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Suggestions to improve Quant (Slow Understanding and Memory)

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sslack88 Just gettin' started! Default Avatar
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Suggestions to improve Quant (Slow Understanding and Memory) Post Sat Nov 19, 2011 11:54 am
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  • Lap #[LAPCOUNT] ([LAPTIME])
    Hi Everyone,

    I've been studying a lot for the GMAT. Done all the problems twice in the OG, QR 2nd Edition, practice tests, and a lot of handouts from a tutor. I've worked with a tutor for a few months ($75/hour and spent about 5k). I started studying and working with the tutor back in May.

    My verbal is usually pretty good, but quant I always have time issues and end up guessing after two or three minutes of trying to figure out the problem. I seem to take too much time understanding the questions and exactly what the question is asking and then having a strategy to solve it. I feel like my basics are solid, but GMAT problems that combine strategies always throw me off (variations or problems/concepts).

    Secondly, I seem to have trouble retaining strategies to solve problems. For example, I did an exponents handout with 23 problems 1 1/2 weeks ago. I felt confident after I worked all the problems, and went back over them. I picked up the handout today, and attempted to solve the problems again, and I forgot how to do a bunch of them. It's frustrating because I feel like i'm trying to plug leaks in a ship.

    Also, my practice scores have been dropping

    09/10/2011 MGMAT #1 - 650 (42V,37Q)
    10/16/2011 Kaplan - 620 (39V,38Q)
    10/25/2011 GMATPrep - 610 (don't remember breakdown...quant 37questions 19incorrect, verbal 41questions, 12incorrect)
    11/05/2011 MGMAT #2 - 530 (29V,39Q)

    I've printed out the flash cards from this site, also purchased the GMAT Club iPhone App to use the flash cards as well.....I'm thinking this will help improve my memory of the basic concepts. I have a few pages of formula sheets that i've been using, but maybe the flash cards will be better.

    Does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve? I'm trying to break a 700 score. I'm feeling frustrated right now after spending so much time and money and not seeing steady improvement. My confidence is a little shattered right now. I have the week off of work to study this week, so I really want to make it productive and see some results.

    Thanks,
    Steve

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    Post Thu Dec 08, 2011 10:39 am
    Hi, have you taken the GMAT yet? I have some comments, but I notice that you posted this three weeks ago, so I don't want to get into a big thing if you've already taken it.

    I will say, though, that I think that failing to retain concepts and strategies is the norm, rather than the exception. I think people fail to appreciate just how quickly a newly learned concept can evaporate from their minds if it's not reinforced repeatedly, even if it's crystal clear to them at the time they learn it. So if you forgot how to solve most of these exponent problems that you did a week and a half ago, I'd say that's par for the course; it's not that there's anything wrong with you. It probably just means you're not studying as effectively as you could be. For most people, I encourage a study regimen that is very heavy on review, and relatively light on plowing through as many practice tests and questions as they can get their hands on.

    One more thing...you said your verbal is usually pretty strong, but from the scores you posted, it looks like your math has been holding steady and you verbal has been plummeting. Is this accurate?

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