Between the ever-present ticking clock and the stern proctor sitting in front of you, it's no surprise that many people suffer from test-taking anxiety. Taking the GMAT test can be a daunting task for anyone who's looking to get into a good business school, but it's an important part of making sure you're on the path to the career that you want. And if that's not enough motivation, the test is $250 each time you take it – so don’t go in unprepared and risk having to retake the test when so much is at stake. One of the best ways to reduce this anxiety is with a GMAT practice test.
Taking a practice GMAT test gives you an idea of how the whole process will feel on the actual exam. If you only study with flash cards or by reviewing topics in your prep book, you won't be prepared for the whole experience of the exam. You may find that you get to the exam and blank on all the material you've learned due to the stress of the testing situation. Taking a practice test will also help you develop test-taking strategies for getting through tough questions and time management techniques to ensure that you complete each section within the time limits.
There are several different courses and programs that give you the chance to take a GMAT practice test. You'll have access to this type of practice session if you sign up for a traditional classroom-based prep course through companies like Kaplan or the Princeton Review. If you don't want to sign up for these expensive courses, check with your university – many offer free practice tests for prospective business school applicants. While these programs may be free, you won't get the added benefit of working closely with students and teachers – but it's better than nothing.
If no opportunities like this exist, you can use the practice questions found in GMAT prep books to set up your own practice test. Time yourself as you take the test and do your best to stay within the time constraints of the exam. If possible, enlist the help of a friend or relative to administer the timing so that you're free to focus on the actual questions. As you review your results, look for patterns – do you tend to miss a certain type of math questions or run out of time on the verbal section? Use the results of your practice test to develop a solid study plan and then check that you're on the right track with another practice test.
People have a way of finding excuses and reasons not to set aside an evening to take a GMAT practice test that's ultimately not a part of the official test record. But it's something that you need to sit down and force yourself to do if you're serious about graduate school. Remember, a GMAT practice test is not only an invaluable way to use your time and resources to prepare for the exam, it will ultimately help you prevent the stress of going into the test facility blind on the day of the test.
