GMAT Strategy

Hi Guys, well I am quite new on this site but I have been reading your threads and I have to say some explosive stuff here!

Anyway here is my spill (bullet points). I have a test in 2 weeks (28th April). I have been studying for the last 3 months but had a 10 day break (for work) about two weeks ago. I thought I was on momentum until yesterday.... I took the GMATPREP and scored a woefull 490. My aim was supposed to be 650+
Dumbstruck, for some reason I am not panicking but I know I should be. I have been following all the Manhattan MGT Books, and I am now going to do the bonus questions and begin the 6 CATS.

I have found out some weak spots in the QUANTS but I dont understand why I am still getting big mistakes. Now, I have realised that timing has much to do with the low score, I answer - like 15-20 questions in the last five mins (G&V) of the test. What will you do?

(A) I am thinking about a private tutor?
(B) Or should I practice more to fix the timing,
(c) Should I home in on the weakness quants,
(D) Should I defer the test (deadline is too close, could strecth it for a week max).
(E) What would you do ?

Talk to me...... In pain

Well, you have left out a lot of important information. Was this your first test, if not how were you scores in the other tests. If you did score around your target score on the other tests then I would just consider this test to be an anomaly and move on. But if this score is what you have been scoring in the other tests then you have some tough decisions to take, like postponing the exams, because it is very hard to pull your score by about 170+ points in such a relatively short span of time.

A private tutor wont be able to help you in 2 weeks, not even if they tell you they can. Also hire a private tutor only if you need a lot of help in quant like if you have trouble with even the most basic GMAT quant questions. From my experience, I believe, once you are good with the basics practicing different types of questions and analyzing your mistakes is more than enough to get a good score in quant.

I am a little concerned with your timing issues. Solving 15 to 20 questions in the last five minutes can be devastating. Timing issue is just about realizing within the first 30 seconds of a question whether you can get an answer to it, if you feel like you are just shooting in the dark you move on. Make it a thumb rule that you wont spend more than 2 minutes on a question, you can utmost push it to may be 3 minutes if you feel like you are near to an answer. This is easier said than done and needs a lot of practice and conditioning to do. You will have to practice this strategy on atleast a few tests before you get comfortable with it.

Since you dont have a lot of leeway in the timing of the GMAT (with deadlines fast apporaching) I would suggest you to take more GMAT simulation exams. Dont try and learn entirely new topics in Maths rather spend time in relearning things you already know and practice giving small tests under strict timing restrictions. Make sure you analyze your mistakes and make a conscious effort to not repeat the same mistakes in your next test. Two weeks is too little a time to bring about a major change in your scoring trend but making a concerted effort will atleast help you get close to your target score.

Thanks for the reply....

Yes, the timing is awful. I must say it was my first ever prep test so I guess it could be random (fingers crossed).

I will have to do a least three more tests to have a more concerted position on where I stand. I have been using the OG11 but only as the Manhattan GMAT prep book prescribes with its exercises. I will try and push for the 28th April without the tutor as originally planned. I will inform you guys of my development next Tuesday 22nd, by this date I will know whether I should postpone the dates and for how long??

My strategy now will be:

A) Do more Prep tests 3 more within the next 8 days (Manhattan2, GMATPREP1)
B) Strict timing 2-3 minutes max!
C) Analise Mistakes
D) Improve weak areas, don't learn new topics
E) Lose the Tutor

Cheers!

Let us know your practice test scores and your decision on the GMAT date .

Ok, Just finished a test.

MGMAT 1. 580 - 40Q 31V.

I guess this is better than the 490 (GMATPREP1) a few days ago with the timing blunder.

Managed to stay on time!. Had loads of time to spare (about 10 minutes) on the quants). The verbal was rusty, totally under estimated it, when it should make up for the lack of Quants.

Going to get some breakfast now and review the test results proper afterwards. I will use a MGMAT private tutor as well....

Any thoughts will be welcome.

Cheers!
P.S Still yet undecided wheather to take the test on 28th April or May 9th?