Timing Strategy Question: Time limit of the new instruction screens?

Question

I use a scratch paper timing strategy similar to the ones outlined below:

https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... nt-part-3/

My question is how much time do I have on the first few instruction screens? Since I take the exam in the quant/verbal/IR/AWA order, I would like to know how much time Ill have to set up my scratch paper for the quant portion.

I understand that I cannot write on my paper during the break, so Ill only have 30 seconds to set up my scratch paper for the verbal section (unless I am missing something).

GMATCoachBen · Answer

Great question. Times have been cut in half:

New GMAT format:

2 minutes for Tutorial screens
1 minute for Section Order
30 seconds for Section Instructions

Old GMAT Format:

4 minutes for Tutorial screens
2 minutes for Section Order
1 minute for Section Instructions

For the verbal section, here is an alternative I often recommend:

Set up one page (the final page of the pad) for the verbal section in advance, during the initial instructions screens (and don't swap out your pad during the break). Orient the pad horizontally (so that it's wider), and make 36 columns to record your Process Of Elimination. Of course, this one page method will work best if you are not taking a lot of notes. Some people recommend notes on RC, but I recommend focusing time and energy instead on  Finding Specific Proof In The Passage , based on the Keywords and focus of that specific question. I believe that  Finding Proof  is the best method to ensure 90+% accuracy and a very high score; our memories are flawed and the wrong answer choices take advantage of this.

greenbj1 · Answer

A few quick follow-up questions - will there be a timer displayed in each of those sections (tutorial, section order, and section instructions)? And, will I physically need to scroll through the tutorial or will it automatically shift to the section order after 2 minutes?

Also, I'm assuming the school selection is separate from the tutorial, section order, and section instructions, correct? Thanks!

Also, I'm assuming the school selection is separate from the tutorial, section order, and section instructions, correct? Thanks!

AjiteshArun · Answer

1. Yes, there will be a timer on all those screens, so you will be able to see how much time is left. 2. You will have to click the "next" button at certain points in your test (you can try the tutorial here ). However, if you don't do anything, the section you're on will automatically time out (after the allotted time) and the next section will start. For example, if you don't make a selection on the select section order screen, the test will choose the default (AWA-IR-Quant-Verbal) order after one minute and start your test. 3. School selection is indeed separate from the tutorial

testtaker479 · Answer

Do you know if we're allowed to write on our testing booklet during the tutorial and section order screens? I actually like Manhattan's tips for having the grid and countdown on quant, but I find that takes up to a minute to set up. Thanks in advance!

bb · Answer

Hi. You can do it at the test center. And yes you should be doing it during the instructions.

You can’t write on the whiteboard however until your test starts 😢

Posted from my mobile device

testtaker479 · Answer

Ah perfect. I'll be in the test center

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