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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Thu Jun 04, 2009 10:42 am
Did you find that studying using a pencil and scratch paper hindered your quant performance? Would you recommend using a dry erase board and marker to prepare?
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Source: — GMAT Strategy |

by hk » Thu Jun 04, 2009 12:31 pm
It not a matter of whether using a pencil and paper would hinder your performance in the GMAT, it actually a way of toning your mind of what you would expect at the real test. I bought the Maker-Noteboard for my practice as i wanted to get familiar with everything that gets my mind in sync with the G-day experience. Actually, this may sound ridiculous but 3 days before the test, i woke up, took a shower and dressed up in the same clothes that i would wear to my test and took a practice test.

Coming to the marker and note board concept, i think its a good investment for your prep. A marker makes a thick impression than a pencil so practicing with it would get you familiar with the space allocation on the test day. Also if you practice with a pencil, you would just let it lay around during your breaks (while taking a practice test) but if you do so with a marker on the test day, chances are that the ink is going to clot and you may have difficulty in writing when the next session starts. This is expecially bad at centers where the administrators give you only one marked and board. Luckily the center where i took the test gave me 2 boards and 2 makers!!!

I would definitely recommend it but its just a matter of choice!!!
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by 4score20 » Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:11 pm
If specific tools make a difference to you, then use them. However, it's what your brain does that is most important.
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by VP_Jim » Thu Jun 04, 2009 1:13 pm
I would definitely recommend using the actual GMAT pen and laminated paper, as well. You want to simulate the actual testing experience as much as possible, and not being able to erase or write on the questions is a big part of the "real" GMAT experience. My students are often surprised that my copy of the Official Guide has no writing in it - that's because when I studied, I did all of my work on separate paper (I used the marker on the practice exams only, but in retrospect, would probably have used it on all my work).
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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by Osirus@VeritasPrep » Thu Jun 04, 2009 5:00 pm
Thanks for the replies everyone.
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by mna123 » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:15 am
What are you people talking about ? Are not we given actual pencil and pens.

From where I can get this GMAT pen and laminated sheets ???
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by hk » Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:59 am
No you will not be given actual pens and papers for your rough work. Here is what the noteboard looks like -> https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-GMAT-Si ... 51&sr=8-10
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by bhumika.k.shah » Sun Feb 21, 2010 8:49 am
Could you please elaborate more on the highlighted part .That would be really helpful .
Thanks
VP_Jim wrote:I would definitely recommend using the actual GMAT pen and laminated paper, as well. You want to simulate the actual testing experience as much as possible, and not being able to erase or write on the questions is a big part of the "real" GMAT experience. My students are often surprised that my copy of the Official Guide has no writing in it - that's because when I studied, I did all of my work on separate paper (I used the marker on the practice exams only, but in retrospect, would probably have used it on all my work).
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by shashank.ism » Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:00 am
osirus0830 wrote:Did you find that studying using a pencil and scratch paper hindered your quant performance? Would you recommend using a dry erase board and marker to prepare?
i think prepare on forum direct on computers ..this will lead to solve problem faster and will make u computer adaptive..
though u can use certainly pen and paper or erase board and marker. but 1st thing should be in mind to solve without using it otherwise u would loose time in unnecessarily copying data etc...
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by harsh.champ » Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:49 pm
bhumika.k.shah wrote:Could you please elaborate more on the highlighted part .That would be really helpful .
Thanks
VP_Jim wrote:I would definitely recommend using the actual GMAT pen and laminated paper, as well. You want to simulate the actual testing experience as much as possible, and not being able to erase or write on the questions is a big part of the "real" GMAT experience. My students are often surprised that my copy of the Official Guide has no writing in it - that's because when I studied, I did all of my work on separate paper (I used the marker on the practice exams only, but in retrospect, would probably have used it on all my work).
It means you should get habituated with the test-taking conditions.You should even practice like that while studying at home.In The GMAT The writing implement is a special black pen with a very fine tip. The ink is erasable, but the test center does not provide a wiper or an eraser. This isn't a major issue since if you have filled up your notebook, you may raise your hand and a proctor will provide you with a new 10-page booklet.

Also, students preparing for the GMAT would likely benefit from practice with graph paper. Graph paper has some obvious advantages on the quant section - for creating tables, for geometry figures, and for organization in general. On the verbal side, the columns can be used to set-up A,B,C,D,E options for eliminating incorrect answer choices on each question. The laminated paper and special pen take a bit of getting used to so, if possible, using similar materials during practice can also help.
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by money9111 » Sun Feb 21, 2010 8:17 pm
i don't think this is rocket science... if you want the closest atmosphere that you'll experience on test day... then get the laminated pad...

if that change makes or breaks your score, then there are bigger issues
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