Events & Promotions
|
|
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.
Customized
for You
Track
Your Progress
Practice
Pays
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Nov 2007:30 AM PST
-08:30 AM PST
Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
Nov 2211:00 AM IST
-01:00 PM IST
Do RC/MSR passages scare you? e-GMAT is conducting a masterclass to help you learn – Learn effective reading strategies Tackle difficult RC & MSR with confidence Excel in timed test environment- Nov 23
11:00 AM IST
-01:00 PM IST
Attend this free GMAT Algebra Webinar and learn how to master the most challenging Inequalities and Absolute Value problems with ease. 
Nov 2510:00 AM EST
-11:00 AM EST
Prefer video-based learning? The Target Test Prep OnDemand course is a one-of-a-kind video masterclass featuring 400 hours of lecture-style teaching by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, founder of Target Test Prep and one of the most accomplished GMAT instructors.
22 Jul 2025, 11:55
Kudos
Bookmarks
One of the most common reasons students struggle with anxiety during GMAT preparation is the high standard they set for themselves. They are aiming for admission to competitive MBA programs and know that their peers are also working hard to achieve top scores. It is natural to feel pressure in this environment. Some students worry that their GMAT score will not measure up. Others feel overwhelmed because the gap between their starting point and their target score seems too wide. These feelings can chip away at confidence and motivation if they are not addressed.
If you find yourself caught in this kind of thinking, it may sound like this: This is too hard. I will never be able to earn a score that is high enough. Everyone else’s scores seem so impressive. While it is natural to have moments of doubt, dwelling on these thoughts is unproductive. It will not help you reach your goal. What will help is a more focused and intentional approach.
Keep Your Focus Where It Belongs
The first step is to stop worrying about other people’s scores. Beyond researching the average GMAT scores at your target schools to set a realistic goal, there is no benefit to thinking about anyone else’s performance. Their scores have no bearing on your ability to succeed. Your focus should be on your own progress, nothing more.
Remind yourself why you are preparing for the GMAT in the first place. This process is about creating opportunities for yourself. It is about gaining admission to a program that aligns with your career goals and ambitions. Every study session you complete moves you closer to that objective. Whether your progress feels fast or slow, consistency is what matters most.
Each hour of focused practice strengthens your skills. Each question you work through sharpens your understanding. Each concept you master builds your confidence. These efforts compound over time, bringing you closer to the score you need.
Establish Habits That Reinforce Progress
A simple yet effective practice is to incorporate positive affirmations into your study routine. These affirmations can help center your focus and remind you of the progress you are making. Here are a few examples you might find helpful:
Before a study session:
After a study session:
While these affirmations may seem simple, they reinforce a mindset of consistency, optimism, and purpose. Over time, this mindset will help you stay motivated and reduce anxiety.
Preparing for the GMAT is a significant commitment. There will be moments of doubt, but success comes from staying focused on your own journey. Your progress is what matters. Keep your attention on the steps you are taking, not on the competition. With consistent effort and the right mindset, you will put yourself in a strong position to succeed.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
Why GMAT Students Must Focus on Progress, Not Competition
One of the most common reasons students struggle with anxiety during GMAT preparation is the high standard they set for themselves. They are aiming for admission to competitive MBA programs and know that their peers are also working hard to achieve top scores. It is natural to feel pressure in this environment. Some students worry that their GMAT score will not measure up. Others feel overwhelmed because the gap between their starting point and their target score seems too wide. These feelings can chip away at confidence and motivation if they are not addressed.
If you find yourself caught in this kind of thinking, it may sound like this: This is too hard. I will never be able to earn a score that is high enough. Everyone else’s scores seem so impressive. While it is natural to have moments of doubt, dwelling on these thoughts is unproductive. It will not help you reach your goal. What will help is a more focused and intentional approach.
Keep Your Focus Where It Belongs
The first step is to stop worrying about other people’s scores. Beyond researching the average GMAT scores at your target schools to set a realistic goal, there is no benefit to thinking about anyone else’s performance. Their scores have no bearing on your ability to succeed. Your focus should be on your own progress, nothing more.
Remind yourself why you are preparing for the GMAT in the first place. This process is about creating opportunities for yourself. It is about gaining admission to a program that aligns with your career goals and ambitions. Every study session you complete moves you closer to that objective. Whether your progress feels fast or slow, consistency is what matters most.
Each hour of focused practice strengthens your skills. Each question you work through sharpens your understanding. Each concept you master builds your confidence. These efforts compound over time, bringing you closer to the score you need.
Establish Habits That Reinforce Progress
A simple yet effective practice is to incorporate positive affirmations into your study routine. These affirmations can help center your focus and remind you of the progress you are making. Here are a few examples you might find helpful:
Before a study session:
- This session brings me closer to my goal.
- I am developing skills that will serve me well in business school and beyond.
- My effort today is creating future opportunities.
After a study session:
- I just strengthened my GMAT skills.
- I am making steady progress toward my target score.
- Another study session complete. I am moving forward.
While these affirmations may seem simple, they reinforce a mindset of consistency, optimism, and purpose. Over time, this mindset will help you stay motivated and reduce anxiety.
Preparing for the GMAT is a significant commitment. There will be moments of doubt, but success comes from staying focused on your own journey. Your progress is what matters. Keep your attention on the steps you are taking, not on the competition. With consistent effort and the right mindset, you will put yourself in a strong position to succeed.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
Moderator:
