GMAT Strategy

Hello every one . My quant score is stuck at 42-44 range in 4 Mocks that I took in 2 months ( 1st Gmatperp Q42/v30, yet to take the second prep test ).

Now the problem is I am not able to identify my weak section . The mistakes are not restricted to any particular section . For e.g I could answer some tough Geometry questions in one mock , and fail to answer easy geometry questions in the next mock. This happens because of various reasons - time pressure , unable to solve the question in 2 mins , forgot the concept -same happens with other sections as well .

My GMAT is exactly 3 weeks from today and I am at least targeting 49 ( 80th percentile ) . I have already solved all OG questions . I am thinking of getting new GMATPRPE exam Pack this week and sit for 2 mocks .

My question is how can I effectively study for the next 20 days for quant to hit the 49 mark . I am ready to do all the hard work that is needed . I just need some strategy . Such as - Practice/Review all the wrong questions again or do some hard problems ??

I can dedicate 4 hours each day from now untill 25th OCt . Appreciate some valuable suggestions ..

thanks !

Hi gmatquant25,

It's tough to find help when you don't know exactly what kind of help you need!

Between the time crunch and your difficulties pinpointing specific problem areas, may I recommend finding a program that will tailor itself to your specific needs? Two weeks of targeted help with the right software and some personal assistance can work wonders!

Let me know if you'd like more information!

All the best,
Will
Economist GMAT Instructor

You identified two problems - unable to identify your weak section, and how to effectively study for the next 20 days.Perhaps instead of "weak sections", think of types of mistakes.

Some weakness could be attributed to knowing the content, but it could also be the approach. Something I've done is to draw up a large 2x2 matrix, with x-axis labeled "Conceptual Mistakes" and "Careless Mistakes" under each quadrant, and y-axis labeled "PS" and "DS" next to each quadrant. After taking a practice exam and looking at the results, I would categorize my errors in this matrix, including the material section (e.g. Triangles) and root cause of the error (e.g. incorrect formula). By doing this, I not only was able to track and trend my mistakes by type of mistake (looking at the problem wrong vs not reading the question) as well as material (e.g. Geometry, or machine output rate word problems), but I identified patterns in how I made mistakes.

I would suggest a similar approach - content is one thing, but mistake patterns will get you regardless of type of problem.