Push Through the Discomfort to Boost Your GMAT Verbal Score

Did you know that developing the determination to find the correct answer—no matter what—can add 5 or more points to your GMAT Focus Verbal score? It’s true! The secret lies in learning to sit with the discomfort you feel when tackling challenging Verbal practice questions. Pushing through that discomfort, rather than letting it overwhelm you, is key to building the mental resilience you’ll need to excel on test day.

Think of it as strengthening your GMAT Verbal "muscles." Just like lifting heavy weights in the gym helps build physical strength, persevering through tough questions sharpens your analytical and critical thinking skills. The more you practice navigating through the discomfort of uncertainty, the stronger and more confident you’ll become in solving even the trickiest Verbal questions.

Scientific studies back this up. Research shows that mindset plays a crucial role in test prep. For instance, reframing anxiety as excitement has been shown to improve test performance, and grit—the ability to persevere through challenges—is a major predictor of success. If we avoid discomfort when something doesn’t come easily, we never give ourselves the chance to grow to a point where it does. Discomfort is often the first step toward mastering something new, and embracing it can turn frustration into a powerful tool for improvement.

When practicing for GMAT Verbal, expect to feel confused or challenged at times. Instead of letting that feeling discourage you, welcome it. Recognize that it’s a natural part of the learning process. Every time you push through those moments of discomfort, you’re rewiring your brain to think more critically and efficiently. These are the very skills that will help you tackle the heavy lifting of GMAT Verbal on test day.

So, the next time you’re stuck on a tough question, resist the urge to give up. Say to yourself, “This is hard, but I can figure it out.” Remind yourself that confusion is not a sign of failure but a signal that you’re challenging yourself in the right ways. With each question you work through, you’re not just practicing—you’re growing, learning, and moving closer to your target score.

Remember, growth happens in the moments of discomfort. Embrace those moments, persevere through the challenge, and watch your GMAT Verbal score soar to new heights!

Warmest regards,

Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep