Hey all,
Hope your studies are going well!
This post is devoted to psychological issues in the GMAT: how to stay focused during the exam and what to do if you lose focus or get lost in a question.
1. Every question is a different task; when finished, move onEach question should receive your full attention. Once you have answered a question, move on to the next one and do not think about the previous questions. Even if you got it wrong, there is no longer anything to do about it. Think of it as mountain climbing: it doesn’t matter that your leg slipped on a rock a few meters back, as long as you are concentrated on the next step towards the top.
2. Be aware of when you tend to lose your concentrationBeing aware of when you are not focused and need to do something to increase your level of concentration is essential. You should study what you typically do when you are distracted: do you look out the window? Do you doodle? One sure way to know that you are unfocused is when you read the same passage or question a number of times and you still don’t know what it says. After you become familiar with your patterns, practice stopping yourself before your day-dreaming progresses, for example by using one of the next two tips.
3. Close your eyes and breatheYou should use this technique during your practice sessions, so if you have to use it during the test it will be second nature to you: close your eyes; breathe deeply, filling your lungs; keep the air in for 2-3 seconds; and breathe out slowly. Repeat this 2 or 3 times, and don’t look at the exam. When used during the exam, this technique allows you to lower your blood pressure. You can also use some guided imagery and visualise a calm place, a face or a feeling that enables you to better concentrate. You might be reluctant to take a break when the time comes, but remember: this should take only 10-15 seconds and will have long benefits.
4. Use your short- and long-term motivationsBeing motivated plays a big part in maintaining your focus throughout the exam. Whenever you feel yourself losing concentration, you need to remind yourself of why you’re taking this annoying and exhausting exam to begin with. Also keep in mind that since your long-term motivation may seem too far away, it is important to have short-term motivations as well. Tell yourself that if you maintain your concentration, you will give yourself a prize right after the test (like going to nice restaurant, going to the beach, watching your favorite movie, etc.).
5. Stick to your predefined timetablesA big part of being prepared for the GMAT is having a set strategy and clear timetables for each section of the exam. Glancing at the clock every 5 questions can help you affirm that you are still on schedule. If you are a few minutes behind, time to skip a question! Better to skip a question every once in a while than to have too little time overall.
6. Use the breaks provided and use positive thinkingThinking negatively can be very counter-productive and distract you from the task at hand. It is important to practice positive thinking during those months of preparation before the exam, especially in those moments of frustration. Also, don’t skip those schedule breaks; look at each break not just as a time recharge, but also as an opportunity to fill yourself with encouraging and positive thoughts to help you keep going. Be proud of what you have accomplished, and tell yourself that all of your hard work has prepared you for this challenge.
7. Expect the unexpectedBe prepared that on test day, not everything is going to go as planned. You will probably encounter some unexpected distraction during the exam, and rather than focusing on how this is going to hurt your score, ask yourself whether there is anything you can do to improve the situation. If the answer is yes, then take action, but if the answer is no, move on and tell yourself that no matter what happens, you will be fine because you are prepared, you studied hard, and you knew this type of thing was coming.
In summary: keep calm, keep focused, and keep studying!
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