Week 7: Keep Calm and GMAT On

In my family, instead of counting days until a big event, we count down in “sleeps”. So- in honor of that, one more “sleep” until the GMAT! Hopefully it’s a night of rest, relaxation, and preparation for the big day.

It’s amazing how quickly two months of studying goes. I remember being excited to crack open my GMAT book at the beginning of June. Now, I’m definitely ready to stop lugging that brick of a book around. Since the GMAT also gives you your unofficial scores (Verbal, Quant, and Total) immediately after the test, there won’t be any additional time wondering how I did. For TMMBA applicants, this is helpful as you contemplate our final deadline on September 1, 2013. If you want to wait til the very last moment, you could take the test on Sept. 1 and submit your unofficial scores directly to us on that date to complete your application.

Back to D-Day- I’m the type of person who likes to have as much information as possible going into a situation. I’ve watched the official GMAT Video (What to Expect on Test Day) and gotten some tips online (Dealing with GMAT Anxiety, Do this, not That from GMAC). Here are the top points that I think will help my test day most:

 –Relax the morning before. Do whatever you need to do to get in the “zone”. It may be exercising, watching TV, meditation, or reading (no, not your GMAT book). Just make sure it’s something that gets your mind off of worrying about the test.

–Eat a healthy breakfast/lunch before, and bring snacks to keep in your locker for breaks. Yes- I have difficulties not eating for four hours (plus it will help keep energy up!)

–Don’t rush or feel pressed for time. There are enough stresses during the day- I know that traffic and things can only add to that stress level. I’m going to try to minimize other outer factors besides the actual test. Also- though my start time is 12:15pm, it’s recommended you are there 30 min early for check-in, etc. In my head then, my test time is really 11:45am- no later!

–Don’t cram. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I cannot truly learn anything new in 24 hours. I can review and refresh what I’ve already learned (that’s where my review sheets and error logs come in) but there’s no use in stressing myself out more.

-Remember this list of things to bring: driver’s license (or passport), snacks and water for my locker, test confirmation print-out, sweatshirt (test centers can be chilly), and a watch (to keep an eye on the 8 minute breaks).

At the end of the day, the best part will be having the test over with! Check back next week for a complete de-brief of the experience. In the meantime, I’m going to try to …