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