(Perfect) Practice Makes Perfect

Last night I did some time trials from the Official GMAT guide. I chose 37 questions from the problem solving section and did them in 75 mins (69 actually) and then I did 37 questions from the data sufficiency section in 75 mins.

While these aren't the best simulations of the actual test environment, I am using them to get an internal feel of what 75 mins feels like, plus simulate the pressure of answering a set number of questions under time duress. I've heard from many people, (and it just plain makes sense) that the hardest part of the whole test is the limited time frame. The questions themselves are not that difficult. I believe, given enough time, anyone could perform most of these calculations. The difficulty lies in getting as many out of 37 correct in 75 minutes.

The timing wears down your stamina. The fast pace of performing arithmetic, the hasty clicking ok and then clicking 'confirm.' These are all factors, which don't seem to be addressed in lots of the study materials. The real question is, "Do you have enough strength of mind to perform well?"

So, my study plan has me performing 75 minute bursts of 37 (41 for qualitative) questions, in order to simulate the stress and rythym of the exam. After the 75 mins I go through my answers to find the incorrect ones. At this point I take as much time as needed to really dissect the question, figure out why I got it wrong and look at a couple of ways to arrive at the correct conclusion.

Occaisionally I come across an "aha!" moment when dissecting the questions where, once I see the whole picture, I see a broader concept behind the question that helps me solve it faster. Looking for 3:4:5 combination (Pythagorean Theorem) is one of them. I can't remember now, but I remember looking at the question and just all of a sudden seeing that I could have done it much easier if I had thought to apply such a simple concept.

Also, upon review of my answers, I have found that I've got a problem with simple, silly mistakes. (ie, adding wrong, choosing the 'A' despite having calculated the solution to answer 'B'). In some part, this validates my studying method because I believe these simple mistakes come from being unfamiliar with the stress and rythym of 75 minutes and 37 questions.

Tonight I have a Spanish course, but tomorrow I'm going to hit the books for 3, 75 minutes sessions. I'll give you a report later!

In the meantime, I'm listening to:

posted by Jason @ 1:26 PM