This series of emails and PMs focuses on situations that many Test Takers face during their studies. The names of the original posters have been changed to protect their identities.
Practice Resources and Proper Computer-Based Practice
Hi Rich,
Can you please suggest whether it is a good idea to buy the 404 Questions on the GMAT Prep Question Pack 1? Is it okay to practice from these? Should they be saved for the last few days of preparation? I have read in a few debriefs that this Question Pack has some questions which are very much representative of the real GMAT.
November
Hi November,
As far as the SOURCE of your practice material is concerned, I absolutely agree that using Official GMAC practice problems must be a part of everyone's study plan. However, some self-studiers use far too many pencil-and-paper sources to study and are NOT properly trained to handle those same types of questions when they appear on a computer. Thus, you have to make sure that you get in enough computer-based practice, so you're used to the wear-and-tear that comes from taking a 4-hour exam on a computer.
Losing Focus During the Verbal Section
Dear Rich,
I’ve taken three practice tests so far, and my scores are 550, 490 and 450. I am increasing my score on the math every time but the verbal is really hard for me. I get tired towards the end and I can't put in the same focus. People are telling me that I need to focus on theory and basic concepts for the verbal section, but are there any other techniques I can use?
I believe part of my verbal trouble with why I can't focus on the reading section is because it’s the last one and I am tired mentally. So on my test, any free time that I had I just used it all up to rest and take a break mentally like drifting off and stuff.
Oscar,
Hi Oscar,
Based on what you've described, you're going to have to change how you "view" the Test. Moving forward, you can't afford to "drift" (as you've described). Taking the two 8-minute breaks during a CAT (and on the GMAT) is a good idea, but you’re not supposed to let your mind drift during those breaks. While 8 minutes is not a lot of time, it is enough time for a brief break (NOT for ‘drifting’), a quick drink/snack and some physical exercise – all of those factors can improve your focus, especially later on during the Verbal section.
Fixing Lots of Issues All at Once
Rich,
I have taken the real GMAT twice, and both the times I had put in a lot of effort. Before appearing for the test the second time I had given many mocks and scored around 700, but I scored a 590 on my second attempt.
The following are the things that I think affect my performance on the real thing: being very anxious, silly mistakes, re-reading or redoing SC and CR problems just to be doubly sure, second guessing my answers in verbal, being very excited about nearing the end of the exam halfway towards the verbal session and rushing just so I could be done
What can I do to fix these problems?
Papa
Hi Papa,
You're asking about something that requires a really ‘personalized’ answer (because it depends so much on the individual). There is one significant thing that you CAN do though, and it will likely help you to solve most of your problems:
Write EVERYTHING down, on the pad, every time you solve a problem. It'll help to fix your organization, silly mistakes, pacing, nervousness, the "need" to double-check everything, etc. By consistently putting in the effort to do proper documented work, the ‘process’ itself should ‘take over’ and everything should improve.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
