Timing Ability during real GMAT?

Question

I have been working on my timing, forcing myself to answer a question in sub 2 minutes. I have been able to do this because I have a SilentTimer that lets me have a total and per question countdown clock..

On the real test, is there a clock on the screen that breaks down the time per question or are you on your own to do the time breakdown math?

Av · Answer

You're on your own to do the math. You should memorize your "checkpoints" and write them down on the notepad once you enter the testing area. For example, the amount of time you should have remaining after question 5, 10, 15, etc.

It's important that you know whether you're ahead or behind schedule without losing time to do the math. This should also help reduce your test-day anxiety.

mousymouse · Answer

as avernusaur said ur on ur own. no clock watches etc.

so either remember how much time you should have left after say 5 questions etc as he suggests or remember how much time 2 mins "feels" like and at checkpoints similar to his suggestion check to make sure ur rougly there.

highhopes · Answer

If you are already timing yourself rigorously, I think you will have a good idea of how you're spending your time, and your biggest problem test day will be mentally forcing yourself to move on. I would suggest not even looking at the clock, or looking very few times. See where you are a third of the way through and judge accordingly.

I don't think I looked at the clock until I was over 2/3 through. It meant I wasn't stressing over anything and I actually ended up finishing early, which had never happened to me during practice tests.

highhopes · Answer

Not necessarily. If you know you are on your way to solving it, then continue, so long as it isn't going to take you 5 or 6 minutes. If you're starting to swirl, take a guess. My point was mainly that if you've studied with the method the original poster has, you should have a good feel for the pace you need to tick through to get done in time.

Av · Answer

The checkpoints depend on your performance. I'd suggest doing the best you can (without spending too much time) on the first 5-10 questions and see where that leaves you for time. If you're ahead of schedule, don't check the time again until you feel like you're struggling with timing.

Time management is going to be handled differently for everyone, but you should have enough experience from practice tests to know if you're answering a question in less than 90 seconds.

If you're 3+ minutes ahead of schedule when you get to the last 10 questions, make sure to use this extra time as needed.

duuuma · Answer

I used this for Quant (from Manhattan GMAT) and found it super helpful. I scored a Q42 on my last GMAT attempt b/c I left 3-4 blank. Scored a 49 this time and finished RIGHT on time.

At the 65 minute mark - should be done with question 5
55 minute mark - question 10
45 minute mark - question 15
35 minute mark - 20
25 minute mark - 25
15 minute mark - 30
5 minute mark - 35

45 minute and 25 minute marks were what I really used. I was 1 question ahead at the 45 minute mark but realized I fell behind so I used some guessing techniques to get me caught up by question 25. Guessing is a must sometimes, but learn to eliminate 2-3 choices and make a good guess. The mission should be: YOU MUST FINISH EVERY QUESTION! :-D

Just write this on the front of your scratch sheet during the 60 second instruction screen.

65 - 5
55 - 10
45 - 15
...etc.

The verbal is similar except we used 7-8 questions per 10 minute interval. This is less consistent b/c the Reading Comp can come up at any point, which throws off your timing. Good luck!

Just write this on the front of your scratch sheet during the 60 second instruction screen. 65 - 5 55 - 10 45 - 15 ...etc. The verbal is similar except we used 7-8 questions per 10 minute interval. This is less consistent b/c the Reading Comp can come up at any point, which throws off your timing. Good luck!

DFG5150 · Answer

duuuma, don't you think that it could be a good idea to take more time on the firsts questions??

walker · Answer

I used some calculations, it gave me confidence:

Example 1: 22/37; 40 min remain
22*2=44 min --> 44+40 = 84 min - 75 min ~ 9 min reserve.

Example 2: 11/41; 54 min remain
11*2=22 min --> 54 + (22- 2 ) =74 --> 74 - 75 ~ -1 min lost.
where  2  is a correction for Verbal section: 10%

For last 5 questions the task is easer:

Example 1: 34/37; 9 min remain
37 - 34 + 1 = 4 --> 4*2 = 8 --> 9-8 = 1 min reserve.

I know it is suitable for guys who are good in math.

maribelsalazar02 · Answer

so there is a timer that starts at 75 mins and counts down for each section (math & verbal)?

sandeep800 · Answer

Yup maribelsalazar02,
there is timer each for AWA,Quant and Verbal..In AWA it will start with 30 min and countdown to 0
for quant and Verbal yes it will start with 75 min and countdown to 0.. within the last 5 min of time remaining it will show seconds split also...

shaselai · Answer

dont forget that the timing is a rule of thumb. if you dont know it dont keep going at it as it will hurt you later on. It is not worth spending 4 mins on a question to get it right. Also, most quants have "short cuts" so if in practice you are using a lot of time on a problem then study the answer throughly figuring out the shortcut or "correct way" to do it.

Dawgie · Answer

It is nice to budget about sub 2 minutes for each problem, but don't forget some problems may click well with you. Do not always be afraid to go over the 2 minute limited if you KNOW you can solve it. I would say spend more time on PS problems if necessary, since DS problems typically take less time to solve.

shaselai · Answer

while it is true if you are on the verge of solving it by 2 you could finish it up but dont pass 3 though..

gprasant · Answer

@DFG5150: It is not important to spend more time in the first 10 questions .You just have to remember to get as many question right in a row. It is even ok to make mistakes every now and then. But what is important is that you shouldn't be guessing blindly in successive questions

rockyrock · Answer

Timing is a major part of test-taking skill, particularly for the GMAT CAT. You'll have to stare at a screen intensely and focus for nearly four hours. Keep this in mind when taking practice tests. Get used to working for many hours on end. Learn how to relax. The physical and mental exhaustion is part of the test's challenge.

daveGMAT · Answer

You could always use the GMAT Timer app in the app store that has the two-minute buzz feature for your phone. You could just keep it in your pocket and it'll vibrate every time you need to move on to the next question.

Only problem: you would have to sneak your phone into the testing center which could get you kicked out.

Do they make you take off an Apple watch when you go in?

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Timing Ability during real GMAT?

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