In what order should i take the exam?

Question

I am much stronger on Verbal than Quant. Still, sometimes i lose focus while reading long passages

Should i elect to take Quant first, in hopes of blasting through my weakest area with maximum focus?

Or should i tackle Verbal first, in order to stay alert while reading and maximize my strong area?

Expert opinions welcome!

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akadiyan · Answer

First and foremost question - Are you taking GMAT Online or in Test center ?

If its Online GMAT, the section order is fixed as in Q/V/IR. Currently you can customize section order only in Test center.

bb · Answer

My guess is you are taking the test in person... There are multiple views on this question. I have my opinion that is supported by the fact that out of 4 possible ways, there are three available options. The only order that is not available is taking the IR and a W A first in case of a test center exam followed by verbal and quant.

My theory and you can choose to believe it or not is that there is an observed advantage in taking IR and AWA first followed by verbal.

That is because you need to warm up before the test. Like with everything, the first pancake is always off, the first class is a mess and the first everything is usually messed up. Being first (the pioneer) is often the opposite of being successful. So you want to make sure that you warm up in case you take your weakest section first. You want to spend 15 to 30 minutes solving various questions and warming yourself up before the test. If you go cold, you’ll be warming up on the real questions and messing them up.

I can also see the number of people taking verbal and thinking they did not do well, and crumbling in the rest of the test. You need to make sure do you have the mental fortitude to isolate each question and not stress about questions in sections but only look forward.

You need to decide what works for you. Try taking practice tests in diff orders and rehearse it. Then pick one and stick with it....

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akadiyan · Answer

bb This is some real good advice. I did go cold and messed up my test big time. I wish I should have spoken to you before my first attempt

bb · Answer

Sorry to hear that. It’s a theory. But the concept of warming up makes sense to me. I have noticed that I never perform well right out of the gate.

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whatisthematrix · Answer

Very Interesting advice. Although by this same advice i could just do practice questions at home right before the test to warm up, and then hit the ground running on at the test center with either Verbal or Quant

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GmatKnightTutor · Answer

It may help to experiment with different "pre-test" strats before your mocks. Perhaps before doing a mock do 10 questions an hour or so beforehand.

bb · Answer

Absolutely right. That is my point and there is many ways to warm up. Do you have to judge for yourself and what you believe because if you doubt it the whole time, it doesn’t help you.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi whatisthematrix,

I have the perfect article for you. If after reading it you have any questions, feel free to reach back out.

Best GMAT Section Order: How Do I Choose?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi whatisthematrix,

You ask a good question; there's no "one size fits all" answer though. Since many GMATers have issues with fatigue - especially later on in the Exam - it would probably be best for you to start with the Quant and Verbal first (in one order or the other). Doing some 'warm-up' practice questions (for example, during breakfast before you leave for the Test Center - or begin your Exam, if you are taking the At-home GMAT) is a good way to get yourself in the proper Test-taking mindset.

Some GMATers prefer to start with their 'stronger' section, so that they can build up confidence before facing the second section. Others prefer to face their 'weaker' section first, when they are more alert and have more energy. Thankfully, you can "test out" both options during your studies. Many CATs/mocks now offer the 'section order' option, so you can experiment a bit and decide which of the two options is better for you.

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

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi whatisthematrix,

It's a very tricky question. There are two ways to go about it.
  Start with your stronger section so that you gain confidence for the later section 
 Or start with your weaker section as you are more active during the initial stages of the test and as your energy will eventually drop as the test proceeds.

It's always better to try it on a few mock tests before you attempt on the actual GMAT. It's not the same for every person. So, identify which suits you the best and go ahead with that.

whatisthematrix · Answer

Great responses guys. Thank you. I am now considering taking Quant first. That is my weak area, that is where my best energy and focus needs to go

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nakulsridhar · Answer

Completely agree with you  bb . I warmed up before my actual Online test too. But I was afraid if it would backfire - I was anxious about my confidence taking a hit for getting questions wrong right before the actual test. Luckily, I held me nerve and the warm up definitely helped, but it feels like a gamble that paid off.

whatisthematrix · Answer

An update. I am now contemplating taking AWA, then IR first in order to "warm up". Then I will do Quant, then Verbal.

I will do a mock test like this soon and see how it goes

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In what order should i take the exam?

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