GMAT Select Section Order

Question

Hi,

I have received an email from GMAC stating that if I am planning to retake the GMAT exam (which I am), I will now have an option of selecting the order of sections in the exam. This is a pilot experiment and they are presently testing this on 1% of test takers for analytical analysis. Only the order of the exam changes and rest of the parameters and result assessment remains the same. I am copy pasting the content here. Please help me decide what is the best option here:

The Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®) is offering you an exclusive, invitation only opportunity to participate in a pilot program to explore a new option to the GMAT® exam testing experience.

This pilot gives you an opportunity to retake the GMAT exam with the ability to choose the order of the exam sections. You will be able to choose from four options of section orders:

Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Quantitative, Verbal, Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning
Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment
Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, Quantitative
The testing period of this pilot is limited and is expected to run from February 23 – March 8, 2016. Exact test dates will vary depending on test center availability and other logistics of the program. Normal registration fees apply.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vabhs192003,

There's certainly something to be said for dealing with the more valuable sections (Quant and Verbal) earlier on - when you have more energy and before fatigue has set in. The question for you (and I suppose for all Test Takers) is whether you need a little time to 'warm up' or not before starting those sections. If you were to start with the Quant/Verbal sections BUT you were not fully in 'test mode', then you might end up making some mistakes in the early part of that first section (and hurting your scores because of it).

You can certainly run some 'experiments' to see how you handle working with those sections first; using that data, you could then make the best decision for you.

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

TheMechanic · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks for a quick turn around. I am also thinking about the silly mistakes one can do before they get into testing mode. This is a limited period offer and I already see seats getting filled up. I am thinking of the 4th option. AWA and IR will get me into Exam Mode and then I hit verbal and quant follows. I think this works best since, mental fatigue taking verbal in the end really takes a toll. 4th option saves me from it. I am just wondering if taking quant in the end will result in same mental fatigue that one suffers in verbal? This is uncharted territory for me and there isn't much time to decide? I hate this!!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vabhs192003,

On a fundamental level, it's better to have 'options' than not, so you shouldn't get emotional about this choice. Think about the option that you think would work best, then go for it. The worst case scenario is that you end up with a score that you're not happy with - so you'll cancel it and then retest later.

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

mvictor · Answer

not bad..
the only thing that is disappointing...I don't see AWA, Q/V, IR last..
nonetheless, I would take Verbal first, Quant second, then Awa/IR...
I have noticed that when I take individual Q and V right one after another, with 8 min break, I get way better scores than if I do AWA/IR/Q/V...
so I would definitely try with Q/V first...

mvictor · Answer

good luck mate. i'm taking it by the end of jan, probably beg. of february..hope to get the same thing..

bb · Answer

You can learn more about the Pilot here: https://www.mba.com/us/frequently-asked- ... pilot.aspx

Dates: The pilot program will run for a limited time from February 23, 2016 to March 8, 2016. Exact testing dates will vary depending on test center availability and other logistics of the pilot program. When you register for the pilot program, you will be able to see all available testing dates and your chosen test center.

srinjoy28 · Answer

Is anybody out there to register for the pilot program?
I have received an invitation for the pilot program, but unable to access.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi srinjoy28,

Can you go into a bit more detail about the exact 'problem' that you're facing? You might have to reach out to GMAC directly on this issue. You can also ask an Official GMAC Rep here:

-post-your-questions-to-gmac-official-representative-here-133929-340.html

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

rohitt911 · Answer

follow the link provided in the mail, it worked for me. Going with V Q IR AWA. Got a IR8 Q49 and V22 last time, i hope this change in section order works for me. Fingers crossed.

mcelroytutoring · Answer

UPDATE: As of 7/11/17, the "Select Section Order" pilot program has been adopted for all GMAT test takers.

-Brian

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