Hello,
I did the 1st prep exam from mba.com and, as expected, bombed the quant section. I am fully aware that I will need to spend a significant amount of time on each section of the quant so is it worth spending time doing the diagnostic in the official guide before starting my review? I'm tempted to at least do some math fundamentals review before doing the diagnostic. I have a strong feeling the diagnostic will simply tell me what I already know and I don't want to waste my time. Any thoughts/suggestions?? Thank you!
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Diagnostic in OG ?
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Brent@GMATPrepNow
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The diagnostic test in the Official Guide is a killer. Don't worry too much about it.
The test is meant to familiarize you with the types of questions found on the GMAT and give you a very approximate idea of your current skills.
If you've already completed a full-length test (to get your baseline score), I wouldn't bother with the diagnostic test.
To improve your quantitative score, I believe that you should compartmentalize your learning and take the time to master each topic (e.g., percents, ratios, exponents, statistics, etc.). This means that, for each topic, you should:
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.)
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic.
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it
Then, and only then, move on to the next topic.
To help you focus on one topic at a time, you can use BTG's tagging feature. For example, here are all of the questions tagged as statistics questions: https://www.beatthegmat.com/forums/tags/ ... statistics
See the left side of that linked page for more tag options.
While completing questions from the Official Guide (OG), you should you use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log. This will help you identify and strengthen your weak areas.
You should also spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site. They model the steps one should take when tackling math problems.
In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests. If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244
Finally, you might consider signing up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.
Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline
Cheers,
Brent
The test is meant to familiarize you with the types of questions found on the GMAT and give you a very approximate idea of your current skills.
If you've already completed a full-length test (to get your baseline score), I wouldn't bother with the diagnostic test.
To improve your quantitative score, I believe that you should compartmentalize your learning and take the time to master each topic (e.g., percents, ratios, exponents, statistics, etc.). This means that, for each topic, you should:
1) Learn the underlying concepts (rules, attributes, notation, etc.)
2) Learn GMAT-specific strategies related to that topic
3) Practice dozens of questions all related to that one topic.
4) Don't stop working on that topic until you have mastered it
Then, and only then, move on to the next topic.
To help you focus on one topic at a time, you can use BTG's tagging feature. For example, here are all of the questions tagged as statistics questions: https://www.beatthegmat.com/forums/tags/ ... statistics
See the left side of that linked page for more tag options.
While completing questions from the Official Guide (OG), you should you use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log. This will help you identify and strengthen your weak areas.
You should also spend a lot of time reviewing the responses from the Experts on this site. They model the steps one should take when tackling math problems.
In addition to learning the core concepts and GMAT-specific strategies, be sure to work on your endurance and test-taking skills (e.g., time management) by taking several practice tests. If you're interested, we have a free GMAT time management video at https://www.gmatprepnow.com/module/gener ... es?id=1244
Finally, you might consider signing up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.
Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline
Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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Hi Laurenrmc,
Since you've already taken a practice CAT, taking a pencil-and-paper Diagnostic really isn't necessary. As it stands, the Diagnostic Test in the OG isn't really representative of the Official GMAT in a number of ways: it's on paper, does not adapt, doesn't have the same number of questions (nor the same ratio of questions per category), etc.
Before I offer any advice, I'd like to know a bit more about your CAT results and your timeline/plans:
1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
2) What were your Scaled Scores on the Quant and Verbal sections?
3) Did you have trouble finishing any of the sections on time?
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) What resources are you currently working with?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Since you've already taken a practice CAT, taking a pencil-and-paper Diagnostic really isn't necessary. As it stands, the Diagnostic Test in the OG isn't really representative of the Official GMAT in a number of ways: it's on paper, does not adapt, doesn't have the same number of questions (nor the same ratio of questions per category), etc.
Before I offer any advice, I'd like to know a bit more about your CAT results and your timeline/plans:
1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
2) What were your Scaled Scores on the Quant and Verbal sections?
3) Did you have trouble finishing any of the sections on time?
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) What resources are you currently working with?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Laurenrmc
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[email protected] wrote:Hi Laurenrmc,
Since you've already taken a practice CAT, taking a pencil-and-paper Diagnostic really isn't necessary. As it stands, the Diagnostic Test in the OG isn't really representative of the Official GMAT in a number of ways: it's on paper, does not adapt, doesn't have the same number of questions (nor the same ratio of questions per category), etc.
Before I offer any advice, I'd like to know a bit more about your CAT results and your timeline/plans:
1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?: Yes I did the entire CAT
2) What were your Scaled Scores on the Quant and Verbal sections?: Quant: 22 (embarrassing!) Verbal: 40
3) Did you have trouble finishing any of the sections on time? I was right to the time limit for IR but paced myself well for the other sections. Knowing that I was weak in Quant (haven't seen this material in 8 years) I guessed through the questions where I knew I didn't know the correct formula/procedure so pacing may be an issue in Quant later on when I am better prepared but for now not my worry.
4) What is your goal score? I would like to see a score above 700 - I am aiming high at 770
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT? I haven't scheduled it yet but I am giving myself 2-3 months. I don't want to take too long for fear of burn out. I plan do work 2-3 hours per week day and around 6 hours on weekend.
6) What resources are you currently working with? I went a little overboard with the materials! I have the following:
Official guide: review, verbal and quant
Kaplan Premier, 800 and math workbook
Princeton gmat premium
Manhattan gmat math and the manhattan verbal set (CR, RC, SC)
My plan is to go through math fundamentals first then slowly get into the GMAT type questions gradually increasing the difficulty level - then return to the GMAT OG and take Quant problems randomly in order to learn to adapt to different types of questions/difficulty levels easily to simulate the test. And of course take practice tests as I become more comfortable with the quant questions.
Obviously Quant is my priority but I would like to review tips for the verbal section as well in order to bump up my score as much as possible.
Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Lauren
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Hi Laurenrmc,
Even though the score result wasn't great, you took this first practice CAT 'correctly', so we can build up from there.
You've put together a "book heavy" study approach, which should be okay in the early going (when you're working to refamiliarize yourself with the content/rules), but many Test Takers get stuck using this type of approach. To hit your score goals, you're going to have to make some big improvements to your Quant score and you'll likely need to improve your Verbal score as well (and since you're already scoring at a high level in that area, there are only so many additional points that you'll be able to squeeze out of that section). As such, you might want to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or Instructor-Led). The consistent guidance of a Course will likely help you a great deal.
You're also likely going to need 3 months (or more) to hit your score goals.
I have a couple of additional questions:
1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) Is there any particular reason why you're shooting for a 770 score?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Even though the score result wasn't great, you took this first practice CAT 'correctly', so we can build up from there.
You've put together a "book heavy" study approach, which should be okay in the early going (when you're working to refamiliarize yourself with the content/rules), but many Test Takers get stuck using this type of approach. To hit your score goals, you're going to have to make some big improvements to your Quant score and you'll likely need to improve your Verbal score as well (and since you're already scoring at a high level in that area, there are only so many additional points that you'll be able to squeeze out of that section). As such, you might want to invest in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or Instructor-Led). The consistent guidance of a Course will likely help you a great deal.
You're also likely going to need 3 months (or more) to hit your score goals.
I have a couple of additional questions:
1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) Is there any particular reason why you're shooting for a 770 score?
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Laurenrmc
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Hi Rich,
I was thinking of registering for an online course/guidance (there are no in-person courses in my city) but wanted to get my feet wet first with the material and then maybe use the course later on if I need help boosting my score.
The latest deadline for the school I am applying to is in November so I have a good chunk of time to take the GMAT and I am okay with planning to study for at least 3 months. I would rather not have to re-take the exam!
The reason I am aiming for a 770 is the schools I am looking at noted their current student's scores had a range from 650-770 and I like to aim high
.
I was thinking of registering for an online course/guidance (there are no in-person courses in my city) but wanted to get my feet wet first with the material and then maybe use the course later on if I need help boosting my score.
The latest deadline for the school I am applying to is in November so I have a good chunk of time to take the GMAT and I am okay with planning to study for at least 3 months. I would rather not have to re-take the exam!
The reason I am aiming for a 770 is the schools I am looking at noted their current student's scores had a range from 650-770 and I like to aim high
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Hi Laurenrmc,
Since you have so much time before you might send in your applications, you can feel free to approach this process in your own way (at least in the early going). The 700+ score is the 90th percentile, meaning that 90% of people either CAN'T or WON'T do what it takes to succeed. A 770 is even higher on the scale (99th percentile), and most Test Takers won't be able to hit that level either - regardless of the number of books they use or the will power that they might have.
During your studies, it's important to take FULL-LENGTH CATs on a regular basis (1 CAT every 1-2 weeks), so that you can gauge your progress. In that way, you'll also be able to catch (and hopefully fix) the little mistakes that occur in your process.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
Since you have so much time before you might send in your applications, you can feel free to approach this process in your own way (at least in the early going). The 700+ score is the 90th percentile, meaning that 90% of people either CAN'T or WON'T do what it takes to succeed. A 770 is even higher on the scale (99th percentile), and most Test Takers won't be able to hit that level either - regardless of the number of books they use or the will power that they might have.
During your studies, it's important to take FULL-LENGTH CATs on a regular basis (1 CAT every 1-2 weeks), so that you can gauge your progress. In that way, you'll also be able to catch (and hopefully fix) the little mistakes that occur in your process.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Laurenrmc
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Thank you, Rich, I appreciate your advice and I know I am reaching for an impossimpible (where the possible and impossible meet... little How I Met Your Mother reference for you there) score. I prefer to think of the percentiles as 10% can and do do what it takes to succeed. Honestly, I would be thrilled with a score that is above 650 but I know I let myself get away with things if I don't set my sights as high as I can.
I will be using these forums as a lifeline for sure! Thank you for your guidance!!![/u]
I will be using these forums as a lifeline for sure! Thank you for your guidance!!![/u]
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dabral
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@Laurenmrc
I believe 650 is a reasonable target score. You have a pretty high verbal score of V40 and that too with little preparation. From my experience of working with a lot of students, a high verbal score correlates fairly well with the ability to score high on the quant section as well. This is the case even if you are completely rusty on the quant, of course you will need to create a sound foundation but the process will be a lot quicker for you.
So yes, I would recommend you to strengthen your fundamentals and pair it with practice questions from the official GMAT source. Try to stick with the official GMAT content because it is important to get a very solid sense of how the GMAT is structured, and there is no source better than the stuff written by the test writers.
Cheers,
Dabral
I believe 650 is a reasonable target score. You have a pretty high verbal score of V40 and that too with little preparation. From my experience of working with a lot of students, a high verbal score correlates fairly well with the ability to score high on the quant section as well. This is the case even if you are completely rusty on the quant, of course you will need to create a sound foundation but the process will be a lot quicker for you.
So yes, I would recommend you to strengthen your fundamentals and pair it with practice questions from the official GMAT source. Try to stick with the official GMAT content because it is important to get a very solid sense of how the GMAT is structured, and there is no source better than the stuff written by the test writers.
Cheers,
Dabral
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