Tips for preventing careless errors on GRE math?

[kiakian]

Does anyone have any good strategies or tips for preventing careless errors? I'm well prepared for the math section and I know how to solve all the questions. However, on each of my practice tests, it seems like I miss a few questions because of silly little errors when my math is correct.

Examples: solving for x and not realizing the question is asking for 3x, not noticing absolute value signs, accidentally picking A when my math says B is greater...

 

It seems like this would be so easy to fix but even when I have time to check over my answers, I don't catch some of my careless mistakes. 

 

I have ADHD (the inattentive type) which probably explains why I have a tougher time with this than most. Any advice would be appreciated though I'd be especially interested in hearing how people with ADHD manage careless errors. Thanks!

[kimchijajonshim]

I've been diagnosed, but I'm convinced I have a mild case of combination ADHD . Or maybe I'm just a scatter-brained millinenial, but in any case I have trouble focusing sometimes and am prone to stupid errors. I think you just need to practice as much as you can to catch sight of your tendencies and train yourself not about situations when you are likely to make mistakes. I did that and was able to clean things up significantly. If you've a particular bad case, you might want to create a mental "checklist" which is something that helped me at work (however this might be at some cost of time).

 

Additionally, I'd give meditation a shot. It helps my focus tremendously. Just a few minutes before the test starts and a few minutes during the break helped me a lot I felt. Your mileage may vary with that one, but what's the harm?

[Brent@GreenlightGRE]

If careless errors are hurting your score, then it's important that you identify and categorize these mistakes so that, during tests, you can easily spot situations in which you're prone to making errors. This should help reduce some of the silly mistakes.

 

Cheers,

Brent

Edited October 19, 2014 by Brent@GreenlightGRE

[kiakian]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I took the gre awhile back but just remembered to update this in case anyone with the same question stumbles across this. I used my extra time to focus on writing things down during the math section. I wrote down every step while solving the problems and that actually helped a lot. I ended up with a 169V 166Q which was better than my practice tests. I would totally recommend using the scratch paper as much as possible if you're having trouble with careless errors.