How to get over initial inertia

Hi rush123,

A little over a month ago, you scored 690/Q49/V34 on the Official GMAT. I know that your goal was to score higher - and that you were going to continue to study. How have your studies been going since then? How have you scored on your practice CATs?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

First, recognize that this is normal for most people. The first few minutes of the test will require additional time to not only answer the question, but to also get used to the test environment. It would not be a good idea to rush through this phase because getting used to the test in the beginning will help to optimize performance in the later stages.

Also, please try to also analyze how this affect your quant vs. verbal vs AWA+IR performance. Should you go with one sequence versus another in view of the above?

Because getting used to the test can take time, you can also plan to "warm up" ahead of the test by looking at some test questions and getting the brain working. The brain requires some hours to perform at its best. This means that waking up and going straight to the test may not be advisable for many testtakers. On the other hand, too much work ahead of the test will risk tiring yourself. So, you will also need to determine a good balance. GL!

Hi, rush123.

One way to get into the zone is to solve some warmup questions before you leave for the test center. Answering the questions will remind you to proceed carefully and get you ready for the tricks and challenges of GMAT questions. Thus, with some warmup, starting the GMAT will feel less like jumping into a cold pool. You'll be ready and on point when you see the first question, and your may experience less stress than you would experience if you hadn't warmed up, because the warmup will connect taking the test to the preparation that you have done, and the test may even seem to be just an extension of your practice.

With that said, I do want you to keep in mind that is OK to not get the first question correct on the GMAT. The worst thing you can do is “overspend” on the first question, which will then force you to play catchup for the remainder of the GMAT.