GMAT Strategy

Hi Guys,

I have given the GMAT thrice 640, 630(49Q 27V), 670 (45Q, 35V)
On my second test I messed up my 8 min break between my quant and verbal section and then I was psychologically destroyed. Couldn't recover after that.

The last test that I took, I felt very comfortable giving the test. I have a feeling that I may have fallen for some quant traps because when I was solving the problems I was getting through them pretty well. I also think that I may have gotten complacent, because mid way through the test I started getting some really tough questions, so I thought I was doing great.

In the verbal section CR was more difficult than my mock tests/problems and I encountered a few CR questions which were very cryptic. RC was much easier except 1 passage. I had a couple of issues with SC : 1. I could do the first split but then selecting between the last 2 options I think I messed up. 2. There were a few questions where I had no clue what was going on.

I was planning on scheduling another test date, but I wanted some advice

1. What resources should I focus on for getting better at SC? I have solved the OG13 and supplements and Manhattan Series
2. Any tricks for keeping up with popular traps in Quant?
3. I dont have confidence when I'm solving SC. How do I work on that?
4. For SC what would be the best way to learn all the subtle rules for splitting?

Thanks
Sarang

Hi Rich,

Thank you so much for replying to my post.

1) What resources did you use?
- I used MGMAT, OG 13 and the supplements that came with it. I finished the quant questions that came with the GMATPrep software.
- I just ordered the Advanced Quant MGMAT and the Aristotle SC Grail book. So I will be working on those before my next re-test. Any suggestions on additional material that I could use which would not be a repeat of my earlier resources?

2) How much time did you spend prepping before each GMAT?
- I spend a couple of hours during the weekdays and about 3-4 hours on the weekends. Before the last 2 GMATs I was focusing on solving sets of Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency. I solved 8 problems each and then reviewed. I was using the OG13 a second time for this method. For verbal I was solving 1 RC, 3 CRs and 4 SCs everyday with the quant and revising my issues.
- Any suggestions on how to review my mistakes? I generally felt very comfortable when I read the explanation and understood where I messed up. I need to understand how do I review so that I dont repeat the same error again.
- I had taken a GMATPrep test 2 weeks before my last GMAT and I got a 740. I saw a few repeat scores which might have inflated my score.

3) When are you thinking about retesting?
- I wanted to apply for 2nd round admissions, so was thinking of re-taking the test in September

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out!!

Sarang