How to avoid silly mistakes in Quant!?

Question

Hi all,

I took the GMATPrep Exam 3 yesterday and scored a 700 (Q45 V41). I got 12 questions wrong in Quant. In my post-test review, I saw that I made 3 mistakes JUST because of calculation (forgot to divide by a number, multiplied inside of adding etc) and another 4 mistakes because I was very nervous while giving the test and got flustered.

I made these 5 mistakes in the beginning of the test, because I was nervous and my mind basically went blank and didn’t absorb anything while I was reading the questions. 
(Note: I have a HUGE mental block with math. It really makes me nervous!)

This is extremely frustrating given that I think I have the required knowledge to answer these questions and even do so when I review them after the test is done! Without the pressure of the exam, I can answer these questions smoothly and within 2 mins as well.
Conversely, in Verbal, I breeze through even during the exam.

I’ve been doing the GMATClub Quant Tests and my scores in the 6 tests taken so far range from 42-46.

My exam is one month from now and I would love to get a score of Q48-49. My problem is not knowing how to do the questions but rather getting nervous and blanking out while doing them.

I’m trying to crowd source the best tactics and strategies to avoid silly mistakes and getting flustered while writing the exam.

Any thoughts/strategies would be welcome with open arms!

Thanks,
Chinmoi

Sent from my iPhone using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

norovers · Answer

Hi, I posted a similar question a few days ago and got a few helpful suggestions, Take a look at this thread

https://gmatclub.com/forum/quant-silly-mistakes-and-organization-troubles-264903.html#p2056366

MagooshExpert · Answer

Hi Chinmoi! Happy to help

let's talk about how you can avoid minor and careless mistakes. When this happens, first, ask yourself where the error happened. Was it at the end of the problem or at the beginning of a problem? Many times I see students make errors right at the end of the problem. This is a natural human tendency that we have to fight. How many times have we seen a team winning an entire game only to lose in the final minutes or a runner ahead in the race who loses in the final stretch? This all comes from the same tendency: we drop our guard when we see the finish line. We relax. We drop our focus. We rush. All of which does not help us to succeed. So the first rule: when you see the finish line, when you are nearing the end of the problem, focus even more. Don't rush. Don't drop your guard. Know that everyone has the tendency to slack off near the end -- don't be that person! Second, are you tired when you make these errors? Have you had a power session of studying? If so, taking a short break to stretch, move around, and drink water might be all that you need to refocus. Obviously you won't be able to take a stretch break in the middle of the test, but you should absolutely do so during your study periods. For every hour of study, let your mind drift off to somewhere else for 5 minutes. Then return to answering problems. As for test day, closing your eyes momentarily can offer a nice break. Keep them closed and count to 10 or 20. Try to push all thoughts out of your mind and just focus on taking long, purposeful breaths. This will help to fight off any exhaustion. I would also recommend reading Mike's article about careless errors on the GMAT math section

I hope some of this is helpful! Best of luck with your studies

-Carolyn

How to avoid silly mistakes in Quant!?

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