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2005-05-19 3:08 PM

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Veteran
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Denver, CO
Subject: Test Anxiety!!!!
Help! I'm taking the GRE on saturday. I'm totally wiggin out. I've never taking a big test like this before- i didn't take SAT or ACT or anything. This test will determine the quality of graduate school I can get into, which will determine what kind of intership I can get, which will determine what kind of job I can get. Plus, it could help me get in somewhere where they waive you tuition or something awsome like that. AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been studying for like three months everyday, but I feel like i'm just beating my head against a brick wall!. I've NEVER had trouble with school stuff before. Yeah, this test- they are sneaky bastards! The TRY to trick you! WTF!

I think I'm going to start drinking heavily.


2005-05-19 3:30 PM
in reply to: #160223

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Veteran
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Denver
Subject: RE: Test Anxiety!!!!
Best thing you can do is to relax. You've done the prep, all the stressing will do is make you tired. The GRE is tough, took it 10 years ago. But I bet you'll do fine. Take some time to run or go for a hike. I just got in from a walk at work and its gorgeous out there! You're in Denver eh? Head up to Red Rocks or Apex or even White Ranch and get some fresh air!
2005-05-19 3:43 PM
in reply to: #160223

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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: Test Anxiety!!!!

It's a little late but... there is software you can buy. It will tell you if you're ready for the GRE. Google?

2005-05-19 4:01 PM
in reply to: #160223

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Master
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Maine
Subject: RE: Test Anxiety!!!!

Heather,

Just like Pippen said, relax, take care of yourself (and maybe save the drinking for after the test). 

I see from your profile that you are pursuing clinical psychology, so let me preface my comments with a little background.  I took the GRE (and the psychology subtest) about ten years ago.  I got into graduate school, got an internship, got my doctorate in clinical psychology, got a good job, got licensed, and here I sit. I have served on admissions committees for my graduate program, and now make decisions every year about who we take for internship. So I know a few things about the process.

It sounds like you have attached a whole lot of significance to this test, which is only natural, but maybe step back and try to see the big picture a little more.  GRE scores are only one factor that grad schools look at when picking candidates. Who you are as a person, your interests, your background, your personal skills when they interview you, are usually much more important factors. Also, try not to get into the trap of thinking that if you don't get into a certain grad school you won't get the good internship, and if you don't get the good internship you won't get a job, etc.  The culture of grad school will certainly lead you to believe this, but the reality is that some people from "good schools" get crappy internships, and some people from not so good schools get some great internships, and a particular internship may or may not help you get a good job.

All this to say that you have worked hard and prepared, and now just be sure to get some rest and relaxation, and go in there with confidence and nail that sucker.

Best of luck,

Rob

2005-05-19 4:05 PM
in reply to: #160223

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Subject: RE: Test Anxiety!!!!
You must chill!!!

I took the GMAT about 2 years ago, and to be honest, do like they say - get a good nite's sleep, stay calm and eat something for breakfast, etc. I'm sure you've studied enough at this point. And remember, it's not a once in a lifetime test, meaning if you're not happy with your score you can always re-take it. Probably cost ya another $250 or so, but it's an option. I took the GMAT twice. First time I had a really bad cold, hardly slept, had some Thera-Flu and cough drops for breakfast. They wouldn't let me take in kleenex or cough drops and I didn't want to be *that guy* who was sniffling, etc. for the whole test so I used my shirt mostly. That said, I didn't do all that well (read: as well as I wanted). About a month later, and healthy, I did noticeably better. So just stay calm, don't psyche yourself out, and keep moving through the test. Other than that my only piece of advice would be to take some ear plugs or something since there will inevitably be that one person who is coughing, sniffling, mumbling to themself, has a squeaky chair, etc.

eta: I agree 100% with what huskyboy said regarding the GRE being 1 step in the process. And just like undergrad, you'll get out of the scholastic aspect what you put into it.

Good luck!!

Edited by himself 2005-05-19 4:08 PM
2005-05-19 9:16 PM
in reply to: #160223

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Veteran
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Denver, CO
Subject: RE: Test Anxiety!!!!
thanks guys- I'll keep all that in mind. I'm taking the day off of work tomorrow to study. I'm just gonna chill at a cafe and study and knitt and then go for a swim in the evening. I know several people who got into school with not so good scores, so I'm fairly sure I'll get in somewhere- I do have some awsome experience. yeah, it'll be ok.

THANKS GUYS!


2005-05-23 10:21 AM
in reply to: #160223

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Delray Beach, FL
Subject: RE: Test Anxiety!!!!
Couple tips:
1.- Reduce the amount of carbs, caffeine, and sugars the meal before you test. Have a balanced meal. Sugars and carbs will make you sleepy or jittery.
2.- Read all instructions and questions twice if possibe.
3.- Breathe! Sit straight, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Then another. Inhale and exhale couple times until you control your nerves. Any time you feel anxious, stop and breathe.
4.- If you do not know the answer, guess. Read all the options, discard the ones you may think are wrong, then go with your gut feeling. I am not sure you can go back and forth on the questions. It is better to answer all questions you know, skip the ones you don't know. Then go back to the ones you don't know review them and guess if you have to. That way you will not get stuck and nervous because one question you don't know.
I did really bad on my GMAT, I was accepted conditional on my masters. I ended up with 3.89 GPA To me, those test do not tell the whole story.
Good Luck!
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