How to manage stress before the test?

Question

Hi, 

it is really a problem to manage stress before the test. As for me, I could not sleep a night before the test and had to take some pills to get some rest, I could not manage the stress waiting for my turn before the test and got relaxed only when I was in front of computer. But I was exhosted of pre-test stress and was of not enough energy and power to fight:( 

My score was not so high and I think it was because of my stressy behaviour. I tried KAPLAN and got ~700, but at the test the score was not high:((

How do y manage stress and prepare yourself mentally to the TEST?

Please share your secrets:))

Dilshod · Answer

Hi chudik,
have you read my experience, was it the same with you?

how much did you score?

BTW, are you from Russia(CIS)?

chudik · Answer

Hi! Where can i read your experience?

chudik · Answer

Yes, I am from Russia

chudik · Answer

My score was 460 :cry:

Dilshod · Answer

Hi chudik,

460 - what is the score breakdown?
how much do you need?

deowl · Answer

I was really stressed before the exam and pretty much feared I could not sleep the night before the exam. I knew it's extremely critical to have a good sleep that night as you can end up with a score up to 100 - 150 point less . So I slept about 5 - 6 hours the night before the last day and
got up really early. Then I did about two hours of very extensive physical exercises ( and I really recommend at least half an hour of extensive exercises each day of your preparation, that will really boost your results ) and started to do the exams ( yes I did the exams on the last day, and I'm sure that pretty much increased my confidence )
In the evening my g/f came from work and we went to the local spa center. Trust me, there is nothing else that can calm you better then a couple of hours of massages and jacuzzi. Anyway, when I got home , I fell asleep immediately as I touched the bed. The morning next day I felt I can do it. And I did

chudik · Answer

thanks a lot! what was yoyr score?

deowl · Answer

750 (q50, v40) , AWA score is not yet available

sgrover · Answer

I am just back from the exam. 

I can tell you that there is no secret recipe to reduce stress.. Everyone would his/her own ways to reduce it.. The day before the exam, just keep yourself cool, and try to do whatever you can to divert your attention away from GMAT.. I spent a lot of time yesterday watching "Friends" and slept at 9pm.. Even though, couldnt get a good sleep, the fact that I was on lying onbed for atleats 9 hrs made me comfortable.. Finally, on the G-day, give yourself a push, and say you have to perform upto your potential.. theres no worse thing than performing below your potential, and thats the last thing you would want to happen to you. so, cool yourself down, take a deep breath and jump onto it. I am sure, with hardwork and luck, you shd be able to achieve whatever you deserve.

chudik · Answer

That's really greate! Congradulations! :lol:

How have you managed the stress just before the test, since the morning of G-day. For me it is the most stressy time

deowl · Answer

Me too, I was a bit stressed when I came to the test center. But AWA helped me to calm down.

chudik · Answer

Yes, it is true. AWA is of help. But morning and pre-test stress have "eaten" my forces and emotions.... I was not stressed in front of the screen, but over-stressed just in the morning before the test.... :oops:

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