How should one approach studying for cognitive ability assessments like the CFAT?

A holistic approach to studying for cognitive ability assessments like the CFAT is effective because it emphasizes the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills, which are essential components of the test. This approach encourages you not only to practice with multiple-choice questions but also to engage in a variety of activities that enhance cognitive functions. These activities may include logical reasoning tasks, puzzles, and critical thinking exercises, all designed to strengthen your ability to analyze information and make decisions—key skills assessed in the CFAT.

Focusing solely on multiple-choice questions limits your preparation to a narrow set of problems, which may not adequately prepare you for the variety of reasoning tasks presented in the test. Memorizing previous test questions provides little value, as it does not build the underlying reasoning skills needed to tackle unfamiliar problems. Additionally, taking long breaks during study sessions may interrupt your cognitive flow and hinder consistency in your study habits, ultimately making it harder to retain information and build upon your skills effectively.