Hey - I know our tests will let you set it to 2 min per question but I really don't recommend doing that unless you can find no other way to force yourself to stay to that general timeframe.
Here's the problem: at about the 1.5 minute mark, you know your time's almost up, and you start thinking about that instead. You won't be able to think as well and do what you need to do to continue with the question. Then, the test will cut you off. On the real test, you have to be the one to cut yourself off - the real test will happily let you keep sitting on that same question. So this is not the most effective way to train yourself to let go!
Plus, you don't literally need to hold to exactly 2 min or less per question. You'll have times that you do one question in 1.5 and another in 2.5. You need to learn that balance.
If you do really need to use the test tool to force yourself to let go, set it to 2.5 min per question instead of 2, but remember that you can't let them ALL go to 2.5. You need to balance your time such that some take more time and some take less, so that you're averaging 2.
Finally, just want to reiterate what Prasanna said - all questions are worth the same and it's a myth that the earlier questions are worth more than the later questions. If you can do very well on earlier questions without taking extra time, then great... but nobody needs to be told that! If it costs you extra time at the beginning, you will hit penalties at the end and, depending upon how much extra time we're talking about, the penalties can be severe enough to make your score lower (sometimes by a LOT) than it otherwise would've been if you'd held a steady pace through and gotten more of those earlier questions wrong.
Short answer: there's really no way to game the test. Do your best - within the time constraints - on every problem.
Please note: I do not use the Private Messaging system! I will not see any PMs that you send to me!!
Stacey Koprince
GMAT Instructor
Director of Online Community
Manhattan GMAT
Contributor to Beat The GMAT!
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