Do I have to change my GMAT strategy given that I have 50% extra time?

Question

Hello,

I have dyslexia and ADHD which makes the verbal part more difficult for me, I have therefore been accommodated with 50% extra time and longer brakes. Should I change my gmat strategy given this? Is the GMAT algorithm measuring how long you take for a question and grading you in function of it if yes, should I try to finish before end of time?
Thank you in advance,

Kind regards,
Cedric

Kind regards, Cedric

GMATinsight · Answer

CedricPotvliege GMAT scoring algorithm is not the function of time. It's the function of accuracy with respect to adaptiveness of exam. So use the time as per your comfort but avoid leaving any question unmarked at end of the sections. The penalty of leaving a question unmarked is higher than getting it wrong. I hope it help!!!

CedricPotvliege · Answer

Would you recommend me to take another strategy? Like trying to do the first question on normal pace and leaving extra time in the end for the others?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Cedric,

A few weeks ago, you noted that you were having trouble scheduling your Official GMAT. Has that issue been taken care of yet (and when is your Official Test Date?)?

Even though you have 'testing accommodations', the GMAT will still function as normal (meaning that there will be no difference in the Scoring Algorithm - and the amount of time that you spend on each question is NOT a factor in your overall Score results). That ultimately means that your GMAT will involve the same concepts and patterns that everyone else's does - and you can train to take advantage of those patterns. You will clearly have more time to read, take notes, etc., but your overall approach doesn't necessarily have to change too much.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied? 
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

CedricPotvliege · Answer

Okey thank you ! and yes after a very long waiting time I finally have my gmat appointment the 11th of June.

1) I have studied 3 weeks approximately with 4 hours each day
2) Gmatclub, Official guide , and Kaplan guide
3) I had 650 (q 48 v 31)and 670 (q49 v32)
4) Need to have at least 650 but aiming for 700
5) I applied for QTEM (Quantitative techniques for economics and Manegemnt) at Solvay Business school in Brussels, I am already conditionally accepted but I still need a 650 to complete application. A high gmat score gives me the advantage that I will have a higher ranking for my exchange semester choice and I would like to pursue another master after this one which I will need a GMAT for.

Kind regards and thank you!

CedricPotvliege · Answer

I forgot to mention that these scores are without the additional time.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Cedric,

Assuming that you took those 2 practice CATs/mocks under realistic testing conditions, then you are performing at a high level right now. You're actually closer to a 700+ than you probably realize, but you'll have to make some 'tweaks' to how you "see" (and respond to) the Exam before you can consistently score at that higher level. Since you have a much greater opportunity to pick up those additional points in the Verbal section, I'm going to focus on that first:

1) On these 2 CATs, how did you perform on your RC, SC and CR prompts?
2) What "steps" do you go through when dealing with a typical RC, SC and CR prompt?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi CedricPotvliege,

As has been said, the GMAT algorithm is not measuring how long you are spending on each individual question. You really just need to focus on completing the entire GMAT within the time allotted. If you need any general advice regarding how to improve your GMAT quant and verbal skills, feel free to reach out.

CedricPotvliege · Answer

Hi Rich,

Happy to hear that! I am quiet good with CR however my weak points are SC and especially RC.
CR : Usually just gut feeling, not really using any models. 
SC: Try to solve with the grammar rules I know but still make plenty of mistakes
RC: Trying to summarize each paragraph and then just trying to answer the questions.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Cedric,

From what you describe, it sounds as though you are "winging it" in the Verbal section (meaning that you're essentially trying to talk-your-way through each prompt, without necessarily knowing the built-in patterns involved). You've managed to score at a decent level with that approach, but it has the potential to be problematic (especially since 'your way' doesn't appear to give you any way to prove that your answer is correct).

Based on your current Test Date, you have a little over 2.5 weeks of study time. You could potentially hone the necessary skills to hit your Goal Score in that timeframe, but you'll have to focus on some specific Verbal Tactics and learn how to take advantage of how GMAT Verbal questions are written.

Based on all of the information that you have provided, I think that you would find the EMPOWERgmat Verbal Score Booster to be quite helpful. Most of our clients finish that Study Plan in well under a month, so you could potentially complete it in the time remaining. We have a variety of free resources on our site (www.empowergmat.com), so you can 'test out' the Course before setting up an account.

If you have any additional questions, then you can feel free to contact me directly at any time.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

CedricPotvliege · Answer

I have already done the gmat once with 600 score which I cancelled, if I now buy the course will I get a refund if I don't get a 700? I furthermore have nothing to do until my gmat test date meaning I can work on the gmat all days.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Cedric,

The details about the EMPOWERgmat Score Guarantee can be found here:

https://empowergmat.com/guarantee/

It's important to note that NO GMAT product is a 'magic wand' - meaning that you ultimately improve by learning and practicing the proper Tactics (and then using that knowledge during your Exams). Simply purchasing a product doesn't guarantee you anything unless you also commit to properly using that product. If you have additional questions about any aspects of the Guarantee or Course, then you can reach out to the Support Team (at [email protected]).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Do I have to change my GMAT strategy given that I have 50% extra time?

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