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17 Jul 2024, 13:36
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While I have no trouble with accuracy when doing quantitative problems untimed, I struggle with completing each quantitative question in two minutes. Any tips on how to get faster would be appreciated.
I know the common advice is to do more problems, but I have done MANY quantitative problems and am still struggling with time pressure in this section. I also come from a STEM background and strongly prefer applied over theoretical math.
Here are the scores from the six practice exams I took before my first official attempt:
I ended up with a 645 (80Q, 83V, 82DI) on the actual exam to my disappointment. I would like to get as close to 90Q as possible, but I feel like I am hitting a wall in how to get there. Thanks!
I know the common advice is to do more problems, but I have done MANY quantitative problems and am still struggling with time pressure in this section. I also come from a STEM background and strongly prefer applied over theoretical math.
Here are the scores from the six practice exams I took before my first official attempt:
- Practice Exam 1: 515 (60Q, 84V, 82DI) - I didn't finish the quantitative section and missed five questions as a result. Hence the low quantitative score.
- Practice Exam 2: 665 (83Q, 83V, 83DI)
- Practice Exam 3: 665 (82Q, 85V, 82DI)
- Practice Exam 4: 645 (81Q, 83V, 82DI)
- Practice Exam 5: 675 (84Q, 84V, 82DI)
- Practice Exam 6: 665 (81Q, 83V, 85DI)
I ended up with a 645 (80Q, 83V, 82DI) on the actual exam to my disappointment. I would like to get as close to 90Q as possible, but I feel like I am hitting a wall in how to get there. Thanks!
17 Jul 2024, 15:59
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Hi. I think it is very very common to be under pressure when it comes to any section. GMAT goes progressively harder so it is only logical that you will get harder and harder questions which will take longer and longer.
P.S. There are MANY ways to get better. Some may be harder than others but it is POSSIBLE to improve and overcome the stress block, either by increasing or drecreasing stress perception. These likely will help on all other sections too!
- Option 1: Increase stresss in practice, so the stress of the GMAT feels normal. Cut your time that you have. Set an interval timer for 1:45 or 1:30 even and give yourself easy/medium questions - 5 maybe (not more). If the timer rings, you must guess and move on to the next question. See how well you do and get used to the concept of pressure. The goal is not to solve hundreds of questions but experience it, make observations, learnings, takeaways, and do better next time. Don't just repeat it over and over - that's pointless.
- Option 2: Decrease stress during the GMAT so it is not as a big of a shock. Take your tests untimed. Turn off the clock and see how far you get in the test. Don't just liesurely do it - be sensitive to time and brisk about it - in other words, develop a sense of comfortable understanding of when to move on but reduce the stress by only looking at the clock a few times during the test. Perhaps after question 7 or 15 or even just after question 10.
1. I would encourage you to see what type of questions you are getting stuck with or have to spend extra time on. You could skip them and come back at the end - that's one benefit that Focus test format provides.
2. You can save time on small calculations and things like that - have you found this topic yet? What Arithmetic to Memorize? This is like feeding lettuce to an elephant, but every second counts (scroll down to my post as well)
3. Try to strictly adhere to time. Do you do that? Do you follow a particular pattern? E.g. by question 8, you have 30 mins left, and by question 15, you have 15 mins left or smth like that. Check the timing strategy discussion.
4. I don't think your problem is problems or math but rather stress. Right, if you told me to carry a cup of water, I can do that in 5 seconds, but if you told me I have 5 seconds to carry it ahead of time, chances are, I would spill most of it and likely failed to complete the task, so your practice should focus on stress and not on math. There are 2 ways to approach this. I don't know which one will work best for you. You may have to try both:
P.S. There are MANY ways to get better. Some may be harder than others but it is POSSIBLE to improve and overcome the stress block, either by increasing or drecreasing stress perception. These likely will help on all other sections too!
17 Jul 2024, 18:34
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Hi username625625,
Improving your timing on the GMAT is a journey that requires a blend of strategic practice and managing exam stress. By consistently practicing under timed conditions, you'll gradually get used to the pressure. Creating a mental map of each section before you start will give you a sense of direction, helping you know which questions to tackle quickly and which to spend more time on, boosting your confidence and motivation.
Understanding and addressing your weaker areas is crucial. The more comfortable you become with the material, the faster you'll be able to navigate questions. Learning shortcut techniques, especially for quantitative questions, can also significantly reduce the time you spend on each problem, giving you a sense of control and capability.
Since anxiety seems to play a significant role in your performance, integrating mindfulness or relaxation exercises into your routine might help. Techniques like deep breathing or brief meditation before starting the exam can calm your nerves. =11ptLastly, always take the time to review your practice tests thoroughly. Understanding where you lost time and why will prevent you from repeating the same mistakes and help you become more efficient. With patience and persistence, you'll see your timing improve.
Also, if you want some more tips on how to improve your speed, here is a great article:
How to Get Faster at GMAT Quant Questions
Improving your timing on the GMAT is a journey that requires a blend of strategic practice and managing exam stress. By consistently practicing under timed conditions, you'll gradually get used to the pressure. Creating a mental map of each section before you start will give you a sense of direction, helping you know which questions to tackle quickly and which to spend more time on, boosting your confidence and motivation.
Understanding and addressing your weaker areas is crucial. The more comfortable you become with the material, the faster you'll be able to navigate questions. Learning shortcut techniques, especially for quantitative questions, can also significantly reduce the time you spend on each problem, giving you a sense of control and capability.
Since anxiety seems to play a significant role in your performance, integrating mindfulness or relaxation exercises into your routine might help. Techniques like deep breathing or brief meditation before starting the exam can calm your nerves. =11ptLastly, always take the time to review your practice tests thoroughly. Understanding where you lost time and why will prevent you from repeating the same mistakes and help you become more efficient. With patience and persistence, you'll see your timing improve.
Also, if you want some more tips on how to improve your speed, here is a great article:
How to Get Faster at GMAT Quant Questions
