Is a practice test 1 or 2 days before GMAT a good idea?

[dp26389]

Hi!

My test is on 17th June. From what I know giving a practice test 1 or 2 days before that GMAT is not a very good idea as it can affect you mentally ( if you don't score well) and can also wear you out. On the other hand, reviewing problem areas, strengths, and error logs seems to be a good idea.

But lately I have read posts in which people suggest trying out a practice test one or two days before the real thing. Should I really do that. If I score well it will be great but if don't I think it may affect my confidence. Besides, what's the point of a practice test when one doesn't even have sufficient time to work on the errors of that test?

What's your opinion on this?? should I do it or should I not?? :roll:

[VivianKerr]

That's a great question, and in my experience there is no hard and fast rule. Some of my students just need a break the two days before the exam to mentally "rest up," while others seem to enjoy re-taking a GMATPrep 3 or 4 two days before just to move the flow of "official" questions front-and-center.

I think you'll need to see how you feel the week of, and make your own decision. If you're feeling burnt out or worried it might make your anxious, definitely avoid it. There's nothing you're really going to be able to cram in the 48 hours before the test that's going to make that great a difference to your score. So the only benefit to a CAT that close to your exam is if you think of it like a prolonged runner's stretch.

To answer your more specific question, if you were to take a practice test right before, then I'd do it ONLY to keep your pacing "in shape" and your brain in the GMAT-space, and I'd still NOT suggest doing it the day/night before your exam but rather two days before. If you do decide this is the way to go, I'd suggest a GMATPrep re-take and NOT any new practice tests (such as one from Veritas or MGMAT). You're right, there's no point in taking a brand new practice test if you can't properly examine the errors, and whatever score that is churned out by the private test prep company could likely unnerve your or undermine your confidence.

If you can take the CAT with a sense of "play" and "muscle-flexing" then go for it, if it seems like a horrible stress nightmare that will lead to sleepless nights, then definitely avoid.

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Hi dp26389,

As a general rule, any type of "big" activity (e.g. taking a CAT or "cramming" a bunch of material) in the last 48 hours before a standardized Test is NOT a good idea. This isn't like a high-school or college final exam - you've been prepping for months so that you WOULDN'T need to do anything too crazy during those last 2 days.

Light review is understandable, but don't do too much. The best Test Takers that I've ever worked with all had a few traits in common, including going into Test Day well-rested and having a relatively calm mentality. You already seem to know the varied drawbacks to taking a CAT at the last minute, so you shouldn't talk yourself into making a bad decision now. Keep making smart choices during these last few days and carry THAT momentum into Test Day.

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

[VivianKerr]

Also: here's some tips from my old buddies at Grockit for "week of GMAT" do's and don't's I like a lot! Hope you find them helpful!

One week before your GMAT

Timed practice is really important at this point because you want your mind and body to be used to the pace of the test. Try working some drills in which you give yourself two minutes to answer each question or ten minutes to answer five.

DO Stay healthy. Make sure you exercise, eat well, and get lots and lots of sleep.
DO Get a massage. If you can, try and get one two or three days before the test, but not the day before.
DO Clean your living space. A clean and organized living space helps promote a focused and confident mind. A lot of people don't think this makes a difference until they try it.
DO Visit your test center. If at all possible make a visit to the test center you'll be taking your test at. The less you have to think about in terms of traffic and road conditions on test day, the fewer excuses your nerves will have to get wired.
DO Check the GMAT Center's website for what items you can and can't bring to the test including any ID requirements. You don't want to be surprised the day of the test.

Day before your GMAT

The theme of this day is rest, relaxation and recreation. Give your brain a break from GMAT work. This will accomplish a couple things. One, you're less likely to get last minute nerves about the test and two, you'll give your brain some time to get out of practice mode and into a cool state before the test. DON'T do GMAT work the day before the test. The one thing you can do is do a replica of your warm-up that you will do the day of the test.

DO Have fun with friends
DO Eat your favorite dinner
DO Watch a funny movie before bed
DO Sleep at least 8 hours

[dp26389]

Dear Vivian,
I had viewed the original source for these tips before my test day and tried to implement some of the tips. Really useful post.

If you are seeing this post kindly reply to my questions regarding your response to a query of mine. Here's the link:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/retaking-exh ... tml#722032

[VivianKerr]

Just replied to the post you linked to! Hope you find it helpful!

Feel free to review more free tips here: https://gmatrockstar.com/blog/