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Thoughts on Caffeinated Beverages during second break

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Thoughts on Caffeinated Beverages during second break

by bpolley00 » Sat Jan 19, 2013 6:04 pm
I was just wondering if anyone had a strong opinion on whether or not it would be advantageous to take a caffeinated beverage during the second break of the exam as a way to sort of counteract the duration and focus it takes to sit there for everything except the verbal. During my first exam I took one before the Math and I was obviously mentally gassed midway through verbal. This was obviously not the way to go about the test.
I know this is a relatively unimportant type of question, but I would love to hear what people's general thoughts on this would be. Thanks.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Jan 20, 2013 8:11 am
I think the answer to that question varies from person to person.
Some people thrive on caffeine (makes them more alive), and others don't (makes them more jittery).

I suggest that you test a variety of caffeine levels each time you take a practice test, and see what works best for you.

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by David@VeritasPrep » Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:47 am
Don't do anything in the test that you have not practiced many times first. So if you are going to go with the Caffeine at any time you should try it during the practice sessions and before the test.

as Brent said the answer various from person to person.

However, one thing that does not vary is that SUGAR before the test and during each break is an important part of your snack. Research reported in the New York Times indicated that making tough decisions (this is what the GMAT is all about!!!) leaves you depleted. The one thing that brings you back to life? A Sugar snack. 100 calories is enough but just make sure it is sugary!!

One of the worst things that a person can do is take one of those little bottles of caffeine - I will not even write the name - that has only like 5 calories. This is absolutely the opposite of what the body requires. So caffeine or not don't forget the sugar.

Here is a link to the New York Times article if you would like to read it yourself. Do you suffer from decision fatigue? https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/21/magaz ... d=all&_r=0


As it says in the article, "Even the wisest people won't make good choices when they're not rested and their glucose is low..."
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by bpolley00 » Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:47 am
David, Brent, thanks for the quick responses. Interesting, sound advice from both of you. It is always appreciated. In regards to the sugar comment, I am assuming a natural sugar would probably work best, perhaps strawberries or some kind of fruit? One would think that flooding your system with a 128 ounce gas station pop would not be the best idea :).
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by David@VeritasPrep » Sun Jan 20, 2013 12:40 pm
Beverages should be treated with caution!! For obvious reasons that involve running to the bath room in the middle of a section! I would not drink 128 ounces of anything, I would not even drink 20 ounces of anything during the break!

As to sugar, I don't think that for this instance it really matters. In your overall diet of course you want everything to be natural, but honestly from what I read of the experiments I think you could just take some tablespoons of regular granulated sugar...not that I recommend that.

I would say that you might think of something sugary that makes you feel powerful, or safe, or reminds you of your childhood or something good for your psyche. Maybe a particular candy bar or something. Maybe it is the advertising, but a Snickers Bar makes me feel kind of like I can make it through! Just don't make it too healthy, before I saw this research 18 months ago I use to say bring something like a Cliff bar, but that might be too healthy!

Try everything in your practice tests first, of course.

Did you read the article? It is a bit long, but honestly, one of the most interesting articles I have ever read.
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by bpolley00 » Sun Jan 20, 2013 1:42 pm
David,

Your reference on a candy that makes you feel powerful or safe reminds me of neuro linguistic programming, in which you can control your emotions if you work hard enough at it. The ability to stay in control of ones actions, emotions, and thoughts over a long period of time is a pretty powerful mental construct, which is easier said then done. I think the article is interesting and certainly has knowledge that people can implement in their day to day lives. As a smart man once said, "The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken". Thanks for the article David :).
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by David@VeritasPrep » Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:04 pm
Great quote! Thank you for a very honest and thoughtful posting.

I can see from what you write that you are very well aware that habit goes in both directions. Good habits as well as those that we would like to change. I think that good habits are the key to GMAT success. Habits of studying, habits of mind (for example concentrating for long periods of time), and habits in the consistent way that you approach different types of problems.

If I had to predict I would bet that you will be successful on the GMAT given the discipline that you have shown in life.

This turned into a discussion that went well beyond just caffeine!

Thanks!
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by bpolley00 » Sun Jan 20, 2013 2:11 pm
An enjoyable one at that. Thanks for your time sir, it is much appreciated. Come February 23rd I will find out. However, I feel much more prepared than my last time, which i tried cramming for. So hopefully my test score shows the work I have put in. Have a good day David.
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by brianlange77 » Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:50 pm
bpolley00 wrote:I was just wondering if anyone had a strong opinion on whether or not it would be advantageous to take a caffeinated beverage during the second break of the exam as a way to sort of counteract the duration and focus it takes to sit there for everything except the verbal. During my first exam I took one before the Math and I was obviously mentally gassed midway through verbal. This was obviously not the way to go about the test.
I know this is a relatively unimportant type of question, but I would love to hear what people's general thoughts on this would be. Thanks.
Hey b:

A good question -- an often underconsidered part of the exam -- "How do I prepare my body for the exam?" Here's the biggest thing I can offer -- don't subject your body to anything 'unique' on test-day. If you normally eat M&Ms for breakfast, don't all of a sudden have a ham and egg omelet. If you normally work out in the AM, do that on test day as well.

Like so many other things, it reinforces the need to do a 'full practice' exam at least once before the big day (Essay and IR included.)

Hope that makes sense.

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by bpolley00 » Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:18 am
Brian,

As usual, great advice. I will certainly take that into consideration.
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