GMAT Order Selection – How to choose the best GMAT section order?

The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a critical component of the application process for many MBA schools. Given its importance, it’s essential to maximize your performance. One often overlooked strategy is choosing the best section order for the test. Understanding how to structure the test to play to your strengths can make a significant difference in your score. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best GMAT section order.

What is GMAT order selection?

Since July 11, 2017, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) has allowed candidates the flexibility to select the order in which they complete the sections of the GMAT through the select section order feature. This change enables test-takers to choose the order that best aligns with their strengths and test-taking strategies. This flexibility helps candidates approach the test in a way that suits their strengths and preferences.

Section Order Options

Following are the three section order options for GMAT questions.

1. Order Option 1: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal.
2. Order Option 2: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment.
3. Order Option 3: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment.

GMAT Selection order Breaks

Here is the information about GMAT selection order and breaks in a tabular column:

Order Option	Sections	Breaks
Order Option 1	1. Analytical Writing Assessment 2. Integrated Reasoning  3. Quantitative   4. Verbal	Optional 8-minute break between sections
Order Option 2	1. Verbal 2. Quantitative  3. Integrated Reasoning 4. Analytical Writing Assessment	Optional 8-minute break between sections
Order Option 3	1. Quantitative 2. Verbal 3. Integrated Reasoning 4. Analytical Writing Assessment	Optional 8-minute break between sections

These breaks allow you to rest and recharge between sections, helping you maintain focus and energy throughout the GMAT exam.

How to choose your GMAT section order ?

The flexibility to select the order of the sections on the GMAT is a valuable tool. By considering your strengths and practicing with different orders, you can choose the order that maximizes your performance. Remember, the section order you choose can have a significant impact on your overall GMAT percentile, so make an informed decision to achieve the best results on test day.

Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses

When deciding on the section order you choose, it’s important to consider which section you find most challenging. If the quant section is your toughest part, you might want to tackle it first when you are freshest. Conversely, if the verbal section is more challenging for you, starting with it might be the best strategy. Choosing your section order based on your strengths can help you perform better on test day. Also, it should be one among your GMAT exam day checklist.

Strategy for Test Day

Your mental and physical stamina are crucial on test day. Choose the order that aligns with your peak performance periods. If you typically perform better on verbal tasks when you’re fresh, select an order where the verbal section comes first. Similarly, if GMAT quant topics are easier for you in the beginning, choose an order where the quant section is first.

Practice with Different Orders

Before you take the GMAT, practice with different section orders during your preparation. This will help you identify which order makes you feel most comfortable and confident. By simulating test conditions with various orders, you can determine the best strategy for the actual exam.

Benefits for GMAT Test-Takers

As GMAT is an adaptive test , choosing your section order allows you to play to your strengths and weaknesses. By selecting your preferred section order, you can start with the section where you feel most confident, which can help build momentum and reduce test anxiety.

Tackling the Challenging Section First

If you find a particular part of the GMAT exam challenging, you might prefer to tackle that section first when you are freshest and most alert. This strategy ensures that you face the most difficult questions with a clear mind and full energy.

Building Confidence and Managing Stress

Starting with a section you are strong in can boost your confidence early in the GMAT exam. This positive start can help you maintain focus and composure throughout the test, particularly when you reach your challenging section later. Follow GMAT beginners guide for a better understanding of the exam.

Will GMAT prep materials incorporate this change?

Yes, GMAT prep materials from reputable sources, like the GMAT prep software, will reflect the change in selection order breaks. These updated materials will include comprehensive information about the three section order options and the optional 8-minute breaks between sections.

This ensures that test-takers are well-prepared for the latest format of the GMAT exam. Practice tests, study guides, and prep courses will all be adjusted to simulate the real test environment accurately, helping candidates develop effective strategies for managing their time and breaks during the exam. Always ensure you are using the most recent materials to stay updated with these changes.

What strategies should you consider when determining your GMAT section order?

Choosing the optimal GMAT section order can significantly enhance your test performance by playing to your strengths and managing your weaknesses. The following strategies helps you determine the best sequence to maximize your score and meet your target schools’ priorities.

1. Understand Your Test-taking Style

Understanding the importance of GMAT test and the test-taking style determines the optimal order of GMAT sections. Some test-takers perform best when tackling the most challenging sections first, while others prefer to start with easier sections to build confidence. Reflect on past standardized tests or practice exams to identify your peak performance times and how you manage stress.

• Energy Levels: Identify when your concentration peaks during the test.
• Stress Management: Assess if starting with a challenging section increases anxiety or enhances focus.
• Pacing: Determine if maintaining a steady pace or front-loading effort is more beneficial.

2. Recognize Your GMAT Strengths and Weaknesses

Being aware of your strengths and weaknesses across the GMAT sections (Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing) helps you strategically order the sections to maximize your score.

• Prioritize Strengths: Start with your strongest section to build momentum and confidence.
• Manage Weaknesses: Place your weakest section when your energy and focus are highest.
• Balance Effort: Arrange sections to prevent fatigue from affecting weaker areas.

3. Understand the Priorities of Your Desired Schools

Understanding the requirements and preferences of your target business schools can influence your section order strategy. Some schools emphasize specific sections more than others, so aligning your section order to highlight strengths in those areas can be beneficial.

• Section Importance: Research if schools prioritize Quantitative or Verbal scores.
• Minimum Scores: Check if there are minimum score requirements for certain sections.
• Holistic Review: Align your section order to present a balanced performance profile.

Strategically utilizing the benefits of GMAT can help you get placed in your dream business school.

4. Testing Section Orders with Practice Tests

Experimenting with different section orders during practice tests helps identify the most effective strategy. Simulate the test day experience with various orders to see how your performance varies and determine the best order.

• Data Analysis: Analyse scores from practice tests with different orders to find trends.
• Comfort Level: Evaluate your comfort and confidence with each order.
• Adaptability: Be ready to adjust your strategy based on GMAT practice test insights.

Detailed Strategy for Each Section Order

Here is  a detailed strategy to handle each section order of GMAT.

Order 1: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal

Starting with the GMAT AWA can be a good warm-up, especially if you find writing easier and less stressful. This order is beneficial if you want to ease into the test with a section that doesn’t count towards your total score and then move on to the less critical IR section. Placing Quantitative third ensures you tackle it while still fresh, followed by Verbal when you might be slightly fatigued but not overly tired.

Order 2: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

First of all, know how many questions are there in the verbal section of GMAT. The above order is ideal if Verbal is your strong suit. Starting with Verbal can give you a confidence boost. Following with Quantitative while you’re still fresh can help you tackle the more challenging math problems. Ending with IR and AWA, which many find less critical, allows you to finish the test on a relatively relaxed note.

Order 3: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment

Starting with the GMAT quant questions is advantageous if you prefer to tackle the hardest section first. This can reduce anxiety about the math section hanging over your head. Moving on to Verbal next takes advantage of your remaining energy for comprehension and reasoning tasks. Finishing with IR and AWA can be a relief as these sections are generally seen as less demanding and crucial.

Conclusion

Choosing the best GMAT section order is a personalized strategy that can significantly impact your overall score. By understanding your test-taking style, strengths and weaknesses, the priorities of your desired schools, and validating your approach with practice tests, you can craft a section order that maximizes your performance.

Remember, the key is to remain flexible and adapt as needed to ensure you are at your best on test day. With careful planning and preparation, you can confidently tackle the GMAT and achieve your desired score.

Elevate your GMAT performance and unlock the doors to prestigious business schools with Ambitio’s comprehensive preparation tools. Our expertly designed resources and personalized strategies will help you master each section of the GMAT, ensuring you achieve a score that sets you apart in the competitive admissions landscape.

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