Hi guys, I gave the shorter gre and got a 337 (Q:170, V:167, W: 5.0). When I got to tracking my errors, I found a lot of mistakes were stemming from my inability to properly read and understand every question in the allotted time. I realized that my brain was able to solve the problems correctly, but it wasn't always performing at this capacity. So the key was to somehow align my peak capacity hours exactly when I’m giving the test.

Focus is the brain’s way of zeroing in on a specific task, dismissing irrelevant information. It’s a finite resource that can be exhausted by both internal and external distractions. Focus can also be depleted by using it continuously, such as while during a long test like the GRE. If you are like me, and you don’t have a healthy lifestyle or exercise much, then studying for the GRE would be like running a marathon on heels. After all, if you can get something right once, then you have it in you to get it right everytime. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to maintain your brain’s ability to focus equally throughout the test. The importance of this part will become clearer once you start logging and categorizing your errors.

So how do you train your brain to focus harder and for longer? Well, here's the gist of how I did it;

Sleep Well: Align your sleep schedule to ensure you’re well-rested for each study session.
Do eat: Low-glycemic and zinc-rich foods.
Don’t eat: Everything sugary
Exercise: Anything works, running, swimming or even going for walks help
Before the test: Eat enough to not be hungry, but not until you’re full. Eat low-glycemic food like bananas. Keep sufficient water nearby. Spend the last 24 hours just relaxing your nervous system.

Share your experiences with focus training.