How to Focus four hours on the GMAT?

GMAT is a grueling exam that last three and half hours if you discount the 10-minute optional breaks between integrated reasoning and the Quant section (5 Minutes), and Quant and Verbal sections (5 Minutes). Develop a strategy to focus for four hours on the GMAT. Here are some useful tips that you can apply.

Good Sleep

The reason why most GMAT prep companies, and experts’ advice against staying up late before the exam is because good sleep improves focus, and problem solving skills. It would be especially useful for an exam like GMAT, where your left-brain is required to work at its optimum to score 700+.

Distraction

Most expert meditation practitioners have cited the conflict of two thoughts to be the reason behind test anxiety. The thoughts can be conflicting view of scoring 700+ and bombing on the GMAT. Fear can be a good motivator for test preparation but on exam day, undivided attention should be on the question in hand.

Proper Diet and Exercise

This is not a test day advice but if you have given emphasis on balancing diet with the right nutrients, half the battle is won. Diet plays a major role in how you perform on long-hour tests. Although Red Bull has been advised as a must have for GMAT exam, try it out during practice tests before taking it on test day. Exercise during GMAT prep gives you the alertness, and energy required not only for GMAT prep, but also in balancing work with GMAT Prep.

Pacing

Understanding the GMAT test structure is important for developing a test day strategy.
 


Once you have a clear understanding of the test structure, develop a plan for each section. Do note that Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning do not contribute towards the total score of 800. Break down the GMAT Quant and Verbal time goals to 2 minutes per question. Although the actual break down is 2 minutes for the Quantitative section and 1 minute and 49 seconds for Verbal, there will be several questions that test takers can complete within 1 minute or 1 minute and 20 seconds. Round off the time goal per question to 2 minutes.

Bouncing Back

Integrated Reasoning (IR) is a new section that was introduced in June 2012. Business Schools are yet to reach a consensus on using the IR section to evaluate the candidate’s competency. Therefore, don’t worry if you haven’t performed well in GMAT IR or AWA section. Focus on Quant and Verbal, and maintain pace and accuracy.

Even if students are fully prepared, when presented with 750 level GMAT questions, even the best-prepared students will be stuck. However, do understand that solving a question in 10-15 minutes is not the goal. GMAT test creators are trying to evaluate your score on a comparative GMAT Scale. When presented with 750+ level questions, it is better to guess and face 720 level GMAT questions. Don’t let a few errors pull you back. Bounce back, and focus on the next question. Accuracy and pacing are two key ingredients for getting a 700+ score.