Timing yourself when taking practice tests

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kidboc1: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 17; Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:15 pm

by kidboc1 » Wed May 28, 2008 8:47 pm

Hello All,
I've been studying for about 3 weeks now, all basic material thus far. I'm not strong in math but I know that timing myself will be very important to become familar with the real test environment. My question is, when taking a practice test or doing the questions in the math bins, how would one recommended getting the most out of getting used to being timed and answering the questions. By this I mean, I know I will most likely run out of time, but if I go through questions quickly just to get through them, that won't help much either. Would skipping the questions that take to long be the best method, then go back afterwards and thoroughly go over each of them specifically?

Thanks to all for your helpful insights

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Quantitative Reasoning | Wed May 28, 2008 8:47 pm

VP_Tatiana: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 189; Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 10:55 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Location: Seattle, WA; Thanked: 25 times; GMAT Score:750+

by VP_Tatiana » Fri May 30, 2008 10:57 am

Hi Kidboc,

If you want to practice taking tests that best simulate the actual test environment, I would recommend taking CATs- Computer Adaptive Tests, because the actual GMAT is also a CAT. What this means is that if you get a question right, the program will give you a harder question next. If you get one wrong, it will give you an easier one next. In this manner, it hones in on your score.

Because each question is dependent on the outcome of the question before, you cannot skip questions. So, the answer to your question would be that you should not skip questions.

I found it invaluable in my studying to take actual CATs, in one sitting, regularly. That helped me determine my progress, as well as build up my test taking stamina.

Best wishes,

Tatiana

Tatiana Becker | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep

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