Study and Strategy questions relating to the GMAT.
JA750
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#of RCs on a real GMAT

by JA750 Wed Oct 12, 2011 3:08 pm

Hello,

Does anyone know if there is a standard distribution of RCs, between short passages and long passages, on the GMAT? On my first GMAT I had 3 short passages and 1 long passage. On my second GMAT I had 3 long passages and one short/medium passage. Was it possible that one of the RCs, during my second test, was experimental? Most GMAT test companies say that the GMAT usually goes with the former distribution of 3 short passages and 1 long passage.
StaceyKoprince
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Re: #of RCs on a real GMAT

by StaceyKoprince Sat Oct 15, 2011 10:05 pm

Yes, the current count is 3 short and 1 long (it used to be 2 and 2). Are you sure that some of the ones that you thought were long might not have been just... slightly long short ones? :)

eg, normally we say that short ones will show up on the screen without any scrolling needed, but it's possible to have to scroll a little. A true long one will require you to scroll a LOT in order to read the whole thing.

I'd be surprised if they gave you three truly long ones because that would mess up your timing / be unfair to you.

And it is possible that one of your RCs was experimental, of course - but they still try to keep the mix the same across everyone in order to keep it fair. In fact, the algorithm has hardwired rules about what you're allowed to get so that it isn't unfair for some people.
Stacey Koprince
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