GMAT Strategy

I typically suggest that students achieve their target score on at least 2 practice tests before they take the official test. However, it's to late to reschedule, so let's focus on the two issues that you've identified: silly mistakes and time management.

If silly mistakes are hurting your score, then it's important that you identify and categorize these mistakes so that, during tests, you can easily spot situations in which you're prone to making errors. I write about this and other strategies in the following article for BTG: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2012/09/ ... n-the-gmat

As far as time management is concerned, I suggest that you use the following Milestone Charts to keep you on track:

These times are easily remembered so you can quickly jot them on your noteboard on test day. This (and more) is covered in our free video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

Cheers,
Brent

venkat291182 wrote: I think i need to let go of questions i get stuck on.

Good idea. On the GMAT, striving for perfection is a sure-fire way to lower your score.

Many students loathe the idea of guessing on any question and moving on. However, it's important to keep in mind that:
- it's possible to answer several questions incorrectly and still score 800 on the GMAT.
- your guess might be correct (especially if you've eliminated some answer choices)
- even if you guess incorrectly, the question might be an experimental question, in which case an incorrect answer won't affect your score anyway.
- if you're two or more minutes behind, you'll likely end up guessing at some point anyway, so why not do so sooner than later and, in the process, relieve some of the anxiety that these time constraints can produce?

Cheers,
Brent

Hi venkat291182,

With just 5 days remaining before Test Day, I would suggest that you NOT do anything too strenuous. To that end, taking 2 CATs this weekend is NOT a good idea. Taking a FULL CAT requires a great deal of effort and energy; taking 2 in the final days before your Official GMAT might lead to some unexpected 'burn out' (which we want to avoid). Some light review and practice is preferable - you'll likely perform better on Test Day if you go in well-rested.

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

Hey there -- thanks for all the data. Helpful. A few thoughts to share here:

1. Agree with the notion that you'd love to see your practice scores get there at least once/twice before you look to land the plane on the real exam.

2. Would love to see a bit more data to understand the time management concerns you have. Generally, there should almost never be a problem you spend more than 3 minutes on -- and most, you would want to keep under 2.30. I like employing the analogy of a traffic light -- do a quick gut check at the 1 minute mark and the 2 minute mark. If you ever feel like your confidence level on a problem would register as a 'red light' ... it's probably time to move on to another problem.

Hope that makes sense.

Good luck!!

-Brian

venkat291182 wrote:All: Below are my stats for 5 GMAT practice test (2 GMAT, 1 Kaplan, 1 Manhattan and 1 Veritas)

Total Quant Verbal
Mean 628 44 32.5
Median 630 43.5 32
Max 670 47 38
Minimum 590 42 28

My target score is between 670-700. And my exam date is 20th (5 days to go). My major problem is time management and silly mistakes. Sometimes, i spend too much time on a problem going round i circled and which messes everything up.

Do you think i can reach my target score range? What should i focus on in the next 4 days? I plan to give 2 tests over the weekend.

Any advice will help

One other thought --- I also firmly recommend that you 'shut things down' at least 36 hours before the actual exam. At that stage of the game, it is as much about mental and physical energy as it is out trying to cram in one more piece of data.

Good luck!!

-Brian

venkat291182 wrote:All: Below are my stats for 5 GMAT practice test (2 GMAT, 1 Kaplan, 1 Manhattan and 1 Veritas)

Total Quant Verbal
Mean 628 44 32.5
Median 630 43.5 32
Max 670 47 38
Minimum 590 42 28

My target score is between 670-700. And my exam date is 20th (5 days to go). My major problem is time management and silly mistakes. Sometimes, i spend too much time on a problem going round i circled and which messes everything up.

Do you think i can reach my target score range? What should i focus on in the next 4 days? I plan to give 2 tests over the weekend.

Any advice will help

venkat291182 wrote:Thanks Brent and Rick...

How did things net out for you? Hope you were able to reach your goals and objectives with the GMAT!!

Best of luck.

-Brian