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Re: Anyone do AWA/IR section first?
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12 Dec 2018, 18:54
Hi Music2mba,
I see that you've already reached out to some Admissions Experts, so retesting - when you already have this 710/Q47 locked up - is probably not necessary. That having been said, you bring up a good question about which order to take your sections on Test Day and what you might need to do to stay focused and at a high energy level throughout the Exam.
Much of this comes down to the 'physical' aspects of how you take the Exam (including what you do BEFORE the Exam starts and how you handle your two 8-minute breaks). Most Test Takers begin their Exams with a lot of 'nervous energy', but if you're finding that you are consistently 'foggy' at the beginning of your Tests, then you are probably not doing enough to get in the right mindset before the Exam begins.
To start, you should be taking your Tests at a time of day (and day of the week) when YOU are at your most focused. If you're taking your Tests too late in the day or at the end of a busy week of activities, then your 'scheduling' could be the issue. You also have to do your best to make sure that you are well-rested, clear-headed and 'fueled' (meaning that you got a reasonable night's sleep and ate a proper breakfast, etc. before you left for the Test Center). Doing some warm-up practice problems (nothing too difficult or volumous though) to get you into the test-taking mindset would also be a good idea. Your two breaks are also a great opportunity to 'recharge' - have a quick snack/drink and run to the restroom (even if it's just to splash some water in your face).
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich