Well I have steadily studied for the past 6 weeks. I am taking the GMAT on Mon Nov 17th at 8AM. I have come to the conclusion that if I don't do well this time, i will fork over the cash and take a GMAT Prep Course. I know I'm sounding defeated even before I take the test but as I study and take the practice tests, I seem to keep getting stuck and panicking. I don't even know where to begin! I do the practice questions well and have gone over them time and time again. I will do the full length test today and tomorrow. I was just hoping that I could do well and miraculously pull off a 650-700 score which would allow me to get into the PhD Program. If this doesn't work, I will just take the Prep course and hope that will help me get the scores I need. I just feel bad asking my professors for recommendations again. One of them actually retired but I was lucky enough to have another one on standby. I'm just freaking out already at the thought of having to go through this crazy studying process all over again. I don't know how people work and go to school part-time. It is a draining process to say the least. Okay! Enough "Woe is me" talk. I will do the full length practice test and post my score later.
While your post was more of a confessional and a rant, I wanted you to know it was heard, and that there are still things you CAN do before Monday.
First, what I would recommend is that you TAKE TOMORROW OFF. Think of this like a marathon. You have said you put in the work, so now, let your brain do its job...and let it rest a bit tomorrow.
Second, lets initiate a 'non-panic' and 'non-stuck' pact. Give yourself the space and trust that you're going to do your best, and if your best means that you'll need to allow the material to waft through your conscious and unconscious mind. GOOD. Let it do just that. You're not a computer. So sometimes it takes TIME. That is a given. SO you just need to accept that your brain, while it's like a computer - - the most powerful one in the world - - you'll need to give it some wiggle room. The harder you are on yourself, the more difficult the test will seem. SO, figure out how you can have a 'non-panic' MO tomorrow and Monday.
If it turns out that you'll need to work with professionals, know that it will be completely different than how you've been working - - or it should be. Studying on ones own is a completely doable format to take the test, however, if you're not meeting your goals, getting help or guidance will get you there in the most efficient, effective way. Nothing to freak out about. But if you're freaking out...save that for after Monday. Then we can discuss how to CHILL.
But see if you can chill now, and tomorrow.
Believe it, and it can be done. If not Monday, at the most appropriate time.
Trust that the universe knows what it has in store for you...
Best,
