Two weeks ago I ran a marathon.  As I’m crossing mile 18, a couple things went through my mind.  These thoughts include:

1. I have got to be the craziest person alive (wait, there are 20k other people just as crazy!)
2. Man, I wish I trained better
3. This has got to be a great analogy for something

Well, my legs are speaking to me again and I just realized what situation this is analogous with: Taking a four-hour GMAT test.  As you are about to begin to study for the GMAT, keep these following principles in mind.

Start Off Cautiously

As you start training for both Marathons and the GMAT, ease into the material.  You don’t wake up one day and run 10 miles – just in the same way you don’t jump up and start taking super difficult data sufficiency questions.  Start practicing the material just like you would start running:  Learn the types of questions, understand the concepts being tested, take timed quizzes, learn from your mistakes, stay positive, and keep increasing your intensity.

Get Mileage In

Ultimately, you have to get mileage under your belt. As you prepare for the GMAT, you need to get quizzes and full-lengths tests completed.  You need to have practiced a lot.  This level of preparation provides you with the mental stamina and the emotional comfort to know that you are capable of accomplishing this feat.   In the words of one of my clients: “insane preparation.”  In the words of another GMAT expert from Kaplan, use the punchcard method.

Increase Intensity, Decrease Duration

The week before your test, start cutting down on the duration of quizzes; however, focus on harder questions and concepts.  Push your mental capacity; but, decrease the time you are in this level of intensity.  The week before the test is the time to build up energy and practice in bursts of speed and intensity.

Eat Right

Three out of four individuals who I called a parent were nutritionists.  The value of eating healthy can never be denied.  You should always eat healthy; however, it is even more important as you are preparing for this test.  Your brain is a muscle and muscles like vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fruits.  Drop the fast food habit, eat breakfast, and get some exercise.  If you don’t already, you’ll be surprised how doing all that will help you focus and maximize your score on test day.

Visualize It

If you have never run a marathon, let me tell you: it is miserable.  Mile 23 has got to be the least happy I’ve ever been.  However, the visualization of crossing that finish line (and never having to live through that hell again) is imperative.  You have to believe that you will achieve the score you want to achieve.  If you don’t believe it, you won’t achieve it.  If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

Start early, dedicate yourself to it, drop all excuses, and just do it.  I know you can.