GMAT Anxiety

GMAT Anxiety
While anxiety can happen at any time, the most intense moments occur within 24 hours of the test, particularly during the test itself. For the most part, this is a normal sensation. In fact, some may argue that a little nervousness may actually help to keep test takers more alert. However, anxiety can definitely hurt your score, as it can prevent a good night’s sleep and cause panic during the exam. The general stress associated with your GMAT preparation, along with the physical discomfort associated with a multi-hour exam, can aggravate the situation. Fortunately, there are strategies to minimize these distractions. Here are a few suggestions that I have seen throughout the forums.

During your prep:

• Learn as much as you can about the GMAT’s structure, content, and testing procedures. Read about the test center’s rules. Visit the official GMAT website.
• Incorporate appropriate guidebooks and be comfortable with all the concepts. Become familiar with every type of question.
• Strengthen your endurance. When ready, time yourself while practicing questions. Take the GMATPrep CAT’s under test conditions. Don’t skip the AWA. Also, consider a test simulation booklet for CAT practice.
• Don’t waste time on tricks or ways to “outsmart” the test makers. Focus on the fundamental concepts and strengthen your skills by reviewing the material and practicing questions.
• Express your GMAT-related problems in the GMATClub forums. Many members have experienced what you are presently going through and can answer questions, offer advice, and serve as a support group.
• Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition and exercise.

GMAT countdown:

• Schedule a suitable date and time for the test. Don’t take the GMAT at an uncomfortable time.
• Don’t cram during the last week of the test and burn yourself out.
• Visit the test center before your test date. Become familiar with the area and know exactly where you will take the test and how you will get there.
• Take at least one day off from any GMAT preparation prior to the actual exam. Use this day to relax and energize yourself for the upcoming test.

Test day:

• Eat a good meal sometime before you go to the test center.
• Arrive at the test center early. Give yourself enough time to become comfortable.
• Focus on the question in front of you. Forget about any past question that you may or may not have answered correctly. That’s history and doesn’t concern you. And don’t obsess about the algorithm. If you see an easy question, then maybe you answered the previous one incorrectly. Maybe it’s just an experimental question. The only productive thing to do is answer the problem in front of you.
• Take deep, slow breaths and look away from the screen sometimes. This reduces eye and neck strain. Even closing your eyes for a short moment helps.
• Take the allotted breaks. During this time, go to the bathroom, eat or drink something, stretch, and splash cold water on your face. Be aware of the time, though.
• Remember: you’re always in control. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t score above 700. If you’re unsatisfied with your performance, you can retake the exam and change things. Cancelling the score is also an option.

Helpful Links
ETS guide on reducing test anxiety:
https://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXIS/p ... nxiety.pdf

Discussions on GMAT anxiety:
https://gmatclub.com/blog/2010/06/gmat-p ... t-anxiety/
experiences-strategies-overcoming-test-anxiety-93090.html
pre-test-anxiety-94370.html
shocked-in-my-gmat-exam-its-a-test-of-nerves-and-i-failed-96550.html
shaky-confidence-2-days-before-test-87636.html

Overview of the test center:
gmat-testing-center-physical-environment-80167.html#p602307
video-tour-of-the-gmat-testing-center-very-interesting-90032.html

Nutrition:
stay-healthy-score-higher-22103.html
eating-healthy-while-applying-to-b-school-98378.html
gmat-snacks-98462.html


This list, while (hopefully) helpful, is by no means comprehensive. If you have any comments or suggestions, please don't hesitate to share your ideas below!