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Help, please!

by jadoff » Thu Jul 21, 2011 8:54 am
Hi, all. I'm newer to the forum. I've been studying for the GMAT for a while now-on my own and with a variety of study materials-and have done pretty well on practice tests (consistently scoring around 670 - 690). My goal is to get somewhere between a 710 - 720.

Anyway, problem is, when I took the test back in late June I posted only a 600, which is a pretty precipitous drop from how I've been performing on the practice materials. I didn't think it was that big of deal, but I was pretty nervous on test-day and had a really hard time concentrating.

I'm wondering if anyone might have any advice on getting past this. I'm really concerned this will be a recurring problem, plus I read the averages aren't in your favor in doing better on repeated test-attempts and that scares me.

Please, if you have any tips to get my score back up to where it was and possibly even higher, it would be greatly appreciated!
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by Bara » Fri Jul 22, 2011 9:40 am
Dear Help!

Your goals seem completely reasonable and in check, so you should be able to manifest them. Easily, painlessly, and soon.

Nerves are really nothing to joke about. You don't want to take them too seriously and get into a 'medical situation' with psycotropics recommended to you to chill out (beta-blockers, etc.) but you really DO need to listen to what nerves are all about, because likely it's not a simple answer. The solution in dealing with them, however, is likely VERY easy. You just need to pay heed to the following:

1. what are your symptoms. You say you got 'nervous' - - but how did that manifest physically, mentally and psychologically. We have an intake, actually, and an anxiety specific survey you can take. Once you isolate the SYMPTOMS, it's easily treatable with scientifcally proven methods. Email me and I'll send you the survey: [email protected]

2. Don't think if you ONLY do 'breathing' techniques or 'study more' as many may tell you that the nervousness will go away. Maybe it will, but likely not. Nervousness and behaviors associated with it are not unique to your current situation, and they usually get exponentially worse over time. "Breathing' before a high stakes exam is the equivalent to someone telling you to take a baby's chewable aspirin for a migraine.

3.Concentation is a learned skill. Likely, you have had to concentrate OTHER times in your life for other things. What worked then? We'd want to transpose those positive and productive experiences onto THIS experience. This would be most beneficial if you did a kind of behavior modification therapy - - but you can also do this BY yourself:

Put yourself BACK into the place and time when you felt calm and confident. Check in with all your senses: how did you feel? What did you see? What did you hear? Ignite your senses...and really imagine you're BACK in that place. You might even think of a place where you feel INCREDIBLY comfortable - - like at the beach, in the mountains, riding a motorcycle through long windy roads, dancing the salsa: whatever it is...GET yourself and your imagination BACK there....and BE in that confident, calm, embodied self...NOW...imagine THAT self taking the test.

I've started a forum topic as well, to deal with anxiety - - so feel free to continue writing here, or on that posting. Also, of course, feel free to write to me off line, but more people get to benefit from reading in the forums...and I (and my company) are the ONLY people that actually work with students proactively, and thoroughly, who have issues in addition to content mastery. A positive mindset is super easy to manifest...and I know you'll be able to get where you need to 'go' with a little focus.

Very Best to you!
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
GMAT Badass and Test Anxiety Relief Expert
SPEEDREADING: https://citytestprep.com/mindflow-workshops/
ANXIETY RELIEF: https://citytestprep.com/mindfulness-therapy/
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TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McA4aqCNS-c
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by jadoff » Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:55 pm
Wow, Bara, thanks for the advice. I'd never really thought about my issue in that manner. A lot of friends and colleagues had suggested just doing more intense study work, but it's become an issue of retention and then panic.

Would you recommend private tutoring? I've done prep work with bigger classes in the past, and felt it wasn't quite personalized enough. It sounds like you've got a very interesting model there.

And your company, is it available to people not located in the New York area? I'm in the Philadelphia area now but would like to learn more.

Thanks for anything you can furnish.
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by chomas » Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:17 pm
Hey, guys.

I'm sorry to hear about your problems Jadoff (you never gave a first name!). I've also been looking at possible options I might have to deal with some stress I've been having when it comes to the test. Anyway, I saw this thread and I was trying to think where I heard about Test Prep New York, and I remembered I actually had a friend who did use them and they said their services helped a TON with getting over their testing fears. She used it and went from a 640 to a 730, which is pretty impressive leap.

I guess my question is more for Bara. How many hours should I put into studying and work? I have a pretty full plate and have been struggling to strike a balance. And, I guess to that point, how flexible are your hours?

Thanks
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by Bara » Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:26 pm
Help-J:

Thanks. I"m glad you found the advice enlightening and helpful. IT's quite a 'cocktail' that we create for each client - - mostly focusing on rigorous study - - really digging deep into what is on the test, and what a student needs to do to master the content, a huge dash of understanding what the test is testing (welcome strategy) and last but not least, positive mindset.

Would you recommend private tutoring? I've done prep work with bigger classes in the past, and felt it wasn't quite personalized enough. It sounds like you've got a very interesting model there.

I absolutely recommend private tutoring: it is the most effective and efficient study. If you're going to BE a leader, make decisions like one and get the support you need, If you work better one-on-one: then this mode i for you. In terms of classes not being personalized: you nailed it - - it isn't. It's not set up to be. It's designed to be a one size fits all - - which DOES work for many - - even those who aim for the top scores...but that said, we get many exiles from these folks because they fell through the cracks with no net. Certainly ask away or contact our office.

And your company, is it available to people not located in the New York area? I'm in the Philadelphia area now but would like to learn more.

We have tutors in select cities - - and can teach you in Philadelphia. Do call.

Chomas: In terms of YOUR note. Curious who your friend is. We do get most of our business by word of mouth - -so glad to hear about this.- - An yes - - we often see clients with that kind of improvement. When you have really focused study and great tutoring - - you can expect this. In terms of studying, it's about quality over quantity. I recommend that you create a schedule for yourself, and include things like 'meal times', 'exercise", and 'socializing' to keep the balance that you seek (and need). I normally tell people to do about 15-20 hours of self-study week
if someone were diligent and focused they could see steady decent improvement doing 2/3 of that.

Not sure what you mean by " how flexible are your hours? " Working with the tutor our times and hour are very flexible. THis is particularily helpful for our out of state/country clients who need the GMAT for biz school.

Also feel free to ask questions here, in PMs or by email/phone.

Best,

Bara
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
GMAT Badass and Test Anxiety Relief Expert
SPEEDREADING: https://citytestprep.com/mindflow-workshops/
ANXIETY RELIEF: https://citytestprep.com/mindfulness-therapy/
BOOK: https://tinyurl.com/TPNYSC
TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McA4aqCNS-c
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by jadoff » Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:05 am
Bara,

Appreciate the sage advice. I'm definitely going to strongly consider studying with a private tutor going forward and will likely reach out very soon. There is a part of me that is concerned about the cost, but I really need to get this score up and it sounds like it would be a sound investment. Also, I'm going to go forward with implementing the schedule you listed in response to Chomm. Not to hammer you with questions, but you really do think 15 to 20 hours a week is enough for sufficient prep? Again, thank you for your continued advice.
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by Bara » Wed Aug 03, 2011 6:43 pm
I think that 15 - 20 hours for 6 weeks is ideal, however if you're uber efficient and focused, you can do so with less.

Happy to discuss tutoring options with you, as well as connect you with prior clients who will happily tell you the ROI of working with us is off the charts. We have an impressive track record of student exceeding their target scores and a reputation for helping clients reach scores they were unable to attain after taking big name test preparation courses.

The first step would be for us to do an evaluation of diagnostic material, and for you to fill out our intake which includes finding out what kind of learner you are, identifying your struggles and expressions of anxiety...etc. This is all currently free - - just to see if we're a good fit for each other.

Where are you located?

Standing by.
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
GMAT Badass and Test Anxiety Relief Expert
SPEEDREADING: https://citytestprep.com/mindflow-workshops/
ANXIETY RELIEF: https://citytestprep.com/mindfulness-therapy/
BOOK: https://tinyurl.com/TPNYSC
TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McA4aqCNS-c
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by jadoff » Tue Aug 23, 2011 12:27 pm
Bara,

Sorry for not getting back in touch sooner--just got off a pretty intense study binge. Started using your schedule and tried to implement that 16 to 20 hour a week format. Really is working out better. I still think I could use something more personalized. I live in Center City, Philadelphia (18th and PIne). I'd love to speak with someone about your services. LIke I said, my issues seem less to do with the content and more to do with some of the fears. I've tried breath exercises and meditation, but that only went so far. I also have a group I study with sometimes--friends from undergrad in the area (PSU)--but I really don't know if that is enough. Anyway, let me know if there is anything you'd suggest and thanks for your continued interest in my studies.
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by Bara » Sat Aug 27, 2011 6:21 pm
Glad to hear you're figuring our your way through this 'study' tightrope of a trip. Great you found a group and that you're putting aside time.

I'd be happy to talk with you about your process. Most important to you, any everyone, is to study SMARTER not HARDER. Knowing what kind of learner you are, where strengths and weaknesses lie, and an efficient program to move beyond your current score/knowledge base is the way to go. Number is below as is email: Let's talk about next steps for you!
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
GMAT Badass and Test Anxiety Relief Expert
SPEEDREADING: https://citytestprep.com/mindflow-workshops/
ANXIETY RELIEF: https://citytestprep.com/mindfulness-therapy/
BOOK: https://tinyurl.com/TPNYSC
TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McA4aqCNS-c
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