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Strategies to Avoid When Pacing Yourself During the GMAT

If you’re going to survive GMAT, it’s important to remember one thing: pacing. You’ve spent months preparing, and you’re ready to rush out of the gate and tackle everything at 110%. Let’s take a look at some of the pacing pitfalls that you might encounter

First 10 Question myth:

I spent 9 years working at the non-profit that develops and delivers the GMAT. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if the first 10 questions on the GMAT counted more than others, I probably could’ve retired after my first 3 years. Over the years, folks have been led to believe that your GMAT fate is decided in the first 10 questions. However, what isn’t talked about is the significant penalty that’s incurred if you don’t finish a section.

Rationalizing Extra Time myth:

When you were a kid, did you beg for just five more minutes? On the GMAT, you’re going to encounter some easy questions, but even more challenging ones. If you’ve done your homework, you’re going to be fairly confident that you know how to solve most… but you might need just one or two more minutes. Beware of the time suck questions that might derail your pacing plan and lead you to the dreaded incomplete.

Use All Your Tricks Early myth:

The first hour of the GMAT consists of the Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning. Both are important, but likely won’t make or break your application. Don’t waste all of your energy and brain power on the first hour. Save something for quant and verbal. Again, pace yourself for the nearly 4 hours at the test center.

 

 

 

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