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GMAT Study Tips

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SCBSchool Just gettin' started!
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GMAT Study Tips Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 12:29 am
I'm so frustrated with studying! Sad

I've taken 2 practice tests (both through Kaplan) and scored horribly on both occasions (below 500). Though I did improve a bit, I am having a hard time finding a strategy that improves my test-taking confidence. I guess the main issue that I'm struggling to figure out is:

"How do you know that you truly know the material? How do you know you're ready?"

I'm aiming for at least a 640, and I'm willing to put in the work, but I feel completely lost at this point. I was trying to give myself the opportunity to take the test twice before the new section is added but I'm nervous due to my previous scores.

It has been extremely frustrating as I know that I'm an intelligent person, but this test has been really difficult for me.

Could anyone please offer advice about the most effective study methods along with any other general advice for improving significantly on this test?

I refuse to give up.

Thank you! All responses are very much appreciated!

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Brent@GMATPrepNow GMAT Instructor
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:48 am
SCBSchool wrote:
"How do you know that you truly know the material? How do you know you're ready?"
Achieve your target score on at least 2 practice tests. Don't assume that, even though your practice tests missed the mark, your score will somehow (miraculously) improve in the foreign/sterile test-center environment.


SCBSchool wrote:
Could anyone please offer advice about the most effective study methods along with any other general advice for improving significantly on this test?
Careful analysis of each question/solution. Review EVERY solution. For math questions, learn every possible approach for solving a particular questions. For verbal questions, learn why the correct answer is correct and why the incorrect answers are incorrect.
This is the only way to identify and strengthen your weaknesses.
It's far better to do 20 practice questions and thoughtfully analyze each one, that to do 100 practice questions without any reflection.


SCBSchool wrote:
I refuse to give up.
Nor should you. A LOT of students have been in your exact same position and sucessfully emerged from their GMAT prep with the score they needed.

Cheers,
Brent

_________________
Brent Hanneson - GMAT Prep Now instructor
- Check out GMAT Prep Now’s online course at http://www.gmatprepnow.com/
- Use our video course in conjunction with Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide
- Watch hours of free videos on DS, RC and AWA
- Our top 3 free videos:
1) The Double Matrix method
2) Calculating combinations in your head
3) Managing your time on the GMAT

Study Smart! Use Beat The GMAT’s FREE 60-Day Study Guide in conjunction with GMAT Prep Now’s video course and reach your target score in 2 months! With two money-back guarantees, you can try us out risk-free.

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Brent@GMATPrepNow GMAT Instructor
Joined
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Post Fri Apr 13, 2012 6:50 am
One last suggestion: get active in the forums (I see that this is your first post).
Ask questions. Answer questions. Participate.
It's easier to get through this when you're with other people who are in the same boat.

Cheers,
Brent

_________________
Brent Hanneson - GMAT Prep Now instructor
- Check out GMAT Prep Now’s online course at http://www.gmatprepnow.com/
- Use our video course in conjunction with Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide
- Watch hours of free videos on DS, RC and AWA
- Our top 3 free videos:
1) The Double Matrix method
2) Calculating combinations in your head
3) Managing your time on the GMAT

Study Smart! Use Beat The GMAT’s FREE 60-Day Study Guide in conjunction with GMAT Prep Now’s video course and reach your target score in 2 months! With two money-back guarantees, you can try us out risk-free.
SCBSchool Just gettin' started!
Joined
12 Mar 2012
Posted:
4 messages
Post Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:18 am
Thanks, so much Brent! I failed to mention (and realize) that I did not finish the Quant section (I left 11 blank), so I believe that that greatly affected my score.

I really appreciate the advice. I intend to make more of an effort to participate in the forums and review study questions in more depth.

GMAT/MBA Expert

Brent@GMATPrepNow GMAT Instructor
Joined
08 Dec 2008
Posted:
4101 messages
Followed by:
631 members
Thanked:
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GMAT Score:
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Post Tue Apr 17, 2012 11:46 am
SCBSchool wrote:
Thanks, so much Brent! I failed to mention (and realize) that I did not finish the Quant section (I left 11 blank), so I believe that that greatly affected my score.
11 blank will kill your score.
I should mention that I recently created a video for BTG that offers a timing strategy: http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2012/02/14/managing-your-time-on-test-day

Cheers,
Brent

_________________
Brent Hanneson - GMAT Prep Now instructor
- Check out GMAT Prep Now’s online course at http://www.gmatprepnow.com/
- Use our video course in conjunction with Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide
- Watch hours of free videos on DS, RC and AWA
- Our top 3 free videos:
1) The Double Matrix method
2) Calculating combinations in your head
3) Managing your time on the GMAT

Study Smart! Use Beat The GMAT’s FREE 60-Day Study Guide in conjunction with GMAT Prep Now’s video course and reach your target score in 2 months! With two money-back guarantees, you can try us out risk-free.

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