When to guess on the GMAT?

Imagine your GMAT test day.  You have reviewed every practice problem in your study guides.  In addition, you have completed numerous GMAT practice tests.  Therefore, you enter the GMAT examination room with great confidence.  During the test, you will likely find a question that is difficult for you to answer.  If too much time elapses, you may have to guess on this question and move on to the next question.

Reality check, time is a factor

On average, you have about 2 minutes to complete every GMAT quantitative problem.  Some questions may take you 30 seconds to answer, while other questions may be take you 2 to 3 minutes to answer.  On the other hand, you have about 1 minute and 45 second to solve each GMAT verbal question.  Like any quantitative question, any verbal question can take you various amounts of time to complete, depending on your understanding of the question and the possible answer choices.

Since the GMAT has specific time limits, you cannot afford to spend 10 minutes on 1 quantitative or verbal question, unless this question is the section’s last question.  You have a 75 minute time limit for both the quantitative (37 questions) and verbal sections (41 questions).  Additionally, you have a 30 minute time limit for each of the 2 analytical essays that you are required to complete before the GMAT’s quantitative section.  If you have never taken the GMAT, you may think you have a lot of time to answer each question.  But remember, the GMAT is a progressive test, so the test adjusts to your verbal and quantitative skills.  If you are doing well on the GMAT, the questions will get tougher; this may cause you to spend more time on some questions.

When to start guessing on a GMAT question?

Self-honesty is an important skill to possess. Until you take the GMAT, you may not realize the value of self-honesty.  At some point during the test, you will probably have at least one question that stumps you.  Give yourself an extra minute to solve this problem.  Once the extra minute has elapsed, then eliminate any wrong answer choices and make an educated guess.  Save your precious time for the next GMAT question.  So, forget about the previous question when the next question appears on your screen.  You cannot go back and change a previous GMAT answer once you advance to the next question.  Do not be discouraged if you must guess on a GMAT question.  I do not know anyone who did not guess on the GMAT.  The test is not easy.  To be honest, I think the GMAT is the hardest test that I have ever taken.

Conclusion

The time constraints of the GMAT are real.  Everyone who takes the GMAT is bound to the established time limits.  During your GMAT appointment, do not be surprised if you need to guess on a GMAT question.  Take an extra minute to attempt to solve the problem.  If you still cannot solve the problem, then you must be honest with yourself.  Make an educated guess and concentrate on the next GMAT question.  In reality, you can guess on several GMAT questions, but guessing must be your last option. Good luck!