Time Management and Strategy

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Time Management and Strategy

by yourshail123 » Thu Sep 06, 2012 4:40 am
I started preparing for GMAT since 1 month, and practicing consistently all sections equally.
In this period, I attempted 4 Pract Tests as well; wherein I got 560(GMAT Prep), 590(Kaptest 1 / 2) and 560(MGMAT1). I have noticed that when I solve the question on Prac Tests, more questions go wrong with silly mistakes even the simple one's. On an average, in every section I analysed that I could get at least 3 more correct. However, when I practice question banks w/o time limits, I get almost all correct (except for some tough ques).
I feel like while timing my ques (or attempting Prac Tests), I just run on it rather than solving; either sometimes due to lack of concentration or sometimes I miss a small silly condition which could have got me the correct answer.
Please advise how to manage my time efficiently in this case.
If answer is practicing, then as observed its not working as there is no consistency in my scores.

My GMAT is scheduled exact 1 month from now (6Oct), and plan to score at least 670. Can I improve in this time frame. I can dedicate 3-4 hours daily as well. Also I have prepared a plan accordingly but seeing above issue not so confident on the approach.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Thu Sep 06, 2012 9:55 am
yourshail123 wrote:I started preparing for GMAT since 1 month, and practicing consistently all sections equally.
In this period, I attempted 4 Pract Tests as well; wherein I got 560(GMAT Prep), 590(Kaptest 1 / 2) and 560(MGMAT1). I have noticed that when I solve the question on Prac Tests, more questions go wrong with silly mistakes even the simple one's. On an average, in every section I analysed that I could get at least 3 more correct. However, when I practice question banks w/o time limits, I get almost all correct (except for some tough ques).
I feel like while timing my ques (or attempting Prac Tests), I just run on it rather than solving; either sometimes due to lack of concentration or sometimes I miss a small silly condition which could have got me the correct answer.
Please advise how to manage my time efficiently in this case.
If answer is practicing, then as observed its not working as there is no consistency in my scores.

My GMAT is scheduled exact 1 month from now (6Oct), and plan to score at least 670. Can I improve in this time frame. I can dedicate 3-4 hours daily as well. Also I have prepared a plan accordingly but seeing above issue not so confident on the approach.
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Time management is a major issue for most students taking the GMAT. The computer adaptive nature of the test doesn't help matters either.

If you're interested, we have a free video on the topic of time management: https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244

It explains how to use a Milestone Chart to help you manage your time on the GMAT.

Cheers,
Brent
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by yourshail123 » Fri Sep 07, 2012 1:53 am
Thanks Brent!!
The video is helpful, and I will certainly implement it into my plan.
However, how much time at the max this approach (as mentioned in the video) will take to effect; I am considerate with my exam scheduled a month from now. Will I be able to achieve it?

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Fri Sep 07, 2012 5:58 am
yourshail123 wrote:Thanks Brent!!
The video is helpful, and I will certainly implement it into my plan.
However, how much time at the max this approach (as mentioned in the video) will take to effect; I am considerate with my exam scheduled a month from now. Will I be able to achieve it?
Once you practice the strategy during 1 or 2 practice tests, you should be able to manage your time more effectively.

Cheers,
Brent
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by AndreiB » Fri Sep 07, 2012 7:58 am
Brent, one question:

If say I spend 5 minutes on a really hard question, but I still get it right, will the test consider it was too much for me, regardless and lower my overall score?

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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Fri Sep 07, 2012 8:02 am
AndreiB wrote:Brent, one question:

If say I spend 5 minutes on a really hard question, but I still get it right, will the test consider it was too much for me, regardless and lower my overall score?
Great question, AndreiB!

To my knowledge, the scoring algorithm does not take into account the length of time it takes you to solve a question.
That said, to be certain, you might want to pose the question in the Ask the Test Maker forum (https://www.beatthegmat.com/ask-the-test-maker-f71.html)

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by yourshail123 » Mon Sep 10, 2012 4:20 pm
Brent,
With respect to Time Management, the strategy seems to be working well for. I would work on few more prac tests and then will conclude. However, from other videos linked there, I learnt more on concentration and energy levels during the test, which is almost as important as other things.
I have to work on that area as well.

Once again Thanks A Lot !!