Is Test-Taking a Science or an Art or Both?

Test-taking is an art as well as a science. The science has to do with the amount of time given to take a test and the art has to do with the use or allocation of that time.

The Science of Test-Taking

I define science as the technical part. In other words, the technical part of test-taking is about the amount of time we have to take the test. For this exam. we have:

30 minutes each to complete 2 writing samples
75 minutes to complete 37 Math questions
75 minutes to complete 41 Verbal questions

Thus, on average, a student has slightly over 2 minutes to complete each math question and slightly under 2 minutes to complete each verbal question. That's it for the science, now the rest of test-taking skill is art!


The Art of Test-Taking

I say the rest is art because the use of one's time on the exam may vary for each individual. Just like you must tailor your study session time to meet your individual needs, you must tailor your time during test-taking to maximize efficiency.

Here's just one of many combinations of allocations of time:

Possible allocation of time for each writing sample could be:
5 minutes to determine the content
15-20 minutes to write the content
5-10 minutes to proofread/put final touches on the sample

Possible allocation of time for the Math Section:
First 18 questions: spend on average 2.5 minutes on each question
Last 19 questions: spend 1.5 minutes on each question

Possible allocation of time for the Verbal Section*:
Sentence Correction: 1.5 minutes per question
Reading Comprehension: 2 minutes per question
Critical Reasoning: 2.5 minutes per question
* Given that a 1/3 of questions are SC questions, 1/3 of questions are RC questions and 1/3 of questions are CR questions

So plan some time to develop your test-taking skills and remember to study smart, not hard!

So, What's Your Game Plan?

A game plan is essential when you begin any project whether it's a research project or the start of a new enterprise. Preparation for a test is no exception. Spending equal time to study/practice everything in every subject area on the GMAT would not be the best use of your time. The best use of your GMAT test preparation time will include 3 major steps.

First, find out what will be tested on the GMAT (content, format of questions, etc.). This the easiest step to accomplish, yet it may be the one that sets you back the most (psychologically). Why? Because it seems like a lot of subject areas are covered on this exam. But, keep in mind that only some of the many concepts in these subject areas will be consistently tested and therefore, you can better focus your study on those areas! The GMAT covers questions which involve algebra, geometry, probability, permutations, combinations, functions, statistics, grammar, argument evaluation, writing and critical reading. You can get more details on what subjects will be covered on the GMAT by checking out the following webpages on www.mba.com:

Writing Section: http://www.mba.com/mba/TheGMAT/TestStructureAndOverview/AnalyticalWritingAssessmentSection/Default.htm
Math Section: http://www.mba.com/mba/TheGMAT/TestStructureAndOverview/QuantSection/default.htm
Verbal Section: http://www.mba.com/mba/TheGMAT/TestStructureAndOverview/VerbalSection/default.htm


Second, determine the knowledge gaps. How do you determine this? By taking a practice run of the test. As daunting as this step might seem, you must do it in order to determine where you stand, knowledge-wise, on this exam. Don't worry about how well you do at this point, it's just practice :-) Once you take a practice exam, analyze your results by asking yourself these questions:

1. Which subject areas do I feel most comfortable with? Which subject areas do I feel least comfortable with?

2. Did I complete each section in the time allocated?

3. How long did it take to complete each multiple-choice question?


Third and last, design a strategy for test preparation that tailors to the closure of those knowledge gaps. This strategy should minimize the use of your time and energy while maximizing your ability to improve competency on this exam. Here's one brief example demonstrating how to devise a strategy for test preparation:

After taking a practice exam, a student found she had the following knowledge gaps in the math section of the exam:

Gap 1. Applied the incorrect formulas to geometric problems

Gap 2. Could complete basic probability problems but more advanced probability problems where they involve the application of more than one probability concept

Gap 3. Comfortable with algebra except for "word problems". (Word problems usually do not involve explicit variables in a given problem.). Had difficulty setting up the problem properly and thus, kept getting incorrect answers.


Here's part of this student's possible game plan:

For every study session
a. Memorize at least 3 new geometric rules
b. Devise, test, perfect a basic method that will be used each time to complete a word problem*
c. List all probability concepts before completing each probability problem

* One proven method is described in a number of my GMAT Doctor Math workshops on Blogtalkradio.

These 3 basic steps should get you started in the right direction to a game plan that will help greatly improve your score on the GMAT. I talk more about a game plan and other tips at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gmatdoctor/2009/11/23/gmat-doctor-bagged-lunch-workshop-hopeless-have-a-

For further GMAT test-taking tips, check out my other workshops at: www.blogtalkradio.com/gmatdoctor.

If you have any questions for me, send your e-mail to: gmatdoctor@gmail.com or fax at: (775) 637-8573

It's been a while...but I finally have a chance to update...

It's been a while since I have updated the blog, but I finally have a chance to update it with this brief message (with more to come soon). It hasn't been because I haven't had much to say. I have a lot to say and I've been saying it on my radio workshops. I want to thank my listeners for tuning into the workshops (during happy hour, no less, on the East Coast). I hope that the information has proven to be useful. And for those who have not had a chance to listen to my broadcasts, check them out at the links to the left or go to my radio channel at www.blogtalkradio.com/gmatdoctor .


Vanessa, your GMAT Doctor

Participate in My Radio Workshop for GMAT Test Preparation

The first in a series of radio workshops will be held tomorrow on blogtalkradio.com at www.blogtalkradio.com/gmatdoctor. I will cover some of your GMAT test questions and discuss some of the ways to best approach problems on the quantitative section of the exam.
The questions for the workshop are available at: http://www.slideshare.net/gmatdoctor/blog-talk-gmat-quant-workshop-1

I'm Ready To Take Your GMAT Questions

For a limited time, I will take any test questions you have on the GMAT, NO CHARGE :-). If you would like to send a question by fax (775-637-8573), the best format to send the question is via a copy of the page with the question on it. If you would like to send a question by e-mail, you may send an e-file (pdf format) of your question or list the book, its edition, page number and question number of the question. In addition to sending your question, also do the following:

1. Provide your first and last name, return contact information (e-mail address, fax, etc.)
2. Along with the question itself, show that you made a reasonable attempt at answering the question on your own.

I will send you my solution to each question by e-mail (pdf format) within 24 hours of receiving your question. I hope this proves to be useful and constructive in your preparation to take the GMAT.

Your GMAT Doctor,
Vanessa

The new approach to GMAT preparation…

Preparation for the GMAT isn’t as important as the SYSTEM you use to prepare for the GMAT. The most effective system will consider three main elements: time, content and strategy. I’ve found that many of the more popular test preparation services use pre-set ways to help students prepare. In other words, every class covers the same content, in the same way and all miraculously, in the same amount of time. But depending on the needs of the students in the class, you may need to modify any one of the 3 elements-time, content and strategy- in a way that is most effective for that particular class. This is what we have done when designing classes for the GMAT; we understand that one GMAT course cannot always be taught the same way as another GMAT course was taught. We devised a system to tailor each class to the needs of our students. And yes, there are many other factors that we have discovered over the years to affect the performance of our students in the class (and I will mention those as the blog matures). We believe we have addressed those factors as well in our classes. In-person classes will be held at the following locations. We will be adding more classes to our roster soon. We are also working on providing courses to companies/organizations that may have a number of employees looking to take the GMAT. Let us know what your specials needs are and we will try to accomodate you quickly. If you would like more information on these classes or are interested in taking a class with us, please e-mail us at gmatdoctor@gmail.com.

Your GMAT Doctor,
Vanessa


GMAT Full Course
Location: Hauppauge, NY
Starting Date: January 21, 2009

Day; Date; Time
Wednesday; January 21, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday; January 26, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday; January 28, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday; February 2, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday; February 4, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday; February 9, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm


GMAT Full Course
Location: Allentown, PA
Starting Date: February 15, 2009

Day; Date; Time
Sunday; February 15, 2009; 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday; February 22, 2009; 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday; March 1, 2009; 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday; March 8, 2009; 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday; March 15, 2009; 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday; March 22, 2009; 2:00pm - 4:00pm


GMAT Full Course
Location: Farmingdale, NY
Starting Date: March 3, 2009

Day; Date; Time
Tuesday; March 3, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday; March 5, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday; March 10, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday; March 12, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday; March 17, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday; March 19, 2009; 7:00pm - 9:00pm

GMAT Accelerator Course
Location: Hauppauge, NY
Starting Date: March 7, 2009

Day; Date; Time
Saturday; March 7, 2009; 10:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday; March 14, 2009; 10:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday; March 21, 2009; 10:00am - 12:00pm

With the Start of the New Year...

Preparing and taking the GMAT can be one of the most daunting tasks to complete in order to get into the MBA program of your first choice or second choice or third choice... (You get the picture) :-) I've taught and tutored the GMAT to many students over the last 5 years and have found that 3 of the biggest reasons my students initially dread preparing and taking the GMAT is because:

1. It requires a huge commitment of time to prepare for the exam.



2. There's a lack of familiarity or understanding of most of the test content.
   


3. There's no systematic approach to handling any and/or all potential GMAT questions.

So the teachers and trainers in my company have discovered new methods, strategies and techniques on how to approach GMAT test preparation with these issues in mind. We thought that a blog was the most appropriate place to introduce our services because we first got acquainted with each other on a blog site :-) We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in designing curricula as well as teaching and tutoring students for the GMAT. And together, we have designed a GMAT course incorporating those new methods and made for the student looking for quality help at an affordable price.

With the start of the new year comes the economic climate that started in the old year. We believe our test preparation services have come along just in time. We are offering in-person full courses for $450 per person per course (a fraction of what the major test preparations companies charge). We also have what we call an accelerator course at $295 per person per course. We have designed the classes for 4-6 students per class only. Currently we have courses scheduled for the Long Island, NY and Allentown, PA (and Greater Lehigh Valley) areas. I will update this blog within the week on specific dates, times and locations of classes as well as where to enroll for the courses. Check back for those and more updates on tips, techniques, methods that could help you improve your score on the GMAT. If you would like more information on course schedules and enrollment immediately, contact me, Vanessa, at gmatdoctor@gmail.com. Thanks.

Your GMAT Doctor,

Vanessa