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Test Anxiety
I am not sure if anybody would have advice regarding this; however, I have extremely debilitating test anxiety. In fact I scored rather well to ok on most of the Kaplan GMAT's, but come test day I performed poorly. I do not think I remember one reading passage, and definitely not one CR question. And my score definitely reflected my performance. Does anybody have any advice?? I really studied hard for the exam, and my performance on the Kaplan tests was improving drastically.
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beatthegmat
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Hi Tarid:tarid wrote:I am not sure if anybody would have advice regarding this; however, I have extremely debilitating test anxiety. In fact I scored rather well to ok on most of the Kaplan GMAT's, but come test day I performed poorly. I do not think I remember one reading passage, and definitely not one CR question. And my score definitely reflected my performance. Does anybody have any advice?? I really studied hard for the exam, and my performance on the Kaplan tests was improving drastically.
Thanks very much for this post--I think that test anxiety is something that too many people do not consider as an important factor of GMAT performance. If you are not going into the test with confidence--or maintaining confidence--it will certainly be reflected in your final score.
Here's my advice:
When you are doing your practice tests, try to simulate the actual testing conditions the best you can. I'm not just talking about staying within time limits for sections. Try to take your tests in a relatively noisy and high trafficked area. When I was taking practice tests last year, I tried to do them in a busy area of a library. Doing a lot of practice tests in an accurately simulated environment will get you used to the distractions, and help ease some of that anxiety.
Another thing to consider: the GMAT isn't that important. A high GMAT score or a low GMAT score will not determine your MBA admissions. Also, try to consider the bigger picture--in your life, which is full of friends, family, and interests, is the GMAT really that important? I hope the answer is 'no' for you. Keeping perspective will help you with anxiety. If you think you are going to panic during the test, remember the big picture.
I wish you all the best, Tarid. Remember, a great GMAT score is within your reach! Stay confident![/b]
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Thank you for the advice! I guess I lost perspective when preparing for and taking the GMAT. I also lost sight of the big picture, because I was so obsessed with studying for the test and doing well. I am also a perfectionist, which does not help me in testing situations.
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beatthegmat
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Your welcome. 
Keep a good perspective, and you'll be just fine. Best of luck!
Keep a good perspective, and you'll be just fine. Best of luck!
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resilient
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i just dont understand why the gmat isnt that important then. there are requirements of 650 + but then people say that it isnt that important. I am getting confused because I was denied before because of my low gmat score. WHat can I do to sweeten the pot then?
Appetite for 700 and I scraped my plate!
Sorry for digressing from the topic. Are you saying that the actual GMAT environment is just as a busy area of the library ?beatthegmat wrote:
When I was taking practice tests last year, I tried to do them in a busy area of a library. Doing a lot of practice tests in an accurately simulated environment will get you used to the distractions, and help ease some of that anxiety.
I agree with the wisdom above. We can't beat ourselves up too badly over this test. It's so easy to get consumed by this test -- the post above is a breath of fresh air. For many B-schools, the GMAT is but one piece of the application.beatthegmat wrote:
Another thing to consider: the GMAT isn't that important. A high GMAT score or a low GMAT score will not determine your MBA admissions. Also, try to consider the bigger picture--in your life, which is full of friends, family, and interests, is the GMAT really that important? I hope the answer is 'no' for you. Keeping perspective will help you with anxiety. If you think you are going to panic during the test, remember the big picture.
I wish you all the best, Tarid. Remember, a great GMAT score is within your reach! Stay confident![/b]
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beatthegmat
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No I'm not saying that--the actual GMAT experience was much more quiet and isolated, but it was nice getting used to ambient noise.TkNeo wrote:Sorry for digressing from the topic. Are you saying that the actual GMAT environment is just as a busy area of the library ?beatthegmat wrote:
When I was taking practice tests last year, I tried to do them in a busy area of a library. Doing a lot of practice tests in an accurately simulated environment will get you used to the distractions, and help ease some of that anxiety.
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beatthegmat
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If your GMAT score was the only reason you were denied admissions, then that's a different story; however, that sounds like a strange reason to be denied admissions from a school.Enginpasa1 wrote:i just dont understand why the gmat isnt that important then. there are requirements of 650 + but then people say that it isnt that important. I am getting confused because I was denied before because of my low gmat score. WHat can I do to sweeten the pot then?
I think even Harvard would be interested in accepting someone with a stellar work background and compelling story, even if he/she has a low GMAT score.
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I agree. I was in the library today with earplugs on, although i could still hear people coming and going, flipping pages etc. I did well on my practice questions. Now i am a lot less scared about ambient noise !beatthegmat wrote:No I'm not saying that--the actual GMAT experience was much more quiet and isolated, but it was nice getting used to ambient noise.TkNeo wrote:Sorry for digressing from the topic. Are you saying that the actual GMAT environment is just as a busy area of the library ?beatthegmat wrote:
When I was taking practice tests last year, I tried to do them in a busy area of a library. Doing a lot of practice tests in an accurately simulated environment will get you used to the distractions, and help ease some of that anxiety.
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Have great work experience, excellent extracurricular activities, and carefully crafted and compelling essays will help sweeten the pot!Enginpasa1 wrote:I spoke to a few proffesors and they all told me that it hurts the class profile of the university if i come in with a low number. How else can I sweeten the pot?
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Tarid, I suggest that you see your primary care physician and check out the symptoms. I'm not a doctor but I think there is a small chance that you might be having panic attacks. If you are, there are certain medications such as valium that could help. Again, pls consult your physician. Best of luck.
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mguerreiro001
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There is a good one on Test Anxiety...it is for LSAT...but many parts will apply to us:
https://www.lawschooldiscussion.org/prel ... msg1286554
https://www.lawschooldiscussion.org/prel ... msg1286554
