Remeber the Basics

As you prepare for the GMAT, make sure that you do not neglect basic biological needs. To do well on the test you must take care of yourself as a person. Leading up to the test, continue your habits of good nutrition and exercise. Foods high in fats or sugars can cause great fluctuations in your mood and your ability to focus, while a lack of exercise can increase sluggishness and also negatively affect your mood. Similarly, adequate sleep is necessary for proper test preparation. Be as consistent as possible with your sleep schedule leading up to your test. The more well-rested you are, the more sharply focused you will be in your preparation and on test day. Finally, keep up with your social and recreational activities. Pleasant time spent with friends is always an effective buffer against test anxiety. In the coming weeks, we will focus on specific anxiety reduction tools that can help you remain calm and focused as you prepare for and take your GMAT. Just as developing expertise with the content of the GMAT requires weeks of disciplined, diligent study, learning strategies to reduce your anxiety also requires foresight and practice. Much of the work around controlling your anxiety on test day will actually take place well before the test