Specific strategy to improve stamina?

Question

Hi,

I'm weak at Verbal so I practice it a lot, esp. CR. I use 1000 CR, which has many 20 questions-30 mins tests. My hit rate is usually 14/20 (70%). I notice that after question 12, I get a lot of questions wrong, i.e. 5, 6 of them, hence my hit rate is reduced significantly.

So the problem is when I'm still fresh, I basically sail throu the questions, but when I'm tired, I usually have many wrong answers, in a row. I want to improve my hit rate to 80-85% (i.e. 16/20 or 17/20).

I know that to build up stamina, you need to do practice tests. Since the number of practice tests is limited (I purchased the 6 CAT pack), and since it is suggested that you should not take many practice tests before the test day (my test day is approaching in 2 weeks), is there any other specific strategy to keep focus, improve mental stamina and have a clear mind when doing Verbal section?

I would love to hear your advice. My aim is 700+.

Thanks a lot.

hellscream · Answer

I suggest that you exercise regularly to have better health. Better health not only means more focus on the test but also give you more chance to enjoy life.
Other practices that require concentration are also beneficial to me, for example: trying to solve puzzle or playing chess.

mohater · Answer

This is an old post, but many people have been successful following it:

stay-healthy-score-higher-22103.html

In my mind, there are three main pieces of stamina on the test:

1. Diet. Eating the right things when doing lots of practice problems, practice tests and the real test.
2. Mental stamina. This is one of those "pushing yourself" deals. You are your own worst enemy and you can't let single problems drag you down.
3. Sleep. I didn't sleep the night before my test and scored a 4.5 on the AWA. I contribute that mainly to my lack of sleep (ever write an essay when you were very tired and then proofed it the next day? hard to make sense of the gibberish).

If any single piece of the above is not "correct" for practice tests or the real thing, it's possible you won't score at your true potential.

aalba005 · Answer

+1 for exercising, changed my life back 4 years ago when I started going to the gym 3-5 times a week. Better sleep, more energy. Freshman year college I would be exhausted in the middle of my first class! A year into working out I was able to do 4 90 minute classes with 15-30 minute breaks between them.

catennacio · Answer

Thanks all for your advice.. yup.. I have been lazy and focusing on practicing for GMAT without exercising my physical health. The provided link is awesome, I will try to have some of the recommendations. Kudos for all of you!

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