How to deal with study frustration?

Question

I apologize if there is a resource I'm missing with information on this, but I get incredibly frustrated studying for the GMAT. I beat myself up for answers I get wrong and for performing at a lower level than I'm used to, and it makes me feel completely unmotivated and unintelligent. I straight up dread studying. Anyone have any advice on how to deal with a bad study attitude?

Answer 1

Hi there! I can see how the GMAT can make you feel that way. The way I look at it, if the test were easy then it wouldn't be a very good test. The College board continually makes their tests harder or easier depending on the latest batch of test results from that year. The running trait for MBA candidates, however, is confidence and sometimes you have to approach the GMAT by telling yourself you're going to beat the GMAT so you actually do it.

After that, remember that the GMAT is only a number and MBA candidates need to focus on the right school and the right program to really be happy with their MBA experience. Once you get your score, it's equally important to write an amazing essay talking about why you want an MBA. Sometimes I come across people whose life stories and job experience are so powerful their GMAT scores are immaterial. Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Most test takers who take the GMAT for the first time are often frustrated and/or concerned with their initial results. This is completely normal and should be a wake-up call about the GMAT. It is long. It is challenging. But it can be conquered!

Here are some ideas for improving your initial GMAT score:

1 - dedicate several hours to reviewing each question that you missed on the practice (or real) GMAT exam (if you download an exam report, you will typically only get a high-level readout of where you did well or poorly).

2 - following your review, identify your weak areas and focus on those areas when you train on your own.

3 - continue practicing problems of all types in order to ensure that your approach is balanced. Scour the internet forums for alternate solutions to problems that pose difficulty.

4 - seek help. As a Wyzant tutor, I seek to coach prospective Business School students on the strategies and tactics for achieving success on the GMAT. My students have seen 130+ point improvements by relentlessly focusing on their weak areas and adding structure and discipline to how they tackle this immensely conquerable test. A second set of eyes on HOW you approach the test can be off immensely -- both in your time and future frustration.

Hope this helps!