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How can I be a better test taker?

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How can I be a better test taker?

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.

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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
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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.
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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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