tests and mock exams check your knowledge and help you identify your areas of strength and weakness. Therefore, ignoring mock exams is one of the major mistakes in NEET preparation. Here are some tips you can use to leverage the utility of mock exams.
The Importance of Regular Assessments
Regular mock exams resembling the exam pattern and difficulty level of the NEET exam give students a prior idea about the exam. We recommend that you take these assessments every once or twice a week to familiarize yourself with the experience. Also, regular assessments help you track your progress and modify your NEET preparation accordingly.
Simulating Exam Conditions for Better Preparation
Mock exams replicate the original exam environment, thus habituating the students to the exam. This experience teaches the students to adhere to the exam rules, eliminate distractions, manage time, and other essential aspects. The more mock exams you give the more confident you will feel during your NEET exam.
Tips for Effective Use of Practice Tests
Never make any mistakes in NEET preparations with these tips for effectively leveraging practice tests.
- Prepare seriously for the mock exam. Set up timetables and daily study goals to keep you on track.
- Practice mock questions from NCERT textbooks, regularly
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses from previous tests and modify your study plan accordingly.
- Make sure you understand the key concepts
- Stay calm before and during the exam
6. Isolating from Peer Interaction
One of the greatest mistakes in NEET preparations is studying in isolation. Students often tend to isolate themselves as the exam date draws nearer. However, studying in a peer group offers students exposure to a larger pool of knowledge. The students can benefit deeply from stating their queries and discussing the solutions with their peers. Keep reading to explore the benefits of group studies.
Benefits of Group Study and Peer Interaction
Studies have shown that group studies have resulted in faster development of students. Let us share some benefits of group studies.
- Group studies improve the NEET preparation of students. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, note review, and query resolution sessions amongst students.
- Group study sessions are the hub for new ideas and perspectives. Every student learns something new from these sessions.
- Studying for NEET is an elaborate process. Students often feel monotonous and resort to procrastination during this time. Group studies offer an energetic and interesting study experience.
Avoiding Isolation and Staying Connected with Peers
Studying in isolation for a long time can make you feel bored and anxious. It is one of the most common mistakes in NEET preparation. You are also more likely to feel detached from the people around you. Connect with your peers to share your feelings and concerns about the preparations. Your peer study group can help you clear your doubts, discuss your learnings, and learn new information from your peers. Creating study groups with peers keeps you motivated in your NEET Preparation.
Some Strategies for Collaborative Learning
In the previous sections, we have explained the benefits of peer study groups. Steal our tips for successful collaborative learning.
- Think by yourself and discuss your solution with your peers. You can apply your learnings by solving the questions yourself. After you have solved the questions sit with your peer group to evaluate your solutions and solve your queries.
- In the previous sections, we have advised you to take notes while studying. Compare your notes and study materials with your peers to ensure that the entire group benefits from the notes taken by each member.
- You can pick a topic or chapter, divide it into smaller chunks, and have the group members explain them to each other. It allows for faster learning and creates space for peer review.
Trained Faculties
7. Neglecting Physical and Mental Health
One of the biggest errors candidates make when preparing for NEET is putting their health and mental well-being on a back burner. NEET preparation is time-consuming. So in this period, you must be fit both mentally and physically.
The relationship between physical and mental health to performance
The exam period is so tense for students. The fear of losing drives them to self-doubt, stress, and depression. This means students find it hard to study and do badly. Of course, a healthier body means better memory power and greater attention to learning.
Importance of Routine Breaks and Ample Sleep Time
The most serious mistake in preparing for the NEET is to study endlessly and lose sleep. Sleep long enough to rest the body and complete digesting today’s lessons for tomorrow. According to studies, the right amount of sleep and taking regular breaks can enhance productivity as well as memory and concentration.
Fit Healthy Living into the Study Regimen
A healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite for both physical and mental health. Not only is it good for the brain, but it also gives you energy. Regular exercise, normal eating habits, appropriate amounts of sleep, and water are prerequisites for healthy living. Do not forget these activities. Add them to your daily agenda.
8. Relying Solely on Coaching Classes for NEET Preparation
What does it take to crack a competitive exam like NEET?
Well, there is no one-word answer to it. The truth is, that the right combination of multiple factors gets students results. It includes proper study materials, study plans, guidance, practice, physical and mental fitness, and so much more. Thus, relying on just one of these above factors like coaching is one of the many mistakes in NEET preparation you should avoid.
The Role of Coaching Classes in NEET
Starting without a proper plan and guidance is one of the biggest mistakes in NEET preparation. Right coaching will not only show you the right path to follow but also help you avoid errors in the NEET study. Vibrant Academy is one of the best PU colleges in Moodbidri that provides high-quality NEET training. Their expert supervision, value-packed study materials, and effective learning tips will prepare you for NEET success. Moreover, the mock exams arranged in coaching classes will help you prepare you for the NEET exam, confidently.
The Importance of Self-study and Independent Learning
Self-study is considered a budget-friendly approach to NEET preparation. It allows you to create a personalized study schedule according to your availability and requirements. Finally, self-studying also teaches you to be accountable for yourself and fosters self-development.
Balancing Coaching with Personal Study Time
If coaching shows you a roadmap for NEET preparations personal study is what helps you follow the path. According to many ex-NEET aspirants, improper balance between coaching and personal study is one of the biggest mistakes in NEET preparation. You should make a timetable and divide your time between coaching and personal studies based on your requirements.
Conclusion
If you dream of becoming a doctor then qualifying for the NEET exam is your first milestone. In this blog, we have revealed the top 8 mistakes in NEET preparations. Starting your preparations late, ignoring NCERT textbooks, skipping certain chapters, not getting enough rest, and isolating yourself from your peers are some of them. NEET examination is possible to crack with the proper dedication, guidance, and preparation. Myriads of students have done it before you and we know you can too. Should you need guidance at some point in your NEET journey feel free to reach out to Vibrant Academy, one of the top PU colleges in Moodbidri. With a record of helping hundreds of students qualify for the NEET, Vibrant Academy can help you achieve your dream too.
“Just because it is hard does not mean it’s impossible. You can do it!”
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