BITSA August 2021 Experience: Preparation, Strategy and Success
My journey to securing a seat at the prestigious BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus in the year 2021 began with the BITS Admission Test (BITSAT) in August 2021. This article details my preparation, the strategies I employed, and the experience of taking the exam on the day.
Preparation and Strategy
Leading up to the exam, I dedicated 10 days of focused preparation. After reviewing the JEE syllabus, I aimed to assess my current level by taking a mock test. This initial test revealed a score of around 250, which was unsatisfactory. Recognizing the need for improvement, I began studying more diligently.
For preparation, I purchased a guidebook from Arihant, focusing on a systematic approach. I timed my sessions: 50 seconds per physics question, 30 seconds for chemistry, and 1 minute for mathematics. This method helped manage time effectively. Recognizing the conventional methods as time-consuming, I devised tricks to solve questions more efficiently, a strategy that proved beneficial.
By the time of the exam, I had almost completed both physics and chemistry from the guidebook. However, the big challenge began when I arrived at the exam center. Google Maps provided incorrect directions, and I was only 20 minutes before the exam commenced. My dad's local directions were crucial, and ultimately, I reached the venue, albeit 5 minutes late.
The Exam Day and Challenge
Despite the late start, I remained calm and commenced with the exam as planned. I started with chemistry, which took around 15 minutes due to the detailed nature of the questions. Next, I tackled MAT (Mathematics and Aptitude Test) and English, finishing them in about 10 minutes. I then moved to my strongest subject, Physics, which I completed in 35-40 minutes thanks to my devised strategies. After that, I tackled mathematics and spent around 50 minutes on it.
I had about an hour left, and instead of the allocated 75 minutes, I went back to solve the questions I had skipped earlier, guessing where necessary. With about 30 minutes remaining, I attempted bonus questions. While solving, the time began to dwindle, and I had to submit the paper just as the timer hit zero.
Result and Outcome
The final score was 325, which I celebrated with joy as I left the exam center. Reflecting on the whole experience, I felt that if I had arrived at the venue on time, I could have scored 10 more marks. Despite this, I have no regrets. The experience taught me valuable lessons in time management and problem-solving, skills that are crucial for any competitive exam.
In the end, my hard work and strategic approach paid off, as I was admitted to the prestigious BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Engineering.
Conclusion
This narrative provides a detailed account of my preparation, the challenges faced on the exam day, and ultimately, the successful outcome. The key takeaway is that a blend of strategic preparation and adaptability during the exam is critical to achieving success.