GMAT Myths Busted: Should You Spend Extra Time on the First 7 Questions in a Section?
Discover the truth behind common GMAT myths. Get clarity on what really matters for your GMAT preparation and success with straightforward explanations while GMAT Myths Busted.
Shivani Kumari31 May, 2024
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GMAT Myths Busted: The GMAT is a test that many graduate business programs use for admission. Some people believe untrue things about the test. One myth is that you should spend more time on the first 7 questions in each part of the test because they are more important. But experts who know a lot about the GMAT say this is not true.
GMAT Myths Busted: Should You Spend Extra Time on the First 7 Questions in a Section?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a highly competitive exam that requires meticulous preparation to achieve a high score. One common myth that many test-takers fall prey to is the idea that spending extra time on the first few questions in a section can significantly improve their overall performance.
Myth: Spending Extra Time on the First 7 Questions Improves Performance
The myth that spending extra time on the first few questions can improve performance is based on the assumption that these questions are the most difficult and that by spending more time on them, test-takers can ensure they get them right.Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2024
However, this assumption is incorrect. The GMAT is designed to adapt to the test-taker's ability, and the difficulty level of the questions changes based on the test-taker's performance. This means that the first few questions are not necessarily the most difficult, and spending extra time on them may not yield the desired results.Reality: The GMAT Algorithm
The GMAT algorithm is designed to assess the test-taker's ability based on their performance. The algorithm adjusts the difficulty level of the questions based on the test-taker's responses, ensuring that the test-taker is presented with questions that are challenging but not impossible to solve. This means that the first few questions are not necessarily the most difficult, and spending extra time on them may not improve performance.
Time Management Strategies
Instead of spending extra time on the first few questions, test-takers should focus on developing effective time management strategies. This includes:- Prioritizing Questions : Identify the most important questions and allocate time accordingly. Focus on the questions that are most likely to impact your score.
- Managing Time : Allocate time for each question based on its difficulty level. Spend more time on difficult questions and less time on easier ones.
- Question Types : Identify the types of questions that are most likely to appear in the test and allocate time accordingly. For example, if you are weak in data sufficiency, allocate more time for those questions.
Case Study: The Impact of Time Management
A study conducted found that test-takers who spent more time on the first few questions in a section did not perform better than those who did not. In fact, the study found that test-takers who spent more time on the first few questions often ran out of time for the remaining questions, leading to a lower overall score.| Time Management Strategies | ||
| Strategy | Description | Impact |
| Prioritize Questions | Identify the most important questions and allocate time accordingly | Improves performance |
| Manage Time | Allocate time for each question based on its difficulty level | Improves performance |
| Question Types | Identify the types of questions that are most likely to appear in the test and allocate time accordingly | Improves performance |
GMAT Myths Busted FAQs<span style=
Is it true that spending extra time on the first 7 questions in a GMAT section can significantly improve my score?
No, that's a myth. The GMAT adapts its difficulty level based on your performance, so the first questions aren't always the hardest. Spending extra time on them might not yield better results.
Why do people believe that the first few questions in a GMAT section are more important?
It's a common misconception that the first questions are the toughest, so if you spend more time on them, you'll do better overall. However, this isn't true because the GMAT adjusts question difficulty based on your responses.
What's the reality behind spending extra time on the first 7 questions?
The GMAT algorithm adjusts question difficulty based on your performance, so those first questions might not be the hardest. Spending extra time on them might not improve your performance.
What strategies should I use instead of focusing on the first few questions?
Effective time management is key. Prioritize questions based on importance, manage your time according to question difficulty, and allocate more time to weaker question types.
Has any research been done on the impact of time management strategies on GMAT performance?
Yes, a study by found that spending extra time on the first few questions didn't lead to better scores. In fact, it often resulted in running out of time for other questions, leading to lower overall scores.
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