Lessons Learned: My Biggest Regrets in IIT JEE Preparation
As I reflect on my journey through the IIT JEE preparation, it's a rollercoaster of emotions, both joyous and regretful. I am SDM, and in this article, I will discuss the biggest blunders and 'useless' hard work I have done during my preparation.
Distraction and Attitude
The peak of the preparation period was marred by distractions. Being part of the 2019 batch, which faced the unique challenge of the COVID-19 situation, led to a lot of distractions at the time of studying. My mentality was 'I did great for the 10th boards, so why should I be so stressed for 11th?' This mindset cost me a lot. In 2020, I wasted an entire year by prioritizing leisure over studies. As a result, I accumulated numerous backlogs and realized the value of time only when it was too late.
Multitasking and Focusing
A common mistake was following multiple sources for preparation. I followed FIITJEE, as well as various YouTube channels such as PW UNACADEMY and EDUNITI. While I was part of the top batch at FIITJEE (A02), the faculty there was not as engaging as the online teachers. Consequently, I found myself more inclined towards YouTube and Alakh Sir's lectures.
Another significant error was not solving enough problems, especially in the early phase of my preparation. I completed all the syllabus, but my logical application and problem-solving skills were not properly developed. This impacted my ability to manage time effectively and solve problems in a proper manner.
Inconsistency and Handling Lockdown
The inconsistency in my study routine, primarily due to the lockdown, was another major regret. The Corona lockdown disrupted my study plans, and I ended up wasting a considerable amount of time. I still regret not having a structured study plan during that period.
Focusing on Notes Over Practice
Note-taking is crucial, but it can often detract from hands-on practice if not complemented with solving problems. I made detailed notes but did not solve the material properly. This is clear from my short notes on Magnetism, which I provided. Focusing on the notes over practical problem-solving was a critical error in my preparation strategy.
Managing Time
Time management was another major issue. I often thought that just finishing lectures and previous year questions (PYQs) meant the chapter was complete. However, the correct approach is to first finish all lectures, then solve hard problems that challenge your understanding, and finally proceed to PYQs. Additionally, I solved very few mock tests, which prevented me from getting used to the exam format and pressure.
Importance of Breaks and Nature
Despite the intense preparation, it is essential to take breaks and connect with nature. Staying confined to home can demotivate and affect your studies negatively.
Lastly, I hope that if you face setbacks in JEE, you can still excel in other exams. I did well in COMEDK, MHTCET, and WBJEE and received offers from IISER and VIT. However, I missed out on NSIT, DTU, and some other Tier II NITs, which I regret.
Feel free to share any queries or comments; I am here to help. Thank you for reading, and good luck with your preparation!
Conclusion
The journey of JEE preparation is fraught with challenges and errors. By reflecting on these mistakes, one can learn valuable lessons and avoid similar pitfalls. Remember, consistency, effective time management, and a positive mindset are key to success. Good luck!