How Detrimental it is on GMAT scores when you have several unfinished

Question

I just have finished a GMAT prep test on exact actual exam conditions with 660 (44Q, 37V). I did not manage to do the last 5 questions on quant sections due to poor time management.

So, actually how detrimental is it for questions to be left unanswered in GMAT? Is it actually better for me to make a guess or leave it blank in a scenario that I only have like 2 min for the final 5 questions?

Thanks in advance!

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Kurtosis · Answer

That's a severe punishment. May be you could have scored a Q49 or higher if you had managed your timing properly.

Refer: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-so ... 46146.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/un-scientifi ... 0-100.html
https://gmatclub.com/forum/penalty-for- ... 75991.html

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

HI jxav,

If you leave any questions unanswered on the GMAT, then each of those questions is 'penalized' - and the penalty is WORSE than if you had simply answered incorrectly. As such, you MUST make sure to answer every question (even if it's just a guess). It's tough to calculate the exact 'penalty' involved here since we we would also need to know which of the questions on the Exam were 'experimental' and we we would need a sense of how well you were performing BEFORE you ran out of time (re: did you get a lot of questions wrong in the 'block' of questions immediately preceding those last 5 questions?).

To avoid this pacing issue in the future, you have to take a really detailed look at how you answer GMAT questions. Pacing issues do NOT exist on their own - they're the results of other issues. If "your way" of approaching a question takes too long, then you might need to learn/practice other approaches.

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

jxav · Answer

Hi Rich,

I have made a total of 12 wrong answers, which 7 of them occured on no 8-25.

I seem to spent a lot of time on questions that involve 'number testing' such as relationship between integers that are represented through algebraic symbols and modulus. Im sort of worried if I've been missing something in those questions which makes me constantly rechecks until I'm convinced that I'm not leaving anything behind.

Regards.

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SUPERSARS · Answer

Hi. It's better to guess the last 5 and rush through them than waste time on only one and leave the other questions unanswered.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

HI jxav,

Certain questions in the Quant section might require up to 3 minutes of work to solve, but you cannot afford to spend that much time on many of the questions in that section (and you have to actually be working for those 3 minutes - NOT 'staring'). By extension, NO Quant question is worth more than 3 minutes of your time - for the reasons that you've already experienced. Absolute Value/Modulus and 'symbolism' questions are not too common on Test Day - you'll likely see just 1-2 of each - so unless you're spending 5+ minutes on each of those questions, then they are not enough to explain the pacing issue that you're currently facing. The likelier explanation is that you're using 'math approaches' to answer questions that take longer than other more-strategic Tactical approaches that you could be using instead.

1) How long have you studied?
2) What practice materials have you used?

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

jxav · Answer

Hi Rich,

I have studied quant for around 2 months now, have been using MGMAT quant sets including their free question banks online which I think has been very helpful. I have been using the OG as well but I think the ones that helped me the most to get an overall better grasp is MGMAT and this club.

Other than modulus type of questions, I'm sure I have spend a lot of time in other DS type of questions which I need to be sure which statements are sufficient.

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

HI jxav,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so it's likely that you'll continue to improve (and your pacing will get 'better') as you continue to study.

Have you taken any practice CATs that provide you with data about how much time you spent on each individual question? I ask because it would help to know which types of questions you spend the most time on. Once you have that lists, you can then either post those questions in the Forums here or 'Google' them (so that you can see how other members and Experts approach those prompts).

DS questions 'test' a lot of different skills (far more than just 'math' skills), so you might find it beneficial to focus on learning/practicing more strategic ways to approach those prompts.

1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?

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

jxav · Answer

Hi Rich,

I'll be probably aiming for 650-700 and due to time constraints I need to take it around 2 weeks from now. Realistically, its not that much of a time for me to improve, maybe I can make use of some time-management tips such as making an educated guess and use the 'saved' time for other questions to maximize scores.

Sent from my SM-G935F using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jxav,

If you'd be satisfied with a 650+ - and you've been taking your CATs in a realistic fashion that 'matches up' with what you'll face on Test Day - then you appear to be exactly where you need to be to hit your score goal. It's important that you not get 'bogged down' in any individual GMAT question, so you might find it worthwhile to 'dump' a few questions that you just think are too hard or too weird. By making that choice (and acting accordingly), you could likely eliminate this pacing issue completely.

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

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