Hi Stacey,
This post is a follow up to a discussion we had on BTG the other day (here's the link to the convo) http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/02/ ... study-plan
See below for the analysis of my 1st CAT that I took yesterday (yes, I mimiced actual testing conditions):
Quant: 35
Verbal: 30
Overall: 540
Quant - too slow: 9 questions - 4 correct/5 incorrect, 2 DS/7PS (40 minutes total)
Quant - too fast: 11 questions
Verbal - no real timing issues, SC 8C/7W, CR 8C/6W, RC 5C/7W
As I mentioned the other day, I took the GMAT a couple times last year and underperformed based on my practice exams. I can attribute this to several things; test taking anxiety, not a strong enough grasp of the basic fundamentals (I didn't use enough variety in my study materials), and not always mimicking actual test conditions.
I started my training for my next examination back in the begining of August. For this attempt I have added the MGMAT books (all 8) to my repetoire. It took me until a couple of weeks ago to get through all of the quant and I'm just now finishing the CR (I went out of order on the verbal books). This lengthy effort has not been due to a lack of committment (I study for 2 hours/day 4 days a week, and 4 hours on Sat & Sun). I've tried to really take my time to make sure I've really understood and learned the material rather than just try and memorize (I have a really strong memory, which I was extremely dependent upon during my undergraduate studies. I think this hurt me during my initial attempts at the GMAT as I tried to memorize my way to success, and I now understand that is the wrong approach).
I'm well aware that I have timing issues with the quant, but I should note that up to this point I wasn't working on the clock. I was trying to gain a strong comprehesnion of the materials I was working on and then my intention was to start working on the timing (which is where I am now).
I do have a couple of concerns that I'm hoping you can help me address. For starters, as I mentioned above, I still have to get through the SC and RC books. Suprisingly, my CAT shows that I scored in a higher percentile for verbal than quant even though I have spent the majority of my time up to this point on quant. Part of the problem with the quant is I started so many months back that all of this material is no longer fresh in my mind, which I think also helps explain some of my timing issues. I'm not sure how to balance my time working on the uncovered verbal books moving forward while still keeping the quant material fresh in my head. I do work full time, so there is only so many hours for me in the week to prepare. My plan was to use Saturdays for my CATs, Sundays to review my error log and review my CATs, and use the week days to cover the remaining verbal material and review of quant material. My goal is to get a 600+ score, and the only real deadline I have is the April 1 application deadline for USC. Additionally, my parents are coming to visit me for a week starting on 2/19. My ideal goal would be to take the test on 2/18 because I don't want to be stuck in the library while they are here. However, I've taken the test multiple times and I want this to be it (15+ months of GMAT is enough for me!), so if I have to I'm more than willing to push the date to sometime in March. I know this may be somewhat of a long winded post, but I wanted to make sure that I give you as much background info as possible (please let me know if you need any additional info). One last note, I did purchase a copy of the advanced quant book. I know that this is geared for those scoring in the 70th percentile and above. I've only made it through part of the 1st chapter and I can see where this can be a big help to me - I sometimes dive right into attempting to solve problems rather than trying to understand what I need to accomplish and create a plan to accomplish this goal (as crazy as this sounds, I made it through the 5 quant books without looking at the problems and thinking about what I really need to do to solve. I guess that goes back to me trying to memorize my way through problems). let me know if you need any other information. Thanks in advance for your help!
Rob
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- caputo.robert
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- StaceyKoprince
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- Location: Montreal
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Hi, Rob - yes I remember you!
Okay, so definite timing issues on quant! Not unusual. Start with this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
Then read this and start doing what it says:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... anagement/
Yep - the best way to do really well on this test is to learn to think like the test-writers. It's really a "thinking" exam.
Okay, so you're having some issues retaining all the material. As you've been studying, I assume you've been taking notes. What we need to do is to distill those notes into easily "testable" and "reviewable" forms. So, for example, you want to make flashcards as you learn things. The flashcards can then be used to quiz yourself. You will add more flashcards as time goes on, but you'll also "retire" some flashcards for periods of time as you learn the material. But you'll save those flashcards and check them out again in a month just to make sure, and if there are things you've forgotten, you'll add them back in to the flashcard rotation. That sort of thing.
Next, at the end of any study session, take 10 minutes to write out what you think your major takeaways are for the session. What did you get better at? What's still a weakness? What do you want to review in a few weeks?
Finally, as time goes on, you need to start adding in random older problems to your problem sets. Eg, if you're studying Geo now, after studying Algebra and Number Properties, you want to do mixed problem sets of all 3 out of OG, rather than ONLY Geo, so that you're continually reviewing things you already covered.
So, you're going to need to do some work to figure out which math topics are still good for you and which ones need review, and then you're going to need to go back and review. But remember, when reviewing, that you should always toss some random questions - not just the weaknesses - so that you're keeping your overall skills sharp.
Also, you said you need to do SC and RC still. Don't sit down and do only SC for a month. In one study session, do only SC. But then tomorrow do some RC, and the third day do some quant, and etc. On the 7th day, do a review of whatever you studied that week, along with some random practice.
Finally, make sure that you really are changing your mindset to "how am I learning how to think my way through these problems better?" After any problem, you should ask yourself, "Okay, what are my takeaways here? What did I learn that I want to remember for later?" (Not: what can I memorize. :)
Don't take a CAT every week - that's a waste of time. (Not sure if you're planning to, but i want to make sure you don't!)
CAT exams are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.
Re: your timeline, you're at 540 right now and want to get to 600+, with April 1st as the "drop dead" deadline. That's reasonable. Trying to hit it by the time your parents visit might be pushing it - it often takes a good 4 to 6 weeks just to fix timing problems - but I'd say to go for it right now and, as you get closer to 18 Feb, decide whether you've made the kind of progress you want to make or not. If so, take it. If not, you've got March. You don't have to decide right now.
And, of course, keep coming back here to tell us how it's going and get advice!
Okay, so definite timing issues on quant! Not unusual. Start with this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
Then read this and start doing what it says:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... anagement/
I tried to memorize my way to success, and I now understand that is the wrong approach).
Yep - the best way to do really well on this test is to learn to think like the test-writers. It's really a "thinking" exam.
Okay, so you're having some issues retaining all the material. As you've been studying, I assume you've been taking notes. What we need to do is to distill those notes into easily "testable" and "reviewable" forms. So, for example, you want to make flashcards as you learn things. The flashcards can then be used to quiz yourself. You will add more flashcards as time goes on, but you'll also "retire" some flashcards for periods of time as you learn the material. But you'll save those flashcards and check them out again in a month just to make sure, and if there are things you've forgotten, you'll add them back in to the flashcard rotation. That sort of thing.
Next, at the end of any study session, take 10 minutes to write out what you think your major takeaways are for the session. What did you get better at? What's still a weakness? What do you want to review in a few weeks?
Finally, as time goes on, you need to start adding in random older problems to your problem sets. Eg, if you're studying Geo now, after studying Algebra and Number Properties, you want to do mixed problem sets of all 3 out of OG, rather than ONLY Geo, so that you're continually reviewing things you already covered.
So, you're going to need to do some work to figure out which math topics are still good for you and which ones need review, and then you're going to need to go back and review. But remember, when reviewing, that you should always toss some random questions - not just the weaknesses - so that you're keeping your overall skills sharp.
Also, you said you need to do SC and RC still. Don't sit down and do only SC for a month. In one study session, do only SC. But then tomorrow do some RC, and the third day do some quant, and etc. On the 7th day, do a review of whatever you studied that week, along with some random practice.
Finally, make sure that you really are changing your mindset to "how am I learning how to think my way through these problems better?" After any problem, you should ask yourself, "Okay, what are my takeaways here? What did I learn that I want to remember for later?" (Not: what can I memorize. :)
Don't take a CAT every week - that's a waste of time. (Not sure if you're planning to, but i want to make sure you don't!)
CAT exams are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.
Re: your timeline, you're at 540 right now and want to get to 600+, with April 1st as the "drop dead" deadline. That's reasonable. Trying to hit it by the time your parents visit might be pushing it - it often takes a good 4 to 6 weeks just to fix timing problems - but I'd say to go for it right now and, as you get closer to 18 Feb, decide whether you've made the kind of progress you want to make or not. If so, take it. If not, you've got March. You don't have to decide right now.
And, of course, keep coming back here to tell us how it's going and get advice!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
- caputo.robert
- Course Students
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:13 am
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Hi Stacey -
Thank you much for taking the time to give me such a detailed response. I have a couple comments and questions for you in regards to your response:
1. I have been making flash cards on this go around. I didn't do this the last time around so I guess you can add this as another big mistake that I made before.
2. "Finally, as time goes on, you need to start adding in random older problems to your problem sets. Eg, if you're studying Geo now, after studying Algebra and Number Properties, you want to do mixed problem sets of all 3 out of OG, rather than ONLY Geo, so that you're continually reviewing things you already covered"
I know this is a problem, but I haven't been doing any problem sets of old quant material. This has been one of my biggest struggles in regards to managing time due to the extented lenght of time its taken me to get through the quant books. I'm acknowledging that this is a flaw, but just so you know, this is how I have approached quant - I studied each chapter and then I'd do the problem set at the end of the chapter. When I got to the mid point of the book, I'd do the referenced OG problems, and then I repeated this scenario with the advanced section of the book. After finishing the advanced section of the books, I'd do the online question banks. I did keep an error log through all of this, but up until now, I haven't done a very good job at reviewing my log. This leads to 2 questions for you - 1. How would you recommend assembling practice sets (I'm assuming I should do everything using a timer at this point), and 2. How would you recommend mixing in practice sets and reviewing my error log while pushing ahead with the verbal sectons?
3. "Also, you said you need to do SC and RC still. Don't sit down and do only SC for a month. In one study session, do only SC. But then tomorrow do some RC, and the third day do some quant, and etc. On the 7th day, do a review of whatever you studied that week, along with some random practice."
Just so I'm clear, are you saying that you recommend studying multiple MGMAT verbal books at the same time (different days, but introducing this material concurrently)?
4. "Don't take a CAT every week - that's a waste of time. (Not sure if you're planning to, but i want to make sure you don't!)"
I wasn't planning on doing a CAT weekly. However, I was really fried after taking the 1st one. How many (or range) do you feel like is the right amount for building up my stamina?
5. "
Quote StaceyKoprince Post subject: Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Hi, Rob - yes I remember you!
Okay, so definite timing issues on quant! Not unusual. Start with this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
Then read this and start doing what it says:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... anagement/
Quote:I tried to memorize my way to success, and I now understand that is the wrong approach).
Yep - the best way to do really well on this test is to learn to think like the test-writers. It's really a "thinking" exam.
Okay, so you're having some issues retaining all the material. As you've been studying, I assume you've been taking notes. What we need to do is to distill those notes into easily "testable" and "reviewable" forms. So, for example, you want to make flashcards as you learn things. The flashcards can then be used to quiz yourself. You will add more flashcards as time goes on, but you'll also "retire" some flashcards for periods of time as you learn the material. But you'll save those flashcards and check them out again in a month just to make sure, and if there are things you've forgotten, you'll add them back in to the flashcard rotation. That sort of thing.
Next, at the end of any study session, take 10 minutes to write out what you think your major takeaways are for the session. What did you get better at? What's still a weakness? What do you want to review in a few weeks?
Finally, as time goes on, you need to start adding in random older problems to your problem sets. Eg, if you're studying Geo now, after studying Algebra and Number Properties, you want to do mixed problem sets of all 3 out of OG, rather than ONLY Geo, so that you're continually reviewing things you already covered.
So, you're going to need to do some work to figure out which math topics are still good for you and which ones need review, and then you're going to need to go back and review. But remember, when reviewing, that you should always toss some random questions - not just the weaknesses - so that you're keeping your overall skills sharp.
Also, you said you need to do SC and RC still. Don't sit down and do only SC for a month. In one study session, do only SC. But then tomorrow do some RC, and the third day do some quant, and etc. On the 7th day, do a review of whatever you studied that week, along with some random practice.
Finally, make sure that you really are changing your mindset to "how am I learning how to think my way through these problems better?" After any problem, you should ask yourself, "Okay, what are my takeaways here? What did I learn that I want to remember for later?" (Not: what can I memorize. :)
Don't take a CAT every week - that's a waste of time. (Not sure if you're planning to, but i want to make sure you don't!)
CAT exams are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.
Re: your timeline, you're at 540 right now and want to get to 600+, with April 1st as the "drop dead" deadline. That's reasonable. Trying to hit it by the time your parents visit might be pushing it - it often takes a good 4 to 6 weeks just to fix timing problems - but I'd say to go for it right now and, as you get closer to 18 Feb, decide whether you've made the kind of progress you want to make or not. If so, take it. If not, you've got March. You don't have to decide right now"
I've already decided to hold off with my exam until the end of March. I've been prone to some test taking anxiety and I feel like the extra preparation time will help quell the anxiety.
Once again, thank you so much for the helpful response.
Rob
PS Is there a tutorial on how to use the toolbar for forum posts (I did a word search and couldn't find anything)? As you probably noticed, I couldn't figure out how to use the quote feature!
Thank you much for taking the time to give me such a detailed response. I have a couple comments and questions for you in regards to your response:
1. I have been making flash cards on this go around. I didn't do this the last time around so I guess you can add this as another big mistake that I made before.
2. "Finally, as time goes on, you need to start adding in random older problems to your problem sets. Eg, if you're studying Geo now, after studying Algebra and Number Properties, you want to do mixed problem sets of all 3 out of OG, rather than ONLY Geo, so that you're continually reviewing things you already covered"
I know this is a problem, but I haven't been doing any problem sets of old quant material. This has been one of my biggest struggles in regards to managing time due to the extented lenght of time its taken me to get through the quant books. I'm acknowledging that this is a flaw, but just so you know, this is how I have approached quant - I studied each chapter and then I'd do the problem set at the end of the chapter. When I got to the mid point of the book, I'd do the referenced OG problems, and then I repeated this scenario with the advanced section of the book. After finishing the advanced section of the books, I'd do the online question banks. I did keep an error log through all of this, but up until now, I haven't done a very good job at reviewing my log. This leads to 2 questions for you - 1. How would you recommend assembling practice sets (I'm assuming I should do everything using a timer at this point), and 2. How would you recommend mixing in practice sets and reviewing my error log while pushing ahead with the verbal sectons?
3. "Also, you said you need to do SC and RC still. Don't sit down and do only SC for a month. In one study session, do only SC. But then tomorrow do some RC, and the third day do some quant, and etc. On the 7th day, do a review of whatever you studied that week, along with some random practice."
Just so I'm clear, are you saying that you recommend studying multiple MGMAT verbal books at the same time (different days, but introducing this material concurrently)?
4. "Don't take a CAT every week - that's a waste of time. (Not sure if you're planning to, but i want to make sure you don't!)"
I wasn't planning on doing a CAT weekly. However, I was really fried after taking the 1st one. How many (or range) do you feel like is the right amount for building up my stamina?
5. "
Quote StaceyKoprince Post subject: Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Hi, Rob - yes I remember you!
Okay, so definite timing issues on quant! Not unusual. Start with this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/
Then read this and start doing what it says:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... anagement/
Quote:I tried to memorize my way to success, and I now understand that is the wrong approach).
Yep - the best way to do really well on this test is to learn to think like the test-writers. It's really a "thinking" exam.
Okay, so you're having some issues retaining all the material. As you've been studying, I assume you've been taking notes. What we need to do is to distill those notes into easily "testable" and "reviewable" forms. So, for example, you want to make flashcards as you learn things. The flashcards can then be used to quiz yourself. You will add more flashcards as time goes on, but you'll also "retire" some flashcards for periods of time as you learn the material. But you'll save those flashcards and check them out again in a month just to make sure, and if there are things you've forgotten, you'll add them back in to the flashcard rotation. That sort of thing.
Next, at the end of any study session, take 10 minutes to write out what you think your major takeaways are for the session. What did you get better at? What's still a weakness? What do you want to review in a few weeks?
Finally, as time goes on, you need to start adding in random older problems to your problem sets. Eg, if you're studying Geo now, after studying Algebra and Number Properties, you want to do mixed problem sets of all 3 out of OG, rather than ONLY Geo, so that you're continually reviewing things you already covered.
So, you're going to need to do some work to figure out which math topics are still good for you and which ones need review, and then you're going to need to go back and review. But remember, when reviewing, that you should always toss some random questions - not just the weaknesses - so that you're keeping your overall skills sharp.
Also, you said you need to do SC and RC still. Don't sit down and do only SC for a month. In one study session, do only SC. But then tomorrow do some RC, and the third day do some quant, and etc. On the 7th day, do a review of whatever you studied that week, along with some random practice.
Finally, make sure that you really are changing your mindset to "how am I learning how to think my way through these problems better?" After any problem, you should ask yourself, "Okay, what are my takeaways here? What did I learn that I want to remember for later?" (Not: what can I memorize. :)
Don't take a CAT every week - that's a waste of time. (Not sure if you're planning to, but i want to make sure you don't!)
CAT exams are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.
Re: your timeline, you're at 540 right now and want to get to 600+, with April 1st as the "drop dead" deadline. That's reasonable. Trying to hit it by the time your parents visit might be pushing it - it often takes a good 4 to 6 weeks just to fix timing problems - but I'd say to go for it right now and, as you get closer to 18 Feb, decide whether you've made the kind of progress you want to make or not. If so, take it. If not, you've got March. You don't have to decide right now"
I've already decided to hold off with my exam until the end of March. I've been prone to some test taking anxiety and I feel like the extra preparation time will help quell the anxiety.
Once again, thank you so much for the helpful response.
Rob
PS Is there a tutorial on how to use the toolbar for forum posts (I did a word search and couldn't find anything)? As you probably noticed, I couldn't figure out how to use the quote feature!
- StaceyKoprince
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 9360
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
- Location: Montreal
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Yes, practice OG sets should be timed from now on.
First, don't try to do everything. You don't need to do every single Advanced chapter. In fact, right now, don't do any - only do the General chapters. If you haven't mastered the General material yet, then the Advanced material is moot, because you won't see that level of question on the real test.
So that cuts your review in half right there. :)
Next, don't do ALL of the questions in every single chapter. Do some, but save some for later review. So you might only do 2 to 5 OG questions per chapter to start, and then you save the others for more random mixed sets later. Let's say you spend 3 days doing the Geo general chapters and then 4 more days doing the Alg general chapters (I'm just making up these numbers). Then, on the 8th day, you might do a mixed set of both Geo and Alg OG questions. Later, after you've added Number Properties, then you do a mixed set of all 3, and so on.
In any given study session, concentrate a 2-hour period on one main thing (quant OR verbal). If you have 6 study sessions in a week, earlier on, you'll devote 5 to learning new things and 1 to review. Later, you'll devote maybe only 4 to learning new things and 2 to review and more strategic things (like working on careless errors, etc).
Yes, I'm suggesting that you do different topics / question types concurrently (though not in the same study session). Your brain will learn better via doing different activities, and you will not forget a bunch of things (as you would if you didn't touch them at all for 3 or 4 weeks).
I recommend taking a CAT when you feel like you've learned a lot of things and gotten better from the weaknesses identified during your last CAT. That might be 2 weeks, 3, 4... just depends how you're studying. You can also practice stamina during your study sessions. For a 2-hour study session, plan out all of your activities in advance. Then GO for an hour (no stopping), take a 10 minute break, then go again for another hour straight. This is shorter than a real test, but also more tiring because you're actually trying to learn (on a test, you're just trying to recall, which is easier).
Finally, I don't know if there's a tutorial, but here's how I quote things. Copy and paste the text you want to quote into your response. Then highlight that text and click on the "quote" button right up above the response box (next to the underline formatting button). Voila - quotes. :)
First, don't try to do everything. You don't need to do every single Advanced chapter. In fact, right now, don't do any - only do the General chapters. If you haven't mastered the General material yet, then the Advanced material is moot, because you won't see that level of question on the real test.
So that cuts your review in half right there. :)
Next, don't do ALL of the questions in every single chapter. Do some, but save some for later review. So you might only do 2 to 5 OG questions per chapter to start, and then you save the others for more random mixed sets later. Let's say you spend 3 days doing the Geo general chapters and then 4 more days doing the Alg general chapters (I'm just making up these numbers). Then, on the 8th day, you might do a mixed set of both Geo and Alg OG questions. Later, after you've added Number Properties, then you do a mixed set of all 3, and so on.
In any given study session, concentrate a 2-hour period on one main thing (quant OR verbal). If you have 6 study sessions in a week, earlier on, you'll devote 5 to learning new things and 1 to review. Later, you'll devote maybe only 4 to learning new things and 2 to review and more strategic things (like working on careless errors, etc).
Yes, I'm suggesting that you do different topics / question types concurrently (though not in the same study session). Your brain will learn better via doing different activities, and you will not forget a bunch of things (as you would if you didn't touch them at all for 3 or 4 weeks).
I recommend taking a CAT when you feel like you've learned a lot of things and gotten better from the weaknesses identified during your last CAT. That might be 2 weeks, 3, 4... just depends how you're studying. You can also practice stamina during your study sessions. For a 2-hour study session, plan out all of your activities in advance. Then GO for an hour (no stopping), take a 10 minute break, then go again for another hour straight. This is shorter than a real test, but also more tiring because you're actually trying to learn (on a test, you're just trying to recall, which is easier).
Finally, I don't know if there's a tutorial, but here's how I quote things. Copy and paste the text you want to quote into your response. Then highlight that text and click on the "quote" button right up above the response box (next to the underline formatting button). Voila - quotes. :)
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
- caputo.robert
- Course Students
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:13 am
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Stacey - Thank you for the thorough response. I'll keep you updated on my progress. Between your tips and the fact that I've extended my test date (I'm taking it on 3/31), I have great confidence that I'm going to succeed on this go around.
Thanks,
Rob
Thanks,
Rob
- StaceyKoprince
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 9360
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
- Location: Montreal
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
good luck!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
- caputo.robert
- Course Students
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:13 am
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
Hi Stacey!
I have a status update, and I'm hoping that you will share some feedback.
Since my last post, I hired a MGMAT tutor who worked with me primarily on the quant section as this is where my main timing issues were occuring. Prior to meeting with my tutor, I had taken 2 CATS with the following results:
1/7/12: Overall 540/Q 35/V 30
2/4/14: Overall 520/Q 31/V 30
After working with my tutor, I finally got over the urge of trying to get every single problem correct. Through hard work, I was able to get a really good sense of the clock, and I was able to get a really good feel for the type of problem that I needed to guess on to keep going. Additionally, I improved with plugging numbers, and I really improved with the rephrasing on DS. My CAT results over the last month were as follows:
3/4/12: Overall 640/Q 43/V34
3/18/12: Overall 640/Q 43/V34
For your reference, all of the above CAT scores were based on using MGMAT CAT tests. Also, for each test, I mimicked testing conditions by completing the essays and taking 8 minute breaks. As I mentioned in my previous posts on this thread, this has been a long GMAT journey that began in October of 2010, so as you can imagine, I was thrilled to be scoring in the mid 600's as this has been my goal. I took my test this past Saturday and the results were somewhat disappointing. However, before I get to the actual test results, I'd like to share a little more background information. On 3/27 (1 week prior to my test), I took a MBA.com CAT and socred as follows: Overall 600/Q44/V28. I had mixed feelings about my results. This was my highest quant score yet, so I was really starting to feel confident about this area. However, this was the lowest verbal score to date. I had a very busy week with work, and I could "feel" just what a difficult time I was having with CR questions (normally I was very comfortable with this type of question) and I realized that I had an area of weakness when I came to understaning long, underlined SC questions (i.e. modifiers). I took a couple of days off work last week, so I repeated a mba.com CAT on Tuesday of last week (without essays) just to feel better about the verbal section prior to taking the GMAT. On 3/27 my mba.com CAT results were as follows: Overall 570/Q35/V34. At this point I felt better going into my test as it appeared that the V28 that I received was a fluke.
On Saturday morning, I woke up feeling well rested and ready to go kick some butt on the test. I didn't feel like I was at the very top of my game but I felt good enough. When I arrived at the testing center, I could feel that I was no longer scared of the test, and that I mentally prepared to succeed. I mistimed my break in between the essays and the quant section and I lost almost 2 minutes in this section. However, I knew that I had fixed all of my timing issues and I could tell based on the questions that I was receiving that I was doing fairly well. The verbal section was a different story. By question #5 I could tell that I was totally out of gas and that I was in for some trouble. When my test results popped up on the screen I wasn't totally shocked (but still to some degree) when they read Q43/V20 and Overall 520. This was by far the lowest that I've ever scored on Verbal, including the 2 times I took the last year and scored in the mid 400's.
I felt like the CR questions were written in French. They were not challenging by any means, yet I felt like I couldn't understand the argument. If you asked me 2 months ago what my greatest Verbal weakness was, I would have responded with "RC". I worked very hard and RC and I could tell that this was prob my greatest strenght as of test day. I suppose the best way to describe my feeling during the verbal section would be to liken it to a boxer who was too tired to throw a punch and was just trying to cover up from all of the punches that were being thrown.
My prep had been based on doing Quant only days and Verbal only days. I'm thinking that I need to start doing verbal during the 2nd part of my study sessions so I can get used to switching gears from Quant to Verbal and so I can get used to working through the verbal section after the mental fatigue has set in. Do you think this sounds like a good idea? Also, do you have any thoughts as to why my verbal suddenly dropped so much over the past week? As I mentioned above, I realized about a week ago that the long underlined SC questions with modifiers is a big weakness (adverbial modifiers). Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do to work on this question type? Lastly, do you have any recommendations as to how I can work on my timing with the verbal section? I do practice problems while working under timed conditions, but typically I time blocks of SC, CR, or RC problems, not mixed sets. Should I start mixing all of these questions together while under timed conditions? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Rob
I have a status update, and I'm hoping that you will share some feedback.
Since my last post, I hired a MGMAT tutor who worked with me primarily on the quant section as this is where my main timing issues were occuring. Prior to meeting with my tutor, I had taken 2 CATS with the following results:
1/7/12: Overall 540/Q 35/V 30
2/4/14: Overall 520/Q 31/V 30
After working with my tutor, I finally got over the urge of trying to get every single problem correct. Through hard work, I was able to get a really good sense of the clock, and I was able to get a really good feel for the type of problem that I needed to guess on to keep going. Additionally, I improved with plugging numbers, and I really improved with the rephrasing on DS. My CAT results over the last month were as follows:
3/4/12: Overall 640/Q 43/V34
3/18/12: Overall 640/Q 43/V34
For your reference, all of the above CAT scores were based on using MGMAT CAT tests. Also, for each test, I mimicked testing conditions by completing the essays and taking 8 minute breaks. As I mentioned in my previous posts on this thread, this has been a long GMAT journey that began in October of 2010, so as you can imagine, I was thrilled to be scoring in the mid 600's as this has been my goal. I took my test this past Saturday and the results were somewhat disappointing. However, before I get to the actual test results, I'd like to share a little more background information. On 3/27 (1 week prior to my test), I took a MBA.com CAT and socred as follows: Overall 600/Q44/V28. I had mixed feelings about my results. This was my highest quant score yet, so I was really starting to feel confident about this area. However, this was the lowest verbal score to date. I had a very busy week with work, and I could "feel" just what a difficult time I was having with CR questions (normally I was very comfortable with this type of question) and I realized that I had an area of weakness when I came to understaning long, underlined SC questions (i.e. modifiers). I took a couple of days off work last week, so I repeated a mba.com CAT on Tuesday of last week (without essays) just to feel better about the verbal section prior to taking the GMAT. On 3/27 my mba.com CAT results were as follows: Overall 570/Q35/V34. At this point I felt better going into my test as it appeared that the V28 that I received was a fluke.
On Saturday morning, I woke up feeling well rested and ready to go kick some butt on the test. I didn't feel like I was at the very top of my game but I felt good enough. When I arrived at the testing center, I could feel that I was no longer scared of the test, and that I mentally prepared to succeed. I mistimed my break in between the essays and the quant section and I lost almost 2 minutes in this section. However, I knew that I had fixed all of my timing issues and I could tell based on the questions that I was receiving that I was doing fairly well. The verbal section was a different story. By question #5 I could tell that I was totally out of gas and that I was in for some trouble. When my test results popped up on the screen I wasn't totally shocked (but still to some degree) when they read Q43/V20 and Overall 520. This was by far the lowest that I've ever scored on Verbal, including the 2 times I took the last year and scored in the mid 400's.
I felt like the CR questions were written in French. They were not challenging by any means, yet I felt like I couldn't understand the argument. If you asked me 2 months ago what my greatest Verbal weakness was, I would have responded with "RC". I worked very hard and RC and I could tell that this was prob my greatest strenght as of test day. I suppose the best way to describe my feeling during the verbal section would be to liken it to a boxer who was too tired to throw a punch and was just trying to cover up from all of the punches that were being thrown.
My prep had been based on doing Quant only days and Verbal only days. I'm thinking that I need to start doing verbal during the 2nd part of my study sessions so I can get used to switching gears from Quant to Verbal and so I can get used to working through the verbal section after the mental fatigue has set in. Do you think this sounds like a good idea? Also, do you have any thoughts as to why my verbal suddenly dropped so much over the past week? As I mentioned above, I realized about a week ago that the long underlined SC questions with modifiers is a big weakness (adverbial modifiers). Do you have any suggestions as to what I can do to work on this question type? Lastly, do you have any recommendations as to how I can work on my timing with the verbal section? I do practice problems while working under timed conditions, but typically I time blocks of SC, CR, or RC problems, not mixed sets. Should I start mixing all of these questions together while under timed conditions? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Rob
- StaceyKoprince
- ManhattanGMAT Staff
- Posts: 9360
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
- Location: Montreal
Re: Need some help getting to the finish line
I'm sorry you had a rough time on the real test. First of all, you may qualify for something called a Post-Exam Assessment (a free phone call with a teacher to debrief and figure out what to do from here). Call or email the office to see whether you qualify and, if so, sign up for this right away. (800.576.GMAT or studentservices@manhattangmat.com)
Your practice test scores were showing some significant fluctuation in both quant and verbal. It would have been good to try to figure out why before taking the real test. I know we can't do anything about this now, but in future, if you see big fluctuations like this, your next task is to figure out why. Otherwise, it's tough to try to ensure that you don't have scores at the lower end on the real test.
So, the good news is that you did a great job still on the quant. The bad news, of course, is that verbal section. What you describe sounds like you hit serious mental fatigue in the verbal section and just weren't able to get your brain going. Reading things and just not even understanding them - that's a classic signal for mental fatigue.
I like your idea to work on some verbal at the end of quant study sections. Also, when studying, set up 2 hours' worth of work (that is, you know what you're going to do for the entire 2 hours), then study straight, no breaks, no food, no nothing, for 1 hour. Don't even stand up. Then take a 10-min break (eat, drink, walk around) and then start all over again for another hour straight. You're getting your brain used to having to do that.
(Note: if you're tired already on any given day and find that the above is not working for studying, then for that day, you can switch up the routine, study for shorter periods, eat while you're studying, etc. But whenever possible, follow the above.)
Also note that you have to make sure you're giving your body energy - breakfast, during the breaks, etc. Long-term release energy = complex carbs, protein, and fat, so before the test and during the first break, concentrate on those kinds of foods. During the second break, you can go for short-term boost energy (the test is almost over, so you won't crash before the test is over). Now, you go for some glucose - energy drink, sports drink, pure fruit juice, something with a good hit of real sugar. (and also still have some long-term energy food)
On those breaks, also do a little light stretching / exercise. I touch my toes and reach for the ceiling, stretch around... I've even been known to go out in the hall and do jumping jacks. :)
Also, read this and think about how you can incorporate the concepts into your study and test-taking:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... you-crazy/
(The above is one of the main reasons, by the way, that we don't do much in the last couple of days before the test.)
Okay, for long-underline SCs, take a look at these articles:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/03/ ... sc-problem
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/03/ ... -problem-2
Also, I'm guessing that you probably also struggled with meaning on SC (which also has a lot to do with modifiers, and which is a tough area to handle when you're mentally fatigued).
Here are some resources and you can also just go browse our blog over approximately the last 6 months:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... orrection/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... on-part-2/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... h-meaning/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... problem-2/
Yes, do mixed sets (SC, RC, CR in the same set). Also, you read the time management article, right? Are you doing the things that it discussed with respect to timing on the verbal side of things? If so, which things seem to be working and which are giving you more trouble? Do you tend to be too long in general on most questions of a certain type? Or are there only a few questions here and there where your time spikes? What do those questions have in common? WHY do you think you spend extra time on certain questions? Etc.
Your practice test scores were showing some significant fluctuation in both quant and verbal. It would have been good to try to figure out why before taking the real test. I know we can't do anything about this now, but in future, if you see big fluctuations like this, your next task is to figure out why. Otherwise, it's tough to try to ensure that you don't have scores at the lower end on the real test.
So, the good news is that you did a great job still on the quant. The bad news, of course, is that verbal section. What you describe sounds like you hit serious mental fatigue in the verbal section and just weren't able to get your brain going. Reading things and just not even understanding them - that's a classic signal for mental fatigue.
I like your idea to work on some verbal at the end of quant study sections. Also, when studying, set up 2 hours' worth of work (that is, you know what you're going to do for the entire 2 hours), then study straight, no breaks, no food, no nothing, for 1 hour. Don't even stand up. Then take a 10-min break (eat, drink, walk around) and then start all over again for another hour straight. You're getting your brain used to having to do that.
(Note: if you're tired already on any given day and find that the above is not working for studying, then for that day, you can switch up the routine, study for shorter periods, eat while you're studying, etc. But whenever possible, follow the above.)
Also note that you have to make sure you're giving your body energy - breakfast, during the breaks, etc. Long-term release energy = complex carbs, protein, and fat, so before the test and during the first break, concentrate on those kinds of foods. During the second break, you can go for short-term boost energy (the test is almost over, so you won't crash before the test is over). Now, you go for some glucose - energy drink, sports drink, pure fruit juice, something with a good hit of real sugar. (and also still have some long-term energy food)
On those breaks, also do a little light stretching / exercise. I touch my toes and reach for the ceiling, stretch around... I've even been known to go out in the hall and do jumping jacks. :)
Also, read this and think about how you can incorporate the concepts into your study and test-taking:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... you-crazy/
(The above is one of the main reasons, by the way, that we don't do much in the last couple of days before the test.)
Okay, for long-underline SCs, take a look at these articles:
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/03/ ... sc-problem
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2011/03/ ... -problem-2
Also, I'm guessing that you probably also struggled with meaning on SC (which also has a lot to do with modifiers, and which is a tough area to handle when you're mentally fatigued).
Here are some resources and you can also just go browse our blog over approximately the last 6 months:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... orrection/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... on-part-2/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... h-meaning/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... problem-2/
Yes, do mixed sets (SC, RC, CR in the same set). Also, you read the time management article, right? Are you doing the things that it discussed with respect to timing on the verbal side of things? If so, which things seem to be working and which are giving you more trouble? Do you tend to be too long in general on most questions of a certain type? Or are there only a few questions here and there where your time spikes? What do those questions have in common? WHY do you think you spend extra time on certain questions? Etc.
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
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