A problem of a different sort...

Question

Hi all, I'm sitting my GMAT for the second time next week. I'm not looking for the high scores that the majority of people are looking for here; I only require a modest score for my chosen University. Regardless, this post (for once) is not so much about the score.... At my first GMAT I had a meltdown, lost my nerve very early on and scored the lowest score I ever scored during my months of prep. The pressure got to me. The environment really bothered me - people started the test at different times and therefore they were in and out of the room at different times making it very distracting.

The hardest part of this exam is keeping myself focused for 3.5 hours, I have a short attention span.

Has anyone else had a smilar experience? Any tips on how to overcome meltdown?!

Thanks to all!

The hardest part of this exam is keeping myself focused for 3.5 hours, I have a short attention span.

Has anyone else had a smilar experience? Any tips on how to overcome meltdown?!

Thanks to all!

akaydee · Answer

Try and forget people are around you. Every time you find yourself thinking/looking (e.g - nice she's come in a pajama, handsome dude, what a geek

) at the people moving out and moving in look away. Remember this exam is about you. Close your eyes for a second or two take a deep breath (Somebody once told me long/deep breath = peace, clarity; short breath = nervousness/agitation) and move on to your question. You'll have to try it a couple of times to see it really works. I don't always find it easy especially when I feel my time is better spent looking at and thinking about the question!! Think only about the question . Nothing else should matter. Shut every other thought that comes your away (e.g - will I do well, am i doing well, i'll need to go to the supermarket, my favorite tv show etc.)

PranavChamp · Answer

You can use earplugs provided by Pearson VUE staff at the test centre that will prevent you from any in-and-out-people distractions and noise.

Do some exercise such as jogging in the morning. try to give mock GMAT CAT with AWA for 4 hours with same two 8-minute breaks. this way your body will develop concentration and test-fitness.

And give your GMAT mocks equal importance as actual GMAT. after giving some 2-3 mocks seriously you'll not feel much jitters and anxiety on actual thing.

All the best. i know you can do it.

BM · Answer

It seems that your major obstacle is the test itself, so we should try to build a strategy around that. Focus on solid CAT practice and mimic actual test conditions as closely as possible. This includes taking the test under timed conditions in a quiet environment, taking the breaks, and writing the essays. Also, consider using a test simulation booklet. The best tests for practice include GMATPrep and MGMAT.

After taking the two GMATPrep, reinstall the program and practice a little more. At the very least, this will help with your confidence.

Also, see this discussion: gmat-anxiety-99374.html

Cari28 · Answer

Thanks to all of you for the support! I'm going to do some yoga the night before to help relax

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