GMAT Strategy

3rd attempt @ GMAT...

I have been fighting the GMAT since some time now. I am an Engineer working in the construction sector and a non native English speaker.
First Prep: GMAT Score (520 Q41 V21) - April 2009
I attended a 2 week coaching class with Princeton Review (the only available GMAT coaching available at my place). I was on a full time job but it got over at 4 pm. So I was free to attend evening classes. This was my first time on a standardized test. So, the classes gave an idea about how to traverse through the test. Also, I got some basic concepts on quantitative, verbal and timing sense. Then I spent time going through OG 11 and PR materials for the next weeks of prep. I made some flashcards. I gave both GMAT prep test. After GMAT main test, I realized I have a long way to go.
Mistakes learned:
1. I had gone through very few materials and thought it was sufficient to get through the test. I thought if I finished the material at hand I can score well. (Adaptive test concept hit me rightly only after the test!)
2. I took long time with less material and didn't evaluate the problems I did.

Second Prep: GMAT Score (560 Q44 V23) - November 2010
I realized that I need better preparation, better material and quality preparation to beat this test. I couldn't prepare for it again soon though. I changed my job to a more demanding one and with worse timings. My work got over at 5.30pm and reached home by 6.30pm. I had only 1 day off. At a time when the work was a little slow, I decided on giving GMAT a try again. This time around I wanted to do it the right way. I went through online forums, articles, suggestions, posts, advices, materials, etc.
Material Used:
1. OG12
2. Kaplan Math Workbook
3. Manhattan SC
4. Powerscore CR
Methods used:
1. Made Flashcards throughout the prep for important points or error I made
2. I used a planner to keep track of my progress and plans
3. Maintained error log for all questions practiced and evaluated the problems.
"¢ I used error log for all SC questions from OG12 and made notes on all.
"¢ I used another error log to track other OG12 questions.
4. Timed all practice questions from Kaplan Math workbook and Powerscore CR (using GMAT timer)
5. During work hours, maintained reading habits of articles and working out few problems in between.

On August '10, I started prep. I started with reviewing the previous materials and flashcards.
Then on 19/8/10, I gave Manhattan diagnostic test: 530 (Q33 V31)

Next 2 to 3 weeks, I concentrated on Kaplan Math workbook. (Meanwhile, I went through my verbal flashcards as well so that I don't loose touch.). I thoroughly went through each session and evaluated my errors as well.
Then on 12/9/2010, I gave GMAT Prep 1: 640(Q47 V31)

I was happy that my quantitative improved. Now, I thought I need to focus on my verbal which was my main weak point. So, I started going through Manhattan SC thoroughly and did the OG questions on SC while maintaining an error log. Then, I went on to cover Powerscore CR. So, these 4 to 5 weeks went on improving my verbal.
Then on 22/10/2010, I gave a Kaplan test : 550(Q38 V26)

I was disappointed with the score. So did both math and verbal question for a week from OG12 and gave another test on 29/10/2010, I gave GMAT Prep 2 : 590(Q45 V26)

Then I had only a week more left for my test date. I took the week off. I practiced on OG12 questions. I reviewed through my flashcards and notes. I went through AWA templates. I gave GMAT prep tests again for practice(there were repeat questions).
On 2/11/2010, I gave GMAT Prep 1 : 680(Q47 V35)
On 5/11/2010, I gave GMAT Prep 2 : 670

Test Experience:
As I started with my essays, I realized the SHIFT key and Caps Lock key functions on the keyboard were interchanged. This made me slow on the essays and made me a bit irritated and sad. After break, I reoriented myself and went through with math part. After the next break, I returned few minutes late and I tensed out a bit. But, I calmed and thought will make up for it through the test. But I couldn't finish last 2 or 3 questions and I don't remember now whether I guessed and marked those.

Finally, on 9th November 2010, I scored 560 (Q44 V23)on the GMAT.

I was thoroughly disappointed and couldn't even think of giving GMAT again. Then, my work also started getting very hectic and demanding.

Third Prep: (Aiming to touch 700)

Mistakes learned from previous try:
1. On evaluating and learning, I may have slowed down my speed. So, after learning I should have spent more time on practice and timing.
2. I found the RC passage too long on the test. Need to practice with longer passages. Again, more practice needed.

Now, I have resigned from my job and I want to give a shot at GMAT again. After all, I had worked so hard then and wanted to give myself one more chance. I will be doing some part time work from home. So, deducting that time(maximum 1 day per week), I will be able to spent the remaining time on the prep
New Materials available:
GMAT Quantitative review
GMAT Verbal review
Kaplan GMAT premier program 2009 with CD
Old GMAT paper tests

Issues:
1. I haven't booked a test date yet. I wanted to get some evaluation on my previous prep before that and how to rectify it and do a better plan this time. Please suggest how long should I spend for prep this time?
2. Before making a detailed plan I wanted to get some advices or suggestions.
3. How many hours of effective study (daily) should I go for without stressing myself out?
4. How would you suggest I divide my daily prep?
5. What material should I concentrate on now?
6. Should I practice area wise or mix it?
7. At what frequency should I take tests and how many adaptive tests?

Sorry for the late response.

I would supplement the prep that you're doing with books from Manhattan GMAT (the ones that you don't already have). Other than that, I'm surprised you only managed to score a 560 with the books you used in your second attempt, because those are pretty good books. This tells me that maybe you were rushing through your prep or not paying enough attention to mistakes.

To answer your questions:

I think you should take at least 2 months of solid prep before your test. You can't rush this, and can't score a 700 from a 560 in just one month.

The key to doing well is identifying your weaknesses and focusing on them 75% of the time, while at the same time keeping your strengths strong. I'm sure you already sort of know the topics you're not so good in, since you've taken it twice. To me verbal is a really weak point for you. To be completely honest, it's really hard for you to drastically improve on the GMAT unless you improve your general knowledge of English by reading stuff every day.

I'd say you should try to study 6 to 8 hours, depending on your own rhythm. Quality of study trumps quantity, though!

Avoid taking too many practice tests. Take them every one or two weeks, not more! They don't actually teach you that much, they just help with pacing. You need to focus on the strategy part.

Thanks Dana for taking time off to review and put in your comment. I really appreciate it.

However, by the time I received your response, I had booked my test dates. I have scheduled it for April 26th. Do you think its too early? I have got some other Manhattan books as well. I couldn't go through them last time though. I am working on getting on my verbal right this time. I have focused on SC first and I am doing better on it now. Still need to practice.
I took 1 MGMAT test this week and scored 590( Q40 V32). My timing went off in quants and so my last questions suffered. I need to time my quants practice and try to finish tougher questions within time. In Verbal, my mistakes were more on tougher CR which I took too long to finish and still got the answers wrong. Now am focusing on getting more CR right and getting my pacing right.

Once again thank you for your valuable advice.

I think one month is definitely going to be tight in terms of achieving the sort of improvement you're looking for. It's not impossible, but at the same time you would have been better off with more study time. My advice to you is to take a practice test 8-9 days before you take your test. If you're still more than 50 points from your target score, then it's best to postpone taking the test.

Check out this link buddy. Hope it helps

https://www.beatthegmat.com/590-620-560-t109044.html

Hello piscean,

I feel you are rushing in too early to take the test. It would help to slow down - learn basic concepts of English and improve your verbal score before deciding on a date. If you are aiming for anything above 700, take a GMAT sample test and check if you are at your target score.

Speculation is the mother of all evil.

Hope this helps. And all the best for your Preparation.

Penguinfoot

DanaJ wrote:I think one month is definitely going to be tight in terms of achieving the sort of improvement you're looking for. It's not impossible, but at the same time you would have been better off with more study time. My advice to you is to take a practice test 8-9 days before you take your test. If you're still more than 50 points from your target score, then it's best to postpone taking the test.

@Dana: I shall definitely do that. I will take a test before 8- 9 days and check my performance. I will reschedule accordingly. Thanks for the advice.

@Dana & @sam2304: I am able understand the concepts in CR and SC. Even though I get the answers right,the time taken to finish the problem (especially on the tougher CR and RC) is more.
How can I improve my speed? I am planning on working with Verbal review 2nd edition. Is it enough for tougher ques or should I try others (I have some Kaplan / Veritas materials from a friend) ? What is the right material to practice for tougher questions? How many questions should I do from each section for practice so that I can gain speed and accuracy?

@penguinfoot: I shall keep it in mind.