Hey
Jazzmin, I have worked with
a lot of students with ADD/ADHD, and just wanted to say that you are not alone! (And that I hope you find your study group.) Many, if not most, students with ADD/ADHD who take the GMAT struggle with a lot of the same things you do. That said, here are a few questions and thoughts that might help while you're looking for your study group.
1. Do you qualify for accommodations for the GMAT? Depending on your diagnosis and doctor's recommendations, sometimes GMAC will give accommodations like extra time (so that you can have those zone out moments and then have time to zone back in). Some tests (I'm not sure the GMAT is one of them) will also give you extended breaks, which (in my opinion) is much more useful for someone with ADHD since extended breaks can give you the time to get the jitters out.
2. Take it one step at a time. In my experience, it tends to be really difficult for someone with ADHD to go from zero to focused for 100% of the test right off the bat. Practice building focus. Set a timer and start working when you're studying, and then -when you notice that you've gotten off track - stop your timer. How long did you go? Try to go for one more minute the next time.
3. Set a mental 'routine' for when you get off track. One thing students have told me is that there's a certain amount of guilt to realizing that you've gone off track. Make a routine for what you're going to do whenever you realize that you're off track. One of my students closed her eyes and counted by 3's to 30. Another gave herself a little tap on the wrist.
4. It's understandable that you're finding that in person / longer videos are hard to deal with. Here are a few thoughts. Would you be good with shorter videos (4 - 10 minutes)? I know that at
ORION we structure all of our videos so they're in that time frame because even people without ADHD do better with shorter snippets and practice in between. No matter what materials you're using, look for something that's going to hit that sweet spot.
5. Take notes during videos if you do watch them -- and don't be afraid to pause them. Interacting physically with content is (for some people with ADHD) a good way to keep on track for a little longer.