Test day anxiety

Question

Hi, i am an aspiring Gmat candidate. i wrote my Gmat yesterday and got a meagre 600. i had been scoring consistently around 680 on my Manhattan Prep test and scored a solid 740 on the Gmat prep. I felt that anxiety on test day got me. I became very nervous while writing the test. I believe my preparation is on point. Kindly help me in what should be my next line of action if someone has experienced the same as well. Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Anmol

Regards,
Anmol

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi anmolsharma3491,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for your Official GMAT?
2) How long have you studied? How many hours did you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used so far?
4) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

You might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

unraveled · Answer

Test day anxiety is normal for test takers around the world. In your case a score a drop of 140, leaving aside Manhattan, is worrisome. But before you do get more worried, do check whether your 740 in GMAT prep mock is inflated - better it is not. Two things to look for insights:
1. 740 was not a fluke. Check that you were getting scores in similar range in GMAT prep other mocks. Also, did you gave these mocks under test conditions?
2. If nothing from above applies then retrospect what different conditions(unique ones) affected your performance negatively.

There are many thing that are open but this is what one can do initially to evaluate.

freedom128 · Answer

140 drop from gmatprep is steep. Did you do the mocks without pause in some difficult questions and with very similar condition as the real test (day time, same meal, same room temperature, etc) ?

Posted from my mobile device

longhorn123 · Answer

I've also suffered from test day anxiety that resulted in a score far below my expectations. Here's what I would recommend: 
(1) Assume you're going to need to take the test again. This takes the pressure off test day and helps you look at it as more of a practice test.
(2) Take your strongest section first. This gets you into the rhythm of the test.
(3) BREATHE DEEPLY before you begin a section. You'd be surprised how far controlling your breathing will get you.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi gather44,

Regarding test anxiety, one great way to combat your nerves is to develop a positive attitude and be confident. You’ve scored as high as a 740 on your official practice exam, right? So, look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are pretty damn good at the GMAT!

To help manage your nerves, you could try some visualization techniques. Imagine various test-day scenarios such as getting stuck on a question, issues in the testing center, feeling pressed for time, or worrying that you’re underperforming. As you feel your stress responses start to kick in when thinking about these things, practice pulling yourself together and visualize focusing on getting correct answers.

When taking the GMAT, the best way to deal with stress is to get busy answering the question in front of you, focusing completely on the task at hand so that you redirect all of that nervous energy and naturally calm down. In other words, you distract yourself with a goal. Just tell yourself that all that matters is getting the correct answer to the question in front of you, and then when you have finished that question, take the same attitude toward the next one. Focus on winning each “mini-battle” and you won't have time for anxiety. If you can win enough of those battles, you can win the GMAT war, right?

Also, you may find it helpful to read this article about  How to Eliminate GMAT Test-Day Anxiety .

Good luck with the GMAT, and let us know how things turn out.

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