In the chapters that follow, we’ll cover techniques for answering the GMAT questions. But you’ll also need to go into the test with a certain attitude and approach. Here are some strategies.
Test takers are given noteboards, which are spiral-bound booklets of laminated paper, and a black wet-erase pen. Here are the specs so you know what to expect on Test Day.
You will not be given an eraser, and you are not allowed to reuse the noteboard. Each time you fill up your noteboard during the test, the administrator will replace your used noteboard with a clean one. You can also request a new pen, if necessary. The noteboard cannot be removed from the test room during or after the exam, and you must return it to the administrator when your exam is complete.
We know how important it is for test takers to be as prepared as possible for the actual testing experience. That’s why we have always recommended that students use separate scratch material with our GMAT preparation program, including with the practice questions and tests in this book. We suggest that you use an eraser board (or anything with a similar surface) and a nonpermanent marker while doing the practice tests. Even if you practice with the noteboard and marker until you are comfortable, there are still some snags you may encounter on Test Day. Here are some tips on how to handle them:
Using one booklet for an entire section and requesting a replacement during breaks is the most efficient method for using the noteboards. Since you are given nine pages to write on, this technique can be used without difficulty, especially with planning and practice. However, should you need a new noteboard (or pen) during a section, hold the used one in the air to clarify immediately the nature of the request (rather than just raising your hand).
Use your noteboard to organize your thinking. If you eliminate choices, draw an answer choice grid, cross off choices as you rule them out, and guess intelligently. Make sure to leave enough time to answer every question in the section. You’ll be penalized for questions you don’t get to.
Of course, the last thing you want to happen is to run out of time before you’ve done all the questions. Pace yourself so that this doesn’t happen. We’re not saying you have to spend exactly 120 seconds, for instance, on every Critical Reasoning question. But you should have a sense of how much time to spend on each question. (We’ll talk about general timing guidelines later.)
The timer in the corner of the GMAT screen can work to your advantage, but if you find yourself looking at it so often that it becomes a distraction, turn it off for 10 or 15 minutes and try to refocus. Even if you lose track a bit without the clock, there is no replacement for focus and accuracy. Some people work best with the clock off from the beginning. If that’s you, be sure to check in with the clock every five questions. You don’t want to fall too far behind. No matter what your preference is for the clock, when there are 5 minutes left, the clock turns on permanently, counts down the seconds, turns red, and flashes.
Skipping a tough question is easier said than done. It’s natural to want to plow through a test and answer every question as it appears. But that doesn’t pay off here. We’ll discuss in Chapter 2 why it’s sometimes best to move on and avoid running out of time on a section. A strategic guess may be necessary to get a top score on the GMAT.
It’s imperative that you remain calm and composed during the test. You can’t let yourself get rattled by one hard question to the degree that it throws off your performance on the rest of the section.
When you face a tough question, remember that you’re surely not the only one finding it difficult. The test is designed to challenge everyone who takes it. Having trouble with a difficult question isn’t going to ruin your score, but getting upset and letting it throw you off track will. When you understand that part of the test maker’s goal is to reward those who keep their composure, you’ll recognize the importance of keeping your cool when you run into challenging material.