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Best timing strategies

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by mayonnai5e » Fri Aug 31, 2007 7:47 am
I've collected ideas I've found on this forum as well as other GMAT related forums. I'm looking for ideas that people have used and have found effective for time management. Here are some ideas I've seen posted:

1) Do every practice problem timed with 2 minutes for each question. Gradually move to a timed practice set (e.g. 10 minutes for 5 problems then 20 minutes for 10 problems). This provides timing practice at the micro level first then moves to macro level timing. Generally involves one specific problem type.
2) Do sets of 40 problems in 75 minutes. This method also tests stamina and endurance and has the added dimension of being quite similar to the amount of time required for the real test. Generally involves one specific problem type.
3) Do sets of 40 problems but in 60 minutes. This method makes you work even faster than the actual test. The extra speed is a buffer for the extra anxiety most people have at the beginning of the test. Generally involves one specific problem type.
4) Do LOTs of CATs. This has the extra benefit of getting you used to reading off the computer and working off the computer. Also, this method is different from the others in that it challenges you to jump between different problem types.

I have no idea which strategy to use or which would be the most effective. Any suggestions or extra ideas? By the way, I have not officially incorporated any timing practice in my studies yet.
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Source: — GMAT Strategy |

by Prasanna » Wed Sep 05, 2007 5:57 am
mayonnai5e

Let me be frank with you..No one can say what approach could be the best for you..Of the approaches you have listed you will get positive feedback for 1,2 and 4 (the three approaches are equally good :D ) and still you will be confused as to what you should adopt. An approach would work with one but not with the other. Hence I would suggest you start implementing one of them in your study plans and see what impact it makes on the performance...you can always change if you find an approach ineffective.

My two cents..

Prasanna
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by mayonnai5e » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:10 am
I'm going to go with strategy 2. It allows me to focus on improving my timing on particular problem types. I did a paper test yesterday; the old paper tests are broken down into the problem types unlike the CATs. I found I had no problem with the CR section in terms of timing, but RC and SC were time killers particularly SC.

I think that will provide me with a good way to focus my timing improvements.
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by Prasanna » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:20 am
Sounds great! Do let us know how you progress :D
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