Test Prep Strategies: The Importance of Goal Setting

Most challenges we undertake can be thought of as occurring in two distinct arenas: the "outside" dimension-the nitty-gritty, nuts-and-bolts of the task required, and the "inner" dimension-our attitudes, emotions, and beliefs. Both 'inner' and 'outer' dimension shape our performance, but usually when we are preparing for a challenge--for example, a high-stakes test like the GMAT--we we primarily address the 'outer' arena. However, we can learn from high performance athletes that take the approach of honing both his/her 'inner' and 'outer' game. To perform his or her best, the athlete practices and refines his or her skills then integrate strategy and mindset. Before you can fully succeed with the GMAT's outer game (ultimately, a high score) you must first be ready for the inner game: who you are when you take the test.

The first thing to do to prepare in the GMAT Inner game is set goals and visualize the most positive believable outcome. The human body and mind can be preconditioned for success or for failure. Because of the neural pathways that are formed in the brain and the ways your brain filters information, we tend to notice the aspects and stimuli of the exterior world that fit our beliefs and expectations. Then, we process that information in ways that lead to outcomes that match those expectations. We are prone, in other words, to do what is expected of us.

Setting goals is a process of deciding what you want to accomplish, then devising a plan to achieve the results you desire. For a goal to be effective, you need to clearly articulate for yourself what you want to do, believe you can do it, and then set in motion the steps necessary to make it happen. If you believe something is going to happen, you begin to direct your energy toward making it happen. So at this juncture, if you were sitting with one of our coaches, we'd isolate how you were performing to date, and then ask you how you think you could perform, then finally, how do you hope you can perform.

You can also write your goals and display them where you can see them every day, like your refrigerator or bathroom mirror. Write your goals in clear and specific language and use the present tense. For example, instead of writing "I want to do well on the GMAT," write, "I will earn a 750 on the GMAT." Instead of writing, "I will try to concentrate fully," write, "I will remain focused and engaged with each and every question."

For some people, achieving the score is just half the battle. What prevents them from excelling is the scrutiny and anxiety that accompanies taking the test. A goal for this test taker might be to envision themselves calm and confident going into the test itself, rather than a score, it's a demeanor and way of being. Once you determine what "GMAT success" means to you, don't just define it in words--imagine what it will look like; imagine what it will feel like. Create goals that are believable and reasonable to you, (not to other people). The better you are able to articulate your own vision, the more likely it will come to pass. So don't hold back. Surround yourself with your future and routinely return to these thoughts! We recommend daily, and the day before the test, several times. It's no different from what athletes do prior to an important match, game or event. The watch themselves like they are in a movie, over and over again, with a full sensory experience.

As you envision this, you're programming your mind to tune into the messages and intentions you want for yourself. If you need help with his, working with a coach or listening to audios that help fuel your imagination will make your process easier. This is one of the features of our Full Potential Audio - - to provide the listener with various exercises to experience feeling prepared and 'on one's game' when going into take the test. Along with content mastery and best practices with test taking strategy, this helps set into motion the steps to make a high score an achievable reality.