GMAT Time Management in 2022: 7 Best GMAT Timing Strategy

The Graduate Management Admission Test, abbreviated as GMAT, is an essential examination that most business schools have as an eligibility criterion for their students. Administered by the GMAC, the GMAT is a standardised globally accepted computer-based test that has multiple choice questions on subjects such as mathematics, algebra, grammar, data analytics, and critical thinking.

When it comes to giving the GMAT examination, the first thing that takes the limelight after the preparation is polishing your test-taking skills. It is important to note that the GMAT is a timed test, and that the GMAT timing strategy is of utmost importance. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a GMAT time management strategy so that you get enough time to answer all the questions on the test, while also saving some for revision.

An Overview of GMAT Exam Pattern

The GMAT exam consists of four differently timed sections, with two optional breaks in between. The total time period of the GMAT examination is about 3 hours and 30 minutes long.

The detailed time duration and length of the four sections have been summarised here:

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These four categories together comprise your test. At the beginning, you’ll be given the liberty to choose the order of the sections in the examination. The catch is that the quantitative and the verbal reasoning are computer adaptive sections. This implies that you won’t be able to check, return to, or change the answers you have already submitted to the question. The computer will present the next question to you only after analysing the answer you gave to the preceding question.

This brings us to the most important focus of the guide: how to manage time in GMAT verbal and quantitative? Let us have a look.

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GMAT Time Management Strategies and Tips

We have formulated a basic list of GMAT time management strategies and tips that might help you save time during your test. You could also ask the community about their experience and learn from mistakes they might’ve made.

1. Take 2 minutes on average on each question. This means it is okay to spend more than that on one question, but you should then cover another question in less than 2 minutes to make up for it.
2. Don’t spend more than 4 minutes on a single question
3. Use a clock or timer during your preparation without fail
4. The first questions will be easier. So, speed up as you go.
5. The one-minute rule: If you were able to solve a question in under a minute, take another look at the question before choosing the answer.
6. SKIP the question if the first sentence makes you go “Ugh!”. Don’t spend over 30 seconds on questions you immediately dislike. There’s no negative marking, right?
7. Slow down the unnecessary rush. You’ll make silly mistakes.

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This was all about the GMAT verbal time management and quantitative section. Let us look at some helpful tips for integrated reasoning and AWA:

1. Practice enough before the paper to develop fluency
2. In integrated reasoning, it is better to solve less than 12 carefully, but accurately.
3. For GMAT AWA, practice before time and first focus on finishing the writing as soon as possible. Only then go back to proofread and edit as you go.
4. Use benchmarks as part of your GMAT timing strategy

That was enough for a generalised list of GMAT time management strategies, including verbal time management strategy GMAT. What is more important now is: how to divide time in the different sections of the paper? Keep reading!

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GMAT Time Management: Section Wise Division

The GMAT time management for the different sections is pretty straightforward. Let us take you through a tabular arrangement before we discuss:

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As an aspirant, you might find the skipping advice not wise enough. “What kind of expert says that?” Let us break it to you. Every next question on the quants and verbal section comes from the answer you give to the previous one. This is because the questions then match your skills and abilities. Now, if you spend extra time on questions, you’re more likely to get incorrect answers anyway, it will be a lose-lose situation.

When you just pick any alphabet to the question you find distasteful, you have a 20% chance to get it right. Next, you might actually be able to answer all the questions, rather than missing the last five or six owing to the loss of time. So, every time you see a question you find downright disgusting or see an ugly equation, anything, pick your favourite and leave.

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If you’re still confused about anything in GMAT verbal timing strategy or quantitative strategy, you could book a free consultation call with an expert now to talk out your personal goals and aspirations for the GMAT, and gain better and personalized insight into GMAT verbal time management.

Frequently Asked Questions about GMAT Time Management Strategies

Ques. What is the average GMAT score?

Ans. The average GMAT score differs for different sections but is around 564.84 for the entire paper.

Ques. How much time do we get for a question in the GMAT?

Ans. Approximately 2 minutes on average is given for each question in the GMAT.

Ques. How to improve speed in Quants if I can’t do math?

Ans. Start with the basics and practice on mock tests, the quants section isn’t too technical. Some practice and hard work will get it to you.

Ques. How to convert GMAT scores to GRE?

Ans. You could use a digital score converter. In general, a 730 GMAT is equal to a 330 GRE.

Ques. How often should I check the clock during the GMAT Examination?

Ans. It depends, but after every five questions is a nice idea.