GMAT Strategy

So more than likely I will end up needing a GMAT retake based on some disappointing sub 700 practice tests. What seems to be happening is that while taking the test under timed conditions I sometimes crack under the timed pressure and loose my ability to reason through simple problems that include things like exponents, mean/median problems, inequalities, etc.

Interestingly, when I go over the same problems later without the pressure of time I tend to zip through them with relative ease, getting 80-90% of them correct.

Example: During one GMAT Prep exam (Q45) I missed that 9x^4 - 4y^2 is a perfect square and wasted precious minutes doing complex algebra when what you need to get the problem correct ultimately cancels out pretty cleanly, giving you a nice clear answer wrapped up in a bow. I discovered this during my postmortem review BEFORE I ever looked at the answer to confirm this.

Another Example: During another GMAT Prep exam (didn't finish out of frustration - was going to have to guess on 10 problems due to time). I tried to adjust my strategy and "calm" down, which only led to taking way too much time and me being rushed at the end anyway. On one problem I was asked to find x when 2^x - 2^x-2 = 3(2^13). I panicked and began writing down exponents of two, ultimately guessing that the answer was x=15 b/c 2^15 ~ 32k and 2^13 ~ 8k and 32k - 8k ~ 24k which is ~ 3(8k), with 8k ~ 2^13. I wasted 3+ minutes doing type of crude, gutter math.

After I quit the test in frustration I looked at this SAME problem and within about 45-60 seconds was able to recognize that 2^x-2 needed to be broken down into (2^x)(2^-2), reducing the phrase to the left of the equation to 2^x(1-2^-2), or (3/4)*2^x = 3(2^13), such that 2^x = (4)(2^13), or 2^x=(2^2)(2^13), meaning 2^x=2^15, concluding that x=15.

How can I access this type of clarity DURING the actual exam? At least this is one of the ones that I more than likely got correct. There are plenty more that I couldn't figure out in time and had to guess. It's very frustrating to perform poorly on something that you absolutely know you know how to do.

What should my strategy be over the next 30+ days should I end up doing a retake (which seems probable.)

Your performance on a timed test is always going to be lower than your performance in relaxed conditions. Nothing in the world can eliminate this effect but you can reduce it.

(1) Over-train for a level higher than your target level:

To me as a tutor, it seems that you need to solve more practice problems. All the problems you mentioned involve factorization over addition/subtraction. When I see someting like 2^x - 2^x-2 my INSTINCT is FACTORIZE no matter the rest of the problem. Then I look at the whole problem, run it in my head and estimate if factorization would help. You know the principle, but it hasn't become your instinct yet and in hectic timed conditions GMAT is testing your math instincts. Writing FACTORIZE on a flash card won't help, you can develop such instincts only after you have practiced it many times: at least 100+ problems in powers and roots. Unfortunately, the official guides and the prep books are all skimpy on problems. Some tutors have problems sets organized by topics. I personally have compliled problem sets from many books, classified by problem types and difficulty level - usually above 100 problems in each topic. Of course, when you solve those problems always ask yourself "What is the principle in this problem?". Memorize the principle like "factorize equations to solve them". If you try to memorize the actual problem, like some people do in desperation, you will have to memorize a thousand problems without seeing the logical repetition in them and at the end GMAT will give you a problem that combines principles and you won't be able to recognize it.

(2) Practice tests under timed conditions:

That will teach you time-management. Later you can analyze your errors and some patterns may appear such as marking wrong answer when you got the correct one or lack of the correct instinct in some types of problems. Also it will teach you that you actually CAN solve some of the problems that you got wrong and that is a very empowering thought. You will notice the types of problems in which that is happening and will learn to be extra cautious with them.

Sources of timed tests:
GMATPrep CAT
GMAT Focus CATs
retired official paper tests by GMAC
800 score CATs (too hard)
MGMAT CATs
VStudy books
GMAT Plus books

(3) Take a stimulant to speed up your brain processes:

If you drink coffee, probably it doesn't work anymore. If you don't, caffeine tablets are the obvious first choice; there are also many legal herbal stimulants that do work - usually bodybuilders know them. Test-drive the stimulant when you take timed practice tests. A moderate stimulant dose should speed up your thoughts and improve your scores under stressful timed conditions. A dose too high will make you too jittery, brain-scattered and trigger happy and must be avoided. By trial and error during your timed practice tests, you will find the right stimulant and dose.
Also observe at what time during the day you are most effective at math and schedule the test at such a time. Some people prefer morning, some afternoon, it depends on your brain biochemistry and what you have eaten. Observe what type of meals make you lethargic and slow thinking and what types give you even constant energy. Choose the latter of course before the test.

Thanks tutorphd. I actually did complete several hundred problems during my prep; however, my mistakes were:

1) Waiting until too late to test my quant mettle under timed pressure
2) Not spending enough time to review my category to sharpened my instinctual response.

I thought that because I did a ton of math as an engineering undergrad that my instincts would be as sharp as they needed to be; but I am seeing that is not necessarily the case--at least not enough for a 720-760.

So, I will do my best tomorrow on the exam and plan a retake in ~50/60 days should I perform below my target range.

Thanks again.

I would recommend against taking a stimulant.

I have the same problem, I find it very difficult to crack 47Q on the real GMAT despite having scored 48-50 on the real deal.

I take Jack3d or No-Xplode before I work out. A lot of times, I am studying before I go lift, and when I take the supplement, I'm often so wired that I can't properly focus.

Don't mess with caffeine before a test. I would go "au-naturel" with a good night of sleep and a well nourished body. It's tried and true.

Fundamentals are the key to success. Know the ins and outs of all disciplines and how they are tested. Your particular example says you did not review in depth enough. This is a nuanced exam and all of the little things you see need to be on quick recall.

Definitely take under timed conditions.