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by NextGreatLeader » Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:38 am
Have you considered waiting to apply until next year? It will be challenging to bring your score up to a competitive level for top-10 schools in only 1 month. And, given that this will be your 4th time taking the test, you will likely not want to take it again if you don't see the results you're hoping for.

If, however, you're set on taking the exam next month, then I think you should review your study habits. Are you taking full length practice tests under official-like conditions? Also, when you are practicing questions, how long are you staying focused? Try working in 75-minute sets to mirror the exam format. You may also want to try studying in a different location. If you always study at home, try studying in a library or another environment that feels similar to the testing center.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Sep 25, 2012 7:07 am
fuquahopeful wrote: I understand that there is a thing called in anxiety, but after 4 exams, not sure why would it still affect me?
You can't really expect your test anxiety to dissipate after 4 exams. There are famous actors and singers who, after years of performing, still get nauseous before every single performance.

If test anxiety is an issue for you, there are lots of strategies to consider. The challenge is to find the technique(s) that works best for you. Some find physical exercise, visualization and breathing exercises to be very effective. If you Google "GMAT test anxiety", you'll find a number of general and test-specific strategies to help you keep focused before and during the test. Also, in BTG's forums, you'll find helpful strategies that worked for GMAT test takers.

If you haven't done so already, you may want to watch our free video on handling stress when writing the GMAT: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1252

Cheers,
Brent
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by Bschool2013 » Thu Oct 04, 2012 11:39 am
fuquahopeful wrote:Do you guys recommend any other study materials to look at? I have done all the problems in OG, so need something else to practice on.

I appreciate any help!
I like these books:

https://www.totalgmatmath.com/
https://www.totalgmatverbal.com/

Found the math to be more helpful than the verbal book. This is another great piece of advice when doing practice problems: https://www.gmathacks.com/study-tips/how ... blems.html
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by jamesacorrea » Sat Oct 06, 2012 10:43 pm
I had bad test anxiety during my first two tests, scoring 600 and 570. However, this time around I put a lot of effort in my emotional control during my prep and in particular prior to my practice tests. I downloaded meditation podcasts and would take 20-30 minutes a day to clear my mind before practicing. I found this particularly helpful on practice test days. I cut down on caffeine dramatically and eliminated almost all high-sugar snack foods from my diet. I exercised frequently, even trying out yoga a number of times. I never studied more than 6 hours a day including taking and going over full CATs. I even took Gingko Biloba regularly, though the science on its potency is far from resolute. They way I saw it, even if the benefit was merely a placebo effect, I was willing to try. Finally, I really just believed in myself. Once you recognize that you have the potential to score in a certain range, it is much easier to concentrate long enough to achieve that. I did. Final Score: 710.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Oct 07, 2012 8:39 am
jamesacorrea wrote:I had bad test anxiety during my first two tests, scoring 600 and 570. However, this time around I put a lot of effort in my emotional control during my prep and in particular prior to my practice tests. I downloaded meditation podcasts and would take 20-30 minutes a day to clear my mind before practicing. I found this particularly helpful on practice test days. I cut down on caffeine dramatically and eliminated almost all high-sugar snack foods from my diet. I exercised frequently, even trying out yoga a number of times. I never studied more than 6 hours a day including taking and going over full CATs. I even took Gingko Biloba regularly, though the science on its potency is far from resolute. They way I saw it, even if the benefit was merely a placebo effect, I was willing to try. Finally, I really just believed in myself. Once you recognize that you have the potential to score in a certain range, it is much easier to concentrate long enough to achieve that. I did. Final Score: 710.
Excellent advice, James!
I plan to refer others to this post.

Cheers,
Brent

PS: Great score too!
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by fuquahopeful » Sat Nov 03, 2012 1:22 pm
Guys,

Another update: I took my GMAT again today and ended up scoring a 560 (44Q 23V). My GMAT Prep score last Thurday was 690 (39V). I just can't seem to beat this GMAT anxiety problem. It's frustrating because I took all my practice test under exam-like conditions and never scored less than a 660. SUCKS!

Taking it again in December. The biggest issue is that I have exhausted all GMAT preparation materials and practice exams.
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by gtg279v » Sat Nov 03, 2012 2:02 pm
Are you keeping an error log? You can work problems all day long, but if you don't understand why and how you are making errors, it is far more difficult to correct them. This has helped me the most from a concept standpoint.

I scored a measly 520, and I'm currently on the road to retake the exam.
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by fuquahopeful » Sat Nov 03, 2012 2:12 pm
Yeah, I have kept an error log of all the OG13 problems. The problem is I have taken multiple exams during past 2-3 weeks (all timed and in exam conditions) and every time I scored more than 660. My success rate in verbal is almost 85%. I don't struggle at all.

I just came home and did 20 more new verbal questions from GMAT PREP software and got 19 of them right. Not sure what is happening during the real exam. I wish GMAC would let us review our answers.
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