Information Provided by Kaplan Test Prep

The countdown has begun. Your date with the GMAT is looming on the horizon. Now, the butterflies have started fluttering in your stomach. Your thinking is getting a little cloudy. You're becoming riddled with self-doubt ...am I ready? ...am I sure that I'm ready? ...what did I forget?

Don't panic. The Kaplan Advantage stress management tool can help you alleviate the natural anxiety and stress that goes along with taking an exam as important as the GMAT. With these simple tips, you can take control during the days leading up to the test, manage your anxiety, and lay the groundwork for a successful test taking experience.

Prepare
To maximize your available preparation time, you should begin by taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses. Take a moment and list the areas of the test that you're good at. They can be general (critical reasoning) or more specific (inference questions). Put down as many as you can think of. Next, do the same for the areas you're not so good at or just plain bad at. Taking stock of your assets and liabilities lets you know exactly the areas you don't have to worry about, and the ones that will demand extra attention and effort.

Now, face your weak spots... and face them again. Increased exposure to tough material makes it more familiar and less intimidating. You'll feel better about yourself because you're dealing directly with the areas of the test that bring you the most anxiety. If you still have difficulty, seek help. Buy a book, get a tutor, or go to a class. There's nothing like that "Eureka" moment when you finally understand a concept that's been eluding you for weeks. Tackling your weak areas builds confidence because you know you're actively strengthening your chances for a higher overall score.

Plan
The best test takers do less and less as the test approaches. Taper off your study schedule and take it easy on yourself. You want to be relaxed and ready on the day of the test. Give yourself some time off, especially the night before the exam. By that time, if you've prepared well, everything you need to know will be firmly stored in your memory bank.

To reduce the chance of any last minute tension and anxiety, have everything laid out in advance. Most important, know where the test will be administered and map the easiest, quickest way to get there. You will gain great peace of mind if you know that all the little details — gas in the car, directions, etc. — are completely in your control before the day of the test. In addition, go to the test site a few days in advance. Familiarity generates comfort and confidence.

Finally, forego any practice on the day before the test. Try to keep the test out of your consciousness by going to a movie, taking a walk, etc. And most importantly get plenty of rest. It's in your best interest to marshal your physical and psychological resources before the exam.

Relax
Relaxing and keeping cont...