Is this normal?! My test is on Tuesday (9/10)...

[basso25@]

After 550+ hours of study (since Jan 2013), countless number of OG questions, several practice CATs, etc. -- I am finally taking the test for the first time on Tuesday, 9/10. And I'm finding myself letting go and not caring anymore!! Is this normal? I think I'm cracking under the pressure. The odd thing is, I've never been so calm and relaxed before in my perspective towards the GMAT. I've slaved away at test prep for so many months that a large part of me just wants to get done with this test. That idea is so attractive and tempting that I'm having difficulty concentrating. I tried to do a quick verbal 41-Q set this morning, but I could barely get past 6 questions before closing it down. It's almost like I've had enough prep, I can't stand it anymore; I just need to take this damn test already!!

Anyone out there have this feeling or have experience with this? Any/all advice, direction, etc. would be so very much appreciated.

I am hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. I am applying to top 10 programs in Round 2 this year and shooting for a 680+ in the GMAT. I think the chances of that are slightly under 50% at this point. But, I'm confident I can get there by the end of this year (and perhap 1 or 2 more tries at this test). I just want to be done with this already!

Thank you in advance for your thoughts, advice, and support.

[[email protected]]

Hi basso25@,

If what you've stated is true, then you've spent more time studying for the GMAT than most Test Takers, so I would take all of this to mean that you're ready to nail the GMAT.

Here's a bit of perspective though. Having a calm attitude is great - continue to stay calm. Your GOAL though should be to get the highest score that you can, which means that you're going to have to work hard and consistently on Test Day. If your goal becomes "I just want to get this over with", then you'll get your new wish, and you probably won't be happy with your score.

The GMAT always gives you the score that you EARN, so EARN IT! Work hard and make good decisions on Test Day. You're ready.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[SanjayGolf]

I think it's best to get the negative thoughts out of your head. If you've prepared well and are confident during the test then you'll have a better chance of succeeding. You've taken the mocks and so you've seen where you are. That's the beauty of CATs---you are what you are. The only thing that'll derail you come test day are negative thoughts that get you flustered but that's where being prepared and confidence come in. And if you don't do well you can take it again in a month.

[basso25@]

Rich: excellent advice; I think you better identified and described what I'm going through -- how can I stop working hard, after 550 hours, just moments prior to the big test? The short answer is, I can't. I must mentally prepare myself for battle; be laser focused, sleeves rolled, and ready to dig deep. Appreciate your advice and direction. And it's extremely encouraging to hear you, as an 800 scorer, say that you get the score that you earn. I have indeed put in the work and I now need to trust that that will pay out in the end.

Sanjay: really appreciate your thoughts and advice; I will follow them and remain positive and confident. I'm not sure my CATs warrant a 680 finish; on average, I was around 660 (Q44/V36). My dream score would be a Q45/V40, which is around a 690. But I can't worry about these things now; gotta remain focused and ready. Thank you so much for your help!

[faraz_jeddah]

Keep CALM and CRUSH the gmat!

[faraz_jeddah]

Howd it go Basso25?

[basso25@]

640 (q42,v35). ouch, i got beat bad. not the end of the world though -- a lot to learn from and improve on. totally ran out of steam on verbal; i am capable of better than a 35. a test re-take it is and the never ending journey of gmating continues! FML

[faraz_jeddah]

640 (q42,v35). ouch, i got beat bad. not the end of the world though -- a lot to learn from and improve on. totally ran out of steam on verbal; i am capable of better than a 35. a test re-take it is and the never ending journey of gmating continues! FML

640 on the first try is really good! You have it in you to cross 700!
Mind sharing your scores GMATprep CATs and other relevant CATs you tried? (veritas,manhattan..)

[ani781]

Hey Basso,
You sure can do it much better.
Would you mind sharing how different were the IRs compared to the Mock IRs..?

All the best for your next steps.

[[email protected]]

Hi basso@25,

A 640 is solid performance, so keep your head up. I've emailed you some notes on your Scaled Scores. If you have any questions, then feel free to email me directly.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[basso25@]

Rich: thanks so much!

ani: i felt the ir was easier than the mocks (gmat prep, manhattan). my strategy on ir was to expend the minimal amount of energy and score the average. i think i was able to accomplish that with zero prep.

faraz: my cats were around 660. i actually didn't receive my final gmat prep because my computer froze mins prior to completion both times! it was beyond frustrating. i'm in 70% area for quant and should be able to hit 80-85% in verbal (if that helps).