Archive for the ‘Test Day’ Category

Test Day Prep

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Test day needs to be given the weight it deserves.  While you can retake the test over and over until you do what you think is the best you can do, if you master it the first time you will save yourself a lot of time and at US$250 a pop, a lot of money.

Time is of the essence.

Once you have decided that you are properly prepared to attempt the test, you need to schedule it.   That very decision can help or hurt your score.  You need to pick a time and date that works very well for you.  Every person has a time of the day where they are at their peak.  For some it is the early morning, most likely with the aid of their coffee, but for others it is right after lunch.  Think about what this time is for you and make that time your GMAT test time.

Location, Location, Location.

Pick a location that you are familiar with or become familiar with the location that is offered.  If need be take a drive to the facility and figure out how to get there and where you will be parking, because you do not want to have the stress of finding parking tax your brain on that day.

It’s a date?

You need to pick a date that will not be surrounded by chaos.  This might seem obvious, but don’t pick a date when your parents are coming to visit or you have a vacation starting the next day.  You will be distracted and that can hurt you.

Treat the day as a vacation day itself.  If possible tell your boss that you need to take the entire day off, or if you are taking it in the morning, maybe a half day the day before and a half day for the test.

If you have time in the morning do something mildly athletic, take a jog or go for a walk to get the blood going.  Do not roll out of bed, slam a cup of coffee and wing this thing (although I am sure some of you believe that is when you are at your best).  Eat something, but don’t stuff yourself, you don’t need the blood digesting when it needs to be working on Data Sufficiency.

What are you wearing?

Depending on the time of year and given the fact that you do not know what the facility will be like, I would dress with some layers.  Walking into a test center with so much A/C blasting that it makes Siberia feel like the tropics without a sweater or sweatshirt would be really bothersome.

Finally, have a good attitude about it.  You can take it over, but set your goal high and aim at it.  If you aim at 500 then 450 becomes a real possibility, if you aim at 800 then 750 becomes more real.  Don’t sell yourself short, it’s a game and if you prepared you have a shot at doing very well on it.

Good luck.

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OH MY GOODNESS, SO I DIDN’T DO SO WELL ON TEST DAY, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS!??!!

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

So what happens on that dreadful day (yes, I say dreadful because it could be an amazing day for you, or a terrible day, depending on your score result, which you happen to get right after you finish your exam)? I have a few ideas in mind for you.

First, don’t let emotions get the best of you after you get your test result. You may be ecstatic because you got that 790 score that you were always wanting, or you may be down because you got a lower score than you might have imagined or thought that you would get. Regardless, don’t let that score get the best of you. You might be imagining Stanford dreams or Harvard nights if you score well, but at the end of the day, a GMAT score is a score is a score is a score. The key to your score is knowing that your GMAT score is only one part of your overall B-school application, so don’t let a  bad score bring you down (and on the other spectrum, don’t think that a great score will automatically get you into a top five school, because it is not the only deciding factor). A great GMAT score does not imply that you are suddenly worthy of a fantastic coronation, nor does a bad score mean that you are doomed to only the lowest levels of business school hierarchy.

So you have just clicked “submit” on your final answer choice and you have just received your GMAT score. The score is right in front of you, smacking you in the face, a mark that is tattooed on you for the rest of your graduate school days, one that you have been working toward for the last several months. So what if it isn’t a score that you had hoped for or one that you thought you would achieve. No matter what, realize that there are several options for you and if the score isn’t what you wanted, then there are several options for you.

First and foremost, you can TAKE THE TEST AGAIN. Who cares if you didn’t do so well. There is always another chance, especially for the GMAT. If you didn’t do well, take it as a lesson learned and prepare to take it again. Though, this next time, take the test seriously and prepare for it. No matter what you did for your first exam, take this next one as if you were being judged. Prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for it. Tell yourself that this test has a large part of what your future will hold. Don’t do it half-assed. Kick yourself and get yourself into a routine that will enable you to do well come the next test day. Many people think that taking the GMAT twice is bad, but that is not the case. Schools like to see improvement, so a second chance is something that you should take advantage of and tell your target schools that you mean business and that you are serious about the business school process.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the GMAT is only ONE part of your business school application. Don’t let a lower score keep you from applying to those schools that you have targeted. There are so many other things that the application committee looks for and the GMAT is only one part of your application. Your work experience, undergraduate institution and GPA, extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation, among others, are all just as important in your application. Also, keep in mind that the admission committee at any given school thinks far too erratically than you will ever understand and your application is very subjective in their eyes – you are only some random number on several pieces of paper. Use this as your advantage and show the ad-com that you are better than your test score reveals. There are many ways around the GMAT score and you can also address them in the additional essays that many schools offer.

If you feel that you gave your best effort on test day and don’t think that another exam will entitle you to a better score, don’t fret. You can always adjust your target schools to any score. While it is not the most enjoyable experience to “downwardly” adjust your application schools because of a lower GMAT score, realize that it happens to many people and you are not the only one. There are plenty of amazing MBA programs out there and you just might have to look elsewhere.  Overall, it is not the end of the world if your scores (in your eyes) don’t match your application school(s) target scores.

When you receive your final score, whether good or bad, don’t jump out of your seat. There are many options that are available to you if your scores aren’t a good predictor of your achievements. Just realize that the GMAT is only one part of your business school application and you can make it better or talk around it in your application. I hope that your test score is what you want, but if not, just know that there is more to life than the GMAT. I’m sure you will be just fine! Good luck!!

Please visit the Grockit forum or leave a comment here to discuss your thoughts on the test day experience.

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It’s Test Day!

Monday, December 7th, 2009

GMATThe GMAT is unlike the SAT, ACT or any other standardized exam you took in high school. Instead of sitting in a classroom with 25 other students all going through exactly the same experience, you will be on your own. After weeks and months of preparation, the last thing you should worry about on the day of your GMAT is the testing environment. While there may be slight differences from test center to test center, the basic sequence of events will be the same.

Here are some tips about what to expect from the testing environment from arrival to departure. Get comfortable with the procedures so that, on test day, you can avoid distractions and concentrate solely on your performance.

Arrival:

Try to arrive at the test center 15-30 minutes early because of the sign-in process. First, you’ll need to show proper photo identification and tell the administrator which exam you’re there to take. Don’t be surprised that others in the center may be taking different graduate exams.

You will then be asked to sign the GMAT Examination Testing Rules & Agreement. Once this is completed, the administrator will ask you to provide a digital fingerprint or palm-vein pattern. The palm sensor will soon replace the fingerprints as the only digital identification system. For the palm system, you will place each of your hands over a sensor. The administrator will demonstrate the procedure of ensuring that certain knobs on the machine fit your fingers to get a proper pattern. He or she will then take your photograph.

Once all of these administrative procedures are completed, you will choose a locker in which to place all of your belongings. Wear layers in case the room is cold. All you are allowed are your locker key and photo identification because the administrator will check it before you enter the testing room.

The Testing Room:

Before you enter the test room, you will need to provide your photo identification as well as your fingerprint or palm-vein pattern. Additionally, the administrator will give you booklet of noteboards and a dry-erase marker to be used during the quantitative section. It is against the rules to erase your markings, so if you need another booklet during the exam, you will need to raise your hand to inform the administrator.

With your noteboards and dry erase pen in hand, the administrator will escort you into the testing room. There probably will be people already in the room, in the middle of their respective exams. You will be seated at a station with a computer and likely some soundproof headphones, in case mouse clicks or keyboard keys bother you.

Breaks:

There are two optional, 10-minute breaks during the exam. Don’t feel obligated to take them if you’re in the zone and want to stay focused. However, these are great opportunities to leave the room and reorient yourself if you are a bit rattled, or if you want a restroom or snack break.

You cannot leave without signaling the test administrator. Once you signal, the administrator will enter the room and escort you out. Once you leave the room, you will have to digitally sign-out, meaning you will have to verify either your digital fingerprint or palm-vein pattern. You can then access your locker and drink some water or snack on something small.

When you re-enter the room, you will have to provide your fingerprint or palm-vein pattern yet again before being escorted back to your station. Even though the breaks are technically 10 minutes long, once the procedures of signing out and signing back in are included, the time you have for yourself is probably more like 8 ½ to 9 minutes. Don’t forget that exceeding the 10 minutes allotted for the break takes time out of your next test section, so be careful. Again, don’t forget that the breaks are optional.

Score and Departure:

You’re done. Almost four hours after entering the center, you’ve completed the test. You will be given the option of viewing your scores or canceling them. Once you view your score, you will not be able to cancel it. Whatever you decide, you will need to raise your hand once again so that the administrator will know to escort you from the room. Again, you will need to provide either your fingerprint or palm pattern to sign out of the room.

If you chose to view your score, an administrator will print out your unofficial score report. Be sure to keep this because there will be an authorization number that you will need to view your official score. Then all you need to do is take your belongings out of your locker, return the key and leave with your report.

Good luck!

Post your test day experience below and check out Grockit forums for test day advice from other test-takers.

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DON’T GET LAZY FOR YOUR GMAT STUDIES, GET A STUDY ROUTINE DOWN!!!

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

For many, the GMAT study experience will take several months. These months take the form of figuring out what is on the test, doing many practice problems, perhaps taking a review class, taking practice tests and then mentally preparing for the tests in the final few weeks. This article suggests some pre-test routines and gives an idea of what people should be expecting and doing in the months leading up to their test.

Get Started Early

Overall, it is smart to begin initial preparation a few months before your test. This should include diligence of what the GMAT is all about, what it tests exactly, what kinds of questions (read how do I crack data sufficiency), how many questions, and what the different sections include (there are millions of resources out there; books, online resources, guides, etc). Essentially you should know what you are getting into. Assuming you are working during this process, this might take a few weekends to get up to speed.

Create a Study Schedule and Stick With It

Now that you know exactly what the GMAT is, the next step is to figure out how you are going to study and for how long. Some people might want to consider taking a class because they don’t have the time to self-study or need the direction. Others might want to buy preparation materials (such as the Official Guide for GMAT Review books and Princeton Review books, to name a few) and get started that way. Regardless, you will probably want at least 2 months for this practice phase and you will want a schedule. A class will probably meet once or twice a week for several hours and if you don’t take a class, you should think about creating a schedule (Perhaps Tuesday and Thursday evenings for 3 hours each, and then 6 hours on the weekend, something like that). Regardless, create a study schedule and stick to it, discipline yourself! Some people might take longer than others for this practice stage, but you will eventually figure out when you are ready to start taking practice exams. This will be after you have covered again areas that you struggle with. Also, don’t study in environments that don’t simulate a real test. Don’t listen to music, don’t watch tv, don’t drink wine, etc. Study as if you were taking the test, go somewhere quiet where you can concentrate. When I was preparing for the GMAT I lived in NYC and would go to a coffee shop and do countless questions (Yes, I know, a coffee shop is not much of a test taking environment, but was better than dealing with my roommates).

Focus on Problem Areas

The next step should be to take a few practice tests to see what scores you are achieving and this will also tell you what areas you should focus on in the final home stretch. If you are missing triangle and circle problems, you should focus on them and master them. Don’t like data sufficiency (DS)? Then spend a few weeks to tackle these types of problems. Practice tests opportunities abound. When you sign up for the GMAT, they give you access to a few tests. Look online and ask your friends, you will come across a lot.

Relax and Be Confident

About a month before your test date you should be feeling confident and relaxed. You should know that you have taken the necessary steps to prepare for the GMAT and should have practiced literally 1000s of problems. You should know where you stand and what areas you might want to focus on in your last few weeks. In this final run, relax and be confident. Eat healthy, get plenty of sleep, and perhaps get on a workout regimen to burn off some of that extra stress that preparation can cause. The right combination of diet, sleep and exercise will work wonders on your body in these last few months. It will provide you with increased brainpower and will be a great mental stimulus to give you a boost on test day. You will be feeling good about yourself in the weeks leading up to the test, and confidence is key!!

Don’t Cram

Finally, on the day before your test, relax and don’t do much of anything. Do not cram, do not think about the test, just do something relaxing and know that your months of preparation will serve you well. Get plenty of sleep, at least 8 hours – your mind will not function well if you are tired and/or if you have your mind on something else. Go to bed with the peace of mind that you will do fantastic the next day.

Follow Your Regular Routine

The day of your test, don’t do anything out of the ordinary. If you routinely drink coffee in the morning, like five cups, then have five cups of coffee. If you don’t normally, then don’t have one, as you could freak out or have a case of the jitters (literally). I like to have a big breakfast, as food is proven to give you a mental boost, but if you are not much of an eater in the AM (assuming you have a morning test) then maybe stick to what you are accustomed to. Bottom line, don’t do anything that your body or mind is not used to, as it may throw you off.

A pre-test routine and a schedule are imperative for a successful result on test day. Get excited for the test and for your preparation and it will no doubt pay great dividends on your day. Good luck!!

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The Week Before Your GMAT

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

In my years as a teacher I’ve learned a lot about how to get ready the week before your GMAT. I’ve learned from my own experience in preparing for the test but also from the many students I’ve had. Eventually I put together what I think is a good routine for the week before the test and I’ve found that it works for me and a lot of my students have agreed. I would always share this advice with my students at the end of my time with them.

These suggestions are all about creating a routine for yourself. The more routine you have the less likely you are to get nervous and excited. A calm and cool state is the best thing you can do to actually hit your maximum potential score on the test. Having the week and day before the test planned out will help this a lot.

One week before your GMAT

I generally recommend taking no more than one or two full length CATs during the week leading up to the GMAT. If you do take any full length practice tests, try and replicate the routine you will have for the day of your real GMAT. For this week, try to have some un-worked practice questions that you can practice with. 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. It’s really important to make sure you’re putting the same effort into reviewing your work and not just doing more and more questions.

  • 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

Day of your GMAT

I think it’s important to do a short warm-up before your test. The idea isn’t to get practice or to learn something new. The idea is to not have the very first GMAT questions you work that day counting for your real GMAT score. Working just a few questions without checking the answer choices will help prime your brain for the questions and timing of the test. Working a few question without checking the answers also preps you for what the test will feel like as you can’t find out how you’re doing as the test goes.

  • DO Wake up at least 2 hours before your test if you have a morning test.
  • DO Eat your favorite breakfast, but don’t eat too much.
  • DO Drink coffee if you usually do.
  • DON’T Drink coffee if you usually don’t.
  • DO Warm Up. Work 3 of each question type from each section of the test. (3 Critical Reasoning, 3 Reading Comprehension, 3 Sentence Correction, 3 Math Problem Solving and 3 Data Sufficiency)
  • DON’T check the answers to your warm up drill questions.
  • DO Arrive 30 min before the test starts.

At your GMAT

  • DO Bring a pocket snack like an energy bar – you can’t eat during the test but having a snack is good if you step out to the bathroom.
  • DO Have a totem for support – something small that belongs to someone you care about that you can have in your pocket or on you.
  • DO Bring everything your GMAT instructions tell you to bring.

If you’ve been doing good timed practice, you should have a good sense of the pacing of the test and how it should feel. Rely on this and the techniques you’ve learned for working the different types and styles of questions. The ideal state is basically being a robot. This means you’re just doing the work in an unemotional state. Remember, build a routine for the week before the test and you’ll be in your best mental state for the big day. Good luck!

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