GMAT preparation is an imperative and highly significant part of the MBA application process. The day on which you write GMAT is hence becomes an important day in your calendar.
As is the case with most exams, it is very normal to have butterflies in the stomach, here are tips to reduce the anxiousness during GMAT. These tips have been compiled on basis of GMAT writing experience of more than 100 people.
- The last mock GMAT should be written 2 days in advance
Plan your mock tests in a way that you write the last mock GMAT at-least 2 days before the actual GMAT. This means that you should not write a mock one day before the GMAT.
- Timing of “GMAT Time slot” is important
Time slot for GMAT should be booked in line with your body cycle. If you are not an early riser, you must not schedule a morning slot for GMAT. Similarly, if you feel very sleepy after lunch, avoid a GMAT slot at that time.
- Write your mock tests according to actual time slot
This is a very simple but very useful trick. Write your mock tests at the same time as actual GMAt slot. Also, write full tests rather than in bits and pieces. This is important because we typically have a habit of taking breaks.
- Save time after quantitative part (IF POSSIBLE)
Many people save 5-10 minutes in the quantitative part of GMAT and hence get a good time for a break.
- Take something to eat/drink
Take a few chocolates, fruits, juice packs etc along. Have them during the breaks. This will keep you energized.
- On the day of GMAT
Practice a 1-2 questions of each type (Sentence correction, Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Quant) on the day of the test before you leave from home. This will help you get in flow.
- Do not panic
Be confident. Read with care and be calm. Keep a tab on the timer on the screen so that you do not end up wasting much time on a single question. The questions are typically easier in the beginning, hence you would get into flow as you answer a few of them.
- Follow your gut
If you find your mind confused about 2 options in a question, just follow your gut
- Inform the test coordinator if needed
Last but not the least, you should inform the exam coordinator immediately if you face any issues with the system (screen, keyboard etc.), or otherwise.
Wish you all the best!
