I just Beat The GMAT!

Hi Christian,

A 220-point score increase is a big goal, one that will be next to impossible to achieve in only 3 weeks. I think you may need to revise your timelines.

To achieve your goal, I suggest a systematic (even methodical) approach, in which you take the time to master each topic/concept (e.g., percents, ratios, assumption questions in critical reasoning, comparison questions in sentence correction, etc).

So, for each topic/concept, 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, endurance, etc.) 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

Hi Christian,

I agree with much of what Brent posted, so I won't rehash any of that here. One thing worth noting is that ALL of the questions that you did not answer were marked as incorrect AND then penalized (since you didn't get to them). Since this happened on so many questions, the penalty/score drop would have been significant. This is a significant issue that must be dealt with/fixed before you even think of taking the GMAT again.

Is it safe to assume that you're trying to get everything done so quickly so that you can make an application deadline? If that's the case, then you will probably have to change your plans. Without a competitive GMAT score, there really isn't much of a point in applying. Most Test Takers need the better part of 12 weeks to properly prepare for the GMAT (and some need more time than that). You can absolutely learn how to improve and the GMAT is a standardized test, so it can be beaten.

You'll likely need a full study plan and some new resources to help you prepare. There's no harm in taking your next GMAT as planned though. If it doesn't work out, you can post back here and we'll put together a plan.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich