Study and Strategy questions relating to the GMAT.
GMAT Zenith
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Scrwed GMAT Need Advise

by GMAT Zenith Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:29 am

I gave my GMAT and a scored a 430(Q- 24 V- 22)
My major issue was time management. More than 15 questions I guessed in both sections. The questions were familiar to me. My concepts are clear in most of the part of quant as well as Verbal but I am really slow in reading and comprehending the question. SC,RC and CR I can get 80 - 100 % accuracy if there is no time limit. I gave my MGMAT mock test. Was able to score 590 and 600 range. I had dedicatedly studied for 2 months and on and off for past 6 months but it was not my full efforts as I dint know whether my way of studying is correct or its just hay wire. I guess I myself can’t figure out what went wrong whether my way of studying, content or time management. Because of these reasons I have lost faith whether I will be able to break a 700 level.
I referred to all the 8 MGMAT guides and CR powerscore Bible. The MGMAT tests and GMAT prep tests which I scores I the 500 range. For sure, this is not the range of score I am aiming at.
I have done my engineering in Computer science with 3 years of experience in software sales. I have been good in academics all throughout not excellent though.
I aim to get a minimum of 700+. Please advise me how can I increase my score to a 300 point. And if it possible to increase my score by almost 80% increase.
Would it be useful to join any coaching classes? I am in India, so the coaching is not so beneficial as per the students. This is the reason I dint join any classes in my prior preparation. Or any online classes would be good.
Please suggest me ways and methods of studying strategically. I am planning for a retake within 2 3 months and aim at a 700+.
Thanks
StaceyKoprince
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
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Re: Scrwed GMAT Need Advise

by StaceyKoprince Thu Mar 21, 2013 7:25 pm

I'm sorry you had such a rough test experience. Yes, the timing issues killed your score. You can fix your timing - but you've got to fix your mindset first and then you need to develop certain timing skills.

Task #1: stop thinking to yourself "I could get most of these right if there were no time limit!" Almost everyone can say that. The test is not testing you solely on your ability to get stuff right. It's also testing you on your ability to make appropriate decisions about how best to spend your time - and, right now, you're failing that part of the test.

Task #2: read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... to-win-it/

Task #3: read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -to-do-it/

Okay, got the mindset worked out? Now you can get down to the hard business of learning better timing skills and making better decisions:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

Given that you're struggling with both how to study and how to approach the weird questions, etc, that can be asked on this test, yes, you might benefit from taking a class. If you don't want to study with a local group, many companies offer online classes (including ours). Look for classes that meet in the mornings in the US (a class that starts at 10am eastern time, for example, will start at 7:30pm in India).

If you decide to take a class, follow its syllabus and use your teachers for extra help / advice. If you decide not to take a class, the I'll need some more detailed data on your strengths and weaknesses in order to advise you. Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis and what you think you should do based on that analysis. We'll tell you whether we agree and advise you further. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep
GMAT Zenith
Students
 
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Re: Scrwed GMAT Need Advise

by GMAT Zenith Sat Feb 22, 2014 12:50 am

HI,,

Its been a year i have given GMAT. you had advised me to read than to concentrate on GMAT. I have not been in touch with GMAT or any of the stuff since a year as i was busy with in job.

Please advice how should i start again.If its about reading what kind of books i should read.

Looking forward for your reply.

Regards,
GMAT Zenith
StaceyKoprince
ManhattanGMAT Staff
 
Posts: 9360
Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 9:05 am
Location: Montreal
 

Re: Scrwed GMAT Need Advise

by StaceyKoprince Sun Feb 23, 2014 3:55 pm

I have the same advice for you that I had last time. I have a couple of new articles, since it's been a year, but the general advice still applies!

Read this first:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/

Then this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/

If you have questions about the above, let me know.

The time management stuff from last time still applies - make sure to read that.

Then, take a practice test under official conditions and analyze it to see what your strengths and weaknesses are:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... ts-part-1/

Then, if you like, come back here to share your analysis (not just the raw data; we need your own analysis of what you think you need to do).
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep