GMAT OG 12th Edition Diagnostic Test Advice

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GMAT OG 12th Edition Diagnostic Test Advice

by Kid A » Tue Jul 12, 2011 7:42 pm
I just started preparing for the GMAT today, and went straight to the quantitative diagnostic test from the OG 12th edition. I thought it was extremely tough, and only got 12 of the 24 questions correct. I'm still in school and fresh out of making an A in Calculus I, but I don't see how I could some of those questions right the first time, without looking towards the back of the book where it explains how to solve them. For example: Of the three-digit integers greater than 700, how many have two digits that are equal to each other and the remaining digit different from the other two? I am very dedicated to putting forth the effort to score a 700+, but I'm feeling like a failure already after the first twenty-four quantitative practice questions. Do they set up the diagnostic to show you what to expect as a score after studying, or to show you what you aren't sufficient in? I mean, do they make the diagnostic easier, to represent what you could potentially make, or do they make it difficult on purpose?
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by Geva@EconomistGMAT » Tue Jul 12, 2011 10:49 pm
Kid A wrote:I just started preparing for the GMAT today, and went straight to the quantitative diagnostic test from the OG 12th edition. I thought it was extremely tough, and only got 12 of the 24 questions correct. I'm still in school and fresh out of making an A in Calculus I, but I don't see how I could some of those questions right the first time, without looking towards the back of the book where it explains how to solve them. For example: Of the three-digit integers greater than 700, how many have two digits that are equal to each other and the remaining digit different from the other two? I am very dedicated to putting forth the effort to score a 700+, but I'm feeling like a failure already after the first twenty-four quantitative practice questions. Do they set up the diagnostic to show you what to expect as a score after studying, or to show you what you aren't sufficient in? I mean, do they make the diagnostic easier, to represent what you could potentially make, or do they make it difficult on purpose?
Dunno what they had in mind, but I can tell you that the diagnostic test holds some of the more difficult questions you'll find the in the OG.
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by arun@crackverbal » Wed Jul 13, 2011 4:53 am
Some thoughts:

1. Don't be disillusioned by scores on Day one. GMAT is a tough journey with a lot more pitfalls. So have a more positive attitude. The way I would look at is - it is good you made mistakes now so you are wiser. Than not to make mistakes now and screw up on the test :-)

2. A paper-based test is not representative of the true nature of the test. I strongly recommend you take the GMATPrep software test to gauge where you stand.

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by Kid A » Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:48 am
Thanks for the responses guys! I think that I'll take that GMATPrep test today. What should I begin studying with after that? I've read so many posts with people telling you which books you need, and I'm not sure which one I should buy next. Any suggestions?

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by Geva@EconomistGMAT » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:28 am
Kid A wrote:Thanks for the responses guys! I think that I'll take that GMATPrep test today. What should I begin studying with after that? I've read so many posts with people telling you which books you need, and I'm not sure which one I should buy next. Any suggestions?
Well, I'm obviously *slightly* biased here, but I would suggest that you take the Master GMAT week free trial and see whether our program suits your learning style. You can take a week to see some of our materials, experience the adaptive nature of our online component, and ask questions of our instructors using our integrated comment system, so that you can make an informed decision whether this is the right prep tool for you.
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by Kid A » Wed Jul 13, 2011 8:53 am
Geva@MasterGMAT wrote:
Kid A wrote:Thanks for the responses guys! I think that I'll take that GMATPrep test today. What should I begin studying with after that? I've read so many posts with people telling you which books you need, and I'm not sure which one I should buy next. Any suggestions?
Well, I'm obviously *slightly* biased here, but I would suggest that you take the Master GMAT week free trial and see whether our program suits your learning style. You can take a week to see some of our materials, experience the adaptive nature of our online component, and ask questions of our instructors using our integrated comment system, so that you can make an informed decision whether this is the right prep tool for you.

That sounds really awesome, but I wouldn't be able to pay for it after the free trial. I'm basically living off Ramen and PB&J sandwiches right now.

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by Geva@EconomistGMAT » Wed Jul 13, 2011 9:16 am
Kid A wrote:
Geva@MasterGMAT wrote:
Kid A wrote:Thanks for the responses guys! I think that I'll take that GMATPrep test today. What should I begin studying with after that? I've read so many posts with people telling you which books you need, and I'm not sure which one I should buy next. Any suggestions?
Well, I'm obviously *slightly* biased here, but I would suggest that you take the Master GMAT week free trial and see whether our program suits your learning style. You can take a week to see some of our materials, experience the adaptive nature of our online component, and ask questions of our instructors using our integrated comment system, so that you can make an informed decision whether this is the right prep tool for you.

That sounds really awesome, but I wouldn't be able to pay for it after the free trial. I'm basically living off Ramen and PB&J sandwiches right now.
Mmm...Ramen. :)

Very well. Whatever you choose, good luck in your prep!
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by pinkray » Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:00 am
@Kid A

you are not doing too bad! i did much worse than you https://www.beatthegmat.com/new-user-kne ... tml#386627

i feel there is still hope, we can start the prep , get some practice and then make a reassessment of things. i seriously believe that things will improve.

and yes the OG12 diagnostic Quant problems are a killer for any first timer!
all the best with your prep.

thanks

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by sehrish_dogar » Wed Jul 13, 2011 11:52 am
iam going through the same situation kid A :(

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by Kid A » Wed Jul 13, 2011 5:16 pm
I just took the GMATprep practice exam and scored a 520 (32Q and 28V). I bought a few of the Manhattan books and a Kaplan Math book from Half-Price books for super cheap today, so I'm really excited to get started!

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by sehrish_dogar » Thu Jul 14, 2011 5:32 am
that's great :)
i have the complete MGMAT set too. have completed the last and 5th quant book today.
wish you good luck with it!