I let stress get the best of me, need advice

Question

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Gmatsaiyan · Answer

Hey hi,
Don't be discouraged it seems like you have been scoring well in your mocks so its best to give the Gmat again in probably better conditions and hopefully you should do well in the second attempt

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi elti,

First off, a 700/Q48 is an outstanding score (it's right around the 90th percentile overall), so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, a retest is probably not necessary. There's certainly no harm in retesting though - and from what you describe, you were not at your best (no one would perform at their peak after just 1 hour of sleep the night before and the resulting concentration 'issues' you described).

Before you decide either way, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and application plans. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admission ... tants-124/

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

GyMrAT · Answer

Congratulations!! 700 is a good score, you should celebrate.

I think the most important thing will be for you think of the real test just as every other test that you took as practice. I know it is easier said then done. But you just need to not allow the real test to weigh so much on your list of priorities. It is not the end, if the test doesn't go as planned. Be prepared for any outcome & make up your mind, that no matter what happens, your life will carry on unaffected.

Think about your loved ones & their support, you know that they will stand by you in thick & thin. There is no better feeling than that.

There is always a retake available. Think of it this way that for most things in life, you don't get a retake. GMAT makes life easier by offering a retake.

Also taking your practice in near identical conditions as the real test, does help. For my practice tests, i booked a private room in a co-working facility & simulated the exact conditions. Nonetheless my real test f'ed up because of software issues, so you can't really plan for everything.

Only thing you can do is knowing within yourself, that YOU are bigger than the test.

Hope that helps!

Cheers,
GyM

philipssonicare · Answer

The idea of GMAT test centres are scary, with their super strict policies and palm scans.
Once your initial disappointment is over, you may be able to go in with confidence now that you have some experience with their procedures. That CAT is merely a CAT.
Good luck.

elti · Answer

Thank you all for your kind words and support. 
The score itself not as disappointing as the fact that I didn't perform at my best - I am sure you can all relate to this feeling.
I booked another test next month, leaving me enough time to rest and then switch back to top gear.

Cheers

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi elti,

First off, 700 is a really solid score! I understand that your score has dropped a bit from your practice exams, but it’s still a great score.

Based on your debrief, it’s clear that stress, nerves, and lack of sleep negatively affected your performance on test day. Regarding your study routine, I don’t think you need to make any drastic changes. Clearly, what you’ve been doing has allowed you to get to a high level in verbal and quant. The biggest key for your GMAT success is to keep your anxiety at bay. One great way to do so is to develop a positive attitude and be confident. Look, you’ve scored 720+ on multiple practice GMATs, 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?

I wrote an article that provides some more detailed advice about  how to limit GMAT anxiety .

Please reach out with any further questions.

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