Timing Strategies on the GMAT [Master Thread]

Hi bb,

I am skipping on average 8 questions (+-2 questions) in verbal. Which strategy should I follow to get maximum score in verbal? I have the exam in two weeks. Any comment would be helpful.

Thanks!

I don’t know… I recommend trying to attempt all questions. Perhaps you can get extra time? Maybe make an argument for extended time to gmac… but otherwise I am not sure that’s a good strategy to be going in with…

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Hi Adambhau,

Many GMATers face pacing issues in the Quant section, the Verbal section or both – so you are not alone. However, it's important to remember that pacing problems do NOT exist on their own - they're the results of OTHER problems. If you frequently have to quickly guess on 8 (or more) Verbal questions because you are low on time, then that is a significant issue. Thankfully, the Verbal section is just as consistent and predictable as the Quant section is, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. That having been said, 2 weeks is not much time to make significant changes to how you 'see' (and respond to) the GMAT, so you might want to consider pushing back your Test Date.

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) When did you take your 1st Official GMAT?
2) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
3) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used?
4) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
5) What is your overall goal score?

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

Hi Adambhau,

I would normally recommend spreading those guesses out.

All the best.
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bb I searched time management and this post while being quite useful was low down the order. Could you please add the keyword in the original post? IDK if that works but thought it would be useful.

great post indeed and the discussion.
needed this

I have gone through so many strategies of solving RCs but I am unable to score more than 3-4 out of a set of 15 questions. this looks pretty bad. suggestions / comments anyone.?

Hi Kapil1650,

I don't think that there are any strategies when it comes to RC. Maybe a few techniques, but they're not what can really help a test taker improve his or her accuracy/timing. That usually comes down to practice and analysis, which usually take some time (possibly months).
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What do you mean so many strategies? Can you outline more than 2? I only know 2: Read the passage completely or Skim it. What have you been doing?
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Just did nearly 4 hours of Reading Comprehension tutoring in the last 12 hours with two students. Both were native English speakers. When it came to going through a passage and its questions, one was fast, very fast. The other was a little on the slower end.

This, however, doesn't necessarily mean you have to teach a student a way to "manage" their time - when the actual issue may be HOW they are reading/going through a passage - or perhaps inefficiently going through the answer choices.

One thing you can consider checking is your "reading" method. If you find yourself going back and forth between the questions and passage a lot, there may be room to improve how you ABSORB the passage in the beginning.

All the best.

3 RC tips from a V48 tutor
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Thanks bb ! A very helpful post

I have a question regarding this bit:

"Draw a grid on the scratch paper (A | B | C | D | E) for 5-10 questions and use it with hard verbal questions. (Make sure you do this during your break time or when the clock is not ticking)."

For the online enhanced exam, am I allowed to write these options (A | B | C | D | E) or time markers ( 8, 15, 25 mins) on the board, before starting the timed portions?

or do I have to sacrifice 30-40 seconds during the timed portions to write these markers and then start answering the questions.

many thanks!!!

Hi,

Thanks for posting these timing strategies. It really helps.

Here is an article you may find helpful:

GMAT Reading Comprehension Tips: Top 8 DOs and DON’Ts
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