The Psychology of Test-Taking: How to Crush Anxiety and Succeed in Life

Dr. Dimitrios Vonofakos joins us to continue the conversation sparked in our previous episode, “Life’s Pop Quiz: The Unexpected Lessons of a Grad School Exam,” alongside Anish Merchant.

But this time, we go deeper.

Drawing from his background in psychoanalysis and his work at Merchant GMAT & Admissions, Dr. Dimitrios explores the psychological foundations of test-taking — unpacking why anxiety arises, how fear manifests, and what mental frameworks actually help students perform at their highest level.

This conversation moves beyond the GMAT.

Dr. D reframes test anxiety as something universal — a metaphor for the fear, comparison, perfectionism, and self-doubt we face in everyday life. Through thoughtful insight and practical strategies, he shares how students (and professionals) can navigate mental blocks, apply structured problem-solving frameworks, and learn when it’s okay to “skip” — not every problem needs to be solved immediately.

This episode is not just about crushing anxiety on an exam.

It’s about developing the mindset to face life’s biggest challenges with clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Episode Summary

01:52 – Dimitrios reflects on a cherished childhood photo and early influences.
03:15 – His journey to studying psychoanalysis at the University of Essex.
05:10 – How he integrates psychoanalytic principles into his work at Merchant GMAT & Admissions.
06:31 – What first sparked his interest in the GMAC and standardized testing psychology.
07:28 – If the GMAT were a person, how would he describe it?
08:16 – What the GMAT is actually trying to bring out in test-takers.
09:02 – Why fear is the greatest challenge students face during high-stakes exams.
10:37 – The gap between score-improvement promises and psychological reality.
11:47 – How people truly deal with anxiety.
14:40 – Frameworks Merchant uses to navigate mental blocks and test anxiety.
18:18 – The GMAT as a metaphor for the psychological challenges of life.
21:51 – The concept of “skipping” — and why you don’t have to solve everything at once.
22:56 – Two essential insights for navigating both exams and life’s pressures.
25:40 – How to connect with Merchant GMAT & Admissions.

Life’s Pop Quiz: The Unexpected Lessons of Grad School Exams

Anish Merchant often references “The Hero’s Journey” — the timeless story of a protagonist who leaves home in search of belonging, only to discover that the journey itself reshapes who they are.

Inspired by that narrative, Anish left the United States in pursuit of his own grand adventure. His path led him to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he discovered not only a new home, but a new calling.

What could have been the conclusion of one chapter instead marked the beginning of another.

That next chapter became Merchant GMAT & Admissions, Anish’s company dedicated to helping students navigate the GMAT, graduate admissions, and the deeper lessons embedded in the process. For Anish, the GMAT isn’t just a standardized exam — it’s a metaphor for life: structured thinking, resilience under pressure, strategic risk-taking, and confronting the fear of failure.

In this episode, Anish reflects on adventure, entrepreneurship, MBA culture, and why exams — much like life — are less about perfection and more about growth.

Episode Summary

02:53 – The meaning behind Anish’s name.
03:39 – How seeking adventure led him to Buenos Aires and changed his life trajectory.
05:58 – What resonated so deeply with him about Argentina.
07:05 – The origins of Merchant GMAT & Admissions.
10:44 – How Anish views the role of an MBA degree in someone’s life.
12:05 – Why the GMAT or MBA should be seen as a means to an end, not the end itself.
14:48 – The importance of knowing what you don’t want, as much as what you do want.
18:47 – Comparing the MBA journey to the broader path of life.
19:34 – How the GMAT serves as a metaphor for resilience and structured problem-solving.
21:40 – Breaking down the thinking frameworks embedded within the GMAT.
24:15 – Addressing the fear of failure and how it limits potential.
26:35 – How working in international education transformed his own path.
28:00 – His favorite superhero — and the superpower he’d choose.

Unlocking the Universe: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to New Frontiers in Science (Part 2)

Maryam Esmat returns for Part 2 of her extraordinary two-part interview — and this chapter expands from storytelling to the cosmos.

A Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 honoree, Maryam continues to push the boundaries of astrophysics while pursuing her Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins University. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of her work with NASA, through AURA (Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy), at the Space Telescope Science Institute, contributing to the historic James Webb Space Telescope mission.

From calibrating the telescope to supporting exoplanet researchers in using its groundbreaking technology, Maryam offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative and global nature of modern astrophysics.

But her work does not stop at telescopes.

Maryam also dives into her current research on dark matter — one of the most mysterious and foundational questions in modern physics — while speaking candidly about the rarity of Arabs, particularly Arab women, in the physics and astrophysics communities.

This episode is about scientific discovery, representation, mentorship, and legacy. Maryam is not only unlocking the universe — she’s opening doors for the next generation to do the same.

Episode Summary

02:00 – Maryam reflects on her time at the Space Telescope Science Institute, working on the James Webb Space Telescope.
05:29 – Two major projects she contributed to: (1) calibrating the telescope and (2) guiding exoplanet scientists in its use.
07:27 – Her reaction to being named to Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30.
09:14 – An accessible explanation of dark matter and why it matters.
15:32 – Collaborating with leading scientists, including the HAYSTAC collaboration and Dr. Katelyn Breivik.
20:11 – Debunking misconceptions about the astrophysics community.
23:28 – The rarity of Arabs — especially women — in physics and astrophysics.
26:25 – A call to Arab physicists worldwide and her involvement in a global Discord network connecting them.
27:07 – Her commitment to mentoring students through EducationUSA, astrophysics research, and creative writing.
29:00 – Advice for students considering studying in the United States.