I took GMAT once and preparing for the 2nd round, one thing I realize, whatever the area of your weakness is, question some how shows up from that. Most likely it will be again and might be again... but please keep in your mind that's only 3 out of 37 or 41 and even 95% percentiles make mistakes and most likely more than 3 on each section.
Best strategy:
Accept the fact you are weak in that area, so chances are high that you wont get it right... so why waste time on it... give 45 sec to figure it out.. if you see light end of the tunnel.. bingo!!! in that case take little bit of more time. If there is no light, take another 15 sec for best guess with your best logic and judgment and hit "NEXT"
Moment you click next, just forget about it and concentrate on next question. An unsuccessful try on each question is like a failed relationship, more you think about the last one, more you screw up the next one.
If you see another question from same area, just follow the 1st step.
Bottom line, even best of the best cant get all questions right and no one needs to get all right either to be on top 5%. So why bother. I feel like, GMAT is like playing chess; system will try to defeat you and your goal is the same.
Here is my overall research and analysis:
Someone's brain works better in the morning and someone's in the evening. It's very very important to know before booking your test time. Know it for sure. I repeat, its very very important
I am not under valuing the AWA, but if you are pushing to hard during AWA (happens to all of us as it's the beginning of the exam), it brings a negative effect on verbal or end of quant section.
Best strategy is: have a pre formatted essay write up and during AWA, just change the arguments and stick with it. It increases the chances of making less error on grammar, spelling etc. It also keep your brain warmed up but not too stressed to get tired later on. Honestly, how often we talk about AWA or worried about it,. 700+ with 3 or 4 AWA, I can live with that.
Do what ever it helps to give the brain some strength. If you are smoker, don't smoke just before the exam. I am a smoker and honestly, not smoking didn't bother me as I was too concentrated on exam (or CATs I have taken at home). I don't know the effect of it but if science says, smoking weakens the brain then I will stay away from it before exam. Who knows, may be it can help me to get at least one question right. After the exam, I am smoking like a chimney!!!!
It's always better to close your eyes for 30 seconds and take deep breathe during quant section. During verbal section do it at least 3 times for little longer especially before the RC section. I personally think it's always better to answer 32 questions right for whatever it takes and guess 9 questions because you run out of time at the end.
Please keep in your mind, this is what I think and most likely it will not match other's perceptions about GMAT but still wanted to share.
