More Strategies for Dealing with the GMAT Quantitative Section
Here is another set of general GMAT tips for the Quantitative Section:
1. Pace it right. I can't stress this enough, I've said once and I'll say it again- pace is key. You want to practice until you're comfortable spending enough time on each question so that you get them right most often, but not too much time so that you don't finish all questions. Ideally, with 37 questions in 75 minutes you have about 2 minutes per question. Any more than that justifies a guess.
2. Use the notepad you're given. Math questions are never easy to solve without writing them down and work them out completely. You should also use it to draw your own diagrams if necessary. Don't stare at computer words, write them down, it'll help your brain think.
3. Read the entire question carefully. The last thing you want is to miss something small, like the important word NOT in the question and give an answer that's the exact opposite of what you're asked for. Read questions slowly and completely.
4. Scan choices first. Before you try and solve anything, take a quick look at the choices to see the range (how big a number) and type (fractions, percentages, etc.) of answer you're looking for. This will save you time- if you can't in anyway get near those answers, guess and move on right away.
5. Never assume anything. If a diagram looks like a square, it may not be a square- read the question to make sure and don't add extra information off the top of your head where it's not given, work just with what you have.
6. Answer the question. This is especially relevant to data sufficiency- don't solve the problem for a yes/no solution, just look for which of the statements can get you the answer. Don't waste your time solving the problem in data sufficiency if you don't have to.
7. Use tricks wherever possible. Don't feel bad about plugging in the answer choices or playing the elimination game. It's not cheating, it's outsmarting the test-makers- being extra sneaky is fair-game here.
And here are general tips for all tests, which would help you ace the GMAT as well:
1. Don't be over confident, everyone makes mistakes. Read the entire question, watch out for the little things that you tend to forget, like a minus sign or the order in a ratio, and don't speed through it. Yeah, you're short on time, but going too fast will cause you to make small, stupid mistakes you could've avoided by slowing down a tiny bit.
2. Use your brain. It's there for a reason. Don't try to answer a tough question before figuring out what it's asking you. Draw the picture, or try to visualize and understand the situation. Thinking about every question a second or two before starting to perform the actual calculation will pay off. Remember that GMAT questions tests your critical analysis and problem-solving rather than your math knowledge, which means that they want you to think logically.
3.Know your enemy. Reading this is step one, but go on to our information lessons and other info websites, find out exactly what the GMAT is about. Also, deal with administrative stuff beforehand- don't go into the test without knowing exactly how much time you have, how the program works, etc.
4.Know yourself. Are you a master of word problems? Does geometry make your head spin? Know what you're good at and what you're not, so that you can decide which questions are worth thinking about and which you can dive into fast.
5.Don't worry. Before the exam, make sure you get a good night's sleep and be as calm as you can. You can do this, but only if you believe in yourself.
With these tips you can be sure to smash out the GMAT. If you've studied enough and gone through our lessons and tests, go register for your test and take the GMAT.
Good Luck!
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