Getting Ready For Test Day

You’re all set to take your GAT! Now here are a few things to remember for test day:

Get there early. Know exactly where the test will be held and how you will get yourself there. Pay attention to traffic reports so that you can compensate for any unexpected issues on the road. Leaving early will mean that you’ll be more relaxed; red traffic lights won’t raise your stress level, and you won’t be pulled over by the first officer who has to fill his speeding ticket quota. And most importantly, you’ll have time to use the rest room.

If you’ve got butterflies in your stomach, feed them! You’ve already done all the practice tests you can do, and you’ve had a good night’s sleep. Now it’s time to get a good, healthy breakfast - though it is wise not to overeat. Your body and mind will need the energy; plus it’s distracting to listen to your stomach growl.

Give yourself a massage! Rub your head, neck and shoulders. Place your hand over your heart while taking a very slow, deep breath.

Stay on track. Remember, you don’t want to rush, you only want to perform in a timely manner. Although there are time restrictions, if you misread direction, accidentally fill in the wrong answer-choice, or think illogically due to rushing, it won’t be worth all the time you save. Remember, haste makes waste! Also, keep in mind that incorrect answers don’t count against you, so you can always guess at any answers that you are unsure of. Remember, an educated guess is

better than no guess at all! Moving through a test methodically and efficiently will likely mean that you’ll have more time at the end than if you were to rush and stumble, or dawdle over questions that you’re struggling with.

Most importantly (at least to your sanity), remember that once it’s over, it’s over. Clear your mind of it, because you did your best. Go treat yourself to a hot chocolate or an ice cream cone, catch a movie with some friends and relax!

Post GAT

After the GAT, when you’ve had the time to rest and relax from the stress you put your brain through, take the time to critically evaluate your test performance. This will help you gain valuable insight into how you performed, what sort of score you should be expecting (and therefore what schools will be within your scope for application) and the sort of mindset you’ll be expected to utilize when you’re actually in graduate school.

Remember, this is neither an opportunity to over-inflate your ego, nor to put yourself down. The main idea is to make your self-evaluation objective and critical, so that you will achieve an accurate view of how things will pan out.

This doesn’t mean that you should begin a session of “if only I’d…” or “I shouldn’t have…” This will only depress you. The point of this exercise is to keep you grounded, open minded and optimistic.

Soon enough, you’ll receive your score, and the applications will start rolling out. Make it an organized procedure, keeping as prepared and informed as you were with your GAT, and this will only lead to a bright, successful graduate career in your future!