My NEET 2020 Strategy: A Journey to Scoring 613 on My First Attempt
Hello! Thanks for A2A. Let me share my journey and the strategies I used to score 613 in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) in my first attempt. My story starts in the middle of 12th standard when I determined to become a doctor.
Back then, biology was my toughest subject. I faced challenges, but with a determined mindset, I managed to pass my boards and prepare for NEET simultaneously. Here’s a breakdown of my strategies and the challenges I overcame.
The Plan and Initial Preparation
By the end of my 11th standard, I had to pass my biology board exams for my 12th standard. However, as an aspirant for JEE, I had skipped biology in 11th standard and my school’s annual biology exam. I used Aakash iTutor’s modules at the end of 11th to help me, but found the subject too boring and only watched a few lectures.
Strategy 1: Focusing on Key Points in Environmental Biology
Environmental Biology was tough to remember.
My approach was to first mark out all the important lines from NCERT, then read those marked lines. I would then record my own reading on my phone and listen to the recording during my free time (when eating, napping, or walking). This method helped me retain the information.
Strategy 2: Visual Aids for Stray Specimens
For subjects with difficult terminologies like fighting fish, angel fish, brittle star, psilopsida, etc., I used pictures and visual aids to make learning easier. Images helped me correlate the strange names with their unique features and characteristics.
Strategy 3: Making Notes
NCERT books contain jumbled information, so making ordered notes was crucial for me. Note rocks!! I beautified my NCERT books by marking and writing on them, making the material more engaging and easier to recall.
Strategy 4: Mnemonics and Online Resources
Making mnemonics is tough for me, so I referred to YouTube and Google to create effective mnemonics for tough topics. This strategy helped in retaining complex information and made it easier to apply during the exam.
Strategy 5: Clearing Concepts in Physics
Physics is the most feared subject.
I used my online JEE coaching to clear my conceptual doubts. Then, I started with previous year’s NEET and AIIMS papers. For chapters like electrostatics and modern physics, formulas are key. I made formula sheets and solved problems solely based on these formulas.
Strategy 6: Chemical Formulas and Problem Solving
Chemistry is my least favorite subject, but physical chemistry can be mastered with formulas, organic chemistry with notes, and inorganic with drawings.
I practiced by writing and drawing reactions and structures multiple times, and then transferred these to my NCERT book. This hands-on approach helped me internalize the information and apply it during the exam.
Practice and Test Analyses
I believed in consistent practice and test analyses. Chapter-wise tests made my preparation easier as I could focus on specific areas. Full-length tests helped me gauge my performance and areas of improvement. Test analysis was crucial as it highlighted my mistakes and helped me avoid making the same errors again.
Another important aspect was practicing on Optical Mark Reading (OMR) sheets. During the lockdown, I attempted previous year’s offline papers in 3-hour duration. I used the results to refine my strategy and improve my time management.
Mental Preparation
Psychological stress was another hurdle. Ten days before the exam, I would get panic attacks and heart palpitations. My sister came to the rescue with her "free ka gyan" free lectures on why becoming a doctor isn't the only path and the importance of NEET. Pingu cartoon and Sandeep Maheshwari’s videos were also a great help in calming my mind.
Finally, I scored 613 in NEET on my first attempt. It wasn’t the highest score, but it was enough to secure a seat in a government medical college.
Conclusion
Though my efforts might seem daunting, breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks can make the preparation journey much smoother. Hope my strategies help you in your path to success!
Good luck!