Most entrance mistakes are process mistakes. Fixing them early is often worth more than another week of unfocused practice.
The List
- Collecting resources instead of completing reps
- Skipping error analysis after mocks
- Decorating sketches before clarifying the idea
- Preparing only strengths and avoiding weak topics
- Ignoring exam timing until the final month
- Comparing sketchbooks online every day
- Changing strategy after every peer opinion
- Writing vague problem statements
- Practicing without real exam constraints
- Burnout cycles: overwork, crash, restart from zero
What to Do Instead
Pick a weekly plan with measurable outputs: number of timed sheets, topics revised, mistakes fixed. Keep a simple tracker. Review with a mentor when possible, but do not outsource ownership.
One fix rule
After each mock, implement one process change only. Too many simultaneous changes make it impossible to know what worked.
Discipline looks boring in the middle and impressive at the end.
A Calmer Week Looks Like This
- Fixed practice slots
- One mock or sectional set
- One review conversation or self-review
- One rest block you actually protect
