Stamina on the GMAT

by 00:08 1 comments

Whenever I talk about test preparation or the psychology related to test preparation, I try to be as specific as possible about what you need to do and why you need to do it. But, what I rarely talk about is the importance of stamina on the GMAT. As we know it's a four-hour long test during which you will not get an opportunity to rest your mind. This is important to understand because most people who work in a 9-to-5 job go through an average of two hours of intellectually engaging work a day. The rest of the time is spent on mundane tasks or other activities. So basically, every time you take the GMAT you have two go through two days worth of intellectual activity within a short span of four hours.

It is a common problem that most new test-takers run out of steam during the last hour of the GMAT. Those who do not get tired score higher. On the side of the spectrum do you want to be? On the side where everybody gets tired for the test ends or on the side where everybody walks out of the test with a fresh mind and a high achievements?

Here are you tips for building up your stamina:

1. Every two weeks make yourself go through a full four-hour practice test. This should not be a half-hearted attempt, rather you should engage your mind as if you were taking the real test.
2. Everyday make yourself sit continuously for four hours while at work. That means no coffee breaks, no chitchatting - only work. You can either do this pre-lunch or post-lunch. This has dual benefits – firstly, if you get you ready for the test and secondly it will make your boss really happy.
3. Engage in mentally strenuous activity once a week for at least two continuous hours. For example, you could play that favourite mobile puzzle game for two straight hours. Not only would you get your mind ready for mentally strenuous activity, but you'll also level upon that game.

So basically, you have to make sure that you take actual practice tests and you also have to make sure that you practice sitting for long hours while doing something intellectual engaging or mentally strenuous.

I've also written a detailed guest post on QS TOPMBA.com available here on the same topic.

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1 comment:

  1. Practice questions can help familiarize with the GMAT, but in the end, we need to be physically and mentally ready in order to answer the questions without any doubt.

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