How to overcome anxiety during GMAT Mocks and improve Verbal timing

Question

Hi All,

I gave 2 GMAT Prep mocks and scored same as Q50 / V 28 ; 650 overall .

I see, i do not have an issue with concepts as such in verbal and can answer questions . When i attempt mocks - I get anxious , my mind wanders and I can not keep track of time or take more time for initial 15 questions .
Any strategy to overcome this? I see if i loose time initially ; it is close to impossible to catch afterwards so that derails my timing strategy in verbal .
I am sure now that I do not lag in verbal concepts , it's just i have to manoeuvre my timing game while attempting verbal questions .
Can anyone guide me on this ?

Aiming for 700 +

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi TheGriffin.

What are your easy, medium, and hard percentage accuracies when you answer individual Verbal practice questions?

TheGriffin · Answer

Easy >85 %
Medium 70-90%
Hard 60-80%

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

This person went from a V31 to a V40 (retake): https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-online- ... 68599.html. Took them about 30 days. Similar to you they got a Q50 both times but on Official attempts. Although they took a bit of verbal tutoring (6 hours solving approach), they mention some tips/free resources you can check out. A quick timing tip would to be to use time markers. They may help keep you aware ("my mind wanders")

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Arshdeep,

These two CAT/mock results are right in-line with your Official Score (from almost 2 years ago), so it's likely that you developed some 'bad habits' during your earlier studies that are keeping you from scoring higher now. The Verbal section is as consistent and predictable as the Quant section is, but Verbal questions have no 'safety net' - meaning that if you make a little mistake or miss a vital piece of information, then you will convince yourself that one of the wrong answers is correct (and not realize it). This ultimately means that you have to be a bit more rigorous and detail-oriented about the 'steps' you work through when dealing with Verbal questions - and train to take advantage of all of the built-in patterns that appear in the Verbal section.

1) On what dates did you take these two CATs? Have you taken either of them before (while studying for your prior Official GMATs)?
2) What study materials are you currently using?
3) What are your current application plans? If you are planning to apply soon, then what specific deadlines are you facing?

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi TheGriffin,

Here is a great article you can check out:

How to Eliminate GMAT Test-Day Anxiety

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

TheGriffin · Answer

Thanks Rich for the reply ! Well I am now more aware of trap options and Can get rid of wrong options easily. Only issue I am facing now is I am not able to keep track of time despite having time marker . It seems it is difficult for me to leave questions specially when i get 2 RC's in first 10 questions . I think I need to attempt more mocks to fix this timing issue . Also need to be at peace while attempting questions in mock !

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Arshdeep,

The issues that you're describing are likely based on a lack of consistent, strategic 'steps' that you should be working through the moment you begin a Verbal question - so if you have not been thinking in terms of keeping your mind from 'wandering', then taking lots of CATs at this point will likely not be enough to solve this problem. I've sent you a PM with some notes and additional questions.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]

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