GMAT Exam Tips
The computer-adaptive structure of the GMAT
The computer-adaptive test (CAT) version of the GMAT is designed to get a more accurate assessment of your skills while asking you fewer questions than its paper-based predecessor did. Here is how it works: the first question you see in any given section will be of average difficulty. If you get the answer right, your next question will be slightly more difficult. If you get the answer wrong, your next question will be slightly easier. The software will also ask you different types of questions in a rather unpredictable order, as determined by its algorithm, rather than clustering question types as the written GMAT did.
Key points To Remember
Practice
The main way to develop GMAT time management skills is to practice taking the test. You will repeatedly see us return to the theme of practice throughout this website. It is very hard to overstate its importance. Therefore you are strongly encouraged to take at least a few mock GMAT exams, in the computer-adaptive format and to try to simulate the actual testing environment. (That means refraining from taking food breaks, engaging in telephone conversations, etc. until you have completed a section.)
Spend adequate time on the first 5 questions
Earlier, we discussed how the GMAT CAT's underlying algorithm determines the difficulty of questions you are asked, based on your performance in answering previous questions. Difficult questions are weighted more heavily in scoring than easier questions. The first couple questions in any GMAT CAT section are used to determine the range of questions that the program 'thinks' you are able to handle. After you have answered these first few questions, the testing software will give you questions to fine tune your score within that rather narrowly predetermined range. Thus, your answers to the first 5 questions will make a HUGE difference in your final section score.
Be Aware
By the time you have finished your GMAT preparation, you should be aware of the type of questions that will appear in the GMAT Test. You should also be aware of how long each section is and the time limits. This will help you pace yourself through the test.
Know the directions for each question
Knowing the directions for the questions beforehand will save you valuable time. But remember the directions for the questions in the GMAT Test might be slightly different from the ones in your study material. So always read the instructions but do it quickly.
Don't stick to one question for too long
By the time you have finished your GMAT preparation, you should have a good estimate of how much time you can give to a particular question. Don't get stuck on one particular question for too long. This might cause you to lose precious time and miss questions you could have easily done.
Don't Rush
The GMAT Test is about optimizing. Finishing the paper first is not what is important. You should devote just the right amount of time to each question. Maximizing your marks in a given period of time is your aim. So don't rush it as that might cost you valuable marks.
The questions at the beginning are the most important
The questions at the beginning affect your score more than those towards the end. Take your time with those questions. It is vital that you get those questions right. Getting these correct will dramatically improve your score.
Selection by elimination
When you don't know the answers to some questions, try and use the method of elimination. You may have a very good idea of which option cannot be the answer. Eliminate such options. It narrows down your guess to just maybe two options and sometimes down to one.
Don't leave any question
The GMAT Test does not penalize you for wrong answers. So never leave any question unanswered.
Be very sure of your answer before proceeding
With the Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) for GMAT, you cannot return to a question once you have attempted it. You cannot leave the difficult questions for later nor can you check your answers towards the end even if you have extra time. So pace yourself properly and be very certain of your answers.
Get adequate rest the night before
Before the test, relax. Research shows a person who is relaxed usually does much better than a person who is tense during an exam. Get enough sleep before the D-Day. Also if your GMAT is in the morning, take a light breakfast. A heavy one might make you drowsy.
Do a test drive exactly a week before your test
Getting to the test center on time is vital. In fact you should try and get to the test center 15-30 minutes before time. Taking a test drive to your test center exactly a week before might be a good idea. This will give you a rough idea of the traffic conditions at the time and day of your GMAT.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Wear comfortable clothes to your GMAT test center. It might be a good idea to carry a sweater or a jacket, in case you start feeling cold. Also make a check list well in advance of what all you need on the D-day and keep everything ready the night before. One of the things you need is a chronometer. (In case you don't know what that means, start preparing for the GMAT vocabulary ;-)
Use the scratch paper the test center provides
You are not allowed to bring any sheets of paper to the GMAT test center but are provided scratch paper by the center. You should make effective use of this to make quick notes for yourself or for solving math questions.
DON'T PANIC
No matter what happens, DON'T PANIC. Keep your cool all the time, even when you don't know the answer. Once you panic, you might even answer the easiest questions wrongly. If you feel yourself getting tense, take a short break, ask for a glass of water, close your eyes, take deep breaths and calm yourself down.
