 |
GAMSAT Test Preparation
For GAMSAT Candidates discuss the GAMSAT syllabus, form GAMSAT study groups, discuss GAMSAT study resources, review of GAMSAT preparation material, discuss anything that will help achieve a better GAMSAT score.
|
|
|
| Author |
Message |
eisoj
Rookie
Joined: 27 Jul 2010
Posts: 5
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:10 am Post subject: Time limits arrrgh!!! |
 |
|
I've started studying for the 2011 gamsat. So far Ive ben focusing on chem and a bit of physics as I am from a non-science background and these are my weaknesses.
However, in the last few days I've started doing section 1 and 2 practice questions and although I find I can get a fair bit done in the half hour time limit for each essay, I'm struggling to keep up to speed with section 1. I'm finding I either read the text too fast and don't fully absorb it or I read it carefully and dont have time to answer the questions! (I assume it will be the same for section 3, i havent attempted it yet).
This is quite disheartening for me because when I do the questions without timing myself I get around 90% correct. When timed it's less than 50% So I know I have the knowledge I just dont know how to do it efficiently.
I understand that it is my first try and I have many months to hone my speed reading skills. But its really freaking me out, I dont see how its possilbe to answer all the questions in the time given.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
prepgenie
Grizzled
Joined: 08 Dec 2008
Posts: 110
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:05 pm Post subject: Pacing your attempts |
|
|
First things first - it's great that you have quantified your problems - | Quote: | | timing myself I get around 90% correct. When timed it's less than 50% |
Once you know the exact pain point, improving on it is just a matter of time. Increasing your speed and doing a balancing act between speed and accuracy will come automatically, given you practice sufficient number of practice papers.
If you really want to force it, try out this one - break up the entire paper in chunks of 15(or 10) questions. Assuming you are solving a 75 question Section 1 paper, you will have 5 chunks of 15 questions, with each chunk to be solved in 20 mins. So next time you are solving a Sec 1 paper, target to solve every 15 questions in 20 mins. This should help you pace your attempt through the paper.
Cheers |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
eisoj
Rookie
Joined: 27 Jul 2010
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for the hot tip! I went to the library and did section 1 under exam conditions. split it into two halves, 50 mins each with 5 mins reading time. I got 67% Considering I have a few months practice until the gammy I'm feeling much more confident.
I was trying to stick to an average of 1.4mins per question originally, I think that was my problem. Too stressful!
Thanks again  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
prepgenie
Grizzled
Joined: 08 Dec 2008
Posts: 110
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 6:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Fantastic! 67% is definitely a jump over 50%.
The key lies in identifying the right "chunk". While assigning 1.x minutes per question will be excessive micromanagement, which as you said is stressful, breaking the paper in just two halves may be the opposite - you may lose out on details. If you are still inclined to experiments and have sufficient number of test papers with you, how about breaking the paper into 3 or 4 sections, and setting time limits for them accordingly?
Cheers |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Blocked registrations / posts: 4887 / 0
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
SmartFeed
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
