Is a Gap Year for IISER Aptitude Test Preparation the Right Choice?

Hey there! Are you pondering a gap year for preparing for the IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)? I remember feeling the same stress—at 2 AM, right before binge-eating chips—as you might be feeling right now!

Considering a Gap Year?

A gap year can be a significant decision, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. While taking a gap year might seem like the right choice for some, I ultimately decided to commit fully to my studies without the gap, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

My Preparation Strategies

Here’s what I did to ace the IAT:

Intensive practice tests—practiced during breakfast to stay sharp! Deep understanding over rote memorization Mock tests until my brain felt like mush :)

I would not have succeeded without the help of a game-changer tool called TestHQ. They provided practice tests that significantly enhanced my test-taking skills and comprehension.

Important Questions to Ask Yourself

Before you decide to take a gap year, ask yourself these crucial questions:

Are your practice test scores where you want them to be? Have you tried everything possible right now? Do you have a detailed plan for the gap year beyond Netflix?

IISER: Worth Pursuing

Remember, IISER is an incredible opportunity, but it’s not your only choice. A friend who didn’t get in but pursued other options is now conducting cutting-edge research in quantum stuff. The key is to commit fully to your current efforts before considering any gap year.

My Road to IISER

Let’s dive into my personal story:

I graduated in 2019 as a PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) student. I was initially disappointed by my lack of success in the IAT last year. This year, with focused preparation, I managed to score 105, just 27 more than last year. Despite not getting an IISER, I had always kept the idea of a gap year open for improvement.

Why a Gap Year?

Here's why a gap year made sense for me:

Improvement in weak subjects, like biology Parallel, a lifelong dream of learning to drive Acquiring new skills, like Python programming Rebuilding concepts in physics

Given these benefits, I took the gap year and achieved a score of 78, which was a significant improvement compared to my previous score. The decision to take a gap year was one of the best in my life, and all the experiences were invaluable.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

I fully encourage you to outline what you can achieve during a gap year if you choose to take one, and ensure that all your efforts will improve your chances. Nothing is ever guaranteed, but giving your all now could surprise you. If you decide to take a gap year, it should lead to improved results.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further advice! Good luck!