I just Beat The GMAT!

Hey guys, I'm glad I finally joined this forum, great resource for GMAT prep!

I took the GMAT two days ago and recieved a 640 (Q44, V35). I've spent the last two months obsessing over this test and completely centered my life around it. I made every adjustment possible that would aid my gmat prep (changed my diet, stop calling friends, took time of work, made an inspirational playlist on my iPod, hired a tutor, etc). I'm not great at standardized tests, but thought achieving a 690 - 710 score was realistic. I figured this score would set me up to spend all my free time this summer drinking sangria and indulging in expensive weekend brunches, then I would go into another dark cave and bang out essays during the fall. However, GMAT slapped me around and has commanded my respect. I will retake the exam in in early August.


My biggest issue was controlling my nervousness. I knew I would be extremely nervous while writing the essays, but thought they would allow me to calm down. After knocking out the essays and eating my chicken breast and cheese sticks during the break, I was just as nervous as when I started. My heart pumped very fast for the duration of the exam. I totally lost my cool during the verbal section and felt as if I were dreaming or on autopilot.

With this infatuation stage of GMAT prep behind me, my plan is to systematically tackle the exam this summer by taking atleast 8 practice tests and contining my current study plan.

Wish me luck!!!!

Good luck
Hope you don't stress out when you retake the exam.
While taking practice tests, try to stimulate environment as close to test centre as possible.

I think you don't have to be that much obsessed with GMAT. One thing that can help you reduce your stress, is writing down about your anxiety. When you do this and go for the test, your brain space is freed for concentrating on the test. Read the following article. Hope it is helpful

https://news.uchicago.edu/article/2011/0 ... erformance