GMAT exam on 3rd | Need urgent help

Question

Hello experts,

My second attempt of GMAT is scheduled for 3rd August. I need one urgent help regarding selection of section order.

I have given 6 practice tests till now and as verbal is my weaker section, in all the six practice test I started with verbal. But due to anxiety I always had to pause my exam few minutes after starting as I was not able to concentrate properly.

Can you please suggest with which section I should start -quant or verbal?

The positive in starting with verbal is I can handle my weaker section with a fresh mind but the side effect is anxiety might pull down my speed and eventually my score. There won't be much impact on Quant score even if i keep it in second slot.

If I start with quant the good part is anxiety will not have a huge impact on my overall performance. Even if I start slow I know I can cover up in quant in the remaining part of the section. But the problem is I will be starting verbal after almost 1.5 hrs and I am slightly unsure whether my brain will be drained out by that time.

As I am rigorously preparing for GMAT for past 3 weeks I think I can still manage verbal with a slightly tired brain but I am slightly skeptical about the role of anxiety in my Verbal performance.

Please help.

Sangeeta2018 · Answer

Hi Yash.. So am i writing it day after tomorrow.
Weaker section if attempted first gives better results.Go with Verbal. Attempting quant later will leave a chance for your brain to still perform well,yet with a lill exhaustion.
All these can only happen with anxiety under control.Eagerness and anxiety will kill entire test,no matter any order you choose first.Get your anxiety under control writing a test at home under simulated test condition.
All the very best.

gauraku · Answer

Is there any change in GMAT exam pattern?
Do we get option to choose the section we want to attempt first?

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KarishmaB · Answer

Yes. Read here: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2017/0 ... -new-gmat/ This post will also tell you whether you should take your stronger section first or the not-so-strong section first. Also, there is a case to be made for taking the Verbal section first and it is discussed here.

GoodGuy · Answer

Thanks a lot karishma. I had read this article before but re-reading it again makes me believe that I should go ahead with Verbal. I completely agree to the point that it's better to do verbal when you are in a fresh and alert state.

The only thing which is making me go in favour of quant is the anxiety which i face at the beginning of the test. It not only reduces my speed but also reduces my efficiency. It is easier for me to cover up speed in quant(stronger section) than in verbal.

Do you think being anxious in the beginning will have any negative impact on my verbal performance? Also will be obliged if you can suggest how to reduce anxiety just before the verbal section.

You have been a great help during my complete GMAT preparation. A little guidance at this crucial stage will really help me a lot. Thanks in advance.

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KarishmaB · Answer

GMAT is a test of your grit as much as it is a test of your aptitude. Anxiety can be helpful too. Read this: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2015/0 ... -test-day/ You don't have a lot of time, I know, but getting down to the physiology of anxiety might help you understand and use it to your advantage better.

pashabhai · Answer

If you can't get anxiety levels down go ahead with quant. Look at it this way 1.5 hours later u might even be in mindset of solving qs better than saying ur brain will be exhausted.

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gauraku · Answer

Thanks Karishma. I immediately googled after sending out my post

GMAT exam on 3rd | Need urgent help

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