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Performance in the test-How to overcome fatigue?

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Performance in the test-How to overcome fatigue?

by bibu » Thu Aug 18, 2011 5:35 am
Since this is my first post on this forum, let me start with a brief Intro:
Name: Bibu Varghese
Nationality: Indian
Industry: IT, Finance
Work ex: 4.9 years
Prev GMAT Score: 690(50Q,34V)
GMAT Date: 30-Aug-2011

Problem: Though my Quant scores have been consistently good, my Verbal scores vary according to energy level/concentration while taking the test. I have put in a decent preparation to improve my verbal score. In GMAT prep test 1, I managed a score of 45! However on the MGMAT test that I took yesterday, the score came down to 33!

I tend to get > 80% correct in SC,CR, and RC under normal circumstances, but during the 4 hr test I tend to err a lot more. I find it very difficult to focus esp on the passages.

Can anyone help me with experiences, ideas that would help me sit through the 4 hour period with the same energy level and concentration? :)


I have 11 more days to go before the test! Taking a test a day will help?

Thanks in advance,
Bibu
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by vineeshp » Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:06 am
4 hour test is normal. Anything less is skewed.

In the next 11 days, try taking about 4-5 tests. One every alternate day and build up some test taking stamina. That's the most you can do in 11 days.

45 on GMAT Prep 1 ? Wow. That is a good score!
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Just telling you what I know and think. I am not the expert. :)
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by bibu » Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:02 am
thanks!4-5 tests, that's the plan!

apart from the test taking, is there anything that I can do to wake my mind up during the test? fatigue causes the mind to become a lil fuzzy and less 'reactive' to the question. a crazy idea struck me-was thinking of doing some sit ups during the break between Q and V sections and some stretching during the test-need to try that out!

Anyone got any crazy ideas that u tried and that works? :D
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by prateek_guy2004 » Thu Aug 18, 2011 9:18 am
bibu wrote:thanks!4-5 tests, that's the plan!

apart from the test taking, is there anything that I can do to wake my mind up during the test? fatigue causes the mind to become a lil fuzzy and less 'reactive' to the question. a crazy idea struck me-was thinking of doing some sit ups during the break between Q and V sections and some stretching during the test-need to try that out!

Anyone got any crazy ideas that u tried and that works? :D
Hi Bibu

Even i have this same problem, One of the reasons could be i hate reading.....But i have started reading english just to focus on my reading section..So if you read long articles and can make important points out of it, it may readuce ur fatigueness and can aleart you during your exam.

Another thing is ..i do strech in between exam.. U know slightly shoulder twist, hand twist etc.....that realease my tiredness....

Try it one it may work for you.

Chaw
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by bibu » Thu Aug 18, 2011 9:31 am
Hmmm... I like reading. In fact when I am not that tired, the content of the passages interests me! :)
I tried taking timed verbal tests late in the night, when I am half drowsy, just to practice pushing myself. I even started going out for long brisk walks in the evenings just to keep my body more active! Let's see if either does any good! :D

Need to try out the stretching. Light exercises should help I suppose!

Any more ideas anyone? :)
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:21 pm
On the fatigue front, you might try identifying the types of foods and drink you need to eat before the test to keep you energized.

I think the best type varies from person to person. Some (e.g., me) get very drowsy after a high-carb meal, and others find that it gives them energy. Find what's best for you.

I'd also look at finding a type of energizing snack that you can eat during your breaks.

Cheers,
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by vineeshp » Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:13 pm
Am with Brent on that.

Also, dont try anything new on test day. Stick to your routines. Don't suddenly start exercising a lot a day before the test. Or, dont suddenly start having coffee close to the test. Try your best to stick to your routines.
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by sam2304 » Fri Aug 19, 2011 4:07 am
Having a light meal before exam will keep us active. High protein diet will make us feel a bit lazy. We can eat chocolate bars. Basically chocolate improves your mood every time you eat them. Moreover it gives you energy to keep up even if you haven't had any food. Many people find coffee and tea refreshing and they take it so often. You might even take them.
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by bibu » Wed Aug 24, 2011 10:17 pm
I found a related topic here:

https://www.beatthegmat.com/drained-out- ... 81294.html

Anyone else having the same problem can go thru this discussion
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by AbhiJ » Thu Aug 25, 2011 1:25 am
Dude,

Are you a morning person. Give tests when you are at your peak energy level.

I suggest you reschedule the tests by 2 weeks. Take one week off (not the last week but the one before that). In that week give one full length test every day, don't worry about scores just give the tests. Analyse the test for 1-2 hours but don't spend 5 hours analysing that will burn you out.
Many prep companies offer 5 tests for 40$, you can buy them if you have exhausted the materials.
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by bibu » Thu Aug 25, 2011 1:56 am
I already am on a break...shifting jobs! :) I did take 5 tests(minus the essays) over the last 2 weeks. That definitely helped! I intend to take 3 more tests(with essays) over the next 3 days, then a day, off and then the GMAT!
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by prateek_guy2004 » Thu Aug 25, 2011 8:39 am
Best of luck
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by arun@crackverbal » Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:17 am
You can try meditation - it works! Especially if you have a few weeks to practice it daily.

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by bibu » Fri Aug 26, 2011 9:38 am
Nice suggestion, but with 3 more days to go I doubt whether it will help! :))
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by Bara » Sat Aug 27, 2011 7:33 pm
Working one-on-one with an integrated coach who can help you with this would work like a charm. At this point, doing something on your own has less of a result and you don't have time to play with.

Check out this: https://testprepny.com/pages/products_gmat.htm

Exercise is helpful as is:

Chinese meridian work,
EFT/EMDR.
Hypnosis/NLP.

Time to see results: IMMEDIATE.
Good Luck!
Bara Sapir, MA, CHt, CNLP
Founder/CEO City Test Prep
Maximize your Score, Minimize your Stress!
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SPEEDREADING: https://citytestprep.com/mindflow-workshops/
ANXIETY RELIEF: https://citytestprep.com/mindfulness-therapy/
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