NEW HERE? LEARN MORE
closeclose
Last visit was: 26 Apr 2024, 14:58 It is currently 26 Apr 2024, 14:58
Decision Tracker
My Rewards
New posts
New comers' posts

Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel

Am i burning out? GMAT is in 1 week time

SORT BY:
Date
Kudos
avatar
amestrebou
Intern
Intern
Joined: 10 Dec 2016
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
Am i burning out? GMAT is in 1 week time [#permalink] New post   Updated on: 15 Feb 2017, 12:57
Hello,

I'm writing my first post in the forum because I'm getting a bit nervous now that I'm 1 week from the big day. I started studying more than a year ago quite lightly, and in the past months I did accelerate the pace. A few months ago I started taking MGMAT and GMATPrep CATS.

Manhatan CATS: 640, 680, 670, 690, 700
GMAT PREP: 720, 750, 760, 780, 760, 710

Overall I fell that my preparation was quite solid, but today before taking my last CAT I felt that my vision was a bit blurry when looking at my screen (I've been feeling like that most of the week, together with headaches), so I was a bit nervous already. The I took the full test, AWA + IR + Q + V. I finished quant with 5 minutes to spare, I was a bit surprised, and verbal I also had like 2 minutes to spare. But before seeing the final score I thought I did really really well, like in the previous CATS where I got 780. But I got a 710 this time.

I know it's not a really low score, but now that 1 week away from the actual GMAT I scored my lowest GMAT PREP CAT in 3 months. It's like instead of improving I just made more mistakes. So I don't know if it's just my nerves messing up with me, or that I actually need to sit down and study like crazy. Any advice?

Thanks

Update Jan-17: I retook the exam 3 weeks later and scored 750 :) After learning from my past experience, I didn't take any strange medications this time, and didn't study that much more as I felt I was ready. I only took one extra mock in which I scored 760.

Originally posted by amestrebou on 10 Dec 2016, 17:42.
Last edited by amestrebou on 15 Feb 2017, 12:57, edited 1 time in total.
avatar
amestrebou
Intern
Intern
Joined: 10 Dec 2016
Posts: 2
Own Kudos [?]: [0]
Given Kudos: 0
Send PM
Re: Am i burning out? GMAT is in 1 week time [#permalink] New post   11 Dec 2016, 17:53
I just realized that 1 week ago I've been prescribed by my doctor Topiramate, which might have adverse cognitive effects on patients.

Before knowing that, today I did another CAT hoping that what happened yesterday was an isolated episode, but I performed even worse than yesterday. Around ~40% accuracy on Sentence Correction, which is supposed to be a strength for me. At that point I became more paranoid and started thinking everything that happened since last week, and remembered about this medication, googled it up, and those were the results...

For now I guess I'll try to see a doctor tomorrow, explain him the situation and assess from there.
avatar
B
beefphoforthewin
Manager
Manager
Joined: 25 Sep 2014
Posts: 53
Own Kudos [?]: 24 [0]
Given Kudos: 4
Location: United States
Schools: Booth '19 (A) Kellogg '19 (I) Tuck '19 (I)
GMAT 1: 750 Q50 V40
GPA: 3.4
Send PM
Re: Am i burning out? GMAT is in 1 week time [#permalink] New post   11 Dec 2016, 20:10
I wouldn't sit down and study like crazy (mainly since you can easily reschedule GMAT and/or decline the score)

Test stamina is much needed but if you are already burnt out, take a break (in nature, sports, etc.)

I would also not keep doing Practice test from one source either since there are so many free ones

Sorry you are feeling anxious but it will soon be over and all will be worth it

Happy holiday and best of luck!
User avatar
L
EMPOWERgmatRichC
GMAT Club Legend
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Posts: 21846
Own Kudos [?]: 11669 [0]
Given Kudos: 450
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Send PM
Re: Am i burning out? GMAT is in 1 week time [#permalink] New post   11 Dec 2016, 20:25
Expert Reply
Hi amestrebou,

To start, taking CATs on back-to-back days is NOT a good idea. The task of taking (and properly reviewing) a CAT requires a significant amount of effort and energy - and it takes time to 'recover' from. I'm not surprised that your performance on the second of the two CATs was worse than the first - you were likely too tired to perform at a higher level (and the medication that you've been prescribed probably didn't help either). With 1 week to go, you should NOT be taking any more CATs - taking even one would increase your chances of 'burning out' before Test Day. You'd be better served keeping your studies light and getting some extra rest.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
GMAT Club Bot
gmatclubot
Re: Am i burning out? GMAT is in 1 week time [#permalink]
11 Dec 2016, 20:25

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne
Main navigation
GMAT Resources
Partners
MBA Resources
www.gmac.com|www.mba.com | | GMAT Club Rules | Terms and Conditions