I would like to know what kind of a notepad is provided on the GMAT actual test.
I am used to scribbling a lot of stuff during solving verbal. Will that be an issue?
Also i use the T diagram method used in the Manhattan CR Book. Will this method eat up lot of my precious time?
GMAT Notepad Use
This topic has expert replies
GMAT/MBA Expert
- Brent@GMATPrepNow
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 16207
- Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pm
- Location: Vancouver, BC
- Thanked: 5254 times
- Followed by:1268 members
- GMAT Score:770
Hi Abhijit,Abhijit K wrote:I would like to know what kind of a notepad is provided on the GMAT actual test.
You can see the "official" noteboard and pen at 3:18 in the following GMAC video about the testing center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJkq-Rm7bxE
Cheers,
Brent
GMAT/MBA Expert
- [email protected]
- Elite Legendary Member
- Posts: 10392
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pm
- Location: Palo Alto, CA
- Thanked: 2867 times
- Followed by:511 members
- GMAT Score:800
Hi Abhijit K,
The scratch pad that you receive on Test Day should look similar to this:
The pad is 6 laminated sheets (the front of the first sheet has text printed on it, so you won't write on that "face", but you'll have the other 11 "faces" to write on). You can trade in your current pad for a new one at any point during the Test, but you'll likely find it best to trade it in during your breaks (so you won't have to wait for a Moderator to come to you while you're sitting at your desk).
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
The scratch pad that you receive on Test Day should look similar to this:
The pad is 6 laminated sheets (the front of the first sheet has text printed on it, so you won't write on that "face", but you'll have the other 11 "faces" to write on). You can trade in your current pad for a new one at any point during the Test, but you'll likely find it best to trade it in during your breaks (so you won't have to wait for a Moderator to come to you while you're sitting at your desk).
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
- VivianKerr
- GMAT Instructor
- Posts: 1035
- Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:13 am
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Thanked: 474 times
- Followed by:365 members
Hi there,
To address your specific question about "scribbling a lot of stuff." It depends what you mean by "stuff"! Using the scratch pad to break down RC and CR passages in an effective manner is an absolute NECESSITY when it comes to conquering those two Q-types. But obviously not all notes are of equal value. If you're summarizing all the details in an RC paragraph, that's a massive waste of time. If you're writing down the function of every paragraph and the author's point of view, that's a really smart use of scratch paper. Regarding the "T" method, if this works for you and allows you to get 90% or more CR questions correct when you work untimed, then you should definitely keep using it, and do regular pacing drills so you can gradually shave down the time it takes you to put this strategy into action. If you can get your CR done in under 2 minutes, you're in good shape, but don't jump straight there. Maybe start with 4 minutes a question, then 3.5 min, then 3 min, then 2.5 min, etc. Shave off seconds once you've been able to master high accuracy at the previous benchmark. But be accurate FIRST.
When you do practice problems, it's fine to do the lionshare on plain notebook paper, but when you do practice CATs, I'd highly recommend buying a laminated yellow pad so that you get used to using it BEFORE Test Day. It's a little weird at first. You can buy one used on Amazon for $10-15, and I definitely think it's worth it, if only for the psychological benefit. https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-GMAT-Si ... 0979017580
Good luck!
Best,
Vivian
To address your specific question about "scribbling a lot of stuff." It depends what you mean by "stuff"! Using the scratch pad to break down RC and CR passages in an effective manner is an absolute NECESSITY when it comes to conquering those two Q-types. But obviously not all notes are of equal value. If you're summarizing all the details in an RC paragraph, that's a massive waste of time. If you're writing down the function of every paragraph and the author's point of view, that's a really smart use of scratch paper. Regarding the "T" method, if this works for you and allows you to get 90% or more CR questions correct when you work untimed, then you should definitely keep using it, and do regular pacing drills so you can gradually shave down the time it takes you to put this strategy into action. If you can get your CR done in under 2 minutes, you're in good shape, but don't jump straight there. Maybe start with 4 minutes a question, then 3.5 min, then 3 min, then 2.5 min, etc. Shave off seconds once you've been able to master high accuracy at the previous benchmark. But be accurate FIRST.
When you do practice problems, it's fine to do the lionshare on plain notebook paper, but when you do practice CATs, I'd highly recommend buying a laminated yellow pad so that you get used to using it BEFORE Test Day. It's a little weird at first. You can buy one used on Amazon for $10-15, and I definitely think it's worth it, if only for the psychological benefit. https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-GMAT-Si ... 0979017580
Good luck!
Best,
Vivian
Vivian Kerr
GMAT Rockstar, Tutor
https://www.GMATrockstar.com
https://www.yelp.com/biz/gmat-rockstar-los-angeles
Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]
Thank you for all the "thanks" and "follows"!
GMAT Rockstar, Tutor
https://www.GMATrockstar.com
https://www.yelp.com/biz/gmat-rockstar-los-angeles
Former Kaplan and Grockit instructor, freelance GMAT content creator, now offering affordable, effective, Skype-tutoring for the GMAT at $150/hr. Contact: [email protected]
Thank you for all the "thanks" and "follows"!
- BestGMATEliza
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2014 11:31 pm
- Thanked: 25 times
- Followed by:12 members
- GMAT Score:770
I think you should probably have enough room to write your notes on the notepad, and its usually a good idea to switch out for a new one in the breaks even if you haven't used up that much space. In general, writing too much can be a waste of time, especially for RC. All you need to write for RC is the general structure of the passage, so you can find where things are later. I say, write where not what.
Also, another way to conserve space with process of elimination is to create a chart at the beginning to keep track of what answers you have eliminated.
Also, another way to conserve space with process of elimination is to create a chart at the beginning to keep track of what answers you have eliminated.
Eliza Chute
Best GMAT Prep Courses
GMAT course comparison and reviews
Your one stop for all your GMAT studying needs!
Best GMAT Prep Courses
GMAT course comparison and reviews
Your one stop for all your GMAT studying needs!
- manyaabroadtpr
- Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
- Posts: 321
- Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 9:04 pm
- Location: B 7/2, Okhla Phase-II, New Delhi - 110020
- Thanked: 41 times
- Followed by:13 members
Hi Abhijit,
The note board has 6 laminated double sided spiraled sheets - the first sheet is printed, so you have 5 sheets to write on & also there is a non permanent marker provided to you. You can ask for extra sheets by raising your hand.
It is advised that you use the note board for not only Math but also verbal as it will help you to stay focused esp. in RC & CR. It is is suggested that you just don't randomly scribble but make a note of the main points - don't focus on the details but why the details are given. this will help you save time & be close to the topic.
All the best.
www.manyagroup.com
The note board has 6 laminated double sided spiraled sheets - the first sheet is printed, so you have 5 sheets to write on & also there is a non permanent marker provided to you. You can ask for extra sheets by raising your hand.
It is advised that you use the note board for not only Math but also verbal as it will help you to stay focused esp. in RC & CR. It is is suggested that you just don't randomly scribble but make a note of the main points - don't focus on the details but why the details are given. this will help you save time & be close to the topic.
All the best.
www.manyagroup.com
- ReasonGMAT
- Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
- Posts: 26
- Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2015 6:53 pm
- Location: New York City
- Thanked: 4 times
- GMAT Score:780
I'd like to second what @BestGMATEliza suggested. I think that on Verbal, having a grid to help you keep track of answer choices that you are eliminating is a really good idea and will help you save time. The last time I took my GMAT I remember that I was being a little OCD and kept going over answers that I had already definitively eliminated, so having the grid was very helpful.
Reason Test Prep
GMAT Prep with a Focus on Reasoning and Critical Thinking
www.ReasonTestPrep.com
GMAT Prep with a Focus on Reasoning and Critical Thinking
www.ReasonTestPrep.com