How to not have an anxiety attack DURING the test?

Question

Sometimes when I take the test I feel like I have an anxiety attack or something. I'm on a math prob or CR prob and just not getting it. Then Im like CRAP I'm taking too much time, move on... 

Then of course something has to happen, noises, bugs, dog barks, mailman, asteroid comes through the roof etc... anyway the tiniest thing annoys the **** out of me during this test and breaks my concentration.

How have you all over come this obstacle???

I feel like I get GMAT rage, I just wanna break, destroy, and kill whatever the heck is bothering me lol!

swiss1042 · Answer

Seriously. You can't let anything bug you...

rajpdsouza · Answer

"Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to suffering." 

IMO, you have to control your fear of the GMAT. Sure it's an important test, but in the end it's just a test. If you've prepared enough, there's no reason to fear. And besides, you can always (well not ALWAYS) re-take the damn thing.

bherronp · Answer

When I felt myself getting nervous during the test, I would close my eyes and take a few deep breaths and try to clear my mind. Sure, it wasted 30 precious seconds, but if your mind is calm the solutions seem clear.

rajpdsouza · Answer

Good point. Even if you spend just 15 seconds, the time you saved from not being stressed on that problem and for the rest of the test is invaluable.

bsd_lover · Answer

My suggestion is that try taking lots of practice tests in difficult circumstances (noisy surroundings, distractions etc.). The idea is to be prepared for the worst. Whatever can go wrong , normally DOES go wrong.... but if you have seen it go wrong before, you can be calmer the next time ...

rajpdsouza · Answer

Sounds like the Tiger Woods' dad approach. :lol:

bsd_lover · Answer

As Accenture says - " Go on, Be a Tiger ... "

CookieMonster · Answer

Earphones and/or earplugs are provided, so why the concern about noise? Dont all test centers provide some kind of noise dampening device?

I minimized both the timer and question counter to prevent stress..
Unfortunately i ran out of time, but i achieved my goal of not panicking. 

good luck

rajpdsouza · Answer

I actually don't like the complete silence that earphones or earplugs provide. I try to take my test in the same conditions as I study. My study conditions are pretty much quiet, but they aren't so quiet that I can hear my own heart beating. 

If you're going to use the earphones/earplugs at the testing center, I would suggest that you take your practice CATs the same way.

trahul4 · Answer

I think if you take lot many practice CATs you should be fine

kryzak · Answer

the earplugs at the test center were... "powerful" (for lack of a better word). It was a bit *too* quiet for me, but it was good because it helped me concentrate. I usually take my practice tests in loud environments, with the fan on, super warm room, etc... so during the test it was the most comfortable I've felt in a long time!

I would also do the "take 15-30 seconds" to relax method. Take a deep breath, think of the question as a fun trivia game, and just move on if you don't know how to do it and not let it affect you. The more you think about your mistakes, the worse you'll do.

anonymousegmat · Answer

wow... you are brave!!!!

anonymousegmat · Answer

i definately have some anxiety at times too. i just try to tell myself "look dude, you've done all you can in 3 months time. you probably studied more than 90% of the folks who take the test... so you are gonna get what you are gonna get" it does not work for me. :-D

GMATBLACKBELT · Answer

No way earplugs??? Thats AWSOME. i really have trouble w/ outside distractions. Only when taking the actual test though...

I can do problems timed individually just fine w/ a freakin circus going on, but when the probs are in a group or I am taking the actual test is where the problems arise.

ENEM · Answer

try if this works for you, whenever I get stuck at a question and I'm pressed for time, I start talking to myself aggressively to take action. We tend to freeze when we see a tough question and observe that we're running out of time. Also when I feel extremely stressed during the test, I start cussing, it really helps release the stress. Do it softly, so that you don't disturb others, but do it with aggression, it will force you to take the right action. Talk to yourself throughout the test, like a coach talks to his boxer. Always remember that it is just a test, designed by people like you and me and you can definitely beat it. Start taking mock tests 1.5 months prior to your scheduled date and review not just the questions but your behavior throughout the test, it will help you realize what exactly is acting as a barrier to you getting your dream score.

How to not have an anxiety attack DURING the test?

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