Hi afr114,

One of the ways that the 700+ scorers separate themselves from the rest of the Test Takers is in the flexibility that they bring to the process. Dealing with a Quant or Verbal questions isn't always the same "steps", so you have to vary your approach based on what you "see."

As a general rule though, here are some things that you can do to stay organized, improve your speed and limit your silly mistakes:

1) Use the answer choices to your advantage. In Quant problem solving and Verbal Sentence Corrections, the answer choices provide information that you won't necessarily find in the prompt.
2) Take lots of notes. You don't have to read a prompt from beginning to end before you start taking notes. It's actually easier to take notes in "small pieces" than in "one big lump."
3) Write down the question that is asked. This will keep you focused on your "goal."
4) Try to keep your "work" in one section of the pad.
5) Write down any formulas before you plug any values into them.
6) Don't do work in your head; that's where all the silly mistakes happen.
7) Physical and Psychological well-being factor into your performance, so take these aspects seriously.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich