a {non-scholarly} pre-GRE tip.

One of the common pieces of advice found in test-prep books is to avoid going to the exam dressed in your pajamas. The logic is that it's good to be comfortable, but you also want to feel competent - and who feels that way ratty pair of sweatpants? My go-to outfit for travel and test days involves a long cable knit sweater and ankle length black leggings, probably not exactly the what the Princeton Review professionals have in mind but it looks nice and also allows me to sit cross-legged in the chair. 

When it comes to big tests like the MCAT, the LSAT or GRE (which I took last Thursday) I have a different little confidence trick. After I've done all the studying that I can possibly do, I get my nails done. Midway through the test when my confidence gets rocked, there's something about having put-together-lady hands that makes me feel like I've got this

10 comments:

  1. I think this'll be my new pre-Praxis strategy...so long as I don't pick the polish off in the midst of my nerves.

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    1. Katie, I've been getting shellac manicure (goes on polish, but stays like gel) and they are the best if you're hard on your hands. Good luck with Praxis!

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  2. Yes. So true. It's a little thing, but that tad bit of confidence can be so refreshing.

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  3. I'm taking the GRE in a few weeks, and I am so incredibly nervous. This tip made me take a deep breath and feel the same as your sentiment - I got this. I'm going to take your advice and head out for a manicure the week of the test!

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    1. Cyndi, good luck with the GRE! I feel like the nerves are half the battle. One of my friends said something to me before the test that was really comforting to me: you are so much more than those numbers. Remember that!

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  4. Ha, dress well to test well - I did that before my GREs last month as well! I didn't get a manicure, that would have been a good idea. Maybe before the MCATs...??

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    1. "Dress well to test well" - now there's a motto! I can't believe you're taking the GRE and the MCAT! What a go-getter. best of luck to you.

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  5. such a great idea! totally doing that before my next big exam. my go too has always been black leggings and a sweater. and i always bring layers and socks because somtimes those room are so cold!

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  6. So trueee!! Love your blog! <3

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    Greetings Simon Pesch
    http://derfotoblog.blogspot.com

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  7. Such a great idea! Does this work for PhD writing too?! I'm going to get mine done today :)

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