Simple & Effective GMAT Strategies
The Graduate Management Aptitude Test, computer adaptive test (CAT) is not merely computerized format of the paper based test. This test is called adaptive for a particular reason- the computer actually designates questions {dependent} on the test takers answers to the questions asked earlier. Therefore based on what the answer is, there next question varies. The questions are picked from a huge database of questions to make it a complete online GMAT test. So you can imagine questions being different for different test taker.


Some of the aspects you need to know before beginning your GMAT preparation: The computer adapts to the performance of the individual. For example if you answer the first question correctly, the next question would then be harder and in case you answer the question incorrectly, the next one would be a easier. The trick here is to answer the initial questions correctly and reach a stage where you get tough questions. This is because tougher questions get you higher points but if you answer them wrong, they won't hurt you much either. If you answer an easier question wrong, you will be penalized heavily.

This is where taking several gmat practise tests will help adapt better to the format of the actual GMAT Test.


 

GMAT Scoring System:


At the beginning of a section, the system assigns you an average score and therefore presents you with a question of medium difficulty. All the questions are going to get you same points or credits. It becomes very clear therefore that question at the very beginning of a section will impact your overall performance score more, negatively or positively, than the ones which appear at the later stages.

As mentioned earlier, you should be completely focused on getting them right. It is always better to spend more time on these questions and be absolutely sure about them before proceeding. This is one of the key factors you need to know for your GMAT test prep.
 


Skipping Questions?


The CAT allows you to go to the next questions only after you have answered the current question. In which case you essentially need to answer a question in order to go to the following one. So unlike the paper based test, you cannot skip the question here. So what do you do when you are unsure of cannot solve the problem? This is when guessing intelligently will help you.


 

Never let any question unanswered:


You will be penalized for questions that you do not even attempt to answer. If at the very end you find yourself in a spot of bother and have only few minutes to go and plenty of questions to answer, resort to guessing quickly than not answering them. In order to never get into such a situation, pace yourself and keep a tab on the time remaining.