How can I be a better test taker?

Expert replies

sidceg: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 89; Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:22 amFollowed by: 2 members; Location: Bangalore, India; Thanked: 6 times

by sidceg » Tue Jul 23, 2013 10:11 pm

Hi,

While reviewing each practice test, I get almost all the incorrect answers correct by myself (except for 2 or 3 in quant and verbal each for which I would need help - that too just to crack open the question, then I am able to do it on my own). I am able to figure out exactly what concepts were tested. I am able to figure out new approaches that lead to answers in a faster pace. But while giving the test, I don't have any clue how I made a mistake: sometimes I get stuck with the approach and sometimes I miss out few words in a sentence correction or in quant or worse sometimes I just can't digest how did I not think like that while giving the test when I am able to do so while reviewing.

How can I improve this? I have just a little more than a week left

Please help!

P.S. In each practice test I finish the section before 5 to 7 min in quant and 5 to 8 min in verbal. Thought whether this info might be of any use for replying to my question.

Thanks

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Tue Jul 23, 2013 10:11 pm

vishugogo: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 131; Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2011 4:50 amFollowed by: 6 members; Location: India; Thanked: 28 times

by vishugogo » Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:36 am

Dear sidceg,

According to me It will be good if you could use the left over time over the questions you run away (misread or careless mistakes) while doing your tests.

I would like to know exactly where do you get more questions incorrect i.e. between 10-15 or 31-40.

It will help me to devise the same strategy I have been using

sidceg: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 89; Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:22 amFollowed by: 2 members; Location: Bangalore, India; Thanked: 6 times

by sidceg » Wed Jul 24, 2013 1:12 am

vishugogo wrote:Dear sidceg,

According to me It will be good if you could use the left over time over the questions you run away (misread or careless mistakes) while doing your tests.

I would like to know exactly where do you get more questions incorrect i.e. between 10-15 or 31-40.

It will help me to devise the same strategy I have been using

Hi vishugogo,

There is no such patterns. Sorry

The mistakes are evenly spread. Of course they are neither in the first 4 to 6 questions nor in the last 4 to 6 questions.

Thanks.

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Wed Jul 24, 2013 11:06 am

Hi sidceg,

Most GMAT questions are based on a pattern, rule, relationship, etc. (and sometimes they're based on several), so when you look at a question, it helps to think about what that question reminds you of. Is there a particular math formula or vocabulary word in the question? In a SC, are certain words showing up in the answer choices (a verb 'split'; pronouns, etc.). These 'clues' should help you to draw on your memory, prior experiences, prior questions answered, etc. to help you answer the question.

Your pacing problem is significant; finishing early usually means that you rushed past a bunch of questions (and rushing can often lead to a careless error). It would be better to have to guess on the last question because you were out of time than to finish 7 minutes early. So try to slow down a bit and use the entire clock.

To solve the problems that you describe, I'm going to recommend something that you're probably not doing right now: Write EVERYTHING down. On the pad. EVERY TIME. This should help you to stay focused and organized (plus, it's tough to 'miss something' if you're writing everything down).

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

Contact Rich at [email protected]

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