Test Anxiety and Getting A Tutor: Advice Requested

[IWillSurvive]

Hello All,

I have been a frequent visitor on Beat the GMAT, and I am starting to grow slowly frustrated.

I have taken the GMAT before, and have not done my best. I tend to freeze in the testing environment, and I just never have that confidence I am looking for.

My significant other has helped me immensely in understanding quant concepts that were foreign to me, but I still feel like I am lacking something in strategy - that extra "oomph" to get me propelled to where I want to go.

That being said, what does everyone think about working with a tutor? My main concern about this is the cost. I have talked to some tutors about rates, and I am not even sure I could afford it. However, I do not think I could afford taking this test (AGAIN) for the thousandth time.

If I could request an expert opinion here, that would be great. I was even thinking about contacting a tutor to at least get me started, to help me patch up any holes in my overall study plan. I am determined to get the score I want, and put this test to bed.

Thanks so much to all of you for any advice.

[Jim@StratusPrep]

Honestly, getting expert advice is one of the best ways to improve your skill set. Every professional athlete, musician, performer, etc has a coach despite being at the top of their field. It is difficult to see where you are going awry with your work, especially if you have gaps in your skill set... At least consider getting some guidance on how to approach your next study period...

[Dan@VinciaPrep]

Hi Rocky
When was the last time that you took a practice test, and how many practice tests did you take before your last official GMAT ? What materials did you use to study? After having read the majority of the GMAT books out there I can tell you that they are not all created equal. If you don't have the money for a full set of tutoring classes meet up with a tutor for an hour or two. Have him (or her) analyze one of your practice tests and create a study strategy for you. Really, most of the work needs to be done by you, but a tutor could point you in the right direction so that you get some traction from your studying.

Cheers
Dan

[PerformanceDr]

Hi Rocky,
It depends on whether your issue is content, test strategy, or a performance anxiety/stress issue. I help with the latter and have had much success with people getting over the hump once they know the material for the test. Feel free to contact me for a free initial consultation to assess what would help in your case.
Best of luck,
Dr. Kelly Romirowsky
The Performance Psychologist
www.ThePerformancePsychologist.com
215-285-6291

[IWillSurvive]

Thank you all.

I will be getting a tutor - at least to assess my own study plan.

Thanks.